I first learned of Courtney Marie Andrews, the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, via an album of Tom Waits covers called Women Sing Waits. That title speaks for itself, and Courtney does a brilliant version of “Downtown Train" on it.

Personally, I love Courtney’s 2020 album Old Flowers, especially “Burlap String.” It was on repeat often during the early post-pandemic months when there still wasn’t much to do except take walks around the park.

That’s all to say: I’m a fan. So it was a wonderful treat when she agreed to meet me in person at a bar in the East Village to talk about her brand new album Valentine, which comes out January 16, plus the ever-shifting influence of Joni Mitchell on her work. Courtney is as lovely to speak with as it is to listen to her music and I’m quite grateful to have spent a bit of solo time with her. Highly recommend checking out the new album and keeping an eye on her website — she’ll be touring behind the album this year!

I hope you’ll excuse the extra background noise/music in this episode. It’s a bit distracting, but it’s the sound of two gals in a New York City bar talkin’ about Joni.

Thanks for listening x

* Allison

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