Awna Teixeira — Music Reviews

This second album from former Po’ Girl member is every bit as good, if not better than, its predecessor Where the Darkness Goes. It again highlights her distinctive vocal style, her writing and song arrangements. A multi-instrumentalist, Teixeira recorded this album in Toronto with co-producer Dave MacKinnon. The end result is a striking combination of words and music. The music is subtle, but highly effective, with bass and drums laying down a solid foundation for the electric guitar and piano as well as the numerous other textures from the instruments played by Teixeira throughout. It is the layered vocals however which give the focus to the whole project. In this she is joined for harmonies, at times, by fellow singer Oh Susanna.

Without a lyric sheet it is not always easy to follow the lyrical content, but you are soon absorbed into the heart of these rewarding songs, while additional plays give you more lines and you gain a greater understanding of their meaning. One is drawn to the emotion of a person who has an obvious affinity for her fellow humans and the way that life has a way of getting in the way. These are personal songs and Teixeira has been touched by the destructiveness of metal illness in her family and use her music as a means to raise awareness of that. That is done with a lightness of touch and a gentle approach that will make Wild One something of a healing song for many.

Many of these songs were written by Teixeira while in Salt Lake City and the landscape and people of Utah provided her with inspiration. The cover artwork comes from another Salt Lake City affiliate, Claire Taylor. It’s a depiction of the wild animal as a metaphor for a free spirit. This is what Teixeira is and this album is a reflection of that and a thoroughly rewarding experience on every level. One listen to the closing song here, Away We G,o will confirm the special talent that is Awna Teixeira.

This is a singer/songwriter who, her biog tells us has had something of a mixed past, but that music has always been the key to her life. In 2004 she became a member of Po' Girl and this is her solo debut album. It's a joy, with Teixeira's voice an immediate and powerful presence.

Awna’s music crosses barriers and draws from any number of sources and inspirations. Teixeira is a multi-instrumentalist and is joined by other musicians who bring these essentially folkish songs into rich territory.

It is the vibrato in her voice that is the key quality that makes her the focus of the album. Her banjo playing is dominant on many of the songs and gives them rootsy grounding that can then take you to different places and differing moods.

The songs are observations of her life and times and travels. She uses the full ensemble where appropriate and elsewhere strips the sound right back. Her Po' Girl companion Allison Russell joins her on vocals on many of the songs and the end result is, from start to finish, a thoroughly captivating experience. On the liner tray she offers a short dedication for each of the songs that show a woman who has a wide empathy for her fellow humans. The Little Review is for the staff and children in a Polish orphanage. The title songs is dedicated to those friend who were there during difficult times, while others are for lost friends. All are equally honest and heartfelt which comes across in the music which has a gentle and effective strength.. With her strong and direct songs, Awna Teixeira has opened a door that takes you in disperses the darkness.