JOANNE BROH
LIVE!
STAND BACK–WICKED COOL–KITCHEN MAN–BLUES GOT HOLD OF MY HEAD–WHY DON’T YOU DO RIGHT–LET’S WORK ON IT–AIN’T DOIN TOO BAD–FALL IN LOVE–WIG CHALET–BLACK CAT BONE–I DON’T CARE WHO KNOWS
Joanne Broh is one of the Pacific Northwest’s most highly-acclaimed singers, being named Female Vocalist of the Year TWICE from the Rainy Day Blues Society. Based out of the Eugene, Oregon, area, her live shows are the stuff of legend out yonder. Known for that incredible vocal style, which easily straddles blues and jazz, and her boundless stage energy, that’s precisely what you get with her latest CD, “Live!,” recorded at Mac’s in February of 2018. She has some of that region’s best players behind her, as well, with dual guitars from Jerry Zybach and Garry Meziere, Bill Foss on bass, and Ed Pierce on drums.
The tone is set for the night with the blistering opener, featuring Walter Herleman on harp, “Stand Back.” Joanne gets in a sexy, playful mode in the story of Dan, the “Kitchen Man,” and his array of “donut holes” and “jelly rolls!” “Let’s Work On It” is another stone rocker that allows for Jerry and Garry to strut their considerable stuff. Our girl just loves the feeling she gets by being able to go from “blonde, redhead, or brunette,” down at the “Wig Chalet!” This one is really cool for the dancers, set over a sweet cha-cha groove.
Our favorite was a tune we first heard by James Cotton back in the day, as our girl “Ain’t Doin’ Too Bad at all,” considering “I don’t like work, and work don’t like me!” This sho’ nuff funky number is dressed up by the killer guitars and Walter’s harp.
It is easy to see why Joanne Broh is always in the mix whenever blues awards are handed out in the Pacific Northwest. She’s brassy, sassy, classy, and, to paraphrase The Bard, a dish best served “Live,” so dig this one and get ready to dance! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues And Roots Alliance.
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