Musical marriages are often notorious, short-lived and, like the colliding of two stars, explosive. San Diego’s newest power couple — soul singer Missy and guitarist Heine ”The Great Dane” Anderson — have released their debut album under Missy’s name and titled it In the Moment. The title must refer to the live-of- the-floor feel of the eleven-song collection that sounds as if it were captured in a smoke-filled, gin-soaked night club. Its more than retro; it’s authentic.
The Andersons are songwriting partners and lead a stellar band who demonstrate their seasoned skills on every track. The album opens with a classic R&B two-beat invitational, “Rent Party,” with Anderson’s reverb-soaked guitar balanced by a signature horn line that provides a spot-on intro for Missy’s throaty alto. Drummer Marty Dodson delivers the second line groove for “Whole Lotta Nuthin,” while Ben Moore provides the Meters-style Hammond B3 that spars with Missy’s sassy vocal. The cleverly arranged new tune “Night Stalker” showcases lively horn charts, sweeping backup vocals, and a time-shifting rhythm section in a four-minute drama.
Missy pushes her voice to the limit trying to channel Etta James for the power ballad “More Than Enough,” and James Harman plays the part of Little Walter for the Southside romp “Better Or Worse.” The horns wail while Anderson preaches the value of love on the STAX-styled “Same Things Make You Laugh Will Make You Cry,” then revs up the full congregation for the gospel shuffle “Reach Out.”
Anderson puts all of her diva skills on display during the saucy, slow blues song “Ladies Shoes.” By this point in the album, we are so caught up in the soul stew that we easily forgive them for turning the familiar “Big Boss Man,” changes into a funky rumba called “Hey Now.” Album closer “I’ve Been Walkin’” gives Sue Palmer a chance to shine on barrelhouse piano, while Missy leads the band to church then out the door with an a capella refrain.
Missy Anderson
In The Moment
(Main Squeeze Records)
Rick J Bowen
