Edge Of A Hurricane
Self-Released, 2024
8/10
The longtime singer and guitar player Katie Oates brings all original songs to this 5th album, where Chris Rosser, Parker Foley, River Guerguerian and Lynn Rosser are in attendance for the well thought out tracks.
The expressive and eloquent “Reason Enough” opens with Oates’ poetic singing alongside warm acoustic guitar, and “Up In The Air” follows with Guerguerian’s fluid drums complementing the cozy guitar and articulate storytelling.
Into the middle, the emotive “Trouble Walk On By” welcomes Chris Rosser’s sturdy electric guitar in the bluesy, gospel influenced climate, while “Dark Clouds” makes great use of Foley’s strategic bass for the thumping and thicker rocker which puts Lynn Rosser’s harmony vocals to use.
Near to the end, the mature piano and heartfelt “Love Will Find A Way” allows Oates’ captivating voice to shine, and “Shoo Be” exits with a playful spirit via the charming bass, animated scatting, crisp drums and firm keys.
A record with both thoughtful balladry and louder moments of dynamic song craft, Oates can pen a song you won’t soon forget, and there’s 13 here rooted in folk, blues, jazz and Americana to enjoy.
Travels well with: Claudia Gibson- The Fields Of Chazy; Ben Gage- Two Singing Songs