Danielle Miraglia Bright Shining Stars

Danielle Miraglia
Bright Shining Stars
VizzTone

Boston-based Danielle Miraglia has straddled musical genres from folk, Americana-roots, and blues as a solo artist and with her band the Glory Junkies. There have been comparisons made of her to Bonnie Raitt and Lucinda Williams. This new album highlights the folk-blues aspect of her music. It is an entertaining mix of her attractively sung renditions of classic blues with her original originals that range from blues-rooted to folk-country. She is aided on her performances by the viola of Laurence Scudder, the guitar of Peter Parcek, and the harmonica of Richard Rosenblatt.

With a gentle foot stomp, her mesmerizing guitar riff, and Scudder's melancholic viola, a brief instrumental "Sounds Like Home" leads into her rendition of "See See Rider." She is a striking singer who provides a slight folk tinge with a clean as spring water voice. Scudder's doleful viola accentuates this. Miraglia mixes in choice originals like the topical "Pick Up the Gun," a protest against gun violence as she sings that another should pick up a gun to give her a reason to shoot. Then there is "You're Gonna Make Me Lonesome When You `Go," with Parcek's stinging guitar has a feel of a Tracy Chapman styled blues. Her heartfelt singing matches her distinctive lyrics. Another similar original is "Meet Me In the Morning," with her strong guitar playing with Rosenblatt adding harmonica.

There is plenty of charm in her cover of Keb Mo's "You Can Love Yourself," with Parcek's use of sustain giving his backing a steel guitar flavor. Miraglia renders a reflective interpretation of Tampa Red's "When Things Go Wrong," although her version is based on Big Bill Broonzy's recording. She accompanies herself very effectively, displaying technique as well as restraint.

Other tracks include intriguing covers of songs by Janis Joplin and Robert Johnson. Danielle Miraglia has a melodious voice with considerable appeal, and with the backing provided, has produced a gem of roots music.

I received my review copy from VizzTone. Here Danieel performs "Sounds Like Home," and "See See Rider."