The Lucky Losers Godless Land

The Lucky Losers
Godless Land
Vizztone

"Godless Land" is the latest recording from The Lucky Losers. Leading the band are by singer Cathy Lemons and singer-harmonica player Phil Berkowitz. The other members of the group are Ian Lamson on lead & rhythm guitars; Chris Burns on keyboards; Endre Tarczy on bass; and Derrick "D'Mar" Martin on drums. This album was recorded at Kid Andersen's Greaseland Studios and Kid Andersen guests on (lead & rhythm guitars, lap steel, organ, piano, Mellotron, sitar, and percussion. Michael Peloquin plays saxophones and adds the horn arrangements for one selection on which Mike Rose plays trumpet.

Like The Lucky Losers' previous two albums, this is a first-rate CD of blues, rhythm and blues, and roots rock. Nine of the twelve songs are originals by either Lemons or Berkowitz. Former Charles Brown bandleader Danny Caron co-wrote three of Berkowitz's songs. One wonders whether the fact the songs seem to linger in one's head after listening is because the songs are so well-crafted, or the performances are wonderful. The tight ensemble backing throughout is top-notch with subtle, intricate instrumental fills adding to one's enjoyment. I have been a Cathy Lemons fan since listening to her 2014 album "Black Crow," about which I commented about the "natural, relaxed and soulful quality" of her singing. She continues to impress me as an exceptional singer. If Phil Berkowitz is not quite as impressive a vocalist, he still is a real fine singer who complements her throughout.

Things start with Lemons' funky Memphis soul groover, "Half Of Nothing," with her forthright singing with Berkowitz displaying his harmonica talents. Kid Andersen and Lemons collaborated on the bouncy rhythms of the title track with lyrics set against trebly accompaniment. Berkowitz takes the appealing vocal lead on the crisply played "Mad Love Is Good Love" with Lemons adding a harmony vocal on a performance evoking late sixties and early seventies classic rock. Another choice pop-soul performance is Berkowitz's "Can't Keep Pretending" with a full-hearted singing.

The duet performances by the two are very much in the manner of Mickey and Sylvia as they trade playful banter between themselves. It is appropriate that they cover a lesser-known Mickey and Sylvia hot shuffle, "No Good Lover." They follow this song with an interpretation of Doc Pomus- Mac Rebennack's "Be Good" with Burns' piano evoking Rebennack and Andersen's use of sitar adding to the flavor of this performance. This performance most clearly displays the affection they have for each other. As good as these performances are, "Catch Desire By The Tail," maybe the standout track as the two exchange praises how they complement each other set against sterling backing. Then there is the delightful reworking of a 1930 Clara Smith and Lonnie Johnson duet, "What Makes You Act Like That," There is some neat acoustic guitar and Berkowitz's acoustic harmonica that enhance the duo's playful repartee.

A country-roots lament from Lemons closes this album. Like their previous recordings, there are first-rate songs, superb singing, and terrific playing. As I wrote reviewing their first album, there is not a bum note on this recording. They may call themselves the Lucky Losers, but listeners are big winners with their music.

I received my review copy from VizzTone. Here is a recent live performance by The Lucky Losers.