Along with Kathy Valentine (a future member of
the Go-Go's),
Carla Olson formed the Textones in the early '80s for a few singles on IRS. (Most of these tracks appear on Through the Canyon [Rhino] and Back in Time [Demon U.K.].) The band's major-label debut, Midnight Mission (A&M), included help from
Don Henley,
Ry Cooder, Barry Goldberg, and
Gene Clark. Cedar Creek, the band's second album, appeared in 1987 on Enigma Records.
Olson then worked on many projects, including ones by
John Fogerty,
Henley, and
Eric Johnson and a duet album with
Clark.
In 1988, she recorded a self-titled solo album (for Amigo Musik) in Sweden, backed by Wilmer X. After another duet project, this time with former
Rolling Stones guitarist
Mick Taylor,
Olson's second solo LP (Within an Ace) was released in 1993 on Watermelon Records; Reap the Whirlwind followed the next year. That album signaled a period of relative quiet from the guitarist, as she disappeared into private life while her best-of collection hit the shelves. It wasn't until 2001 that she returned, boasting The Ring of Truth, an album featuring
Taylor and a handful of
roots rock tunes that showcased her weathered vocals and comfortable sound.
Olson has also found success on the other side of the studio glass, producing records for Barry Goldberg, Dona Oxford, Jake Andrews,
Joe Louis Walker, Davis Gaines,
Mare Winningham, and
Phil Upchurch. ~ John Bush, All Music Guide
