Sandy Carroll puts the angelic into Blues & Angels
Bluesdoodles CD review
Here is a lady with a history of outstanding compositions for other artists…Luther Allison, Johnny Rawls, Albert King are among the stars to have covered her songs. She also has a number of albums in her own right, going back to her debut in 1993, Southern Woman. Who is this talented lady of the blues and country? Step forward singer, songwriter and keyboard player, Sandy Carroll. Although a lot of her output has been more country, on this release as she says, “Returning to the blues is my comfort zone… Blues music is universal and lets us know we are never alone in times of trouble or wonderment”. Now that is a statement I think we can all relate to; so how does she serve up this latest work? Well, first of all, a glance at the list of guest artists give the first clue. Add in the fact that Jim Gaines is behind the console and we are set fair for a warm and thoughtful ride.
It all starts with Soak Me in the Spirit, a mid-tempo blues with a solid gospel theme to the lyrics (the spirit is not of an alcoholic persuasion) and some very tasty guitar. Sandy’s piano playing is like her voice…subtle, sensuous but with a hint of hidden depths. Blues All For Myself is a sultry blues with perfectly judged guitar illuminating the melody and backing. Breathy vocals add to the atmosphere and it all comes together rather well with keyboard backing and a lovely guitar solo. Somebody Gotta Dance changes to a rockier country styled song, although the guitar has a more Nick Lowe feel to the sound and playing. There is a gospel feel to the refrain to keep it different. Wrapped in an Angel takes a different step again with its slow blues tempo and the vocals in Sandy’s lower register which adds to the spiritual message in the lyrics; stick in some wonderfully understated guitar fills and this is a lot better than it sounds…honest! MamaDon’t Like It takes us back to a mid-tempo country rocker. The bass is the best bit on this one as it plays a simple but really effective and lilting pattern. It also has an entertaining guitar solo to lift it above cliché. Love Is A Wonderful Thing is up next and I cannot disagree with the subject, and actually revel in it as the keys and guitar deliver a superb slow blues rhythm for Sandy to sing along to. You’ll be singing along too as the chorus gets to you. Slings And Arrows
It is a difficult work to summarise…not bluesy or rocky enough for some, I’d wager, and not country enough for fans of some of her previous output… I, however, enjoyed every minute of every track and
Give it more than one listen and appreciate the
NINE
doodle paws out of TEN …
Track listing:
- Soak Me In The Spirit
- Blues All For Myself
- Somebody Gotta Dance
- Wrapped In An Angel
- Mama Don’t Like It
- Love Is A Wonderful Thing
- Slings And Arrows
- Headin’ Home
- Road Angels
- Movin’ On
- Mississippi Me
Musicians:
Sandy Carroll: vocals, keyboards Johnny Rawls: vocals Rocky Athas: guitar Bernrad Allison: guitar Will MacFarlane: guitar David Hood: bass Clayton Ivy: keyboards Derrick Young: drums Other musicians: Steve Potts, Dave Smith, Rick Steff, Steve Slevidge, Justin Holder Reba Russell, Daunielle Hill, Barbara Blue, Nancy Apple, Lorina McMinn, Trineca Butler, Rachel Robinson, Trey Hardin: backing vocalsProduced by Jim Gaines