Grainne Duffy – What Am I Supposed To Do
Independent
9 Tracks – 29 minutes
Grainne Duffy was born in Castleblayney, CO, Monagan, Ireland in a family of seven. Growing up her mother did not allow a television in their home. Instead, she did allow them to own a family record player, and each child was encouraged to get a new record for their birthday and for Christmas. Her love of music grew as she sang in the local choir and in a band with her sisters. In listening to those records, she discovered early Fleetwood Mac with Peter Green, whom she now considers a primary influence on her guitar playing. Grainne obtained a degree in music from NUO, Maynooth, Ireland.
After performing session work in several bands in Italy and France, Grainne launched her own solo career in 2007 with her debut album, Out of The Dark. This led to her supporting groups and opening for many acts including Robben Ford, The Yardbirds, and Little Feat. Following her second release, Test of Time, in 2011, she launched her solo career into high gear with tours across many European countries. In 2014 and in 2015 following the release of her third album, Grainne Duffy Live, her recognition was expanded with a tour of Canada and later in Germany. Blues Matters Writers Poll awarded her Best Vocals in 2014 and Best Artist in 2015. 2016 found her touring Australia. In 2017, she released her fourth album, Where I Belong, and followed that with “Dirt Woman Blues” In 2023. Her success has allowed her to play shows in Chicago and New Orleans and various festivals throughout the US.
Now nine years later, she has finally released her new studio album which was recorded in Los Angeles at 64 Sound Studios with co-producers Justin Stanley and Marc Ford. Marc was also a co-producer on her 2023 album and adds some guitar on this album. Grainne performing on guitar and vocals is joined by Kenny Aronoff, who has performed with Bob Dylan, John Mellencamp, Paul McCartneyand Bruce Springsteen among others. Jorgen Carlsson from Gov’t Mule on bass, and Peter Levin from Blind Boys of Alabama on keyboards completes her band line-up with Paul Sherry also joining on guitar on some cuts.
She leads off by exclaiming. “Early In the Morning” I am doing it for me. Baby, if you need it, I am giving it for free” and allows her to rock out on the guitar. She asks, “What Am I Supposed to Do” as she is “Hung up on love” and asks “Am I getting through to you?” But it reaches beyond her own personal turmoil as she also identifies “The whole world is crazy, fallin’ down outside”. She next declares “I am down on my knees begging you please. I am out of control on “Streets of Love”.
She advises that “Time and time again try to fling me around but I get back up again”. “Never thought it would be so hard. Tried my best to please you and now “Tearing Me Apart”. On a soulful “Tragedy” she explains ” I think I am one of the fools today, the way I made my baby cry. I can’t believe the stupid things I say.” “But if you ever take your love away from, that will be a tragedy”. She slows things down with the acoustic “Hurts Just the Same” as she moans “I cannot even want to tell you, but I just cannot lie.” When you say nothing it hurts just the same'” “I don’t want to let go, even though I do not try.”
“Time keeps slipping, slipping away.” and “Takin’ Me Heart Away”. “I am a little lost fool for you”. When we said it, I won’t do.” ” When you try to tear me down again and again” she concludes I “Got to Give It Up for You”. ” She concludes with the proclamation that I “Need Your Love So Bad”, originally recorded by Little Willie John in 1955 and again recorded by Fleetwood Mac with Peter Green in 1968.
Grainne’s vocals are strong with a slight rasp that reminds me of Bonnie Tyler. The songs on the album clearly deal predominantly with lost love with guitars swirling in her emotional appeals. The music is solid blues rock with a touch of soul.
