Lady A – Satisfyin’
Lady A Productions, 2021
10 songs, 44 minutes
Seattle-based powerhouse, Lady A, has a voice that jumps out and speaks to your soul. Her latest release, Satisfyin’, delivers inspiring positivity as well as sharing some down-home storytelling that evokes wonderful visual images. Lady A co-wrote six of the ten songs on the album, and John Oliver III wrote or co-wrote nine of the ten, and also contributed his talent on drums, bass, keyboards and backing vocals. Several of the songs encourage us to live in the moment and recognize all for which we are grateful. The opening number, “Whatever You Do”, prompts us to “seize the moment, don’t waste your life away…sing from your soul. The words you sing can make somebody whole!” The funky title track echoes that sentiment, noting that “you ought to live it to the fullest and make sure it’s satisfyin’”. Lady A reinforces positivity for one’s body image with “Big Momma,” during which she notes, “I’m big and beautiful, I can’t wear a size 10.” And she pays tribute to Rosetta Stone, Nina Simone, Betty LaVette and many others in “Blues on my Mind”.
“Miss Beula Mae” tells an intriguing story of a venue owner who “wore a size 22…her wig might be crooked, but she takes care of business. In her bosom she carries a switchblade. Don’t bring no drama. I told you—Miss Beula don’t play!” The sound of the crowd clinking dishes as they eat, and Lady A reminiscing about times Miss Beula proved she “don’t play” are a wonderful ending to this track. “Blues, Soul, Catfish and Fried Wings” offers an equally inviting image and likely makes the listeners wish they had grown up in Lady A’s hometown.
One reference to her legal battle with country band Lady Antebellum is referenced in “For the People in the Back” as she relates how “they tried to take my name”. And a hopeful, gospel feel is found in both “Brighter Day” and “Heaven Help Us”.
Overall, this is an interesting and uplifting album that will not only have the listeners admiring Lady A’s stunning vocals, but also hanging on to every word of the lyrics as well.