Lorna Willhelm's "I Feel Good with the Blues" is filled with fun dancin' tunes and some lighthearted blues. Her voice is very pretty and melodic--and she adds a little Texas twang to some of her rockin', swingin' boogie and blues. Willhelm kicks off the album with Ike Turner's fun classic, "Fool in Love."
Rex Willhelm's, "Good Girl Feelin' Blue" seems to have been written just for Lorna. (Her voice just isn't rough or edgy enough to sound like a "bad girl!") The words, "Talkin' to the shadows, he's got her walkin' on the floor. She's makin' love to memories from one o'clock to four. When the mornin' finds her at a table set for two. Cigarettes and coffee....Just a good girl feelin' blue."
"Fat Cat's Tattoos" (Rex Willhelm) is a cool, jazzy tune that showcases the great rhythm section. Willhelm's sweet vocals sound relaxed and "at home" in this tune. She even adds some nice scat singing. The truest blues tune on this album is Dwight Davis and Alex Hodge's "Hey Now." Willhelm moves back to boogie with Joe Josea and Richard Berry's, "Good Rockin' Daddy", and "rocks on" with Margaret Lewis and Myra Smith's, "Soul Shake." These tunes would be a blast to catch live!
Willhelm slows down with a solid, moving "Cry Me a River" by Arthur Hamilton. Her vocal stylings are mirrored by the sweet sax playing by Rob Page. Willhelm is backed by some talented musicians who really compliment her singing. The bass playing by Dick Gimble stands out in particular. (Gimble also was the producer of this album.) Rob Page plays a nice tenor and alto sax. Guitarist Ken Frazier plays a solid guitar, and Bill Howard and Larry Rochelle top off a great rhythm section on keys and drums respectively. Lorna Willhelm's CD, "I Feel Good With the Blues" is filled with fun music that gives us a taste of what I'd guess would be a fantastic show to catch live!
Poundcat Music
Dick Gimble, Producer
This review is copyright © 2000 by Lisa Gault, 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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