Bettye Lavette Blackbirds

Bettye Lavette
Blackbirds
Verve

"Blackbirds" is the latest recording from the great Bettye Lavette. This recording is Lavette's celebration of some iconic black women artists by performing songs associated with these women. It is produced by Steve Jordan, who produced Lavette's Grammy-nominated "Things Have Changed." Musically it has the clean, austere setting providing a backdrop for her sharp, at times, acidic delivery. The personnel includes guitarist Smokey Hormel, keyboardist Leon Pendarvis, drummer Steve Jordan, and bassist Tom Barney.

Her approach certainly is spot on for the opening Nina Simone's "I Don't Hold No Grudge," with her singing providing emphasis to the pain of the lyrics with a stinging closing guitar solo from Hormel. Sharon Robinson contributed a somber "One More Song," that Lavette pours her heart into singing about one more broken story line. Another gem is a spellbinding interpretation of Della Reese's torch song "Blues For the Weepers." She opens a stellar rendition of Ruth Brown's "Book of Lies" unaccompanied as she recalls the broken promises of her ex-lover who broke her heart.

Lavette's rendition of Lil Green's "In the Dark" (originally titled "Romance In the Dark") has a brooding sensuality to it with a sharp guitar solo. It is followed by a stark, reflective take on Dinah Washington's "Drinking Again." It says so much about Lavette's ability to make a song her own that the delivery of the harrowing imagery of "Strange Fruit" is almost as memorable as Billie Holiday's original recording. That is high praise of her interpretive powers. Buddy Johnson's "Save Your Love For Me" has been recorded by countless artists. One of the earliest versions was Nancy Wilson's with Cannonball Adderly, which is the inspiration of Lavette's pleading rendition of this modern classic.

With Hormel's spare guitar anchoring the backing, Lavette closes this recording with her interpretation of The Beatles' "Blackbird," again displaying how she can impart so much emotion in a song. One suspects that this outstanding release will garner Bettye LaVette more Grammy nominations. She is an American classic artist.

I received my review download from a publicist. Here is Bettye Lavette singing "Blackbird," in 2017.

The Reverend Shawn Amos Tells It

Shawn Amos’ “The Reverend Shawn Amos Tells It” (Put Together) is recording containing covers of some classic blues with a few originals. Amos is the son of Wally “Famous” Amos and R&B singer Shirlee May, who grew up in Los Angeles in the 1970’s when his father was booking legendary Motown acts like Marvin Gaye.

Produced by Steve Jordan, Amos’ vocals and harmonica are supported by his trio of Don Medina (drums), Chris Roberts (guitar) and Ed Terrio (bass), along with Anthony Marinelli (Hammond B-3 organ) and Gia Ciambotti and Kim Yarbrough (vocals). It opens with a straight cover of Junior Wells Delmark LP rendition of "Hoodoo Man Blues" with the guitar perhaps a bit too up front in the mix. Shawn Amos certainly sings with animation yet avoids going over the top.

“(The Girl Is) Heavy" is a number with somewhat simple lyrics and a pretty direct approach with the guitarist making evocative use of tremolo while "I'm the Face" is a swamp blues rock that adapts "Got Love If You Want It" melody as Amos sings about being the big wheel. There is some restrained guitar playing on this this which contrasts with the guitar fireworks on the cover of Elmore James’ "Something Inside Of Me." My complaint is the guitar is mixed too upfront in the mix. Amos certainly sings with fervor although he will not make people forget Elmore James, but is not too shabby.

Junior Wells’ influence is also evident on rendition of "Good Morning, School Girl" including adapting Well's vocal mannerisms such as "hey hey" and “ooh ooh wee.” The album closes with a passionate plea whether his woman even notices he is here, "Sometimes I Wonder.” There is nothing new here, but Amos brings a fair amount of personality to his performances and brings plenty of fervor to this recording.

I received from a publicist and Rev. Shawn Amos has a new recording which I look forward to listening to. This review originally appeared in the November-December 2014 Jazz & Blues Report (Issue 357).  Here is a video of the making of this recording.