Cathy Grier + The Troublemakers — I’m All Burn
Cathy Grier has released her fourteenth album ‘I’m All Burn’ in which she enlisted the musical talent of her new home Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin having moved there in 2016. This sixteen-track offering opens with the title track which deals with the subject of gender equality covering issues of imagery and pay.
The backing vocals on ‘Get Me Away’ by Deirdre Fellner and Liv Mueller are smooth and pleasant on the ear alongside Grier’s textured lead vocal. Then you have these Tower Of Power-Esque horns courtesy of Andrew Spadafora (horn captain, saxophones), Joe Niemann (trumpet) and Mike Lizzo (trombone). The sultry ‘Backroad Blues’ is a highlight with its fiery lyrics and fluid harmonica tone by Steve Cohen. I’m reminded of singer-songwriter Gretchen Peters in terms of the emotive storyteller material.
Time to bring in Grier’s electric guitar on ‘Cool Trick’ with its vintage Seventies production. ‘Key To My Survival’ showcases her songwriting chops as it was co-written with Julia McConahay and Troy Therrien during the annual Love On Holiday (LOH) songwriting week in Wisconsin. The groovy ‘Good Thing’ features a rip-roaring harmonica solo from Billy Flynn with Jimmy Voegeli adding some clavinet to the cut.
The night-time sounding ‘Roots Run Deep’ includes an appearance from Greg Koch with a slick guitar solo that just pours out the speakers like honey. A surprising take on the Bobbie Gentry classic ‘Ode To Billy Joe’ is re-worked into a bluesy stomp that suits Grier’s voice and I respect the fact that she has put her own style on the song.
In conclusion, ‘I’m All Burn’ is an album with sheer musical talent and a clear understanding of song structure. A journey through a variety of styles and inspirations with something for everyone.
Cathy Grier + The Troublemakers new album ‘I’m All Burn’ is out now. For more information visit www.cathygrier.com
Jo Harrop – Beautiful Fools (Single)
Jazz vocalist and songwriter Jo Harrop will release her new album ‘ The Path Of A Tear’ in June 2024. The first single to be taken from the album is called ‘Beautiful Fools’.
Joanne Shaw Taylor – All The Way From America (Single)
British blues-rock artist Joanne Shaw Taylor has had a steady stream of single releases in 2023 “Sweet ‘Lil Lies’, “Black Magic” and “Wild Love” through Joe Bonamassa’s Journeyman Records.
RHODES – Toothpaste (Single)
Hertfordshire-raised, London-based singer/songwriter RHODES first captured everyone’s attention with a series of EPs leading up to the release of his acclaimed 2015 debut album Wishes (via Sony Music).
Phoenix Lake – Fractured Wings (Single)
Phoenix Lake are a melodic metal four-piece from Nottingham, United Kingdom and they have recently released their new single ‘Fractured Wings’.
Steve Balsamo – Snow Angels (Single)
Vocalist and musician Steve Balsamo has been very busy in 2023 with not only his his solo music and collaborative projects but also his work with Grand Ambition at the Swansea Grand Theatre in Swansea, South Wales.
