Wanda Watson
Friends
Self Release
On her new release Friends, Tulsa, Oklahoma based Wanda Watson delivers blues with an edge. Sometimes that edge is bluesy
rock and roll, sometimes the edge is pain cutting into her soul from the jagged sharpness of her broken heart, and sometimes it’s
an edge of pure determination and defiance.
This being the first time I’d heard Watson, I have to say a number of vocal comparisons popped out at me from different songs;
Bonnie Raitt, Janis Joplin, Sass Jordan. Vocally, her voice is raspy and earthy, a fitting vessel to spill forth these tales of good
times and bad. Of the 12 tracks, Watson co-wrote two, Drummer Virgil Broyles contributed to three and guitarist Mark Furnas
delivered six.
Many of the tunes have a retro quality to them of 1960’s psychedelic rock and roll; hippie chick blues, if you will. The musical
structure of the songs is part of the sound, but the vocal delivery nails the style. Husky and raw, Watson sings at a "full tilt boogie,"
to borrow a phrase. The style is undeniable on "Hey Jimi" a tribute to Hendrix both lyrically and musically, but also appears on
"Love One Another", "Only You Know and I Know" and the title track "Friends".
"Music Business" and "Take A Look Around" flat out rock and "Something Special" goes to the other end of the spectrum, an
ethereal ballad. The most tradition blues tunes on the disc are "Holes In My Shoes", "You’re Alright", "Where You Been" and
"Ol’ Grey Bones" with it’s down home accompaniment of harmonica, one string bucket bass, resonator, Dobro and (I kid you not)
"scrub brush on Grandpa’s tub". Don’t see THAT description everyday. But, although it’s comical in thought, it works and that’s
what counts.
The insert includes the lyrics to all the songs on the CD, something rare in blues CD’s, but much appreciated. It also includes a
whole panel listing of "Friends". If you like your blues to rock and groove, the CD will make you a friend of Wanda Watson’s too.
- Blue Lisa -
Southwest Blues CD Review - June 2007
Current Reviews - 2007 Reviews
