Joan Osborne is a singer steeped in soul, folk, gospel and rock fundamentals.
She had that big radio hit, “One Of Us,” a relatively philosophical one for the radio, and one that lyrically hinted back to old country gospel songs about the potentially unsettling prospect of divinity in our midst.
But she’s gone on to do a number of noteworthy projects and collaborations. Osborne made a record that took hymns, poetry and reflections on New York and turned it into a thoughtful post-9/11 tribute to the city. She’s worked with members of the Grateful Dead and understands that legacy; listen to her version of the haunting and lovely “Brokedown Palace.” She’s done inspired interpretations of tunes by Stevie Wonder and Jimi Hendrix.
In recent years she’s performed entire shows devoted to the songs of Bob Dylan. She honors a tradition, but she’s not a sentimentalist or an artist bogged down with nostalgia for bygone sounds.
Joan Osborne plays an acoustic duo show at Fairfield Theater Company’s StageOne, 70 Sanford St., Fairfield, Tuesday, May 3, at 7:45 p.m. Tickets are $65. Information: 203-25901036 and fairfieldtheatre.org.
— John Adamian, Special To The Courant
