Valerie June's eagerly awaited second album, The Order of Time, set for
release in January 2017, justifies the immense promise she exhibited on
her acclaimed debut, Pushin' Against A Stone. Unfolding like a novella,
June sketches detailed, three-dimensional portraits of real people
struggling with dreams, defeat, hope and life, in this 12-track song
cycle. Musically, the genre-defying singer, songwriter and
multi-instrumentalist has redefined herself again, infusing inspirations
like Tom Waits, Nina Simone, Leonard Cohen and Fela Kuti into her
unique blend of folk, blues, gospel and soul. As in life, a harrowing
bite of bitterness can surely be felt in many of these songs and on
others; June's ethereal soundscapes prove the perfect setting for her
honeyed, childlike voice as she pleas for simplicity and a better world.
