Minneapolis singer-songwriter Joyann Parker has been tagged as a blues and rhythm-and-blues singer. Still, the broader Americana label is a better fit for her versatility and expansive range and influences. Her new album is a showcase for the range of her talents with her collaborator on songs, guitarist Mark Lamoine. Also involved in this album was Kevin Bowe, who produced, engineered, and mixed this album. Parker herself plays guitar and keyboards on several tracks. Others on this recording include Tim Wick on keyboards, Brad Schaeffer on bass, and Bill Golden on drums and percussion.
Parker is a striking vocalist who can robustly belt out a lyric without sounding shrill. Her intonation, phrasing, and sense of dynamics also capture the listener's attention, while the backing is terrific on a recording whose 11 songs range from southern rock to gospel-tinged soul and straight rock and roll. Things kick off with the southern swampy feel of "Gone So Long," with Lamoine's slide guitar evoking Duane Allman as the intensity of her singing builds until the song's dramatic climax. Even more impressive is "Carry On." It is a song of perseverance, borrowing some of its lyrics from the Book of Isaiah. Then the mood shifts on the reflective soul ballad, "Bad Version of Myself," with Rory Hoffman's harmonica adding to the mood.
"Predator" was allegedly inspired by Amy Winehouse, which has a lyric about warning about those who are simply a devil with an angel's face. Set against a striking Latin groove and superbly sung, Dave Foley's muted trumpet adds to the tune's mood. Parker and the band (particularly Wick's piano and Dave Budimir's tailgating trombone) take us to New Orleans on "Dirty Rotten Guy." "Come on Baby (Take Me Dancing" comes off as a strong performance in the vein of early sixties Brill Building pop songs. Saxophonist Rick Manik takes a booting sax solo followed by Lamoine's hot fretwork.
After the rollicking rock'n'roll, "Hit Me Like a Train," the inspirational title track closes this album. It is an excellent close to an outstanding recording.
I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is a 2019 performance of "Carry On."
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