THE BETTY FOX BAND
SLOW BURN
SELF-RELEASED
THINK ABOUT IT–SWEET MEMORIES–SLOW BURN–SOLID GROUND–PLEASE COME HOME–OUR LOVE–REMEMBER ME–TAKE A WALK WITH ME–LET THE LIGHT SHINE–BABY PLEASE–WHO’S HOLDIN’–GOODBYE–ANGEL FLYIN’ TOO CLOSE TO THE GROUND
There must be something in the water or the sunshine down in Central Florida, because the Suncoast Blues Society has produced another winner for blues fans everywhere. She is vocalist and composer extraordinaire Betty Fox, a finalist in the 2015 IBC’s. She has an extensive gospel background, and a feel for classic soul deep down in her heart which translates well on her latest CD, “Slow Burn.” For this set, she is joined by Kid Royal on guitar, Barry Williams on bass, Shawn Brown on keys, and Sam Farmer on drums.
Betty’s sassy, strutting style fits this material well, as the band originals are written with that vintage Stax/Hi sound in mind. Leading off is “Think About It,” with Kid riffing on a James Brown-styled groove. The chance discovery of an old photo brings back those “Sweet Memories of a love that was never mine,” while “Our Love” is a feel-good cut about making that love “a little stronger every day.” “Baby Please” is a plaintive, soulful plea to a lover that has Betty reachng down into the literal depths of her soul to get her point across, while she closes the set accompanied only by her acoustic guitar on a somber “Angel Flying Too Close To The Ground.”
“Solid Ground” and “Let The Light Shine,” with their messages of faith, hope, and redemption, recall Betty’s gospel days. The playful, jazzy nature of “Please Come Home” and “Who’s Holdin,” complete with some snazzy scat-singing, show us her lighter side. Thus, these four served as our favorites.
A fantastic singer with an excellent corps of backing musicians, “Slow Burn” from The Betty Fox Band sets her up for much future success! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow.
donandsherylsbluesblog 
Posted by susan fredriksen on July 19, 2015 at 5:39 pm
You mention “Angels Flying Too Close to the Ground” by Betty Fox Band (this was originally by Willie Nelson) in the Slow Burn CD as somber. It is, but my understanding is that this was essentially for her dad who died of ALS 5/14. She would go monthly to see him and was there the night he died. He would listen to this song (from her ipad) over and over in between her visits (not a close trip) and it gave him strength. Knowing some of the background can add more meaning to the song. And I think it is WAY better than Willie Nelson’s version (or some others such as Bob Dylan who have done this song). Who’s Holdin’ is one of my favorites as well.
Posted by Rich Cavanagh on August 25, 2015 at 12:22 am
Well said, Susan! And yes, I also believe it is way better than Willie’s!!! (Maybe he would agree too?)