Rating:
Genre:
Rock
Release Date: 10/20/2009
Run Time: 53:00
The best way to describe
Teresa James' lusty combination of dusky blues, roots rock, gospel, dark folk, and Southern soul is to say it's
Delbert McClinton inspired.
McClinton has crafted his career by writing and singing potent songs that borrowed liberally from these genres, and although it would be unfair to label keyboardist/singer
James as "the female
Delbert," there is no denying the similarity in both musicians' styles, right down to their gutsy vocals. Perhaps it's no coincidence that
James has also participated in some of
Delbert's famous cruises where she likely picked up pointers from the master. Regardless, this is a solid, often captivating album of generally upbeat Americana-infused soul-blues with lots of sassy attitude from
James and terrific backing from her journeyman band. A two-piece horn section joins the fray on all the tracks, bringing additional soul coloring to the proceedings.
James' voice is influenced by
Bonnie Bramlett and indeed this album can be seen as an updated slice of
Delaney & Bonnie at that group's early-'70s pinnacle. Give credit to veteran bassist/guitarist
Terry Wilson, who wrote or co-composed all but the closing cover of
Steve Bruton's
"I Do My Drinkin' on the Weekend" (
Bruton has contributed a track to nearly every
James album). These songs have street-smart lyrics that fit
James' often sexy/bad-mama persona (
"Put the Squeeze on Me," "I Know Handsome When I See It") and gruffly seductive voice. Comparisons to
Marcia Ball,
Susan Tedeschi, and
Bonnie Raitt are also in order, but
James stamps this sound with her own personality. The party goes down to New Orleans for
"Eieio" with slinky second-line funk not far from
Little Feat territory, especially due to
James'
Bill Payne-styled piano work. Guest
Terry Ball blows haunting harp on the feline groove of the title track, a churched-up slow swamp sizzler connecting being laid off of a job with more personal matters. The playing is tight, the tunes are tough, and
James sounds loose and enthusiastic, resulting in one of her finest albums and surely a disc all
Delbert McClinton fans will enjoy.
~Hal Horowitz, All Music Guide
;)
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