JANIVA MAGNESS
LOVE WINS AGAIN
BLUE ELAN’ RECORDS BER 1017
LOVE WINS AGAIN–REAL SLOW–WHEN YOU HOLD ME–SAY YOU WILL–DOORWAY–MOTH TO A FLAME–YOUR HOUSE IS BURNIN’–JUST ANOTHER LESSON–RAIN DOWN–LONG AS I CAN SEE THE LIGHT–WHO WILL COME FOR ME
Take just a moment to savor these stats—a seven-time Blues Music Award winner, five of ’em for Best Contemporary Female Blues Artist, and one of them is the biggest prize of all–Entertainer of the Year, only the second female to bring it home. Of course, we are talking about Janiva Magness, possessor of one of the most powerful, evocative voices in all of contemporary blues. She has just released her latest set, “Love Wins Again,” and that voice rings out the truth on ten originals and one dynamite cover.
This set marks her fifth collaboration with producer Dave Darling, and he takes her performances to new heights throughout these cuts, and love in all its glories and many permutations is the underlying theme. After a long day, where it seems as if time goes at breakneck speed, Janiva appreciates that special lover who’ll “take your time, Real Slow,” and, especially, “When You Hold Me it makes everything feel right.” Both of these utilize a horn section, adding to the overall seductiveness Janiva brings to the table.
Acoustic guitar adds to the story of redemption in a relationship, as Janiva vows to “stand in your Doorway until all the fear is gone.” A punchy, James Brown-ish horn arrangement lights the gospel fire beneath “Your House Is Burnin,” as she warns us all to “get to work, before it’s too late” to make the world a better place.
The set closes with our two favorites. Janiva turns in an exemplary read of John Fogerty’s tale of that ol’ “travelin’ bone,” “Long As I Can See The Light.” Then, she gives a bittersweet read into a poignant glimpse of our own mortality, as she ponders, “when all my youth is spent/I can’t see where it went/Who Will Come For Me?”
“Love Wins Again” further solidifies Janiva Magness as the standard-bearer for female vocalists in contemporary blues. Her voice is as strong as ever, and these songs are sure to soothe your spirit and satisfy your soul! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow.
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