Memphis Soul Stew
“There are the places we grew up and the places we call home; and there are other places that feel like home the first time we visit and draw us back again. Here’s to Memphis, which instantly felt like home for the band and where much of this CD was recorded.” So elegizes the leading lady of Michele D’Amour and the Love Dealers on their new album, Heart of Memphis. Although based in Seattle, this dynamic ensemble found an instant kinship with the home of “Memphis Soul Stew” (number eight, and this release’s sole cover). The title track pays obvious homage to it, but the spirit of the city shines through on every song. Speaking of singing, the one thing Michele’s vocals have in spades might be called “grit,” edge,” or “worldliness.” No dulcet tones issue forth from her throat, but the smooth and seamless instrumentation more than makes up for this minus. It’s some of the best big band blues/jazz that yours truly has heard this year. BY
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