Ollee Owens - Nowhere To Hide (2024)

Born and raised in the Canadian Prairies, Ollie Owens was always around music. Growing up she listened to artists such as Elvis, Odetta, Mavis Staples, Bonnie Raitt, The Band, and Bob Dylan. She took comfort in writing her own songs to comfort the chaotic and give visibilty to her own feelings. She took a fifteen year respite in order to raise a family, but never completely stepped aside from her passion as she volunteered as a music therapist, occasionally performing and always writing songs. She was encouraged by several including the late, great Bill Dowy and decided to pursue her dream of a career in music. Ollie has since shared the stage with the Hello Darlins, Matt Anderson, and Dawn Tyler Watson. In 2022 she released her debut album “Cannot Be Unheard”. “Nowhere To Hide” is her sophmore effort.

“Nowhere To Hide” is produced by drummer Bobby Blazier. It was recorded at the Gnome Studios and Sweetbriar Studios, both in Nashville. The title track leads off, featuring Owens, as she sings about working through relationships, “ain’t no trouble gonna bring us down”, with guitarists Will McFarlane and Phil Hughley. On “Solid Ground” Owens sings “this old world can get you down” with Gabe Klein on keyboards, Rahsaan Barber on saxophone, and bassist Tommy Sims.

About the next song, Owens states “the writing of ‘Some Days’ came out of a desire to acknowledge the ups and downs of our day-to-day experiences and the resilience of the human spirit”, although blues infused it is a happy song. On “Roots” Owens sings “when the storm clouds gather…nothing gonna keep you down”. “Love You Better”, “I’m gonna love, I’m gonna treat you right, yes, I am”. “Still In Pieces”, “you said your sorry, all in pieces now, don’t know what to do”, DeMarco Johnson is featured on keyboards.

On the well crafted “Shivers and Butterflies” Owens croons “you light up my eyes, you make me feel so alive, I just love, love, lovin’ you”. “My Man”, “he will be there for you, no matter where you go, you know I just can’t help love my man”. “The Neighborhood” is the first of two covers written by David Hildago and Louie Perez of the multiple Grammy Winning Chicano rock band “Los Lobos”, once again McFarlane plays some great guitar, while Rahsaan Barber plays sax, and Roland Barber, trumpet.

DeMarco Johnson, plays keyboards and takes us to church on the gospel infused closing track from Bob Dylan, as Owens belts out “Lord Protect My Child”. Owens and her husband started their family early and had three daughters, one of whom has a cognitive disability. As a result Owens pours her soul into this remarkable song “My daughter is twenty-three now, but there’s still a lot of vulnerability…the desire for protecting and taking care of her will never go away”.

Owens will be celebrating the release of “Nowhere To Hide” and has plans to be touring. Her fan base should benefit from this fabulous album, all about love. ~Richard Ludmerer