Midnight Blues
True North, 2022
9/10
The exceptional artist Crystal Shawanda is armed with an incredible voice, and here she brings us 10 robust and flowing tracks of balladry, rockin’ moments and firm layers of dynamic and timeless song craft.
The powerful and rugged title track opens the listen with Shawanda’s sturdy pipes amid Dewayne Strobel’s thick guitar in the timeless blues formula, and “What Kind Of Man Is This” benefits from crisp drums and well timed keys, as Shawanda’s expressive singing is nothing short of stunning.
“Why Do I Love You” lands in the middle and showcases R&B nods amid soulful backing vocals, while “EVIL” makes great use of spirited harmonica and gritty melodies in the Willie Dixon original.
Closer to the end, “Hold Me” finds a very playful place to reside with its lively piano rockin’ fun, and “Take A Little Walk With The Moon” exits with a very cautious yet adventurous delivery of Shawanda’s fusion vision.
There’s 6 originals and 4 covers here, and Shawanda certainly makes the interpretations all her own as she continues to prove just why she’s one of the most exciting artists in blues today.
Travels well with: Amanda Monroe- Rosegold; Gretchen Peters- Dancing With The Beast