Tullie Brae – Revelation
10 songs, 38:44 minutes
Tullie Brae started singing in the Louisiana church where her Father was pastor, near the Mississippi delta, the home of the Blues. At a young age she became the choir director and began touring in Gospel groups. Her base in gospel was a relatively easy transition to the blues.
Her vocal range is as wide as her musical choices, Delta Blues, hard driving rock blues, and ballads. In addition to the lead vocals on her new album, Brae plays many instruments. She plays Hammond SK1, Hammond B-3, grand piano, and cigar box slide guitar. If that’s not enough she also penned all ten songs on Revelation. Ms. Brae has headlined festivals and shared the stage with B. B. King Taj Mahal, Bonnie Raitt and Coco Montoya to name a few.
Blues-E-News magazine named her one of the top 25 Women in music. The Rock Doctor, John Kereiff stated that “Revelation is a blues record with gospel passion that should be heard by as many people possible”
In addition to Brae there are numerous artists on the album. The players include: Jeff Jensen (Guitar & hand claps-he also produced the album); Bill Ruffino (bass and hand claps); David Green (drums); Rick Steff (Fender Rhodes, Wurlitzer and additional organ); James Cunningham (percussion and additional drums); Susan Marshall and Dauniele Hill (Backing Vocals); Mick Kolassa (Hand claps and backing vocals); Brad Webb and Sturgis Nikides (slide guitar); Brandon Santini (Harmonica); Alice Hasan (Violin); Myra Hall (Viola); and Alisa Horn (Cello).
Revelation begins with “Price of the Blues”. Tullie wastes no time to show her vocal range here. Her organ solo is wonderful and the lead guitar is outstanding. In Seven Bridges she opens with a vocal solo then some backing vocals are added to song to give a spiritual feel. “Mississippi Rain” is a moving slow blues number with a soulful sound
“Break the Chains” is a bold song with a driving beat. The vocals jump out and grab you before Santini’s harmonica solo. At the albums halfway point Ms. Brae gives us the ballad “New Shoes” Her writing in this tune compares a relationship to the shoes. One again her singing shines throughout. “Devil in Deville” is another solid song with a throaty sound bass that gives the feeling to the offering and mixes well with the vocals. Next is a ballad with heart “Ain’t No good” and again the singing shines brightly.
“Watch He Move” is a story about a strong woman who is a single mother on her own. Tullie’s vocals as well as the backing vocals are superb and the lead guitar work is among the best on the album. “Shine” A slow dance style number is a throwback to my youth and school dances. The album closes with “Thank You Mom” which is a tribute to her Mother.
