CD Review
Susan Tedeschi
Wait For Me
(Tone-Cool/Artemis (2002) 751146)
by Tim Holek
Review date: March 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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This is only Tedeschi's second release but on it she sings and performs as if it is her twenty-second release! There are 11 riveting songs on this 45 minute disc. The 'advance' copy used for this review did not come with liner notes or any cover art. Thus, it was nearly impossible to determine who performed and wrote the tunes. However, the Tone-Cool Records website filled in some of the missing gaps. There it is revealed that veteran producer (and recently deceased) Tom Dowd was at the helm for some of the sessions.
The lead off song "Alone" is the disc's first single. It is radio-friendly with soulful horns and mesmerizing acoustic guitar. Anyone who enjoys upbeat music with a catchy beat will be transfixed. Piano and horns collide on the title track providing enough musical muscle to support the weight of Susan's glorious vocals and boastful guitar. "Hampmotized" is a modern-day get down and shake it tune. The greasy funk on this heavy mix contains rampant picking followed by wailing Carlos Santana styled guitar. If tingles do not run down your spine during Susan's lovely rendering of "Don't Think Twice", check to see you aren't a reptile. "I Fell In Love" is a 1950s rock and roll groove in the vein of "Whole Lotta Shakin". It is a throw back to the sound of her first album. Here, the amazing swirling piano-works are assumed to be courtesy of guest, Johnnie Johnson. The organ is grinding and the slide guitar is rousing on "Gonna Move". The southern rock influence of the Allman Brothers is present on this attractive rhythm. The guitar picking is sharp and cutting on the blues-based boogie "Feeling Music Brings". This lengthy jam clocks in at 7 minutes and features ferocious slide. It is assumed Derek Trucks provides the slide on both tracks. "Wrapped In The Arms Of Another" showcases her powerful voice accompanied by acoustic piano only. It appears as if Tedeschi is attempting to lure the contemporary record buying crowd with this Jewel-sounding number. Whatever the case, the song's rhythm, vocals and message is beautiful. Other songs that showcase her incredibly pretty, delicate-yet-decadent, voice are "In The Garden " and "Blues On A Holiday".
This is a vocalist's album of modern roots music. Susan's voice has greatly matured, e.g., it's rasp is kept to a minimum, since her smashing debut. Every song on the disc is impassioned and will entice many tastes. After waiting far too long for this sophomore, it is far too short in length and leaves the blues behind. This Massachusetts native comes packed with a quadruple-threat: great looks, intense vocals, diverse guitar playing and wide-appealing songwriting. With radiant confidence, Susan Tedeschi holds the future of roots rock in her hands.
For CDs and information, contact: Artemis Records, 130 Fifth Ave., New York, NY 10011 website: www.artemisrecords.com Artist website: www.susantedeschi.com
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