CD Review
Marcia Ball
Presumed Innocent
(Alligator Records ALCD 4879)
by Dick Houff
Review date: June 2001
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1999 KBA Award Winner Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by the Blues Foundation
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I've been a devoted fan of Marcia Ball, from the very first record. She's been in the business for thirty years, which would put her in the generation of "Garage Bands." Of course, she never really had to go that route. She was born in Orange, Texas, in 1949 and grew up across the line in Vinton, Louisiana. The Gulf Coast sound is unique, to say the least. Many of my favorite artists hail from that region: Lee Dorsey, Allen Toussaint (talk about song writing abilities-one of the best!), Kris Kenner (there's a name you don't hear very often), and tripping into the New Orleans turf of Professor Longhair! I worked the New Orleans club circuit for two years, and it wasn't a success story. Playing in Jackson Square for change can be quite humbling. They have high expectations in regards to their performers, and you better damn well be good. Marcia's tough piano boogie and barrelhouse style was an instant success. On the other side of the coin, her ballads are all heart and soul, and she's a master of the form. On this, her debut record with Alligator, it really shows. She has a captivating voice that stays with you from the very first track to the last: "You Make Me Happy." This is a fine mix of covers, and best of all, her own self-penned songs and collaborations. The background vocals and spotlight sharing with the band is evident throughout. Delbert Mclinton shares vocals with Marcia on track #2: "You Make It Hard," one of the best standout covers (Allen Toussaint) on the album. Putting all that aside, it's her songs and personality that make this disc. Alligator and Marcia Ball-this is the one! My highest recommendations.
This review is copyright © 2001 by Dick Houff, and Blues On Stage, 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.
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