2022 – Regina Royal
Records
By Phillip Smith; Jan. 7, 2023
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
Live!
At the Fallout Shelter, the latest release
from Boston-based vocalist Diane Blue has fabulously captured my
full attention. Recorded on February 26,
2022, at the Fallout Shelter in Norwood, Massachusetts, this live
album contains two excellent covers, and seven original tracks written by Blue
during the pandemic. Blue’s smooth
and soulful vocals are perfectly matched with a tight, rhythm and blues band
which features Chris Vitarello on guitar, Dave Limina on Hammond
organ, and Lorne Entress on drums.
When not fronting her own band, Blue also performs as vocalist
for Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters.
A blast of Stax-flavored soul ushers the record in with “I Got a Good Thing”. Blue’s Memphis-style approach sounds absolutely wonderful. Vitarello, Liminia, and Entress have an instrumental chemistry reminiscent of Steve Cropper, Booker T. Jones, and Al Jackson Jr.. “Crazy,Hazy, Lazy”, a masterfully constructed love ballad, hits me with a beautiful wave of melancholy infectiousness. I can’t help but feel the blues when I hear her cover of Millie Jackson’s “I Cry”. An additional two verses are added by Blue to bring awareness to social injustices happening today. Ronnie Earl makes a guest appearance on “Leave Me Alone” and nails down an exquisite guitar performance. Each note he plays seems to sink right in to my bones. This is slow blues at its best, making for an intoxicating seven-and-a-half-minute-long listening experience.
Diane Blue All-Star Band is definitely now on my radar. Live! At the Fallout Shelter is a super listen from beginning to end. This album is one I highly recommend.
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For more information about Diane Blue, visit her website : https://dianebluemusic.com
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