In the quiet embrace of Mississippi, where the echoes of the past linger in the warm Southern breeze, a songstress named Bridgid Ferguson has emerged from the shadows of a 15-year hiatus. The ballad of her return, elegantly narrated through her latest album, “I’m Not Lost,” paints a portrait of a soul reborn.
Bridgid Ferguson’s renaissance began three years ago, marked by an elegiac serenade that coincided with the departure of her only child to the halls of academia. Embracing newfound liberty, Ferguson plunged headlong into the cadence of life, her artistic reverie undiminished by the passage of time. Now gracing the stage with a cadre of skilled musicians as Bridgid Ferguson & The Goodbars, the Mississippi luminary has become a fixture within the local scene.
photo by bridgidfergusonmusic
Her performances, a harmonious amalgam of Southern soul, classic country, and delta blues, find a refuge beneath the expansive umbrella of Americana—a term that seems almost too narrow to encapsulate the breadth of her artistry. “I’m Not Lost,” Ferguson’s inaugural full-length offering in over a decade, is a manifestation of her artistic tenacity and evolution. Unveiled in the waning days of December, the album unfurls a mosaic of emotions and experiences, each note resonating with the timbre of a life seasoned by the ebb and flow of existence. Each song emerges as a chapter, recounting the nuances of Ferguson’s hiatus and subsequent renaissance, laying bare the unvarnished soul of a seasoned songstress.
It was Bridgid Ferguson’s passion that made “I’m Not Lost” such a vividly memorable release. The 13 tracks encompass a whole story that unfolds in your soul, and Bridgid Ferguson, taking you by the hand, will guide you through each chapter of her life with care. From the very first track, “Traffic Lights,” a gentle Americana flows into the heart, and everything around freezes. Bridgid Ferguson creates her own world, where the sun always illuminates the surroundings with golden rays of the sunset, and the world is completely devoid of worries, while a light melancholy creeps into the track “That Old Tree.” It’s impossible not to fall in love with the subtle shifts of vintage guitars and the voluminous vocal harmonies that make the heart tremble.
photo by bridgidfergusonmusic
To prevent you from lingering too long in the wonderfully pleasant melancholy, the track “I’m Not Lost” dispels any contemplativeness. The vibrant rhythm, soft and warm vocals, and memorable melody push you towards the dance floor. It’s impossible to just listen to this track, you want to sing along with Bridgid Ferguson’s voice and tap to the beat. Country music, in general, possesses a unique ability to express deep emotions and narrate life through simple yet powerful lyrics. Ferguson’s voice plays a crucial role, and that is perhaps the album’s main strength, especially in tracks like “That Old Tree,” “Sammy Baby,” and “I Can’t Come Full Circle.” Sometimes it sounds naively sincere, and at other times, it’s rich with emotions, giving the entire album a special magic.
Bridgid Ferguson has the ability to completely immerse you in her world, as seen in tracks like “Ode to Billie Joe” and “Regrets.” “Ode to Billie Joe” with its flawless execution captures all your attention, and the slow development of the melody adds that touch of style that makes the tune so captivating. “Regrets” is a light track that would be an integral part of any country festival. It’s a ready-made Americana hit where stunning arrangement, style, brightness, and Bridgid Ferguson’s unparalleled vocals blend in perfect balance. I must confess, it’s my favorite track!
I am fascinated by the approach Bridgid Ferguson took in the song “Daddy Said,” where she engages in intriguing experiments with sound, delving into weightless blues notes. Despite this refined versatility in the genre palette, the entire album remains remarkably cohesive and seamless in perception. The final track, “You Don’t Hurt Me,” is saturated with light and joy, serving as a perfect conclusion to the release. This track encapsulates all the best elements of Bridgid Ferguson’s sound and stands as a classic in Americana music on its own.
Bridgid Ferguson adds her unique textural signature to the album, but it is her flexible and alluring vocals that give the songs their shape. She discovers emotional depth while maintaining an incredible effortlessness in her delivery. Even when she unfolds themes of self-discovery, love, pain, family, and memories, her voice sounds both tender and wise. Yes, ‘I’m Not Lost’ enveloped me in an atmosphere of warmth and nostalgia, and I strongly recommend it to all country music enthusiasts.
Indie Boulevard Magazine 