The best way to describe
Teresa James
' lusty combination of dusky blues, roots rock, gospel, dark folk, and Southern soul is to say it's
Delbert McClinton
inspired.
McClinton
has crafted his career by writing and singing potent songs that borrowed liberally from these genres, and although it would be unfair to label keyboardist/singer
James
as "the female
Delbert
," there is no denying the similarity in both musicians' styles, right down to their gutsy vocals. Perhaps it's no coincidence that
has also participated in some of
's famous cruises where she likely picked up pointers from the master. Regardless, this is a solid, often captivating album of generally upbeat Americana-infused soul-blues with lots of sassy attitude from
and terrific backing from her journeyman band. A two-piece horn section joins the fray on all the tracks, bringing additional soul coloring to the proceedings.
' voice is influenced by
Bonnie Bramlett
and indeed this album can be seen as an updated slice of
Delaney & Bonnie
at that group's early-'70s pinnacle. Give credit to veteran bassist/guitarist
Terry Wilson
, who wrote or co-composed all but the closing cover of
Steve Bruton
's
"I Do My Drinkin' on the Weekend"
(
Bruton
has contributed a track to nearly every
album). These songs have street-smart lyrics that fit
' often sexy/bad-mama persona (
"Put the Squeeze on Me,"
"I Know Handsome When I See It"
) and gruffly seductive voice. Comparisons to
Marcia Ball
,
Susan Tedeschi
, and
Bonnie Raitt
are also in order, but
stamps this sound with her own personality. The party goes down to New Orleans for
"Eieio"
with slinky second-line funk not far from
Little Feat
territory, especially due to
'
Bill Payne
-styled piano work. Guest
Terry Ball
blows haunting harp on the feline groove of the title track, a churched-up slow swamp sizzler connecting being laid off of a job with more personal matters. The playing is tight, the tunes are tough, and
sounds loose and enthusiastic, resulting in one of her finest albums and surely a disc all
fans will enjoy. ~ Hal Horowitz