Southland of the Heart
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| Southland of the Heart | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Studio album by | ||||
| Released | 1998 | |||
| Genre | Blues | |||
| Label | Telarc | |||
| Maria Muldaur chronology | ||||
| ||||
Southland of the Heart is an album by the American musician Maria Muldaur, released in 1998.[1][2] Muldaur supported the album with a North American tour that included shows with Dan Hicks.[3][4] Muldaur considered the material to be "adult love songs."[5]
The album was recorded in Los Angeles.[6] Muldaur took guidance from Bonnie Raitt, who encouraged her to record songs she liked, rather than worry about thematic unity.[7] Memphis Minnie remained a key influence on Muldaur.[8] Hutch Hutchinson played bass on the album.[9] "Someday When We're Both Alone" was written by Greg Brown.[10] The title track was written by Bruce Cockburn; Muldaur chose it after hearing it on a mixtape given to her by a friend.[11] Muldaur thought that "Latersville" was a topical update of her biggest hit, "Midnight at the Oasis".[12]
Critical reception
| Review scores | |
|---|---|
| Source | Rating |
| AllMusic |   [10] |
| DownBeat |  [13] |
| The Tampa Tribune | [14] |
The Washington Post wrote that "Muldaur makes the most of the lyrics and frequently surrounds herself with musicians who share her affection for slippery guitar lines and languid R&B grooves."[15] The Tallahassee Democrat concluded that "the lilting innocence and playful sensuality of her earlier sound is seasoned with warmth and a thrilling, husky timbre that makes Muldaur a natural blues diva."[16] The San Diego Union-Tribune determined that "Muldaur has a smoldering, unchallenged way of easing through songs that wind up searing us emotionally."[17]
The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette praised Muldaur's "superb and expressive voice on upbeat romps and moving ballads."[18] The Tampa Tribune stated that "Muldaur's intimate, raspy voice and casual aplomb give the disc an irresistible quality."[14] The Trenton Times deemed the album an "embracing new collection of warm and soulful Southern comfort blues."[19]
AllMusic wrote that, "while her take on the genre isn't bad, Muldaur's voice has a limited range."[10]