I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sing Pretty Blues, by Crystal Shawanda and it's powerful music. Opening with heavy bottomed, Preachin' Blues, Crystal Shawanda leads the way with potent vocal lead, supported by Dave Roe on bass, Nioshi Jackson on drums and Stephan Hanner on harmonica and featuring Dewayne Strobel on guitars. Excellent opener. Bluesy ballad, Would You Know Love, really has a super radio/R&B feel, featuring Crystal on vocal and warm backing vocals by Sarina Joi Crowe and Ping Rose and horns by Chris West. Strobel lays in some real nice melodic guitar work giving the track cool contrast with Peter Keys on keys. Very nice. Title track, Sing Pretty Blues has a classic blues format with Hanner and Strobel on guitar working with Crystal on the lead and Jonathan Nixon on bass and Jackson on drums. Waitin' For My Lover To Call has a funky pop feel with warm B3 support by Keys and Ping Rose and Strobel on guitars. Crystal's vocals really works nicely on the entire set giving it super continuity. Deep blue rocker, Honey Bee is one of my favorites on the release with it's bass/guitar/organ riff. Crystal really works this one and with Hanner joining on harp and Strobel's slide guitar work gives the track a solid kick. Wrapping the release is rich, acoustic blues, Dirty, featuring Crystal on vocal with Strobel on slide resonator guitar giving the track a tangy balance. I really like this track...a great closer for a real satisfying release.
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