Helen Henderson: Twisting Wind (Ranui)

Tough and often earthy blues rock/alt.country from a New Zealand-born LA raised singer-songwriter who here calls up some big names (guitarist Doug Pettibone, Spooner Oldham on keyboards) whose credentials (Dylan, Ronstadt, Neil Young, Lucinda Williams) adds lustre to what is a fine collection of self-produced, mostly original co-writes (with guitarist Matt Downs).

When Henderson unleashes her dark vocal power (Twisting Wind, Stateless) she invites favourable comparisons with Lucinda Williams -- but she never sounds less than her own woman, and some of these (Stringing Me On) would sound life-threatening in a Texas bar.

Elsewhere the mood drops right back to reflective country (Now is Forever) which adds extra texture. 

One that slipped under the radar of most I am guessing, but well worth seeking out if those connections above mean anything to you.