For the past 30 years, Kate Hart has been an undeniable force in the Northwest Blues scene. Creator of the acclaimed Seattle Women of Rhythm and Blues, ten solo recordings, two Washington Blues Society awards, two Northwest Area Music Awards, one Muddy Award as well as a collection of nominations to her credit (including her 1991 Grammy Nomination for Best Blues Recording) and co-owner of Joe Record, Kate Hart is not only a dynamic performer but also a savvy business women, promoter, and producer. The self-produced Queen of the Night is an assorted mix of gospel, soul, and straight-ahead blues.

The gospel inspired title track is moving as Kate's vocals create a poignant manifestation with stirring backing vocals and tender sounds of the Hammond B-3.

Ain't Gonna Cry No More is straight ahead blues with a unique and stylish twist featuring Mark Riley on resonator guitar.

Two Plays For A Quarter, which first appeared on Kate's disc of the same name, is a funky shuffle that elicits pristine solos from award winning harmonica virtuoso Dick Powell and keyboardist Norm Bellas.

Adding a little funk to the mix, I'm Your Girl offers everyone a chance to show off their chops, including the genius of Rich Dangell on guitar, Steve Peterson on drums, Victor Little on bass, and Ken Cole on keyboards.

With powerful vocals, and by once again amassing some of the best musicians that Seattle has to offer, this is definitively Kate Hart's best recording to date.

http://www.joerecords.com/

This review is copyright © 2001 by Tony Engelhart, and Blues On Stage at: www.mnblues.com, all rights reserved. Copy, duplication or download prohibited without written permission. For permission to use this review please send an E-mail to Ray Stiles.