Karen Lawrence – The Blues Is Back
Self Released
www.facebook.com/KarenLawrenceBlueByNature/
10 tracks/46 minutes
Karen Lawrence returns to the blues with this album of all original tunes. Her career goes back to the 1980s where she dabbled in New Wave rock and pop. She switched to blues in the 1990s which, along with writing songs and singing in support of stars, has been her mainstay. She sang lead for Jeff Beck, she penned songs for big Hollywood films and for Barbra Streisand (“Prisoner” which has been covered by a plethora of big names). Lawrence also did a stint as backup singer for Aerosmith.
She is joined on this album by a number of artists and was recorded in two sessions. On drums are Thomas Southworth, Bobby Donoho, Ted Chast and Dan Potrach. Dale Parker, Sam Stephens and Ron Battle handle the bass duties. Tony Saracene is on guitars, organ, upright bass and more and Celso Salim is also on guitar. Max Butler is on organ and Saracene is on rhythm guitar. Lawrence is on all the vocals and adds some guitars, organ and piano on the title cut.
The album starts off with “Made To Move” which is a big. bluesin’ and rockin’ piece with a vibrant groove and passionate vocal work by Lawrence. Lots of guitar and some nice backing organ sell this one. “Easy” is next, a big blues ballad that showcases Lawrence and her softer side. Stinging guitar is featured on this sweet blues rock ballad. Next is “True Love” with some more heavy guitar licks and a md tempo beat that grabs at the listener. Lots of rocking blues once again. The it’s “I’m Comin’ Home,” a driving shuffle with Lawrence and Saracene leading the charge on vocals, guitar and slide. “Die Blues” rounds out the first half of the album. This is pretty much a straight, slow rock song with Lawrence laying her soul out for us.
The title track picks up the pace and is a lot more jumping as Lawrence and company bounce around and deliver an upbeat and cool cut. Guitar is predominant and the organ support is again slick and adds balance. Up next is another ballad entitled “Heaven’s Masterpiece.” Lawrence again gives an impassioned performance as she winds her way through this touching song. “Takeaway” follows, a somber piece that Lawrence delivers with feeling. Then it’s “Way Way Down,” a slow but intense cut where Lawrence gives a gutsy performance. The organ helps set the mood and there are some nice guitar licks, too. The finale is “Hold On To Me.” It gets a good groove going as the piano supports the effort well. Lawrence nails the vocals as she does throughout the album. Another well done guitar solo is featured to help close things out.
I am sure Karen Lawrence’s fans will enjoy this well-crafted set of tunes that she wrote and released on her own. Mixing blues and rock, she delivers ten great vocal performances, and the backing crew does a super job in support of the effort. I enjoyed the album and it is well worth giving it a listen!
