Continuing her genre-bending tradition,
Fourteen Days marks
Laura Love's first release for Zoe Records. These 11 songs travel through the two years since her last record, documenting her life's occurrences in melody and rhythm. Based in Seattle, WA,
Love was a witness to the World Trade Organization protests in November 1999. The events had a powerful effect on her, inspiring "In Seattle," a meandering piece that stresses the importance of the environment over the globalization of Nike and the like.
Laura Nyro's death in 1997 also had an impact on
Love. In tribute, she offers her take on "Stoned Soul Picnic." A little bit jazz, a little bit soul, it fits comfortably into
Love's set list. Not only does she dance between styles from track to track, but even within the same song. Take "Way Off the Hook" -- it starts out on the prairie with a smooth acoustic guitar and soft harmonica. Without notice, it turns a sharp corner into the urban landscape of funk bass, saxophone, and accordion. Go figure. Somehow she pulls it off, tying in a bit of scat along the way. Then, into the jazz lounge we go on "Suddenly," before ending on the quiet notes of the traditional "Shenandoah." Although
Love is a niche artist,
Fourteen Days will surely please her loyal following while luring in new fans with its accessible uniqueness. ~ Kelly McCartney