Jessi Colter

It's been 20 years since Jessi Colter released an album, and in the interim she stood by her man (Waylon Jennings) as he toured, recorded and sadly passed away in 2002. Out of the Ashes was recorded over a two-year period following Jennings' death, and it's pretty obvious the majority of the cuts are Colter's way of both saying goodbye, and moving on with her own life.

??
Heavily steeped in both the gospel tradition ("Please Carry Me Home" with son Shooter Jennings), and some deep-fried country soul ("Starman"), Colter's new work is a tribute to her past and a declaration of her re-emergence. Standout moments include the symbolism of "The Phoenix Rises," and the stunning and somewhat spooky "Out of the Rain," which features guest vocals by Tony Joe White and a posthumous performance from Waylon himself. From her loss, Colter finds sad beauty. 3 stars.

??
Jessi Colter plays Sun., June 4, at Smith's Olde Bar, with Chris and Carter Robinson, Reggie Young, Richard Albright and Jenny Lynn.