PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com #546 > Lady A - Satisfyin'

2021 – Lady A Productions

By Phillip Smith; Mar. 12, 2022

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

I’ve been a fan of Lady A since my first listen when I reviewed her 2016 album Loved, Blessed, and Blues.  Her ninth and latest album, Satisfyin’ continues to capture my affection for her music as it perfectly pairs her songwriting expertise with her special blend of funk, soul, and blues.  With Anita White aka Lady A front and center on lead vocals, her band is comprised of bassist John Studamire, guitarist Herman Brown, multi-instrumentalist Paul Richardson, multi-instrumentalist/background vocalist John Oliver III, and background vocalist Roz Royster McCommon.

The Seattle-based songstress rolls the album in with ‘Whatever You Do” which showcases her powerful vocals in an upbeat fashion.  She sounds great and the big band backing her is nicely topped off with a BB King-style guitar performance from Brown.  Immediately following is title-track “Satisfyin’”, which brings to mind the funky dance songs I immensely enjoyed in the Eighties.  Music, cheap liquor, gambling, and good food is the allure of “Miss Beula Mae’s”, an after-hours juke-joint Lady A reflects on.  Its inescapable groove, and detailed lyrics make this a favorite of mine.  A slow buttery bassline walks “Blues Soul Catfish & Fried Wings” to the finish in a major funky way.  Reminiscent of the music of George Clinton at times, it is absolutely fabulous.  In “For the People in the Back (All I Got)”, Lady A holds her ground, and without flinching once, stares down the pop-country band for pilfering her name.  Her fearless vocals, ride above a wave of hand-claps and an infectious gospel-infused melody.   

Satisfyin’ is a delightful album and like a fine wine, gets better with each and every listen.  

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For more information about Lady A, visit this website :  https://www.ladyababyblues.com/

 

 

#512 : Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method - 50

2021 – Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method

By Phillip Smith; Aug. 7, 2021

 

50, the sixth album from Polly O’Keary and the Rhythm Method swiftly swept me off my feet with its unique blend of funk, soul, rock, and blues.  With O’Keary on lead vocals and bass guitar, the Rhythm Method is comprised of guitarist Dave Miller and drummer Tommy Cook.  Being unable to play last year due to Covid-19, the band spent their time writing and recording this splendid eleven-track record of all originals.  The title 50, derives its name from the fact that all three members of this power trio turn 50 this year.   

They roll the album out atop a wave of funky goodness on “Brand New Day” with guest vocalist Lady A (the real one, not the country band) joining in.  The real Lady A and O’Keary sound great together, as Miller powers though an extraordinary guitar solo.  The song is an absolute homerun.  Cook infuses “Can’t Catch Me” with a marching-line beat, as Miller’s searing guitar licks pour freely and cast an ominous air about this ballad about facing down drug addiction.  O’Keary sounds fabulous as she sings “Strange Way of Showing Love”.  Her voice control is amazing.  Miller continues to push the envelope on guitar as O’Keary and Cook keep the rhythm section boiling.  “American Highways” ushers the album out in a Billy Squire no-holds-barred fashion, boasting an accelerated pulse and a kick-ass riff.  

50 is a record that packs a punch in just about every song.   It’s absolutely worth checking out. 

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 For more information about the artist, visit this website : POLLY O'KEARY AND THE RHYTHM METHOD - Polly O'Keary and The Rhythm Method! (pollyokeary.com)

 

 

#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.