Progeny
Gulf Coast, 2022
9/10
The always impressive blues/soul singer Kat Riggins returns with 13 new tracks that illuminate her transparent and vulnerable song craft that takes into account the influence her mom and dad had on her.
“Walk On” gets the listen off to a powerful and rugged start, where Riggins’ sturdy pipes align well with the thick guitar and pounding drums, and “Sinkin’ Low” follows with a warm groove entering the soulful and wise lyrics.
Elsewhere, the shuffling pace of “In My Blood” will get you digging out your dancing shoes to the swift piano and punchy climate, while “My City” welcomes Albert Castiglia on guitar and Busta Free’s rap prowess in the funk friendly album highlight.
Closer to the end, “Woahman” showcases Melody Angel’s meticulous guitar alongside Riggins’ expressive and commanding pipes, and “40 25:40” exits the listen with a frisky, rootsy flavor that’s got a bit country, plenty of soul and a healthy amount of blues.
Riggins is joined by an impressive cast of players here, where Mike Zito (guitar), Matthew Johnson (drums), Doug Byrkit (bass) and Lewis Stephens (keys) provide the backbone to this diverse body of work that warrants comparisons to Tina Turner or Etta James.
Travels well with: Dave Weld & The Imperial Flames- Nightwalk; Dylan Triplett- Who Is He?