2018 –Blue Lotus
Recordings
By Phillip Smith;
Nov. 4, 2018
I absolutely love the new release Back in Love, from Verlinda Zeno
aka Ms Zeno the Mojo Queen. I
stumbled upon her music several weeks ago through a podcast I frequently listen
to called Radio Memphis, hosted by Ric
Chetter. From the moment she started
singing, I knew I had to purchase her new disc. Her voice, soulful and powerful reminds me of
a few of personal favorites: Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner and Sharon
Jones. Backed by co-producers Paul
Niehaus IV and Kevin O’Connor on almost every instrument one could
think of, and Gene Jackson on vocals, the wonderful Ms Zeno
brings her A-game to every track.
With a big blast of horns and a hint of strings in
the back, title track, “Back in Love” initiates this record with that glorious Stax
vibe and features guest vocalist Roland Johnson. “That’s How I Know” is electrically
charged and dripping with soul. Ms Zeno
sings this with abundantly sweet emotion.
G Weevil makes a guest appearance on guitar for “Willie Brown”. This is hands-down, one fantastic blues song,
and I am totally smitten by her vocal delivery. The lady can sing the blues, and that is a
fact. Tom Martin ( Zydedo Crawdaddys)
stops by with accordion in hand to lend
a bit of Creole seasoning to the wonderfully funky “Mojo Queen”. Like a heart-wrenching Otis Redding
song, “Love is Like a Flower” is an amazing song and brilliantly vocalized. The masterful harmonica stylings of Brandon
Santini sets a roadhouse blues atmosphere to “Call My Name”. An unescapable rhythm draws me right in, like
a mosquito to a porch light. “Gotta Get
Paid”, swimming in hot buttery soul and slathered in high-energy funk, firmly keeps
me glued to the speakers.
One of my favorite albums that I’ve heard this year,
Ms Zeno’s Back in Love is my
pick for soul album of the year. It’s
absolutely fabulous!
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