Motorcity Women & Detroit Express
Ready
Fordco Music #884502089172
This CD offers a glimpse into what the Detroit sound is all about and what's on the horizon for these six amazing vocalists! The world may just be READY for Motorcity Women & Detroit Express.
Meticulously produced, this CD offers something for everyone. Funk, blues, rock and even a few contemporary cuts are used to showcase each woman’s talents. The stellar background work puts you on notice this is a collaborative effort, the vocalists join on nearly every cut.
Alas, the CD jacket doesn't disclose which woman is fronting on each tune which is a major drawback to this product. Unless you're from Detroit and certain, you couldn't hazard a guess from the photos on the cover! However, these are the listed performers: Valarie Barrymore, Stacia Petrie, Cheryl Lescom, Lady T, Aja Sardis and Elena Papillo.
The Funk tunes are funkified on "Right Here, Right Now" and "Watch What You're Doing" a cautionary warning from a vocalist whose delivery convinces even the most jaded to walk the narrow path of the righteousness.
If your taste leans toward the more ballsy blues - Right out the gate "Did He Mention My Name" a ripper of a song, leaves you asking where the Mack truck came from! "Are you Really Ready Baby" is a song about cheating. The vocalist makes it very clear this won't be ‘no one night stand’. I suggest you come prepared...! “Can You Feel My Blues” uses the entire cast of voices throughout the cut. Lots of background vocals, cool chord changes and a slick hook. "Side To Side" - One wouldn’t say this song is suggestive; this vocalist comes right out and says what’s what from the jump! The lyrics might shock some, but the beat is so danceable you'd have to catch your breath first.
Songs sure to crowd the dance floor include "Love Me Now" and the Prince inspired "Can't Go" these very danceable tunes, can easily join the dance mix at any club on a Saturday night!
Things slow down a bit for the methodical and soulful "Hey, Hey, Hey". The only other slow cut closes out the CD "One More Last Chance" harkens back to the stroll inspired type of blues, but freshens-up a bit with tasteful piano and guitar licks.
Rock and contemporary selection "Guilty for Loving You" opens with a beautiful blend of harmonies. This Anthem like song is sung strong and full out, with the vocalist gliding through huge chord changes with ease.
For the more contemporary taste, the cuts "On The Road" and "I'm Ready" would not be out of place on the dial with other contemporary artists of today. Of these "You should Do The Same" has a sweet delivery, reminiscent of a young Ricky-Lee Jones.
After listening to the best of Detroit, I would say if they were to invest in its boundless talented, Detroit wouldn't need a bailout – they'd loan the government money!
- Andrea D -
Southwest Blues CD Review - July 2009
Current Reviews -
2009 Reviews - available at our store
