Amy Hendrickson releases "Grit and Gold"

The 'Queen' Speaks

Amy Hendrickson releases “Grit and Gold”

by Ward Hughey

In St. Augustine, when someone mentions “the queen of St. Augustine,” many know who is being referenced. Amy Hendrickson is a singer songwriter that has made a name for herself earning respect locally and beyond, and for good reason. Not only has she showed herself to be a talented artist, but also an important player in community. From her support of projects to her vision in the making of the documentary “Local Honey,” she has humbly earned the love and admiration given to her. Now she is back with a new album. Upon hearing news of the release I was eager to learn more. Amy was kind enough to offer her time for some inside information.

It has been some time since Amy released Apples for Apollo. “A whopping eight years since my last solo album” as she puts it. That does not mean she was not writing. Amy has stayed in the mix “on several compilations including the 'Local Honey' project 5 years ago and a compilation celebrating local artists for the 450th.” She has also been living. “So much has happened in the last 8 years. I have traveled the world, 11 countries over the last three years… falling in love with my craft and out several times and met the love of my life and had a baby. Change is what makes us.” She states that all of this has been a “gift of waiting” as she was able to pull from all these experiences. Now the waiting has ended as she now gifts us, the listeners. Her offering is an album made up of “Songs that all stood on their own.''

Recorded in St. Augustine at Toes In The Sand Production, Grit and Gold came out this fall. Working with great people in the studio was a joy in itself. “This experience has made me grow beyond what I could have imagined. It's an honor to be working with these guys.” The list includes Stan Lynch from Tom Petty and the Heart Breakers, Dirk Shumaker of Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and more.

When asked about the title’s significance she states that it fits for an album that is “half dark and heavy while the later half is lighter and more melodic.” While thinking up the name, none of the other ideas felt right. I also find that it fits her person, the hard working and honest artist that is also known for humility and love.

Now for the album itself. When I think of Amy Hendrickson my mind goes to the times I have seen her solo, voice and guitar in perfect marriage. Which is why in the first few seconds of the album’s opener I am pulled in. “Green Cadillac” opens in strum of electric guitar and beat of drums. There is an intensity grabbing your attention that only increases with vocals that carry an urgency. It has a feeling that something big is happening and you best pay attention. This continues throughout an album that is full of rock and deep content. Amy’s lyrics are hard hitting as she touches on the world we live in. There is no mincing of words on tracks like “The Machine.”

"And I know I'm to blame

Let's call it by it's true name

Well I never held a gun,

but I gave it to your son"

She clearly has something to say and she will be heard. Throughout the album music and lyrics take us into the darkness of our world while also offering hope. This hope can especially be felt in tracks like “Village,” where she sings of life in her hometown. Her heart is seemingly on her sleeve in the more stripped sounding “I Am,” as she offers us who she is, “be it wrong or be it right.” Ending with a fun and unique take on Queen’s hit Killer Queen the album leaves you on a high note. With this final track you are not let down, but let off the ride fully satisfied.

With 10 tracks in all Amy Hendrickson has done what she set out to do, creating a “work of art that stands on its own.” Fans familiar with her may be pleasantly surprised by “Grit and Gold,” while new listeners will find a favorite of 2019.

Find more online at www.amyhendricksonmusic.com and all the usual sites. Listen to “Grit and Gold” wherever you stream music. Also be sure to catch her release show at The Listening Room Uptown Series at The Parlour Room, Wednesday, November 6th.