Cincinnati.Com: Williams Is Kind Of Happy

Saw this posted on Over The Rhine’s FB page with one of their quotes ( from the article).

http://news.cincinnati.com/article/20110710/ENT03/107100311/Williams-kind-happy?odyssey=tab%7Ctopnews%7Ctext%7CEntertainment

Lucinda Williams feels both blessed and baffled these days.

The iconic singer-songwriter, who plays PNC Pavilion Friday night with Amos Lee, is thankful that her latest album, “Blessed,” has struck a chord. But she is mystified why some people are calling it her “happy” album.

“It’s funny because it comes up all the time about the tortured artist myth,” Williams said. “People are confused because now that I’m married to Tom (Overby, her manager and producer), how am I supposed to be able to still write these gut-wrenching songs?

“People think it’s one or the other, but it’s not black and white. (Being married) doesn’t make me happy 24 hours a day.”

Although “Sweet Love” and “Kiss Like Your Kiss” might be a testament to Williams’ blissful union, it’s her ability to compartmentalize that is responsible for “Don’t Know How You’re Livin’,” “Copenhagen” and “Seeing Black,” three bleak reminders that happiness isn’t universal.

The album’s concept gestated for awhile.

“(‘Blessed’) started with just one line a few years ago and I never did anything with it,” Williams said. “I went back and was looking at things – I’m always writing stuff down on napkins or whatever. I have kind of an organic approach, I don’t have a disciplined thing.

“I had written the line in this Mexican restaurant we go to all the time (in Los Angeles) where this girl comes in selling roses every night.

“One night I asked her where she was from, just trying to find out about her life. It’s something I’ve always done. Everybody has a story.”

Williams’ unique talent is taking those snippets – whether from her life, from a girl selling roses, or from a friend who commits suicide – and turning them into songs that make people sit up and listen closely.

Her influence extends far and wide, and has touched Karin Bergquist and Linford Detweiler of the Cincinnati band Over the Rhine.

Williams sings a duet with Bergquist on “Undamned” from the group’s latest album, “the Long Surrender.” It was a defining moment for them.

“As a young artist, I wanted to meet my heroes,” Bergquist said. ” … I don’t necessarily have that need or desire (now) because there can be a disconnect between the work and the artist.

“With Lucinda however, there is no disconnect. She is what she writes and sings. It’s been truly wonderful to be able to sing together … a real and unexpected gift.”

Detweiler is just as eloquent and passionate as his wife.

“… When Lucinda sings, I feel something. She reminds me that I’m not dead yet. (She) wraps her arms around all of the beauty and messiness of this world with her music. And ultimately, it’s an act of true generosity for which I’m deeply grateful.”

Maybe even blessed. But Williams herself doesn’t use the word lightly.

“The word is loaded (with subtext) and very complex,” she said. “Part of it is little gifts that no one noticed. It’s probably the hardest song that I’ve ever had to try to explain.

“(The word) means different things to different people. I was afraid to call the album ‘Blessed’ because I didn’t want people to think, well, like Bob Dylan’s ‘Saved’ album (she’s found religion).

“But I’ve always wanted to work more with why are we here, the question of life, love, death …”

It might not be a straight line from “blessed” to “happy,” but it’s likely there is an intersection. And it’s certain that folks who love great music will be happy when they listen to “Blessed.”