LA based Mahalia Barnes (daughter of Australian rock legend Jimmy Barnes) has teamed up with her band The Soul Mates to produce a sexy, sassy album of Betty Davis cover songs. The Soul Mates also feature a certain Joe Bonamassa on guitar, and he’s all over this album but while the usual blues have taken a backseat in favour of soul, funk and R&B, his signature guitar sound is still intact.
Betty Davis, once married to Miles Davis in the late 60’s, was regarded as something of a genre buster in her day, releasing several albums that defined description, although Barnes herself describes her as "wild, free, nasty, far, funky, intense, powerful and sexy”. A great description of this album.
Two things jumps out of the speakers for me. One is the production (from Kevin Shirley). The clarity of production, along what is clearly a phenomenally talented band makes this a wonderful listening experience whether on headphones or over the stereo, and the other is the power of Barnes’ voice. On song 7 of this 12 song set, she belts out that “I ain’t nothing but a nasty gal”……I”m not going to argue.
Opening track If I’m Lucky I Might Get Picked Up sets the trend with its stomping beat and sassy theme. The rest of the album continues in this passionate, defiant mood and anyone threatening to get in her way had better make room.
Give this album a go, even if R&B, Soul or Funk aren’t usually your thing, and take the time to appreciate the level of performance on show.
Keith @keithsmith4082
9/11
