#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.    

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

Available on Apple Music

#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. 

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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.