A Journey to the Son(Artist: Lauren Braddock Havey, TN)

Review by : Deborah Crooks

Given her Nashville roots and songwriting lineage (she’s the daughter of acclaimed country songwriter Bobby Braddock), it was a given that Lauren Braddock Havey would find plenty of material as she and her husband underwent in vitro fertilization treatments to conceive a son. Not only did the process allow the couple to birth a child, the experience inspired Lauren to author a book-length memoir and a full-length CD that share the title A Journey to the Son. Billed as a “folk-rock opera, each song on the Cd has a companion chapter in Lauren’s memoir (Two Harbors Press; ISBN 978-1-935097-71-6; October 2009). Granted with titles such as “Waiting Womb” “Breast Intentions” and “Grounded and Stones” (The Gallstone & Bedrest Song), the average listener might be put off by the graphic honesty and physicality of the lyrics, the songs offer great information to those looking at fertility treatment options.

In vitro fertilization isn’t for the faint of heart and Lauren is unflinching while depicting the hopes, fears and literal trials that accompany the process she underwent on her journey toward parenthood. But the songs serve as a testament to possibility and hope and any expecting parent could probably relate. Despite telling tails of discomfort, the songs are buoyed by Lauren’s bright voice that is strong throughout the disc. She doesn't wallow and is especially effective on the song “Breast Intentions” where she sings in a voice reminiscent of Sheryl Crow. Produced by Don Henry, arrangements vary from acoustic lullabies to rock; others such as “Grounded and Stone” are highlighted by slide guitar while “December 11” carries a rock edge. —

Website : site.ajourneytotheson.com/Home.html