Lee Audrey Nelms, aka Trudy Lynn, was born in Houston, Texas in the late forties. She learned how to sing at school and by the eighties had become a major attraction at blues festivals. In 1996, she headlined the Chicago Blues Festival. Thanks to her new release, U Don't Know What Time It Is on Ruf Records, we can all discover her elegant and powerful voice.
The CD features a little traditional blues but excels with its beautiful soul music numbers. Her backing musicians are simply superb featuring guest guitarist Bernard Allison and wonder organ player Lucky Peterson. Rhythm guitarist Butch Bonner provides solid support throughout and co-wrote 3 songs. If you are looking for some soul soothing music then this CD is for you! Half of the songs on it are originals written by Trudy. What we have here is a powerful force in soul music who can not only sing as strong as a church choir but can write music to make the angels dance.
From the opening notes of "Shake Rattle N Roll", you know you are in for a good time with this CD. The initial tune has a funky groove with an even funkier bass and organ. The title track will have one of your body parts shaking to the beat of the music before you know what has happened. Leon Russell's "Help Me Through The Day" has a soul feel to it and signature Bernard Allison licks all through it. We get a chance to hear just how much Trudy can moan on this tune. Its one of the CD's best. "Ace In The Hole" is the first of 3 Robert A. Johnson written tracks. The CD is dedicated to him and it is obvious why. "Nothing But Love" crosses the boundaries into Rhythm and Blues. "Time Gone By" is about the type of man from days gone by which doesn't say much about the modern day man. The tune has a catchy rhythm that is single material. "Time Is Running Out" is a Trudy original. On this tune, she belts out the words making it known why she is called the divine diva of blues and soul. This song gets a vote for one of the CD's best tracks. "I Should Have Known" brings back the funk that makes your body shake. Again its obvious who is laying down the lead guitar on this track. "Heart of Stone" features some dynamite organ work from guest Lucky Peterson. The song proves that Trudy can sing as soft as an angel if the atmosphere is right. "Baby Come On Back" is a sing-along kind of song that is sure to be a hit when performed live.
Although it was recorded in Dallas in 1997, it only hit the stands in 1999. My only complaint with the CD is at just over 40 minutes playing time, it's too short! But it sure makes you feel good while it lasts.
For CDs, booking and information, contact: Jus'Blues Management Company Tel (770) 424-5832. E-mail: kenya19@mail.idt.net Website: www.platinumcd.com
This review is copyright © 2001 by Tim Holek, 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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