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Chicago-born singer and songwriter Skylar Rogers certainly lives up to her album's title, "Firebreather." Backed by her band, The Blue Diamonds, she self-describes her sound as “Soul Rockin’ Blues.“ Her band is comprised of guitarists, Stephen J Hill and Marty Gibson, keyboardist Pete Zimmer, bassist Jerry Ewing, and drummer “Disco Fuzz” Bradley Arl.
Musically, this is more in the vein of stomping, funky blues-rock than traditional blues, but there is no denying Rogers is a singer who grabs the listener's attention with her vocal dynamics and phrasing. Furthermore, the Blue Diamonds provide hard-hitting backing such as the hard-driving "Back to Memphis." She can shout yet never get shrill, yet sing a soulful ballad with nuance The ballad "Failure" is one of this reviewer's favorite tracks with the Blue Diamonds displaying restraint in their backing.
The title track is a funky rocker with a lyric of a cheating woman who will burn one's world to the ground. Twin guitars set the groove with an attention-grabbing riff for "Work," as she forcefully sings how she will work for love. Zimmer's soul-drenched organ is spotlighted here. There is a bit of country-soul flavor for "Movin' On," with a gospel-inspired backing vocal chorus on a lyric of hope and mercy. Then there is terrific blues performance, "Drowning" built upon Zimmer's piano motif. The accompaniment builds with intensity with some striking guitar along with a compelling vocal.
The varied material and a top-flight band impressively showcase Skylar Rogers commanding vocals on an outstanding album.
I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is a video of "Firebreather."
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