Wanna Feel Somethin’, the debut album from Mary Bridget Davies does indeed feel something like an artist on verge of bigger things. Fresh on the heels of their second place finish at the 2011 international blues challenge, Davies and her crack four piece band recorded this ten song set in Kansas City, augmented by a hot horn section. The tracks all showcase the amazing vocals of Davies, who starred in the musical Love- Janis and toured with Big Brother and the Holding Co. in 2006. But don’t be fooled this diva is no Janis Joplin wanna be, her powerhouse vocals are more of a cross between Joss Stone and Shemekia Copeland, who Davies is no doubt poised to replace as the Queen of the blues. The eight fine original tunes showcase the writing strengths of guitarist Dave Hayes and Bassist Gary Roberts and the band’s ability to add fire and freshness to traditional forms. Hayes rips out a nasty slide intro on standout track “Getting Stronger, and the smoky “Same Ole Blues,” sounds as if it may have been written for Janis long ago.
The burnin’ funk of the title track hits hard, featuring a sizzling B3 solo from Chris Hazelton, while Davies blows the roof off the dump with her explosive vocals. The adventurous reinterpretations of the Eagles “Take it to the Limit,” and “Wonder wall,” from Oasis , fueled by jazz and gospel influences show true forward thinking and brave vision by Davies and her band, something much need in the blues.
Let’s hope Wanna Feel Somethin’ propels Mary Bridget Davies and her crew into an even larger arena, with higher production qualities their talent deserves.
Rick J Bowen
more info:
http://marybridgetdavies.com/
