Customer Reviews

New Shade of Blue

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Okay, I'm a fan of Kelley Hunt, not an objective reviewer. Having seen her in concert several times, I know what she is capable of.

Kelley is a talented musician with a powerful voice (think Bonnie Raitt) and a fun boogie woogie piano style. But her studio records have yet to completely capture the talent she displays on the stage.

This is a very smooth, laid back session which, unfortunately, comes across as bland and uninspired. The band plays every note to perfection, but it never takes any chances or adds any zip to the recording. Same with Kelley's vocals, dead on perfect, but she appears to be holding back. Blame the producer, I know she can belt out the blues with the best of them.

If you have a chance to see her in person, be sure and catch her show. Otherwise, check out "Inspiration", her first CD which was recorded live at the Grand Emporium in Kansas City. You will become a fan too!

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.

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.

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.

I agree with Rick Tharp's review 100%. My wife and I saw Kelley Hunt at the Austin City Limits Music Festival yesterday. She was great and we immediately came home looking to buy an album. Now I have to confess that I haven't listened to this whole album, but from the 30 second clips, I won't buy it. Very flat, just like Rick said. I've ordered her live album, Inspiration, and hope that it better represents what we saw yesterday. I feel bad giving this album only a 3 rating because we really like her, but having seen her live, that's all I can give for this album.

I bought this with a lot of anticipation, but it seems like Kelley has played it safe with what sounds like a collection of pop/blues/soul tunes that don't have a lot of connection to each other. From the credits it looks like she is moving toward the old school blues/soul production with this Nicholson guy that does Delbert. Having been a fan of Kelley's from way back, it breaks my heart to see folks like Susan Tedeschi getting all the fame and fortune while Kelley struggles to get the recognition she deserves. I'm guessing that until Kelley moves toward the more cutting edge song selection and production circles that Susan has access to, things will remain pretty much the same. I am keeping hope alive and waiting for Kelley to find the right producer and/or manager who can help her get over the hump and be the star she deserves to be.