Whole Nother World
Booga/VizzTone, 2021
8/10
An animated and expressive vocalist who first impressed us with her 2013 debut album Cheat’n Man, Patti Parks returns with a follow up record, where Kenny Neal lends his inimitable talents to the 8 sturdy and well thought out tracks.
“I’m Trouble” starts the listen with plenty of soulful swagger as Parks’ strong and sassy vocals guide the playful keys, frisky drums and bright brass, and “More Than You’ll Ever Know” follows with a calmer pace of gentle guitar lines and versatile singing in the powerful blues climate.
In the middle, “Baby Bee” displays warm harmonica as a duet with Kenny Neal unfolds with a poetic quality amid a southern spirit, while “Stickin’ To My Guns” flows with no shortage of melody and rhythm to the bouncy, timeless blues formula.
“I Can’t Think” and “No Means No” bookend the listen, where the former is full of vibrant horns and strategic organ alongside Parks’ inviting pipes, and the latter finishes with retro rock’n’roll and funk traces as Parks exits far too soon on this energetic and charming listen.
A full time nurse and a regular performer for charity, Patti Parks may not be a name you’re immediately familiar with, but Whole Nother World is a record you won’t soon forget, as she brings Chicago Blues, Memphis Soul and bluesy funk to a highly memorable sophomore album.
Travels well with: Danielle Miraglia- Bright Shining Stars; Casey Hensley- Good As Gone