Joan as Police Woman - The Deep Field
I "met" Joan in a record store during my recent trip to Montreal. I'd gone into the store to look for replacement copies of vinyl my mom used to own. As I sat on the floor leafing through the funk/soul section, I heard this remarkable and unique voice through the store speakers. Immediately more concerned with finding out who was knocking my socks off musically, I went to the cash counter to find out who was singing and took their only copy (ironically a CD) of "The Deep Field" by Joan as Police Woman.
Connecticut born and bred, I am surprised I had never heard of Joan (Wasser) as she was romantically linked to Jeff Buckley, who died of accidental drowning while they were dating. She has an impressive curriculum vitae and has been sought after for collaboration by many influential and talented artists, including Rufus Wainwright. Chris Dowd (former member of Fishbone) described her as a "soulful motherfucka" and I wholeheartedly agree. She has an interesting range and gives each song has it's own unique personality.. She can get down and dirty, she can be soft and romantic, or be completely soul.
The entire album and her previous release "To Survive" are awesome from start to finish. "Run for Love" on The Deep Field is a great listen, but my favorite (and the first song I'd heard) is "The Magic" and every time I hear it now, I am immediately transported back to that funky record store on St. Catherine's Street. Joan IS the magic you've been looking for.
