Search - Kelley Hunt :: New Shade of Blue

Mixed

Sharon | Northern Michigan | 10/13/2005

(3 out of 5 stars)

"I love Kelly Hunt's voice and deep emotion, and find her most appealing when the songs are simple and clean. I bought this CD because I heard "That's What Makes You Strong", but found I liked only one other selection ("Would you Still be There") The others seemed too busy and predictable."

Worthy of a Grammy

Ron Braet | 03/19/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I read a couple of the not-so-glowing reviews and had braced myself for a mediocre experience when I ordered this album. To my pleasant surprise (and shock, after what I'd read...see Rick Tharp's review), I was FLOORED when I finally heard it by how amazing, soulful, uplifting and inspirational this entire album is! How anyone can rate this as anything less than worthy of a Grammy is beyond me...these people either aren't listening, are having a bad day, or just don't appreciate insanely great music (not to slam their opinion...I just simply don't get it!). If you want to hear someone with more natural musical ability than the rest of us can ever dream of having, someone who epitomizes the term "getting DOWN," then you owe it to yourself to give this CD a listen. In particular, check out Waking Up Slow, The Word, When the Love Comes Through, and Long Way Home. I've cried tears of joy listening to these on many occasions since getting the CD. On the "sheer beauty" end of the spectrum, check out Would You Still Be There, That's What Makes You Strong, and New Shade of Blue. This woman has got it goin' on, and anyone who thinks this isn't a breakthrough album is waiting for music they're not going to hear until they've passed beyond this world...this is simply the best stuff you're ever going to get on this planet! This is one artist who deserves the spotlight, one who has polished her craft to perfection and inspires me personally on a daily basis. I will always feel immensely grateful to Kelley for giving me and all of us such a wonderful gift."

You really should hear this album

Desert Blues | Arizona | 04/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a great album. It's Kelly's mix of blues, soul, gospel and more. It includes a roadhouse rocker duet with Delbert McClinton and a cover of The Beatles' "The Word" that will get you out of your chair testifying. "It Ain't Over When It's Over" combines Gospel and New Orleans second line rhythms. The thing about Kelly is that she is both musically and spiritually uplifting. This is a blues album that will have you feeling GOOD after you listen to it.



The musicianship is top notch. The basic tracks were recorded live in the studio, Kelly recorded her vocals and piano at the same time. Reese Wynans is on B-3. The guitars have a good, swampy feel but play a supporting role.



Kelly can play the piano. She started playing piano at 3 and says she was drawn to the feel of the blues even then. On her album "Inspiration" she pays tribute to her mentor, Mary Burke Norton, the Queen of the 88s; who taught her piano after Kelly had a series of unfortunate encounters with piano teachers who didn't appreciate boogie woogie. "Inspiration" is a great album too.



If you like blues or soul with a little gospel flavor check this album out. I agree with Rick Tharp that this is a polished studio album that sounds a little restrained, but if you've got enough screaming guitar and wailing harmonica blues albums and want something with excellent songwriting, tasty piano and soulful vocals, this is your album.



On "Inspiration", which she recorded live, she cuts loose a little more, but even that album doesn't capture the power of her live performances. She's one of those performers that just knocks you out in person. So see her if you get the chance, but don't pass this album up. I really don't know why she's not one of the big names in blues, she should be.

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