Not knowing KAREN LOVELY personally, it would be tough to figure out why she named her debut CD "LUCKY GIRL".  The reasons could be countless.  However, I do know this - to be gifted with a voice like hers and the skills with which to use it - she surely is one lucky girl. 

 

    Accompanying KAREN on "LUCKY GIRL" are several different ensembles of musicians.  They are: LEE SPATH on Drums; RICHARD COUSINS on Bass; JIM PUGH on Piano & Organ; ALAN MIRIKITANI on Guitar, Sax & Bass; ANTOINE SALLEY on Keytar; ANDY JUST on Harp; TOM STAMPER on Drums & Percussion; JEFF ADICOTT on Acoustic & Electric Bass; DAVE SCOGGIN on Piano & Organ; MICHAEL VANNICE on Baritone, Alto & Tenor Saxophones; JOE DIEHL on Guitar; BRENT NORTON on guitar, RICHARD BREDICE on Guitar; FRANK COTINOLA on Drums; ALAN DEREMO on Bass. 

 

    Along the lines of what Renee Zellweger said to Tom Cruise in the "JERRY MAGUIRE" movie, KAREN LOVELY "had me'" with "Early one morning.........", the opening words on the opening track.  It took exactly that little of "TELL ME BABY" for me know this lady could sing the blues.  Some powerful rhythm and great guitar leads by TOM, ALAN & BRENT also highlight this one.....which is just the first of many great tracks.

 

    "YOU DON'T MOVE ME" will move you.....right on to the dance floor .  And once you start, be careful not to trip on the changes.  Just when you think your Cha-Cha's in full swing, MICHAEL'S horns will get you swinging in a whole different direction.  

 

    If you're going to do a cover of this man's work, you'd better have the chords to go along with the courage.  On "BOOM BOOM", KAREN easily has what it takes.  As a matter of fact, this version would probably put a smile on John Lee Hooker's face.  From a soft, sexy, whisper to a powerful crescendo, Karen's vocal range on this one is absolutely masterful.  

 

    On "BLUES IS MY BUSINESS", as you hear KAREN sing the lyrics "Blues is my business and business is good" it's a no brainer knowing that with a voice like this, business is going to stay good.  ALAN and DAVE, nail it on guitar and piano & organ.  It seemed a shame that the groove the band was in on this one didn't go thirteen minutes instead of three. 

 

    KAREN is at her best on "ROCK ME".  Let me tell you, the next time you're with whomever it is you want to get rocked by - put this track on, program it for replay - and I promise you.....you will get rocked all night long.  The sultry vocals and saxophones on this one will have the slow dancers in their glory.

 

    Other tracks on "LUCKY GIRL" are: "UNLUCKY GIRL", "TOO LITTLE TOO LATE", "I'M A LITTLE MIXED UP", "IT'S TOO LATE", "BOOGIE SOME" and "LUCKY GIRL" (HOOCHIE COOCHIE WOMAN).    

 

    According to KAREN LOVELY'S bio, prior to recording this CD, she took a fifteen year hiatus from the music business.  It's this listeners hopes that there'll be no more of that.  This woman belongs in music - particularly in the blues.  Thankfully, I've been told a new project - with many originals - is currently in the works. 

 

    To learn more about the woman who will soon be a force to be reckoned with in the world of the blues, stop by http://www.karenlovely.com.  While you're there, send her my regards and your money.....for a copy of "LUCKY GIRL", of course.

    This review has been complimentary written for your newsletter by Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro, a contributing writer for BLUESWAX and the Blues Editor at www.Mary4Music.com where you can read many more CD and live show reviews, view lots of blues photographs and find an abundance of blues material. I can be reached at Blewzzman@aol.com