Great review of Malaya Blue album Bourbon Street By Nigel Foster Thanks Nigel. Look out for some big Malaya Blue news very shortly. MALAYA BLUE - BOURBON STREET 2014 has been another successful year for the female fraternity that inhabit the contemporary Blues scene with mighty fine releases from Joanne Shaw-Taylor, Erja Lytinnen and Dana Fuchs to name but three. One release that may have slipped under your radar that certainly deserves a mention in the same breath as the aforesaid is Bourbon Street; the debut release from Norwich based Malaya Blue. Bourbon Street is a heady cocktail with big gulps of the Blues and whatever your favourite facet of the genre you will find much to delight here, from traditional Blues arrangements through to a little rockin’ Blues, a little funk here and there, some deep soul and some jazzy jaunts and finally some outstanding balladry. Across the 14 tracks that make up Bourbon Street Malaya displays a vocal range that is very impressive and to these ears it is a voice that has perfect pitch and phrasing and I found myself able to pick out every syllable of every word. The lyrical prowess is self-evident too as the majority of the tracks narrate a story of life, love, loss, pain and joy, no word is wasted. On my very first listen I was immediately drawn in to the atmospheric feel and vibe of the album and instantly I was conjuring up strong images of underground Blues joints that would provide the perfect venue for Malaya Blue to beguile and entertain in equal measure. There really is something strong going on here as leading lady and talented band combine to stunning effect creating a real late night Bluesy feel to the whole album. In terms of picking out particular tracks I found this very difficult as literally each one has something to offer so I have plucked out a selection that display the depth and range of fayre on offer across the album. I simply could not ignore the opening title track as my CD player sprang in to life. Brass section straight in weaving strong deep patterns, deft finger picking on the guitar and subtle piano sweeps that usher in Malaya’s deep impassioned velvet rich vocal that swoops and soars. Another one for the Blues bars, this would have you calling for a double Bourbon to soak up the melody. Bitter Moon is a big bold brass driven cut that ebbs and flows effortlessly and Malays ups her game to pulse out a commanding vocal that just filled the room. One of the absolute standout tracks for me is the beautiful velvet rich ballad Lady Sings the Blues. Wow, what feel the leading lady generates on this one, deep lyrical content delivered in a strong but slightly vulnerable manner. This is one that really did create strong images of hanging out after midnight in a Blues Club where you could just let the soulful feel of the song drench you. Haunting piano flurries weave across Malaya’s soulful vocal that is further lifted by a taut and sublime guitar solo. Ivory Tower sweeps along in joyous fashion on a soulful groove that has such an irresistible melody your toes will tap and your fingers will click and your ears will soak up the sumptuous guitar solo that punctuates the melody. Bluesville UK is something of a romp that tells you everything you need to know about the rude health British Blues finds itself in. The whole band cut loose and creates a fusion of typically bluesy sounds. The joy the band derive from pumping this one out is palpable! I’ve Cried A Little is another track that immediately reached out and pulled me in, built on a foundation of mournful melodic guitar breaks that Malays drapes over with a delicate expressive vocal delivery that depicts a tale of true but doomed love. So there you have one mightily impressive album from Malaya Blue and one that marks her out as surely one to watch in 2015. I love driving home after a night out with the just the headlights pointing my way ahead and music as my passenger, it is a statement of fact to say that Bourbon Street has become a companion and friend on a number of those journeys. Nigel Foster.
Posted on: Wed, 31 Dec 2014 12:47:11 +0000
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