Born to Be Blue

Amazon.com

Austin scene queen Price’s sixth album is another enjoyable exercise in her signature “hippie blues” stylings, a comfortable cross-pollination featuring country, R&B, and a few jazz tinges. Price’s imperfect but evocative voice is showcased in front of outstanding instrumental work, especially from acoustic guitarists Rich Brotherton and Casper Rawls, while legendary guitarist James Burton provides touches on nine of the 13 tracks. Strong songwriting, from sources as diverse as Walter Hyatt (“Get the Hell Outta Dodge”), Dr. John (the previously unrecorded “Clouds”), Mel Torme (the title track), and longtime Price associate Gwil Owen, gives the singer ample opportunity to work her relaxed wonders. The songs are short and to the point, and Price and her sympathetic sidemen make each note and every well-turned phrase count. The album, dedicated to the late multi-instrumentalist Champ Hood, concludes with “One of These Lonely Days,” an atypical but successful foray into an expanded sound featuring the Tosca String Quartet. –Michael Point