Blues is alive and well, thanks to enthusiastic artists like this - perhaps not so visible in the media, but when it comes to real, live music and actual people tearing up the stage, look no further. The Mighty 45s sound like one of those bands that get everybody dance the night away and to top it all, they have charismatic vocalist who is in the league with all the best of famous Blues mamas from the past.
As she growls, sasses, roars and winks (sometimes all of this simultaneously) Angela Brown might remind you of Koko Brown, Big Mama Thornton or Big Maybelle - there is certainly a tradition of strong Afro-American female singers demanding the attention of poor guys who should know better than to play with fire - but in fact Brown spiritually goes way back to 1920s and women like Bessie Smith and her famous teacher Ma Rainey. I wasn't at all surprised to find out that she actually played Rainey on a stage and there is a delightful 1995. album "Wild Turkey" recorded as genuine tribute to 1920s piano-and-voice style of her predecessors. On this album, however, Angela Brown has red-hot band behind her as she authoritatively states that "Mother Blues On The Move" and you better believe it. At first its sassy lyrics that get your attention - Brown deals not only with lousy men ("Let The Back Door Hit You", "A Man Size Job", "You Didn't Want What You Had") but also with nosey gossipers ("Neighbour Neighbour") and female competition ("I Intend To Take Your Place"). After a while, you start to admire the voice itself - like the best of the singers, Brown has highly individual, instantly recognisable sound that you can immediately identify and behind all the posturing and attitude, hers is husky, powerful instrument brimming with spirit and energy. Although there is a healthy dose of spirited Blues here, courtesy of several Willie Dixon covers, closing gospel "God Has Smiled On Me" comes as a tender final touch - just a beautiful album that deserves wider audience.
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