2015 – Kokako
By Phillip Smith; Jan 16, 2016
Ten Miles of Bad Road , the fourth album from Portlander Karen Lovely, boasts thirteen
magnificently performed original songs. Her extraordinary vocals are beautiful
and lush as she delivers the blues in her own unique style. For this recording, Lovely is backed by a five-star list of LA studio musicians, of
which include guitarists Johnny Lee
Schell and Alan Mirikitani, pianist/organist
Jim Pugh, bassist James “Hutch” Hutchinson, and drummer Tony Braunagel.
I absolutely love “Company
Graveyard” with its ominous bassline and anti-establishment lyrics. Lovely’s commanding vocals ring out with power
and clarity, which make me immediately think of the Pretender’s Chrissie Hynde. “Better Place” is another big favorite. Schell
plays this one nice and swampy. “I Want to
Love You” is such a beautiful love song. Lovely’s
angelic vocals softly flow as Pugh eloquently
backs her up on piano. I really like the
rootsy vibe to Lovely’s performance on
“Low Road”. Mirikitani, guitar in hand, serves
up a bit of Texas-style blues on this song while Pugh stirs a little funk into the mix with his B3.
One listen to Ten Miles of Bad Road, is all it takes
to conclude that Karen Lovely is way
ahead of the curve when it comes to vocal
artistry and songwriting. This album is
definitely one that should be heard.
