SENA EHRHARDT
LIVE MY LIFE
BLIND PIG RECORDS BPCD 5161
STAKES HAVE GONE UP–THINGS YOU SHOULDN’T NEED TO KNOW–SLOW DOWN–HELP ME THROUGH THE DAY–LIVE MY LIFE–CHILLED TO THE BONE–TOO LATE TO ASK–EVERYBODY IS YOU–IF TROUBLE WAS MONEY–DID YOU EVER LOVE ME AT ALL–COME CLOSER
For her latest album for Blind Pig, Sena Ehrhardt has embraced some big changes as far as production and band personnel. Of course, her big, soulful, passionate voice is the star, but her bandmates and producer are different. The set is entitled “Live My life,” and is produced by Jimmy Z, who has had great success with the likes of Prince, Buddy Guy, and Jonny Lang, just to name a few. Sena’s father, who had been on guitar on her previous albums, has stepped aside for this one, in favor of Cole Allen. Together, these changes give this album an overall harder edge.
Over the course of the album, Sena takes some hard looks at love and relationships, some good, some not so much. A hard lesson is learned when you find out some “Things You Shouldn’t Need To Know,” altho it may be too late to save things. This one features a great slide break from Smokin’ oe Kubek, too. Cole’s hard-charging leads roll over Sena’s vocals on her powerful look at independence, “Live My Life.” Cole’s guitar takes on a snarling, grunge-like persona as a doubting Sena begs the question, “Did You Ever Love Me At All?” Sena and Cole portray battling-then-apologetic lovers each wondering if it is “Too Late To Ask” for that mythical second chance.
Sena does manage to find some silver linings deep down, tho. An ode to true love is “Help Me Make It Through The Day,” while a love affair borne of wartime in 1951 survives for a lifetime, weathering all the storms life can throw at the lovers, as each urges the other one to “Come Closer” for eternal safety.
We had two favorites, too. Sena and the fellows break off into a very danceable, funky groove in “Everybody Is You,” and Sena stretches out vocally on a smokin’ read of Albert Collins’ “If Trouble Was Money, you know I’d be a millionaire!”
Sena Ehrhardt’s voice is a powerful instrument unto itself, and she sings from a place deep down in her soul with zealous conviction. Her new band has given her a harder edge, and “Live My Life” is a very rewarding listen! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.
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