Live Review
Reneé Austin Band CD Release Party
Bunker’s, Minneaplis
October 18, 2003
by Rich Benson
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"Keeping the Blues Alive Award" Achievement for Blues on the Internet Presented by The Blues Foundation
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Striding out on stage with her hair down straight, wearing a subtle black dress, and tall black boots, Reneé proceeded to light up the room with her big, powerful voice, boundless energy that had her in nearly constant motion, and big, infectious smile. If you can’t have fun at a Reneé Austin show, then you just aren’t capable of having any fun at all. She kicked things off with her hip shaking, roof raising delivery on “Little Bit of Texas.” This song from her first CD, dancing with Mr. Blue, had Reneé going down low, full-throated and sultry, and then soaring high with the passion she feels for the music. New lead guitarist Baby Jake immediately made his presence felt, playing a solid lead with great tone. The first song from the new CD, Sweet Talk, was the up-tempo, upbeat blues of “When Something Is Wrong.” Her powerful vocals, incredible range, and deep passion drove the song as she sang while playing keyboards.
Reneé has great voice control and power throughout her nearly 5 octave range. She shows it all on the new song, “Fool Moon” which is one of the best from her new CD. This beautiful, torchy song, an original written by Reneé, has her going from low and sultry, into her mid-range, and then soaring high with emotion. This number allows her to reveal nearly all of her vocal talents. The song has a retro feel, hearkening back to the days of Billie Holiday or a young Aretha Franklin. Reneé showed her great, low, slow sensual vocal stylings on “Pour the Sugar Slowly” off the CD. “Pretend We Never Met” had long time friend and fellow musician Mick Sterling rushing over from his gig at Whiskey Junction during his break to sing a powerful duet with Reneé. On the CD, Delbert McClinton does the honors.
All night Reneé had a host of guest musicians who helped out on the CD perform with her. Dik Shopteau on bass, Andy Dee on slide guitar, and Joe T. Cook on harp. “Not Alone” is a powerful blues original by Reneé. Here Joe’s fluid, expressive harp, fast with great trills made for a nice addition to Reneé’s thoaty vibrato and great, long held notes on this rocking blues number. Reneé had the standing room only crowd and dance floor all rocking with the powerful, driving blues of “Bitter Water.” Marc Bohn’s steady, heavy throbbing drums and Andy’s strong slide guitar served as a solid foundation for her expressive vocals. After a short break, Reneé sang a moving medley of traditional gospel songs, acapella, sitting in a chair at the front of the stage. With such a strong, expressive voice, and great vocal control, it may have been the most impressive part of her show. She then brought up John Coleman on keyboards to accompany her on “Can’t Nobody Love You Like I Do.” Her vocals shined on this classic with just the right amount of instrumentation behind her.
Reneé wrapped up a great night of music with a few more songs from both her CD’s. “Put Your Pillow in the Bathtub” rocked with the energy and enthusiasm of a wronged woman. Reneé sang with humor and attitude, and a great vocal flourish at the end. “Bury the Hatchet,” from the new CD, is a bold, up-tempo blues number with attitude. It talks about burying the hatchet all right, but leaves open the question of where. All night Reneé was dancing, smiling, and singing her heart out for the large, enthusiastic crowd. Her backing band of Baby Jake on lead guitar, Neil on bass, Marc on drums, and John on Hammond B-3 and keyboards has not been together that long, yet they sounded tight, solid and ready for the big time.
At the end of the night the sweaty dancers, blues fans, fellow musicians, and all Reneé’s friends and family had been treated to a great musical show. The crowd was huge, standing room only. And fans showed their appreciation and love for Reneé and her music. With the increased press and attention her new CD will bring her, the sky is the limit for the Reneé Austin Band.
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