Being a Washington DC native doesn't stop an attractive Melanie Mason from coming out with a collection of soulful classics in her second cd release entitled "Lonesome Is I."
Known mostly for her electric playing, Mason should give consideration to the fact of performing as a solo artist only. Her strengths lie in giving organic flavor and a personal intimacy to this cd's song selection.
No doubt these tracks have been heard a dozen of times. But with Mason's sensuous sultry vocals combined with subtle slide work, there's a down-home feeling in Mance Lipscomb's "Joe Turner Killed A Man."
And that Southern Delta feeling just spreads wider. Mason's own songs "Ease Up" and "Lonely Lonesome Gal" hold up well with Melanie's deft touch in fingerpicking and slide techniques.
More original numbers could have been used to appease the listeners. If this were the case, then we would have been deprived of hearing Mason's sincere renderings of Robert Johnson's "Come On In My Kitchen" and the tried and true classic "Sweet Home Chicago."
Famous electric players Albert Collins, B.B. King and Eric Clapton have been influential in paving Mason's musical path. The young lady has no problems in making you cry with John Hurt's "Nobody Cares For Me." Equally impressive is her take on Hurt's "Sliding Delta."
Melanie Mason does perform as a solo acoustic artist. After hearing "Lonesome Is I," lovers of country blues will scramble to get front row seats. This girl will command attention and transport you to the crossroads, if you're ready for the ride.
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