Sandy Carroll review 10-17-11

JUST AS I AM

SANDY CARROLL

CATFOOD RECORDS CFR-011

BLESSED BE–HELP MOTHER NATURE–HEARTFIXIN’ MAN–WAITING FOR THE STORM–ROMEO AND JULIET–RUNNIN OUT OF GRACE–SLOW KISSES–MESSIN’ WITH ME–BABY’S COMIN’ HOME-JUST AS I AM

 

Singer, songwriter and pianist Sandy Carroll hails from Stantonville, TN, in McNairy County, and has been a regular performer on Beale Street since 1983.  In fact, she received a “note” on Beale in front of the Hard Rock Cafe in 2008, literally cementing her prowess as a performer who has helped keep the blues and the Beale Street sound alive and thriving.

 

Her latest album for Catfood Records is entitled “Just As I Am,” produced by her husband, Jim Gaines, and was recorded in her hometown at the Bessie Blue Studios.  Sandy had a hand in writing all ten cuts, and they range from ballads, blues, and uplifting songs that are guaranteed to brighten your spirits and lighten your load!

 

She’s backed by some of the finest session cats Memphis has to offer, including Steve Potts on drums, Dave Smith on bass, Rick Steff on keys, Evan Leake on guitar, and backing vocals from Reba Russell and Danielle “Pie” Hill.  The set kicks off with “Blessed Be,” a song of giving thanks, and realizing that, no matter how tough times may be, everyone has something to be thankful for.  Reba and Pie supply some fine backing vocals, too.  “Romeo And Juliet” has a sweet Fifties vibe and is the tale of young love augmented by Rick Steff’s accordion.  “Waiting For The Storm” is a minor-key slow blues that spins the tale of a relationship that is headed down a rocky path, and allows everyone a chance to solo.

 

We had three favorites, too.  Sandy takes a tongue-in-cheek look at getting older thru “Help Mother Nature,” and uses a New Orleans-styled groove to ponder the question as to whether or not to “nip, tuck or Botox!”  “Heartfixin’ Man” is a rockin’ story of a woman who needs no “doctors or hospital plans,” but needs only a good man to cure her ills.  And, the somber, set-closing title cut was a collaboration between Sandy, James Solberg, and Luther Allison for Luther’s “Reckless” CD, and Sandy’s own “Memphis Rain” CD.  It is a song of true love and is presented herein with only vocals, piano, guitar, and accordion to showcase its powerful statement.

 

Sandy Carroll has paid her dues in the clubs up and down Beale and by writing songs for others.  With “Just As I Am,” she’s ready to take her career to the next level!!   Until next time….Sheryl and Don Crow, Nashville Blues Society.