CD Review From Blues Matters THE ALEXIS P. SUTER BAND LOVE THE WAY YOU ROLL American Showplace Music This is nice! Alexis P. Suter is a female vocalist from America’s north-east with what is described as a “bass-baritone” voice, deep, gritty and powerful. She sings the blues, yes, but that simple statement does not disclose her abilities. This set is her sixth CD, a raw and rocking affair. Alexis herself conjures up the spirits of female blues singers of the past on You Don’t Move Me No More, which sounds like it could have come off a Duke/ Peacock 78s of the 50s – Big Mama Thornton comes to mind. On the wildly rocking, slide guitar driven boogie Big Mama she vaguely summons up Howling Wolf, and with Vicki Bell helping the call-and-response vocals, the repeated “all night long” chant invokes the late, great Koko Taylor. Musically, the title track leans towards Led Zeppelin and psychedelic blues and do note that the album credit is to the band – though the vocals attract a lot of attention (and on this track Alexis interpolates a verse from Rollin’ And Tumblin’), guitarist Jimmy Bennett reveals himself to be extremely accomplished, playing styles from the straight blues to evoking Eric Clapton or Henry Vestine, adding just enough rock sensibility to bring in a wide audience. The rhythm section is on-the-nail all the time, and guest John Ginty supplies some excellent support on a variety of keyboards. There is certainly a lot to enjoy here, and it is easy to see why the likes of BB King and Levon Helm have been impressed with Alexis’ talent. The blurb also suggests that she is even better live (and the wonderful closing track Shake Your Hips seems to hint at that). It would be nice to have the chance to find out, but this CD will keep me happy in the meantime. Facebook: https://facebook/pages/blues-matters-magazine/192855967393195 Twitter: Blues_Matters The BLUES magazine that MATTERS! Inducted into Blues Hall of Fame NY 2014 RECIPIENT - The Blues Foundation 2007 Keeping The Blues Alive Award - Print Media Member – the Blues Foundation – blues.org Member – the European Blues Association – euroblues.org bluesmatters/
Posted on: Fri, 15 Aug 2014 15:02:45 +0000
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