Nanci Griffith

Nanci Griffith

After 20 albums you know what to expect from Nanci Griffith. There are deep, from-the-heart songs, a couple of sprite turns at folkabilly, and reasoned social commentary – stories of everyday people well-told and well-sung. Intersection is sure to please longtime fans, but it also strikes a more universal chord. "Hell No (I'm Not Alright)" in particular stands out for its anger, a mix of Buddy Holly and Pete Seeger. While Griffith composed seven of Intersection's 12 songs, she also unearths some from virtual unknowns like Mark Seliger and Ron Davies. The latter's "Waiting on a Dark Eyed Gal" is the kind of thoughtful short story Griffith's always loved. The Texas native does doleful justice to Blaze Foley's "If I Could Only Fly" and gleefully covers Loretta Lynn's "High on a Mountain Top" as well. Griffith has seen her share of misfortune in the recent past, but it's also fueled her muse in a way that's sharp and engaging.