2019 – Vizztone
By Phillip Smith; Jan. 11, 2020
Kiss My Sass, the third studio album
from Houston blues artist Annika Chambers,
is a dynamo of hot soulful blues. Chambers, who was deservedly awarded the 2019 Blues Music Award for Soul Blues Female
Artist of the Year, has been nominated again for 2020. She certainly woos me over with her astonishing
beautiful voice.
Immediately, I’m lured into the record with “Let That
Sass Out”, a tune written by R.B. Stone. Powerful vocals from Chambers is topped with a buttery rhythm from drummer
Greg Brown Jr., and bassist Larry Fulcher. Searing
guitar licks from The Mighty Orq seals
the deal. Ruthie Foster
makes a guest appearance on “What’s Your Thing”, with The Mighty Orq on pedal steel. This one is an absolutely fabulous cocktail of
deep blues and heavy soul. I downright love
her cover of the Etta James’
classic “In the Basement”. This party
song puts such a big smile on my face with every listen. Chambers
enlists her husband, the great Paul DesLauriers
with acoustic guitar in hand, to join in a spirited duet on “I Feel the Same”. They sound wonderful together. DesLauriers douses
his guitar with gobs of delightful slide while the subtle booming thunder from
percussionist Sam Harrison injects
an unmistakable heaviness to the song.
Kiss My Sass truly is an album I’ve enjoyed
from beginning to end. It’s a terrific
listen.
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