Soulful Femme – Attitude
Sky Dog Studios
11 songs time – 45:53 In the vibrant realm where blues, R&B, soul, and a touch of jazz collide, Soulful Femme emerges as a dynamic force with their latest release, "Attitude." Comprising the soulful vocals of Stevee Wellons and the creative guitar prowess of Cheryl Rinovato, this duo delivers an exceptional musical experience. With nine out of the eleven tracks composed by the duo, "Attitude" is a testament to their songwriting skills and versatile musicality.
Hailing from Sky Dog Studios, the core band of Soulful Femme, backed by Albert Castiglia (guitar-producer), Tommy Castro (vocals), Kevin Burt (vocals), and Mark Earley (ex-Roomful Of Blues-tenor saxophone), creates a tight musical tapestry that seamlessly weaves through blues, R&B, soul, rock, and jazz influences.
The journey begins with the title track, "Attitude," where Stevee's commanding vocals harmonize with Cheryl's mighty guitar riffs, setting the stage for an album brimming with energy and soul. Albert Castiglia's guest appearance on guitar adds an extra layer of intensity to this standout opening.
"Not Like You" follows suit with a relentless shuffle beat by Michael Bram, complementing the stop-and-start guitar riff, once again featuring the formidable Albert Castiglia. The duo showcases their vocal prowess in a powerful duet with Kevin Burt on Willie Dixon's classic, "Insane Asylum," infusing the track with gospel-charged emotions.
Cheryl Rinovato takes center stage on the funky "Can't Get There From Here," treating the audience to some masterful meandering wah-wah guitar. The mellow R&B vibes of "Breathe Again" are accentuated by Cheryl's jazzy guitar and Stevee's multi-talented contribution to background vocals.
"Loser's Game" unleashes a potent R&B charge, with Stevee's vocals leading the way, while the duo collaborates with Tommy Castro on the irresistibly funky "Talkin' Loud And Sayin' Nothing," a tribute to James Brown's legacy.
"Wah-wah magic" takes over on "Walk Out," where Stevee delivers one of her strongest vocal performances, perfectly complemented by Cheryl's expressive guitar. The bass-driven "Dysfunction Funk" showcases Matt Raymond's sturdy bass line, locking in seamlessly with the horns, creating a sonic experience that oozes funk.
"Crazy" becomes a poignant exploration of overcoming dark times, with a rhythmic backdrop that accentuates the emotional depth of the lyrics. The album gracefully concludes with "Time To Walk," a reflection on the end of a relationship, featuring creative drumming that intertwines with the funky rhythm guitar.
Produced by Albert Castiglia and engineered by Dave Gross, "Attitude" is more than a blues album; it's a musical journey infused with diverse elements. Stevee Wellons' emotionally charged vocals and Cheryl Rinovato's skillful guitar atmospheres, coupled with the ensemble's stellar performance, create a musical tapestry that is undeniably satisfying.
Soulful Femme's "Attitude" is not just an album; it's a powerhouse blend of blues, R&B, and soul that demands attention.
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