#519 : Miss Lady Blues - Moe Betta Blues

 

2021 – Miss Lady Blues

By Phillip Smith; Sep. 25, 2021

Moe Betta Blues, the latest album from Georgia-based songstress Kesha Boyd aka Miss Lady Blues, is an absolutely fabulous listen.  Steeped in a delicious brew of blues and soul, her brand of music represents a fine art in music which seems to have been slowly disappearing over the past few years.  Honored as the 2021 Best Female Blues Artist of the year recipient from Alabama Music Awards, Miss Lady Blues’ talents run deep as singer/songwriter/composer.  Produced by Ronald G. Suggs Jr., Stephen Richardson, and Antonio Turner, the album features Miss Lady Blues on lead vocals with Dexter Allen (bass/acoustic guitar/backing vocals), Sam Reynolds (bass), Trevor James (bass), and Joey Robinson (drums, piano, organ).        

Releasing her powerful and sultry vocals on “Back It Up with That Lip”, Miss Lady Blues bursts on the scene in a Chicago blues fashion with a cracker-jack ensemble of electric guitar, piano, and horns.  From the viewpoint as the ‘other’ woman, “Addicted” is Seventies-style soul at its best.  Its infectious hook quickly takes ahold, while the groove comfortably settles in.  “What I Want” is another track I truly enjoy.  With Miss Lady Blues in ‘Aretha’ mode, the song has a Motown-slathered-in-funk essence.  With lyrics like “This may not be Burger King, but you can sure have your way”, the love song “Baby” makes for another stand-out track.  I love the multi-faceted gem called “Can’t Be Love”.  This ominous album-closer features Eddie Hazel-inspired guitar and touches of psychedelia embodied in a full orchestral sound.  It’s truly a masterpiece.

It’s refreshing to hear new albums of this magnitude.  Miss Lady Blues certainly delivers the goods with Moe Betta Blues.    

---

           

For more information about the artist, visit this website : http://www.missladyblues.com/

Available on Apple Music

#495 : Dexter Allen - Keep Moving On

 

2021 – Endless Blues Records

By Phillip Smith; April 10, 2021

 

Hailing from Crystal Springs, Mississippi and playing music since he was twelve, Dexter Allen is a man who definitely knows the blues.  Starting out playing bass in his parents’ gospel band, he moved on to lead guitarist for The Airtight Band, and then on to playing lead guitar for Grammy award winner Bobby Rush’s band.  Now with six solo albums already under his belt, Allen has just rolled out one more smashing record of sweet downhome blues.  It’s called Keep Moving On and its fabulous.  With Christopher Minter on drums and Joey Robinson on drums and keys, Allen holds the fort down on lead vocals, lead guitar, bass guitar, and keys as well.    

In a tasty dose of funkdafied blues, Allen leads the record off with title-track “Keep Moving On”.  I love the positive message he hammers into his lyrics, reminding us to “Keep your head up high.   Keep reaching for the sky.”.  On “Love Talk”, Allen belts out a performance that is soaked in the essence of the late great B.B. King.  His vocals are suave and electric, as notes from his guitar seemingly hang in mid-air amidst the sweet lingering sound of organ.  “Blues Eyed Girl” is soulful and dreamy.  Its romantic lyrics and arrangement bring to mind the wonderful love songs recorded by the legendary Teddy Pendergrass.  He dives deep into the blues on “F.A.B.U.L.I.S.T. Woman” telling his story of a disenchanted romance with more of his soul-warming guitar and a delightful backing of horns.  It sounds so good.

Dexter Allen’s Keep Moving On is music for the soul.  When I listen to this record, I really feel like I’m hearing the blues.

---

For more information about the artist, visit this website : https://www.dexterallen.com

 

Take a listen to the album on Apple Music, and if you decide to purchase it, use my special link.  This helps keep the PhillyCheeze site going.

#362 : Lady “A” - Doin’ Fine

2018 – Lady "A"

By Phillip Smith; Nov. 10, 2018

Doin’ Fine, the fourth album from Anita White aka Lady “A” is a terrific follow-up to her 2016 album, Loved, Blessed, and Blues.  Teaming up once again with producer Dexter Allen, this singer/songwriter from the Pacific Northwest makes sure the record is loaded with funky soul and smooth blues.  With Lady “A” on vocals and Allen on guitars and bass, Chris “Rattlesnake” Minter holds down the drums, and Joey Robinson accompanies on both piano and drums.

Like that first ray of sunshine that carves its beautiful path to earth each day, title track “Doin’ Fine” sets the stage for a an enlightening listen and reassures everything will be ok.  This upbeat opener reels me right in with its gospel-infused rhythm and Lady “A’s” spirited vocals.  “Change the World” wonderfully plays like a recently uncovered Otis Redding song.  Poignant and beautiful, this song expresses a strong desire to make the world a better place.  “Throw Down” is a whole lot of fun too.  Blessed by a funk in the style of George Clinton, this tune is an absolute treat.           

Lady “A” who also hosts the award-winning online radio shows, The Gumbo & Gospel Show, and Black N Blues on NWCZ Radio once again scores big points with this new album.  It definitely grabs my attention. 

---

To check out the PhillyCheeze review of Lady “A” – Loved, Blessed and Blues :  https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=lady+a

For more information about Lady “A”, visit her website www.ladyababyblues.com .

Lady A - Loved, Blessed & Blues

2016 –  Self-Released

By Phillip Smith; Oct. 2, 2016

When the mood hits for a nice blend of blues, funk & soul , it doesn’t get much better than taking in the intoxicating vocal sounds of Seattle songstress Anita White, aka Lady A.  Her latest album, Loved, Blessed & Stressed is an absolute splendor.  White is joined by Dexter Allen (guitar, bass, piano and backing vocals) and Joey Robinson (drums, and keyboard).     

One doesn’t have to be in a church house to be taken to church.  Title track, “Love, Blessed & Blues” grabs ahold of me and vibrates right to the soul, dousing me in the blues gospel-style.  Lady A gets the adrenalin flowing in the high-energy “Honey Hush (Tribute to Elnora)”. Play, listen and then repeat on this dance-friendly treat.

Lady A breaks out the funk George Clinton/Brides of Funkenstein style on “Take Me Back to Seattle”.  I love the growly bass-line Allen plops down, and the cool little micro-rhythms Robinson adds on the keys.  There’s a sweet Motown feeling imbedded in “Love Calling”, a smooth R&B slow song with beautiful vocals.

Loved Blessed & Blues puts me in my happy place with every listen, leaving me with a huge smile across my face.