Fiona Boyes – Ramblified
Blue Empress Records
12 songs time – 44:15
Australian blues artist Fiona Boyes invites listeners on a captivating journey with her latest album, "Ramblified," released on Blue Empress Records. With spare arrangements and deeply heartfelt performances, Boyes showcases her exceptional guitar skills and earthy vocals across 12 original tracks. The album, featuring minimal accompaniment including drums, percussion, harmonica, and tuba, captures the essence of raw and authentic blues.
Boyes, a seasoned blues musician, wrote all the songs on the album and took on production duties, delivering a collection that reflects her mastery of the genre. Mark Grunden provides drums and percussion, Watermelon Slim contributes harmonica on one track, and Phill “Phillbilly” Jenkins adds tuba to another.
The opening track, "Devil Made Me Do It," sets the tone for the album with Boyes' gruff and hearty vocals complemented by a killer guitar tone reminiscent of blues legend John Lee Hooker. The title track, "Ramblified," draws inspiration from a quote by Son House and appears in both vocal and instrumental versions. The vocal version is slow, contemplative, and atmospheric, while the instrumental version, "Ramblified Revisited," features a melody akin to "Baby Please Don't Go" and incorporates live stereo swamp field recordings buried in the mix.
Boyes demonstrates her guitar prowess throughout the album, playing in unison with her vocals on tracks like "One Day Late," accompanied by drums and various percussion.
"About Time Business Took Care Of Me" carries a breezy Southern back porch feel, featuring the tuba stylings of Phill "Phillbilly" Jenkins and the harmonica work of Watermelon Slim, adding to the bluesy ambiance. The instrumental "The Revenant" showcases Boyes sliding all over a cigar box guitar, accompanied by foot tambourine and percussion.
"Good Lord Made You So" highlights Boyes' magic on her Nation Resolectric guitar, while "One Rule For You" delves into themes of hypocrisy. The authoritative "Love Changing Blues" sees Boyes thumping all over the strings, and "Turnip Patch" adds a snappy and playful touch with slithering slide cigar box guitar and rhythmic accompaniment. The album concludes with "Blues Ain't Hard To Find," revisiting the rambling theme with a hearty blues attack.
"Ramblified" stands out for its refreshing spareness, allowing Boyes' guitar and vocals to take center stage. Fiona Boyes has crafted a gem that captures the essence of authentic blues, making this album a must-listen for blues enthusiasts and a testament to Boyes' musical prowess. "Ramblified" is a journey worth taking, showcasing the artistry of Fiona Boyes in the blues landscape.
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