Annie Humphrey 'The Heron Smiled' (Makoche Records MM0168D)   File this under a very pleasant surprise. The Lilith Fair should make room for some Indian blood. "The Heron Smiled," the second solo effort from folk songstress Annie Humphrey, is simply an enchanting album. Raised on an Ojibwe Indian reservation in Northern Minnesota, she also served a stint with the Marines and graduated with honors from Police Academy. Her musical background is equally as diverse, from covering Natalie Merchant (which her voice approaches on many an occasion) and Edie Brickell, to Ozzy Osbourne, Metallica, and Judas Priest. The heavy metal connection is odd, since she has nothing like the unrequited anger of an Ani DiFranco. But what she does have is history. Her Indian heritage is the focal point of most of the folk-pop songs, like "Spirit Horses" and "DNA," and undoubtedly their strength. Unfortunately, who knows if any major label will have the guts to take a closer look - and I would think that suits her just fine. Humphrey seems very comfortable with who she is as an artist, and anyone who would try and mess that up would...well...mess it up. That's not to say that there isn't commercial potential here. There is no reason why the lilting "But This Love" can't sit on the same radio playlist with Shawn Colvin or Tracy Chapman. Hopefully someone will give this a more scrutinized listen. Review by Don Zulaica information: Makoche 208 N. 4th Street, P.O. Box 2756 Bismarck, ND 58502-2756 (800)637-6863 email: mackoche@aol.com website: http://www.makoche.com

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