6.5.19

"Roots, Blues And Jazz" by Bonnie Bramlett (2006)


What a joy to hear veteran artist like 62-years old Bonnie Bramlett back in the recording studio - with her impeccable pedigree, one would expect that she would have career resurrection long time ago, however it seems she is known and followed by handful of true believers who still remember her as half of spectacular blue eyed soul couple Delaney & Bonnie back in the day.


While Bramlett was always distinctive vocalist, her solo albums lacked big hits that would push her forward like her contemporaries Rita Coolidge, Ronstadt or Raitt - truth to be told, her passionate delivery needed understanding producer who would handle such volcanic presence with care and it seems that now perhaps for the first time she toned it down just enough to actually sounds enjoyable trough the whole album. It could be that she mellowed with age or perhaps found herself surrounded with right musicians, in any case this is quite seductive collection of spirited covers delivered with singer's trademark passion. The biggest surprise is how good she sounds on reflective numbers like "That Lucky Old Sun", "Love Hurts" and best of all "A Change Is Gonna Come" that must be one of the best versions of that song I have ever heard. It could be that Bramlett is musician's musician - someone admired by peers but not universally known to larger audiences - in any case, the choice of material is perfect and musicianship displayed here is of the highest calibre. Definitely recommended. 

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