SISTA MONICA PARKER
LIVING IN THE DANGER ZONE
MO MUSCLE RECORDS MMRE 9663
HUG ME LIKE YOU LOVE ME–LIVING IN THE DANGER ZONE–TEARS–NO SHAME IN MY GAME–FIERCE FORCE OF NATURE–LET ME MOAN–WORN OUT YOUR WELCOME–UNSTOPPABLE–YOU CAN’T GO BACK–THE FORECAST CALLS FOR PAIN–SENDING YOU ON YOUR WAY–ONCE LOVED TWICE BITTEN–JUST KEEP LIVING–GLORY HALLELUJAH
Sista Monica Parker has been dubbed “the Lioness of the blues,” and rightfully so. With a bold, brassy voice that is equal parts Aretha and Koko, on her latest album, entitled “Living In The Danger Zone,” she lets loose on fourteen predominantly-original cuts that run between solid contemporary blues and good, old-school R & B. And, she’s backed by a powerhouse band of soul men that lets the listener know that this one is “the real deal.”
Sista starts the stomp with an original, hi-octane dance floor groove, “Hug Me Like You Love Me,” written after a meeting with B. B. King a while back. The title cut finds Monica playing a two-way game of love, ending up “Living In The Danger Zone.” Her breathy vocal and harp from Andy Just ride a sweet groove on “Let Me Moan,” where Monica, in need of “a gentle touch,” decides “if you ain’t comin’ home, just leave me alone.” She also gives a soulful read on Robert Cray’s tale of love headin’ south, “The Forecast Calls For Pain.”
We had three favorites, too. Monica gets down to some serious slow blues in “Tears,” as she aches for a lover, then turns the tables on a no-good dirty dog that has definitely “Worn Out Your Welcome,” perhaps the most danceable cut on the album. And, the set closes as Monica shows her gospel roots with a sweet, powerful duet with Kelley Hunt on piano on “Glory Hallelujah!”
Sista Monica Parker has upped the ante in contemporary soul-blues with the release of “Living In The Danger Zone.” She gives it all she’s got, and, with her powerful voice leading the way, this is one that you don”t want to miss!!! Until next time….Sheryl and Don Crow, Nashville Blues Society.
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