Kathleen Edwards in fine form on latest release Kathleen Edwards has become one of the most consistent singer-songwriters on the circuit. The Canadian performer is touring behind her third studio release, "Asking for Flowers," which is arguably her finest offering to date. The album is bolstered by the usual suspects, guitarists Jim Bryson and Colin Cripps, who are part of Edwards' band. But there also are a number of session superstars, including keyboardist Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers fame and multi-instrumentalist Greg Liesz. "I'm certainly thankful for the support," says Edwards, who is among the performers slated for the NON-COMMvention 2008 show at the Electric Factory in Philadelphia on Saturday. "It was a great group of musicians who came out for me. "First off, I'm thrilled that Jim Scott was there (to co-produce). We see things the same way. He mixed my last album ("Back to Me') and he engineered (Tom Petty's) "Wildflowers.' He's at the top of my list. I'm so fortunate to be able to work with him and the rest of the guys. I'll take all the help that I can get." It's not that Edwards needs much assistance. The charismatic entertainer is a moving songwriter who can create laughter and tears. "I Make the Dough, You Get the Glory" is an example of the former, and "Alicia Ross" is one of the darkest, saddest songs Edwards has penned to date. " "I Make the Dough' is about Jim Bryson," Edwards says. "He's been playing with me from the very start. We've come a long way together and his sense of humor is priceless. He can always one-up me. That inspired the lyric "You're cool and cred like Fogerty/I'm Elvis Presley in the '70s.' " And then there is "Alicia Ross," which was inspired by a murder. "I named the song after I got permission from the family," says Edwards. "It's one of those stories that makes you feel so powerless. It's a terrible story about a girl gone missing who was found to be murdered." The best tunes Edwards typically writes are love songs made in a clever manner with an honesty that is uncommon these days. Her latest material finds her stretching her boundaries by making a bolder, broader project than her prior albums. The songs are filled with grace and intelligence. "I didn't want to make the same record," she says. "I just wanted to continue to challenge myself. I'll do the same next time as well." Ed Condran The Intelligencer				Album reviews Feature articles Interviews Show reviews