Cry Out
Gulf Coast, 2020
9/10
Kat Riggins pulled out all the stops on this debut album for the Gulf Coast Label, where her robust version of blues comes with plenty of grit, melody, grooves and a whole lot of varied influences from R&B to country to gospel and so much more.
Riggins makes an immediate impression with the bluesy riffs and soaring vocals of the opener, “Son Of A Gun”, which is all power and melody, and “Cry Out” follows with soulful harmonica from Johnny Sansone as the warm guitar acrobatics mesmerize.
Further on, “Truth” really displays the strong vocal prowess of Riggins in an emotive yet playful atmosphere, while the stripped back “Hand In Hand” takes this a step further into gospel territory sans instruments. “Can You See Me Now”, one of the album’s best, then offers plenty of rhythm and precise melody in the bright setting where Brian Zielle displays incredible drumming.
Close to the end, “No Sale” recruits a bouncy, frisky tone that’s lively and rockin’, and “The Storm” finishes the listen with an ebullient outpouring of incredible singing amid a bare delivery that’s tense and sublime.
The always impressive Mike Zito is in attendance here as both producer and guitarist, as comparisons to Etta James and Koko Taylor are warranted about Riggins’ exceptional delivery. If you’re like me, and this is your first experience with Riggins, you’ll quickly want to explore her other 3 albums, cause Cry Out is nothing short of stunning.
Travels well with: Mike Zito & Friends- Rock’n’roll: A Tribute To Chuck Berry; Albert Castiglia- Wild And Free