Teen angst has been a cornerstone of rock ‘n’ roll since Chuck Berry in the 50’s.  Occasionally someone would give a thought to what came next in life–I’m An Adult Now is one of my faves–but generally music’s aesthetic is “I hope I die before I get old…”  Somewhere along the way something funny happened, though, and rock and roll became multi-generational.  Hell, even Lemmy lived to be 70.  And don’t get me started on Keith.
Although she’s always been on her own path, self-releasing and financing 15 albums to date, Terri Hendrix has given voice to the angst of the over-30 set on her latest album, Love You Strong. Â Vulnerable laments, “I wish the holidays brought out the best in me,” while The Rant pragmatically realizes, “I got my big girl panties on, but now and then they bunch.” Â Calle De Los Ninos starts out with a Marty Robbins sound and drives a too-common despair home with a song about a child killed by senseless violence in school. Â Fifty Shades Of Hey could be the title track with it’s humorous observations, Lumineers-like chorus and references to old school anthems (T-Rex, Steppenwolf).
With musical partner (and Austin super-producer) Lloyd Maines, Terri also delivers the musical gems long time fans have come to love.  Feel the Time and Northern Lights are the Americana power pop tunes that always permeate a Hendrix performance.  Mingulay Boat Song is a Celtic sounding arrangement of a traditional number.  The title track ties it all together with a love song where she makes the simple statement that, “I’m in it for the long run, let me love you strong.”
 Love You Strong is the opening salvo in a 2016 schedule that promises 3 more albums and a book.  The future musical explorations plan to include blues and electronic dance music, among other things.  Given Hendrix’ ability to craft a story and a song, and Maines’ ability to present it all with clarity, if the next projects are half as good as this one, I can’t wait for the next four stops on the journey.
About the author: I've actually driven from Tehatchapee to Tonopah. And I've seen Dallas from a DC-9 at night.