reviewed by CINDY FILIPENKO
for HERIZONS MAGAZINE
summer 2005
"Phoenix Wisebone is a very fitting name for this Renaissance woman. Her wry sensibility is expressed in a variety of artistic forms, including poetry, fine art, fiction, memoir and songwriting. The results, which lefty and queer audiences have experienced over the past couple of decades, are uneven. When she misses, she's just another politico with a penchant for the guitar. But when she hits, she can prick up your ears.
At her best, Wisebone is able to merge politics and humour in presentations witty enough to pack an emotional one-two. The ability to hit the perfect political mark is what is most enjoyable with her work. She may be the type of performer who is best enjoyed live, as the type of universal experiences she writes of would best be appreciated in a room of like-minded celebrants...
Reminiscent of a time when music could speak of a feminist revolution and not sound silly, self-righteous or separatist, this music makes me want to bake a carrot cake.
