Barbara Blue – From The Shoals
Big Blue Records – 2023
13 tracks; 65 minutes Barbara Blue, hailed as "The Reigning Queen Of Beale Street," adds another jewel to her illustrious career with the release of "Fish in Dirty H2O." Recorded in the iconic Muscle Shoals, Alabama, this album showcases Barbara's versatility as she delves into soulful material, heartfelt ballads, and spirited upbeat tracks. With an ensemble of accomplished musicians, including Bernard 'Pretty' Purdie and David Hood, Barbara crafts an engaging and emotionally resonant musical experience.
The album opens with a nod to the rich musical history of Muscle Shoals in "The Shoals." Barbara pays homage to the magic of the region that birthed timeless classics by artists like Aretha Franklin and Wilson Pickett. Funky tunes, horns, and a striking guitar solo set the stage for the musical journey ahead.
Barbara's rendition of the classic "Tell Mama" follows, where she tastefully captures the essence of Etta James' iconic version. The familiar horn arrangement complements Barbara's soulful delivery, creating a rendition that pays homage while making the song uniquely her own. This segues seamlessly into "Steal Away," a soulful track that showcases Barbara's prowess in navigating diverse musical styles.
In the seven-minute blues odyssey, "Nutthouse Blues," Barbara takes a moment to spotlight the talent of the musicians involved, with solo opportunities for keys and guitar players. The bluesy lament "Severed" unfolds with gospel-tinged backing vocals, Mark's piano, and a poignant slide guitar solo. "Curse Of Beauty" is a standout track, where the return of horns elevates Barbara's expression of fascination with an alluring persona.
"Slide Man" adds a touch of down-home risqué flavor with abundant slide guitar, while "Too Far" brings back the emotional depth in a lengthy slow blues. The haunting "Nothing Lasts Forever" lightens the mood with lively guitar and horn exchanges as Barbara reflects on salvation from darkness.
The album's emotional climax begins with "Never Stopped Loving You," a heartfelt ballad supported by a stately guitar solo. "Song Of The River" delves into regional history, narrating a poignant journey with stately slide guitar and harmonious vocals. Closing on a powerful note, "Trail Of Tears" features a chugging rhythm, moody slide, and somber lyrics, paying homage to those who perished on the journey through Mississippi.
"Fish in Dirty H2O" reinforces Barbara Blue's standing as a seasoned artist with an undeniable vocal presence and a knack for storytelling. Distributed by Earwig Records, this album is poised to garner the attention it deserves, ensuring Barbara's captivating blues finds a broader audience.
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