Misty Blues – Outside The Lines
Guitar One Records
11 songs – 46 minutes
Massachusetts-based Misty Blues, with a musical journey spanning close to a quarter-century, has returned with their 12th album, "Outside The Lines." This release is a testament to the band's evolution and prowess, delivering a captivating blend of original blues compositions enriched with soul, funk, gospel, and hints of jazz. Led by the powerful vocals and stellar songwriting of Gina Coleman, Misty Blues proves once again that their musical exploration knows no boundaries.
The core lineup of Misty Blues comprises Gina Coleman on vocals, cigar box guitar, and guitar; Seth Fleischmann on guitar and vocals; Bill Patriquin on bass, trumpet, and vocals; Benny Kohn on keyboards and vocals; Rob Tatten on drums, trombone, and vocals; Aaron Dean on saxophone; and Diego Mongue on bass, guitar, drums, and vocals. The impressive array of multi-instrumentalists contributes to the album's diverse tonal palette and innovative approaches. Additionally, the album features guest artists such as Eric Gales, Petri Byrd, Matt Cusson, Kat Riggins, and Justin Johnson.
Gina Coleman's exceptional vocals and songwriting take center stage throughout the album. Her voice, a rare and captivating instrument, leads the band's exploration of various themes. The rhythm section, comprising Mongue, Patriquin, and Tatten, lays down infectious grooves that dynamically breathe life into each track. The musical landscape allows ample space for soloists to shine, and every musician rises to the occasion.
Notable guest appearances contribute to the album's richness. Matt Cusson's jazz-influenced piano and vocals on "One Of These Days" seamlessly integrate with Misty Blues' blues foundation. Aaron Dean's outstanding saxophone solo on the same track adds another layer of brilliance. The dueling solos on "Grip Your Soul" stand out as one of the album's highlights, showcasing the band's instrumental prowess.
Lyrically, the songs on "Outside The Lines" offer inspiration and introspection. Tracks like "One Of These Days" and "Dare To Dream" aim to uplift, while others, like "The Hate" and "Where Your Blues Come From," encourage listeners to contemplate deeper questions. The musical influences of Misty Blues are diverse, with echoes of The Neville Brothers, firmly rooted in the blues but embracing a range of genres.
Among the standout tracks, "Days Of Voodoo And Laughter" adheres to a traditional blues chord progression, featuring more dueling instrumentation in the solos. Gina Coleman's vocal versatility shines on "Granville T.," effortlessly transitioning from a whisper to a hurricane. The opening track, "Where Your Blues Come From," showcases Coleman's deep voice and passionate delivery, dominating the rock groove.
"Outside The Lines" is a testament to top-tier musicianship, well-constructed songs, and superb recording. Engineers Frank Kennedy, Dave Dennison, and Patrick Gray Jr., mixing engineer Seth von Paulus, and mastering engineer Leon Zervos collectively contribute to the album's sonic excellence.
In conclusion, Misty Blues, led by the rare talent of Gina Coleman, has crafted an impressive release with "Outside The Lines." The album's genre-defying approach, coupled with superb musicianship and Coleman's compelling vocals, ensures that Misty Blues is a force to be reckoned with in the blues world. "Outside The Lines" is highly recommended for those seeking a musical journey that transcends conventional boundaries.
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