I remember Beth Hart's first couple of records in the late 90's but I wasn't too crazy about her voice or her songwriting. She had been on Star Search and the story was her difficult youth as a talented teen in LA, singing in bars at the age of 16. Well, she chose to live that party life, threw away academics, and tried to become a star. Ed McMahon's show gave her national exposure and that got her the deal with Atlantic. The label pushed her with promos and pricing support, but I just couldn't take that warble in her voice and forbade any in-store play while I was around. Never thought much about her since. Only saw her name again recently while researching Dana Fuchs and her latest album. Saw one comment that read, "If Beth Hart had Dana Fuchs' looks, she'd be a much bigger and better star." The girl has a lot of loyal fans. Girl, hell, she's almost 40, and yes, she looks the part of "rode hard, put away wet".
So imagine my surprise when I hear that the hardest working American in Rock music today, Joe Bonamassa (had to say American because Steven Wilson has the title in Europe), was doing an entire album of obscure blues covers with her in essentially a weekend. Moderately intrigued by JB's inclusion and graced with a gratis copy, I anxiously stuck it in the jukebox and let it unfold. And unfold, it did. Right off the bat, I could sense the guitar work wasn't going to sit behind Hart's voice and keyboards. It was equal. Kept thinking I was hearing JB singing in the early tracks, but then I'd realize it was Hart. Where had this vocal style been? Had I missed this change in the last dozen years? This covered material really works for her, as she sings/growls/belts her way through blues, jazz & soul. It must be the borrowed titles, and I'll bet those were some fun conversations during the selection process. Chosen were songs written and/or performed by Lowell Fulson, Tom Waits, Bill Withers, Billie Holiday, Etta James, Brook Benton and Aretha Franklin. But these aren't widely-known songs, so there will be a freshness to them for most of you.
I honestly didn't expect much from this effort, but I was truly blown away. Let me just list the names elicited by a few spins, other than previously listed: Blondie, Deep Purple, Janis Joplin, Alanis Morrissette, Robert Plant, Melissa Etheridge and Roger Chapman (I just heard a collective scream, "WHO?"... you will be expected to answer that question on the test). Anyone catch that the list contains a few DUDES? JB doesn't sing here, remember (well, one duet), but can the boy play guitar or WHAT? About 3:45 into this Bobby "Blue" Bland cover, if you are not moved by this solo, then..............nevermind..............go away...........
Did I mentioned I was blown away by this album? Those of you who know me are aware of my disdain for two-minute songs. There is an exception to that rule on this record. On several other songs, I would think, "man, this is awesome!" and look down to see the counter in the 2-minute range. Yeah, "Don't Explain" is solid early and often. There should be a Grammy nomination mentioned somewhere, and another for JB as Artist of the Year as far as I'm concerned, lest ye not forget BCC2 and Dust Bowl. I hope he got some...
Have I said anything yet about being blown away by this record?
I'd forgotten Roger Chapman, but yes that is a very solid comparison as far as vocal styles go.
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