C.D. REVIEW: CONNIE LUSH AND BLUES SHOUTER "LIVE AT THE ALBERT HALL"


Connie Lush and Blues Shouter release their third album which they recorded live at the Albert Hall in July 1998 when they supported B.B. King.
This is a 'warts and all' recording with no overdubs, and a top notch sound quality that presumably Mr. King's sound technicians helped out with.

The set starts off with a blues/rock number "I'll sing the blues for you", with Connie in fine voice, very melodic one moment then almost growling the next! Guitarist John Lewis lays down a meaty riff which builds up to a tasty little solo.

"Keep me hanging on" has another nice guitar lick over which Connie sings with that 'a-pleading and a-begging' style, similar to Janis Joplin. The song also has a
country feel about it, but it sits in there very well indeed.

She also excels on the Billy Holliday number "Now baby or never", and turns the Big Mamma Thornton classic "One monkey" into her own, oozing her charm, bawdy humour and personality all over it.

Connie's self penned numbers "Can we love again" [with help from her husband/bassist Terry Harris], "Doctor, doctor", and "Dog" fit snugly into the set which also includes a nice mixture of Chicago blues, West coast Swing and Blues/rock. ["Can we love again" and "Doctor, doctor" are the slow-burners which build up to stunning climax's.] 

Guitarist John Lewis also contributes to the writing with his song, "House straight", which is a swing blues that has a lovely flowing guitar solo and a tight bass line from Terry.

In fact Terry and drummer Carl Woodward are the hard driving groove-masters, who keep everything together throughout the performance. They can also restrain the vibe when required and back Connie and John with subtle control. 

"Dog" is a slide guitar Texas blues where Connie almost makes it sound like a Tina Turner number with her warmth and delivery. She can also slow it down to a ballad like on the old Ray Charles song "You don't know me" where she sings softly to John's soulful guitar. This number really highlights Connie's voice, so melodic and powerful with perfect pitch and delicate phrasing.

The c.d. ends with a Tony Joe White tune "Out of the rain", which was covered by one of Connie's favourite lady singers Etta James. " This again is played with plenty of gusto and delivered in a style that Etta James would be proud.

Throughout this live set , Connie and the band never put a foot wrong. The rhythm section are as tight as the proverbial duck's a***, and in John Lewis, a very fine guitarist.

It will have to take someone really special to stop Connie regaining her crown next year as the Best British Female Blues Vocalist. Certainly on this evidence she will take some beating!

This c.d. is a true reflection of their live work and a must for any serious British blues fan's collection.

[Media: CONNIE LUSH AND BLUES SHOUTER "LIVE AT THE ALBERT HALL"]

Available on BLUES SHOUTER PRODUCTIONS BS 9452.
MIKE PRENDERGAST.