By Ken Paulson
Phoebe Hunt appears to be confident, and her new Live at the Cactus Café demonstrates that it’s well-placed.
Not many artists would make their first solo album a live recording. It takes proficiency, a strong setlist and comfort with an audience. All of those ingredients are here.
A fine violinist, Hunt honed her skills as a member of the Belleville Outfit and the Hudsons.
More than anything, the live album showcases her range. The lyrics in her songs about relationships are anything but formulaic. They sound like real conversations. “I’m not a head case, never have been” she sings in “Walk Away,” a declaration of independence.
There’s jazz, folk and country here, but also elements of sophisticated pop and even show tunes.
Occasionally the lyrically-ornate songs give way to pure fun, most notably in the raucous “I Got Love.”
Live at the Cactus Café is a fine album and a great introduction to the talents of Phoebe Hunt.