Blues, Soul

French public beware: don’t focus on the album’s artwork, the US graphic designers are not trying to compete with those in Europe, that’s all there is to say about it. Born in Detroit City, NIECIE relocated in Nashville and for her fifth album, she (who was first introduced to the blues by no less than Magic Slim himself) chose to be steered by the famous former Allman Brothers Johnny Neel and the also famous former Outlaws Chris Anderson. This makes for a recipe which features up there with the best of half a century of southern rhythm n’ blues, and with that kind of talent, it is a recipe that works, no doubt about it! Between blue eyed funk (the title track or the so appropriately named “Thank God For Fools”, “Memphis Stomp”, “Sweat” and “Rise Up”) and a sticky soul blues (the stunning “Waiting For The Shoe To Drop”), the duo Neel/Doug Jones effortlessly treat us to some little beauties, such as “Baby It’s Working”, which rings like Delaney Bonnie jamming with the Stones in “Sticky Fingers” (who were also sharing the same brass section and backing vocals). The country soul of Bobbie Gentry, Eddie Hinton and Tony Joe White is beautifully performed on “Lighter Shade Of Blue” (with Chris Anderson’s very distinctive slide and Melissa Alesi’s backing vocals) and “Just This Side Of Memphis” (with Doug Jones’s delectable six string). Just like the caring producer he is, the great Johnny Neel adds his own touch on each track at the keyboards, which, we will remember, the Allmans and Gov’t Mule in their time also benefited from. NIECIE, a feisty singer supported by a dream team which many of her rivals would envy: the recipe for a very appealing album!

Patrick Dallongeville
Paris-Move, Blues Magazine, Illico & BluesBoarder

(translation: Frankie Pfeiffer, editor-in-chief, Paris-Move)

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NIECIE – Trouble With A Capital T: an album which is introduced (in English) by our friends from Blues Blast Magazine on their website, HERE

NIECIE ’s website, HERE

NIECIE – Trouble With A Capital T: an album which can also be found on NIECIE ’s website, HERE