Diane Izzo, a unique contributor to Chicago's rich musical community, passed away on February 25th at the age of 43 after a lengthy illness.
Diane contributed her haunting and fearless vocal talents to the Pine Valley Cosmonauts "Executioner Last Songs" albums. On Volumes Two & Three, she boldly tackled "Strange Fruit" and on Volume One, her husky version of the harrowing "Oh Death" now takes on added poignancy.
I hold dear the distinct memory her performing this song at the album's release show at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago. The crowd was breathless through the performance, as if any movement or sound would tear the thread of the incredible shared moment between audience and performer.
Read THIS Chicago Reader post about her career and hear the song.
All of us at Bloodshot join those mourning her passing.
Rob
Bloodshot Records
The nice folks at KCRW in Los Angeles are currently streaming Exene's new album, The Excitement of Maybe, a week before the release date (and til the end of the month!). So