4801 South Indiana Avenue
Keeping The Blues Alive, 2021
8/10
Listen to 4801 South Indiana Ave
A Chicago blues guitarist and singer-songwriter, Joanna Connor’s career has been nothing if not consistently great, and here she’s back with her 14th album that was even produced by the almighty Joe Bonamassa.
“Destination” starts the listen with thumping drums and Connor’s wailing, bluesy guitar as keys and plenty of rhythm enter the raging opener that benefits from raw, soulful singing, and “Come Back Home” follows with playful keys from Reese Wynans guiding the emotive and powerful slide guitar.
Near the middle, “I Feel So Good” boogies heavily amid strategic vocal techniques and Lamer Carter’s powerhouse drumming, while “For The Love Of A Man”, which takes nods to Albert King, flows with bright brass alongside Connor’s soaring pipes and high energy blues. “Please Help”, one of the best present, then pays homage to Hound Dog Taylor, as plenty of gritty melody and guitar acrobatics impress us in immeasurable ways.
Close to the end, the cathartic “Part Time Love” tips its hat to Chicago blues as Connor’s versatile pipes are on display alongside stirring horns, and “It’s My Time” exits the listen with careful spoken word as a slide guitar duet between Connor and Josh Smith add much agility to the nearly psyche-rock flavored finish.
The album title was the actual street address of Theresa’s Lounge, a venue for blues magic, and this listen takes a similar path by giving us the best seat in the house to absorb Joanna Connor’s authentic spirit that embraces all the hallmarks of timeless blues that we will never tire of.
Travels well with: Casey Hensley- Good As Gone; Annika Chambers- Kiss My Sass