Shirley King's new CD, "Daughter of the Blues" is a "must have" for any blues lover or musician! King, daughter of the famous blues legend B.B. King, sings with passion, energy and power throughout this dynamic album!
Though King grew up around the stage listening to her famous father, she hadn't planned on becoming a singer. (She really wanted to dance!) At age thirteen Shirley met the legendary Etta James and quickly looked to her as a musical role model. King also cites Ruth Brown, Koko Taylor and Mahalia Jackson as musical influences.
"Daughter of the Blues" kicks off with an energetic "Love of Mine" by J. Lands. Even before her lyrics begin, King commands attention with a simple "Hmmmm, well...well." She has a strong presence that's conveyed immediately. King sings the blues with conviction and heart. She serves up a song like she's on a mission--a mission to share her music and her tales of truth, sorrow and love. King's earthy, powerful stylings reflect the attitude of a survivor rather than one of a victim.
"Daughter of the Blues" is a live album packed with high energy and soul. The musicians on this album shine throughout the fourteen selections. The guitar work of Phil Armetta and Kenneth "Hollywood" Scott is incredible! Armetta's hot licks on Preston Foster's "Got My Mojo Working" and "Woke Up This Morning" (B.B. King-Jules Taub) are wonderful! Scott's sweet, tantalizing licks on "Tell Mama" (Daniel-Carter-Terrel) and "Aggravation" (S. King) build excitement, winding around King's vocals.
Keith Hudson, Michael Sterling and Melvin Robinson, Jr. set up a strong, driving rhythm section. Charlie Kimble, "Big James" Montgomery and James Mayfield round off the band with some great horn playing! The Stevenson High School Jazz Band also plays on three selections, "The Thrill is Gone," "Everyday I Have the Blues," and "Why I Sing the Blues."
This powerful CD ends with Robert Johnson's " Sweet Home Chicago." King's enthusiasm is contagious, as she belts out, "Baby, don't you wanna go?" After listening to her new CD, "Daughter of the Blues," you'll be itchin' to go to Chicago--to catch Shirley King live at Hoxie's! Shirley King is not just a singer, she's a powerful entertainer!
Diva Records & Artist Management, Inc.
P.O. Box 25452
Chicago, IL 60625-0452
This review is copyright © 1999 by Lisa Gault, and Blues On Stage, all rights reserved.
