Tess McKenna album

Make Me Wonder
Tess McKenna
ABC
Reviewed by Melanie Sjoberg

I first heard Tess McKenna perform in one of the many little bars in Melbourne's Fitzroy; she struck me then as really talented woman. Her style is described as new country, but there is certainly none of the “twang” or “hoe down” that I associate with country, rather a refreshingly distinctive, clear style.

McKenna has been writing music since she was 10, living in the Gippsland area. She received her first professional fee at 15. In the manner of many up and coming (i.e. broke) artists, the story is that she distributed her first solo mini album March from the boot of her car.

This latest CD was initially recorded in 1991 during a tour in which she played support with Barry Stockley to Lucinda Williams, Mary Chapin-Carpenter and Roseanna Cash.

Make Me Wonder offers a delightful mix of music tackling the poignancy, pleasure and pathos of relationships. The album is a truly sophisticated offering that makes good listening any time, but great mellow background for an atmospheric evening.

This article was posted on the Green Left Weekly Home Page.
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