AMY HART
CONGRATULATIONS
PAINTED ROCK RECORDS PRR 2011
CONGRATULATIONS–GET READY–PUT ME BACK–EVEN COUNTRY GETS THE BLUES–GET THE GIRLS DANCING–WHEN LOVE COMES TO CALL–RICH ASS DADDY–BE THAT WAY–RIBCAGE–I’VE GOT A FRIEND
Amy Hart grew up in Chicago and was immersed the rich blues heritage of that town. She has a sweet-and-sassy way with a story, and has opened for Koko, Cotton, and Jr. Wells. Her latest set was recorded right here in Music City, and is entitled “Congratulations” and is ten tracks that pair her with some of the finest session cats anywhere, including Bob Britt, Wayne Killius, and Mike Rojas, to name a few.
These ten originals showcase her writing chops and that sweet vocal delivery that goes from breathy to brazen in one note. The leadoff title cut is a good example of her boldness, tellin’ a no-good, unemployed, bottom-of-the-barrel-of-luck lover, “Congratulations, you’ve got the blues!” A woman who’s reached the end of her rope seeks help to “Put Me Back together right this time,” and features some funky guitar work. And, cool slide and B-3 back Amy in her recipe for “a guaranteed good night,’ “Get The Girls Dancing.”
We had two favorites, too. Brush-stroked drums, muted piano and the hard-luck lyrics of a broken-down truck at 3 AM, right after love has gone straight to hell, is the theme of the torchy “Even Country Gets The Blues.” And, broke-ass punks need not apply as Amy needs “a big fat rich-ass daddy takin’ care of me,” because “money can’t buy love, but it’ll sho’ nuff buy the groceries!”
Amy Hart’s looks at life and love with a touch of attitude may remind some listeners of Lucinda Williams, and “Congratulations” is a well-crafted and very well-performed set!! Until next time….Sheryl and Don Crow, Nashville Blues Society.
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