Blues
Marcia Ball is back with her first studio album in several years, and it is easily one of her strongest efforts since her 1978 debut album, Circuit Queen. Back in 1977, I heard Marcia do a guest turn on a live album by the Texas Playboys. Shortly thereafter, I took a chance on her first record when I found it in an out-of-print bin, almost by accident, and took it home. I was stunned, and have remained hooked on Her Tallness (as she is affectionately known to her fans) ever since. As far as I'm concerned, the fact that Circuit Queen has been out-of-print for thirty years is one of the great shames of the recording industry, and I have been waiting for Capitol Records to re-release it on CD since the digital format was invented. However, trooper that she is, Marcia has moved on, and has continued to evolve as both a singer and a power-house performer of amazing energy and vitality, consistently producing album after album of rollicking honky-tonk, New Orleans second-line soul, contemporary country and a touch of rhythm and blues. Like her musical soul-mates, Tracy Nelson and Irma Thomas, Marcia has proven herself again and again as a dazzling performer with a glorious gift for picking and writing exceptional material. Having seen Marcia perform live a number of times, I am constantly amazed by the high level of energy she exudes on stage, and her bouncy piano and distinctive voice carry over very well to each of her studio efforts, never failing to satisfy. Peace, Love & BBQ is no exception. Marcia's phrasing, delivery and wonderfully spirited piano playing have matured to the point where her tireless, energetic style appears almost effortless. One always gets the feeling, whether in the studio or on a concert stage, that she is enjoying herself tremendously, and her enthusiasm shines through on each new album she releases.
Eight of the thirteen tracks on Peace, Love & BBQ are written or co-written by Marcia Ball. Let's start with one of the most impressive: Where Do You Go, co-written by Marcia Ball and Tracy Nelson, is an emotional, heartfelt and somber tribute to the survivors of Hurricane Katrina. Alternately dripping anger and sentiment, it packs an emotional wallop that is almost too heartbreaking to bear. Its simple lyrics present a potent indictment of our government's apathy and broken promises, while paying homage to the adaptive resilience and persistent courage of Katrina's forsaken victims. Tracy Nelson, Vicki Carrico and Terry Tucker subtly lend their sympathetic voices to the background chorus, perfectly complimenting this touching and powerful musical statement.
As strong as Where Do You Go is, it's but one of the many winners on what I believe is one of the best albums of Miss Ball's prolific output. Peace, Love & BBQ takes her ability to mix multiple styles in a single release to new heights, moving with ease from cabaret torch (I'll Never Be Free) to rocking Cajun (Married Life) and back again to contemporary blues (Falling Back In Love With You), and Urban soul (Bill Withers' I Wish You Well). She also manages to mix several of these styles in original songs like Right Back In It and Watermelon Time, and shows her best stuff on the sentimental ballad, Riding It Out. I received the CD only days ago, but it has already risen to the top of my current play list, and I expect it to stay there for quite a while. If you know Marcia, what are you waiting for - just get it. If you are unfamiliar with her, I believe it's as fine an introduction to her craft as you will find.
By James Morris.
**
01. Party Town 4:16
02. Peace, Love & BBQ 4:06
03. Miracle In Knoxville 5:07
04. Watermelon Time 4:04
05. Down In The Neighborhood 4:03
06. Where Do You Go? 4:08
07. My Heart And Soul 3:15
08. I'll Never Be Free 5:03
09. Married Life 3:22
10. Falling Back In Love With You 4:52
11. Right Back In It 3:50
12. Ride It Out 5:04
13. I Wish You Well 4:42
**
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