This Hamilton, Ontario sister has been groovin' and developing her anguished blues approach for decades. She has championed her own rock bands, worked in the company of Ronnie Hawkins, toured and worked the Italian music circuits, and she can add a movie soundtrack to her list of accomplishments. Her successful return to Canada from Europe has put her into gear with continued songwriting, performing, and now this biscuit, Breakfast At Midnight, on Canada's NorthernBlues Music label.
Working with some fresh players and more qualifiable talent like guitarist and Juno award winning Colin Linden, Chiarelli has crafted and polished an invigorating platter. Rita uses obvious rock and subtler country-angled influences, and comes across with an enlivening blues mix. All the tracks here are penned and arranged by Rita; giving her an added advantage in her vocal translations.
Her vocals have seemingly unlimited range and she draws upon the strength of her voice to propel her through any composition. She, as well, strums and picks a strong acoustic guitar in support on three tunes. Others joining her are rhythm makers Al Cross on the drums and bassists George Koller and Pat Kilbride. Guitarists sharing the chores are Linden, Kevin Breit, John King, and producer Danny Greenspoon. Linden also turns in the dobro sounds, while the keys are handled by Richard Bell. Carlos del Junco puts out the harmonica, Phil Dwyer pounds the sax, and Bell also sounds off on the accordion. Jackie and Shirley Richardson are there with the background vocal harmonies, and Tom Wilson shared the lead vocals with Rita on "Never Been Loved Before."
Chiarelli has fashioned a neo-country blues set with engaging vocals and a little twang here and there. The preponderance of blues formula keeps the mix alive and enriched. High-end guitar, tough love stories, and highlighted, but solitary vocal character gives this its flavor and spice. New sounds with a western, or perhaps a Canadian prairie feel and flair!
NorthernBlues Music, Inc.; 67 Mowat Ave., Suite 233; Toronto, ON; M6K 3E3 Canada;
or, www.northernblues.com
This review is copyright © 2001 by Mark A. Cole, 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.