Shemekia Copeland - "The Soul Truth" (Alligator Records)
If you're already a fan of blues singer Shemekia Copeland you'll be
happy to know she's made the best album of her career. The Soul Truth is
the third album from the daughter of the late great bluesman Johnny
Copeland, and is Ms. Copeland's funkiest, grittiest, blues-iest rockin'
record yet.
What makes The Soul Truth so convincing and fun to listen to is that it
pairs Copeland's talent for belting out a tune with flair and excitement
with a producer and songwriter and guitarist who knows more than his
share about R&B and blues.
The producer is Steve Cropper, a legendary guitarist and member of
Booker T & The MG's who played guitar on almost every song ever recorded
on the Stax-Volt label in the 1960's & '70's and then some. As a
co-writer of songs like "Sittin' On The Dock Of The Bay," and "In The
Midnight Hour," Cropper is also the Steve that Sam & Dave say "Play it
Steve" when they shout him out during their hit, "Soul Man." Do I need
to convince you any more of this man's legacy? I hope not.
Joining Copeland and Cropper on the album for special appearances are
Dobie Gray, Felix Cavaliere, former Genesis and Frank Zappa drummer
Chester Thompson, the Muscle Shoals Horns and sax player Jim Horn. The
playing is inspiring; on the album you get real in-the-studio
performances from Shemekia and the band steeped in the sweet sounds of
old Memphis classics but with a updated, contemporary feel. And boy can
this woman sing her heart out.
Written by Bruce Warren
Release Date: August 16, 2005
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