Wilson Goes Solo

by Jason Love

When all that's playing on the radio is angst-ridden post-grunge puberty, and everthing seems somehow too phoolish, Joy Wilson's clever songwriting reminds us that we listen to music because we love to. Fortunately, Wilson's music will still be available on the local music scene, in spite of her band's breakup: she's going solo.

Earthtone, anchored by Wilson's charismatic stage presence and lyrics for the last two years, officially announced final performance dates this week. The long-awaited self-named CD, Wilson's second, will also be released this week.

Wilson, known on the Durango scene as passionate and enthusiastic, has gained a tremendous following among both students and adults. Though occasionally criticized as having a sound too reminiscent of Natalie Merchant, Wilson's material soon demonstrates its own easy confidence. Her words are more poetic, her perspectives more cleven than the goodies we've received from Merchant.

Released last year, Wilson's solo album, You Had To Be There, was a prompt local hit. Featuring a host of imagery familiar to natives, songs like "Fisherman's Catch" and "Summersong" made us feel at home in a very agreeable sort of John Denver meets Sheryl Crow marriage. Of course, the disc also boasts several of the danceable tunes that have made Earthtone so popular. Witha deserved boost from KDUR, Wilson says the album has sold well.

The Earthtone album moves at a quicker pace than You Had To Be There, carried by the harder electric sound of hte seven-member band. To Wilson's credit, her softer line isn't lost in the energy, while her own tempo rises when appropriate, giving Earthtone savory balance.

Wilson reports some trepidation at cutting out on her own for the summer, but exudes her trademark confidence. "I'm going for what I want, and I'm going for it with everything I've got," she says.

Her plan is to put together a solo tour of college towns for '98 to get some exposure, then return home to assemble a larger offensive. No road rookie, she'll likely find success. And if she doesn't find it, Wilson's feisty enought that she'll build her own.