CD Review
Lady Bianca
All By Myself
(Magic-O Records MOCD 503)
by John Taylor
Review date: December 2003
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
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Lady Bianca is indeed all by herself on this, her third recording under her own name. Her background's impressive enough; she's worked with Frank Zappa, Merle Haggard, Van Morrison (appearing on two of his mid-eighties releases) and John Lee Hooker. She sang gospel as a child, and took the role of Billie Holiday in an acclaimed production of Jon Hendricks' "Evolution of the Blues."
Yet her last outing, 2001's "Rollin'," was marred somewhat by synthesized backing that failed to match her impassioned delivery; hers is a presence, even on disc, somewhat larger than life. And that explains, in part, why "All By Myself" is such a delightful recording. Here she's accompanied only by her own piano playing, and it allows her personality to shine through in every note.
Lady Bianca co-wrote all the songs on "By Myself" with assistance from her musical partner and producer, Stanley Lippitt. Whether it be the simplicity of her presentation or simply the resolute conviction she applies to every lyric, many of the tunes seem highly personal, as though Ms. Bianca is detailing her own adventures (and misadventures) in life and love.
Hence we get declamatory statements ("I Got The Blues"), straightforward narratives ("Man From New Orleans"), and observations on the state of family life ("Them Damned Kids"). But it's on the tunes that deal with affairs of the heart that Ms. Bianca soars. The combination of resignation and hope she brings to both "Choosin' Time," in which she presents an ultimatum to an errant lover, and "Made Up My Mind," in which she makes it very clear she'll endure no more heartache, is absolutely spine tingling. Yet equally stirring is "Outside Man," which sees her proudly defiant, determined to prove that what's good for the goose is good for the gander, too. Perhaps the title track sums things up best; another tale of a cheating mate, it finds Ms. Bianca looking optimistically forward, having found the strength to leave hurt and abuse behind. The only real misstep is a spoken interlude by Mr. Lippitt that breaks the flow somewhat, but thankfully is short enough to overlook.
Lady Bianca pounds that piano in a rollicking barrelhouse style that relies more on percussive quality than delicate shading, but it's perfectly in keeping with her powerful vocals, said vocals at times approaching awe-inspiring.
The idea of the big-hearted 'blues mama' has become almost an archetype within the lore and legend of the blues. Lady Bianca, with her unquenchable spirit and indomitable strength, could well be the personification of that image, and "All By Myself" the archetypical statement. Highly recommended!
Web : www.ladybianca.com
E-Mail: redtutu@aol.com
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Copyright © 2003 Ray M. Stiles & Blues On Stage All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, or any information storage or retrieval system, without permission in writing from the author. Blues On Stage is a ® Trademark of Ray Stiles.
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