Customer Reviews

Out of Her Mind

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

 

 

Corporate graphic designer by day, blues singer by night, Stickshift Annie's versatility as an artist shines in her debut CD. Annie's chameleon-like voice changes color to fit the various blues, jazz, country and occasionally folksy surroundings. Hubby James Middlefield's aggressive and swarthy harmonica is a stylish accessory to the slidin' & pickin' Ian Waldie and Ed Martinez. Annie's emotional and passionate connection to the lyrics (mostly a veiled diary), seasoned with solid instrumentals and arrangement, create a flavorful if not extravagant work.

Out of Her Mind is straightforward and professional, but not unoriginal. There are no spectacular cuts, but you won't be tempted to skip over any of the ten offerings. I found myself listening to it over and over again in my truck the first couple of weeks I had it. Not because I had nothing else to plug in, I just didn't tire of it.

Stickshift Annie and The Overdrive
Out Of Her Mind
Left Of The Dog
Tony Engelhart

Originally from the Midwest, Annie Eastwood settled in the Seattle area a little over 15 years ago and has played in every blues club in the city. Finally, she lays down her smooth brand of bar room blues on an impressive debut, Out Of Her Mind.

Stickshift Annie and The Overdrive play a sleazy strain of blues which is both smart and sexy. Annie's sassy vocals are complimented by her magnificent band, including James Middlefield on a harmonica and Ian Waldie on slide guitar. The disc was nominated by the Washington Blues Society for best Recording and Eastwood for Best Female Vocalist in 2001. While the awards went to other artists, it reestablished the group as a powerhouse in the Northwest.

Out Of Her Mind contains all original material with no filler. With a relaxed ambiance, `High Tech Blues' gets things rolling, a funky shuffle, with plenty of Annie's sexually charged innuendos in between smokin' solos. Jazz and Blues collide with `Troubled Fool' which features stellar guitar licks, solid harp playing and a laid back groove. `Burning Up' and `Miss Phyllis' are chock full of dangerous lyrics as Eastwood tantalizes the listener with her mischievous voice

Out Of Her Mind is campy, fun and just close enough to the edge without crossing the boundaries of good taste. Like another Northwest Blues Diva, Duffy Bishop, Annie isn't afraid to lay it out for all to hear while using her womanly ways to lure the listener in.

A few months ago, my friend James asked me to listen to his new CD "Out Of Her Mind", and give him my impression of it. James is a member of the northwest blues band "Stickshift Annie and The Overdrive". Now, I'm a very critical listener, being a lifelong musician, and someone who is very particular about the sound and the mix of the music I like. I warned him that I would be very critical, and was concerned that I might hurt his feelings. When I got home that evening, I put on my headphones and fired up the Stereo to give his disc a listen. I listened, and listened again, hmmmm maybe once more? Was my "critical" ear failing me? Was I biased by friendship? I think not, this is just a great, and easy to listen to blues/rock CD. Stickshift Annie and The Overdrive bill themselves as "Rockin Roadhouse Blues"; I consider that billing an accurate one. In a live setting, this band just downright rocks, on "Out Of Her Mind" they really roll. All ten songs on the album are originals. Guitarist Ian Waldie wrote 4 of the ten tunes, including one of my favorites "I Don't Know". The lovely Annie Eastwood penned all the other songs. This girl can write, from the slow and haunting "Troubled Fool", to the driving "In My Slipper" she belts them out. A collaborative effort by all six members of the band makes the music flow, and keeps you coming back for more. A solid rhythm put down by Jack Kinney on Bass and Carl Jackson on Drums keeps these songs on track and in your head. The intertwined lead guitars of Ian Waldie and Ed Martinez make for a rich and exciting sound. Trading back and forth, and filling in behind each other, Ian and Ed's guitar styles are as different as their Fender versus Gibson guitars. The whipped cream on top of this mix is the fine harmonica work of James Middlefield, gutsy and soulful, James can make his harp sing. Don't just take my word. Here is what music reviewers from around the world have said about "Out of Her Mind":
"I have been trying to categorize it and have sort of given up. It is excellent "late night" Blues, it would be superb mood music. I have been trying to work out who Annie's voice reminds me of and I have it worked out now - Heart! Do you remember them? Their vocal styles were very similar to Annie's. Your CD sounds a little like a Bluesy version of them - which in my book is a great compliment, because I like Heart!"
Mike Jakins
PERTH BLUES CLUB
Perth, Australia
"...The CD starts out with the rocking "High Tech Blues" and I thought they were just easing me into it. When I heard the second song, "I Don't Know", I realized I was in for a treat. This album (all originals) covers all the bases from the jazzy "Moody Woman Blues" to the honky-tonk "Burning Up", to the "In My Slipper" jive, to the playful "Miss Phyllis.
Through it all is Annie Eastwood's voice, clear and bell-like. You'll find nice harp accents, clean guitar, and steady, subtle drums. This is a tight band that seems to have fun playing together..." Reprinted from a review in August 2001 Atlanta Blues Society Newsletter

A great addition to your CD collection that you'll never tire of. "Out of Her Mind" is a wild, free-ranging ensemble of beautiful, witty lyrics set to a potpourri of energetic and insightful instrumentals that are sure to please. With cuts that capture a sort of Louisiana/Zydico/Cajun blues rift that simultaneously speak to basal urges while nurturing the human spirit ... my only regret is that there isn't another five tracks on the CD, I just couldn't get enough.

On first listen, I instantly fell madly in love with the mysterious "Miss Phillis" ... certain to always be the captivating babe of my dreams ... along with "Burning Up" ... time to redecorate the kitchen!

Better on a long trip than a double-shot of espresso; this CD is foot-tappin, head-bobbin good! If the OverDrive really want to sell these, they should simply link a cut or two and let people listen, you'll be instantly hooked.

As my cube-mate said when I unplugged the headphones and let the speakers rippppp, this is "The best kept secret on the Seattle scene."

If Annie is "Out of Her Mind", what an exquisite asylum to visit.

hunter