Michele Solberg
Harvest Time (Bones and Dreams)In the early Nineties, Michele Solberg was one of Austin’s hottest new talents. Just past 20 years old, the singer-songwriter was featured prominently in the Austin Music Awards from 1992-95. She moved to Europe late in the decade, but returned in 2001 to release the sultry Beyond the Blue. Her first set of original music since then, Harvest Time presents a challenging concept as Solberg follows the fool’s journey of the tarot. One doesn’t need to understand that bit of arcana to appreciate Solberg’s return, however. Harvest Time is at times jazzy; at others noisy. “Sometimes” is intensely introspective and “Dogs Are on the Loose” appears to be defiantly political. Musically eclectic and lyrically adventurous, Solberg emerges somewhere between Tom Waits and Suzanna Choffel. Her partner Oliver Steck, perhaps best known for his work with Slaid Cleaves, adds an unlikely combination of trumpet, keyboards, and accordion. All told, Harvest Time is a welcome return for someone who remains one of Austin’s most distinctive voices.
This article appears in September 7 • 2012.