A Tribute To Denise LaSalle
Music Makes, 2023
8/10
Listen to A Tribute To Denise LaSalle
The Birmingham R&B and blues legend Aretta Woodruff brings her powerful pipes to the songs of Denise LaSalle, and she pays tribute to her mentor via the diverse 10 tracks.
The soulful and retro-spirit of “Blues Reputation” begins the listen with Woodruff’s soaring voice alongside soothing backing vocals, and “May The Funk Be With You” follows with indeed plenty of funk fun that will get your body moving to the lively grooves.
“There Ain’t Enough Hate Around” lands in the middle and uses warm guitar and pretty vocal harmonies that complement Woodruff’s expressive singing, while the horn filled “Keep It Coming” is full of crisp drums, too, and no lack of melody.
“What It Takes Got Get A Good Woman” and “Trapped By A Thing Called Love” exit the listen, where the former is a bit more firm and carries some grit, and the latter offers bright brass and warm keys that suit Woodruff’s inimitable delivery superbly.
The listen that focuses on LaSalle’s early years, each track is a heartfelt love letter to LaSalle’s family and the inspiration from legends like Whitney House and Aretha Franklin sure is appreciated.
Travels well with: Leonard ‘Lowdown’ Brown- Blues Is Calling Me; Gail Ceaser- Guitar Woman Blues