This is the only Judith Owen album I own at present. Previous experience was limited to the sublime backing vocals (OK, duets really) on Richard Thompson's excellent Old Kit Bag. In Twelve Arrows, Judith has given us a collection of self-penned songs that spans a number of different musical styles, defying attempts to pigeon-hole her work. Judith's voice is expressive, articulate, honest and emotionally communicative. I love the relatively sparse arrangements, and 'one take' approach to recording. The piano playing is excellent too. I know she is compared to Tori Amos, but is this simply because both are female singer/songwriters with piano as their principal instrument? Once you get over that superficial similarity there's a big difference: Judith's work is affirming, uplifting, self-aware and includes an element of humour. Interestingly, Judith is a Brit living in the US, and Tori is an American living in the UK.

I'd recommend this CD strongly to anyone who loves music and is not preoccupied with fitting artists into genres. I can't say if this CD is better or worse than other JO work, but I guess I'll be checking out her other stuff just as soon as international delivery allows. Sadly, this other work is not available from Amazon.

This collection only begins to hint at the wonder of Owen's voice. That fine instrument is on full display in her live shows. She has a way of attacking a line that leaves you breathless and a sparkling wit in approaching a cover. Take her cover of Chris Cornell's "Black Hole Sun" for instance. Owen pulls the song apart, massaging the tune back into shape and before you know it, the Soundgarden song is all her own.

But her own compositions make an indelible mark on the psyche too. The elegiac "You're Not Here Anymore" is a good example -- Owen has described it in her live concerts as her realization after her father's death of the changing landscapes of family life. This is more than sonic "you can't go back home." She has a way of weaving verse and note in a way that seems to skim across the water of life. And by some magic she lifts you along with her.

Judith Owens work is the wisdom of truth over despair (see "Romeo & Juliet" & "Nothing Lasts Forever"). It is fantastic to finally have a cd of her work available to a broader audience. Do yourself a favor and become acquainted with a true artisan. You'll be sure to enjoy it and you can pride yourself of knowing her work when she hits it big. Oh, and if you can catch her live, do yourself the supreme favor.

Judith Owen's piano styling and powerful vocals may remind some of Tori Amos, but Owen's album is less angry and more ethereal. Not to be missed on the CD is the haunting and evocative duet with Richard Thompson (himself the mastery of heartbreak in love) called "Poseidon". And what a delightful surprise to find Julia Fordham on the CD as well. Can you ever hear too much of her? Owen writes all but one of the songs and has produced or helped to produce the songs as well. It is a CD well worth the listen.