August Moon
MoMojo, 2025
9/10
The soul and blues singer Allison August brings her inimitable pipes to these 12 memorable and energetic tracks.
“Afraid Of Love” begins with Bryan Head's lively drums and Les Lovitt’s bright trumpet that suit August’s soaring pipes, and “Dashboard Madonna” follows with Mike Finnigan’s flowing keys and Don Teschner’s well timed violin in the rich and expressive climate.
Further down the line, “Blue Eyed Boy” welcomes Phil Parlapiano’s moody organ amid August’s soulful singing and David J. Carpenter’s playful guitar, while “Honey Jar” brings plenty of grooves via Carpenter’s frisky bass and no lack of vocal harmonies.
Closer to the end, “The Cure” makes great use guitar from Paul Barrere and Billy Watts amid Jimmy Z’s emotive harmonica, and “Born Yesterday” exits with some grit alongside Joe Sublett’s cozy sax that matches August’s colorful vocals.
A really diverse body of work that touches on funk, blues, rock, soul, and R&B, August’s performance is top notch and the players in attendance help flesh out the timelessness superbly.
Travels well with: Eric Bibb- In The Real World; Arlen Roth- Play Out The Strings