2023 – Emma Wilson Music
By Phillip Smith; Dec. 9, 2023
Release Date : Oct. 27, 2023
Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com
Memphis Calling, the new album from British blues singer Emma
Wilson, puts a smile on my face with every listen. Wilson, who was awarded Emerging Blues
Artist of the Year at the UK Blues Awards in 2022 for her debut
album Wish Her Well, captures the pure essence of the Memphis sound. Recorded at Sam Phillips Recording Studio,
using the original STAX recording console, and a bullpen of Memphis musicians,
this record is nothing less than extraordinary with Wilson’s soulful,
buttery vocals pouring freely over every note.
Backing Wilson on this release is Charlie Hodges ( Hi Rhythm
Section) on Hammond organ, Archie “Hubbie” Turner (Hi Rhythm Section)
on electric piano, Wurlitzer, and
acoustic piano, Joe Restivo (The Bo Keys) on guitar, Leroy
Hodges (Hi Rhythm Section) on bass guitar, Steve Potts (Booker
T & the MGs, Gregg Allman Band) on drums, Kirk Smothers (The
Bo Keys, Cyndi Lauper) on tenor and baritone sax, Marc Franklin (The
Bo Keys, Cyndi Lauper) on trumpet, and Scott Bomar on
tambourine.
Wilson jump-starts the record with the energy of Aretha Franklin in a fantastic original called “Small World”. Guided by a funky rhythm, and topped with the sweet sound of horns, the track is deliciously soulful. Her cover of the Steve Cropper and Eddie Floyd-penned “Water” recorded by Albert King taps right into my heart and soul. Don Bryant appears as guest vocalist on “What Kind of Love”. The inescapable groove pulls me right in. “Drug” another Wilson-penned original has an Amy Winehouse vibe, and I dig it a lot. With a slight twist, the Muddy Waters 1954 hit “Hoochi Coochie Man” becomes the alluring “Hoochie Coochie Mama”. Restivo’s guitar performance is on point, and sounds wonderful sidled up with Wilson’s sultry vocals. All the stops are pulled when she closes the record with a stellar performance of Buddy Johnson’s “Since I Fell For You”. It’s an absolutely beautiful song.
Emma Wilson’s Memphis Calling is a spectacular recording. It is going to land as one of my top favorites of the year.
For more information about the artist, visit this website : https://www.emmawilson.net/
