Busting out of the Chicago blues scene, slide guitar queen Joanna Connor gets down to the nitty gritty on her 14th solo release 4801 South Indiana Avenue, her first recording on guitar superstar Joe Bonamassa’s Keeping The Blues Alive independent record label. Produced by Bonamassa and Josh Smith at Oceanway Recording Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, this record just reeks of the sweat and smells of what fine blues recordings are all about.
An assortment of seasoned musicians such as pianist Reese Wynans, vocalist Jimmy Hall, as well as her co-producers, help capture the feeling of walking into a blues club — like Chicago’s Theresa’s Lounge located at 4801 South Indiana Avenue — and experiencing the raw power of one of her performances.
The 10-song recording starts things out with a bang with the single “Destination.” A house-rocking, up-tempo boogie, it sets the tone for what is to come with raw, unfiltered vocals that feature Jimmy Hall answering Connor’s pleads. Her screaming slide guitar ties it all together along with a booming back beat. “Trouble Trouble” is a classic B.B. King-style blues number that features a terrific horn section, punctuated by Connor’s powerful vocals and slide guitar combined with producer Josh Smith’s fine guitar licks. It’s real treat for the ears.
Some great covers, including Luther Allison’s haunting “Bad News” and Albert Kings “For The Love Of A Man,” bring the record full circle in terms of the numerous styles that Connor brings to life. She masters everything from full-on rocking Chicago style boogie to slow, steamy ballads — all of which spotlight her powerful voice and command of the guitar. Probably my favorite track of all is her second single, the wonderful “I Feel So Good,” which brings to mind the many influences that Connor has shared the stage with over the years, including James Cotton, Buddy Guy, Jimmy Page, and Junior Wells.
The record closes with the introspective “It’s My Time,” a spoken-word, stream-of- consciousness statement of purpose, peppered with Connor and Bonamassa trading spooky, reverb-boosted slide guitar licks ala Ry Cooder. Just like a tasty gumbo, this record has all the right ingredients. Cooked together perfectly, it makes for a very satisfying experience.
~ Junkman
