Gaye Adegbalola – Satisfied – An Anthology
20 Tracks – 77 minutes
Gaye Adegbalola, the veteran blues artist and co-founder of Saffire—The Uppity Blues Women, takes us on a soul-stirring journey with her latest release, "Satisfied – An Anthology." Spanning 20 tracks and 77 minutes, this compilation album showcases Adegbalola's rich musical history, featuring selections from her various albums over the years.
The anthology opens with "Big Ovaries, Baby," a defiant proclamation that sets the tone for Adegbalola's unapologetic and empowering lyrics. This track, originating from her 1999 album, establishes her as a fearless artist with a unique voice in both blues and feminist narratives.
A standout addition to this compilation is the new track, "Look at the Forehead, Maury." In this socially charged song, Adegbalola tells a compelling story, urging a former lover to acknowledge their son, bringing a fresh perspective to her catalog.
From her 2004 album "Neo-Classic Blues," Adegbalola revisits "The Dirty Dozens," where honky-tonk blues piano and candid lyrics expose a cheating partner. Another gem from the same album is "Prove it On Me Blues," a spirited declaration of independence and freedom.
The anthology includes a heartfelt rendition of The Everly Brothers' classic, "Let It Be Me," featuring Cleome Bova in a touching duet with Adegbalola. The emotional depth of this cover adds a beautiful layer to the compilation.
Adegbalola's exploration of societal issues comes to the forefront in tracks like "Tippin’ on the Down Low" from her 2008 album "Gaye Without Shame." This song confronts the truth within a relationship, demanding honesty and transparency.
"The Griot," Adegbalola's 2018 album, contributes five tracks to the anthology, offering topical commentary on contemporary issues. "Nothing's Changed" reflects on persistent racism, drawing a poignant parallel between the past and the present. In "Ain’t Technology Grand," she cleverly celebrates modern conveniences while maintaining her blues roots.
The artist's foray into children's music is highlighted by selections from the 2019 album "Blues in All Flavors." Playful and educational, songs like "The Cleanest Kid" and "Blues for the Greens (The Broccoli Song)" showcase Adegbalola's versatility in crafting music for diverse audiences.
A notable inclusion is the politically charged "Winona" from the 2023 release "Freedom Song Trilogy Volume 2." Dedicated to civil rights activist Fannie Lou Hamer, Adegbalola blends harmonica and poignant lyrics to pay homage to a historical figure.
The anthology concludes with a spiritual trilogy, starting with "Keep The Faith" from 2021's "Freedom Song Trilogy Volume 1." It sets the stage for "Winona" and culminates with a solo acoustic performance of "Lift Every Voice and Sing." This rendition serves as a powerful conclusion, underlining the enduring significance of this anthem.
Throughout "Satisfied – An Anthology," Adegbalola remains a multi-instrumentalist, contributing acoustic guitar, acoustic slide guitar, and harmonica. Roddy Barnes on piano and Jeff Covert on electric guitars, bass, drums, and banjo collaborate seamlessly to produce a cohesive sound.
In her liner notes, Adegbalola states her mission of spreading the joy, liberation, and healing power of the blues, and "Satisfied – An Anthology" is a testament to her success in achieving this goal. The album stands as a celebration of a remarkable blues journey, offering listeners a chance to explore the diverse themes and musical styles that define Adegbalola's influential career.
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