EDEN BRENT

AIN'T GOT NO TROUBLES

2010-11-23

Pianist Eden Brent ventured to New Orleans and recruited numerous “A” list musicians to add some Big Easy spice to this release including Colin Linden on guitars, George Porter, Jr. on bass, Jon Cleary on Hammond B3 and a swinging horn section. The willingness of such first call musicians to lend their talent to a relative newcomer like Brent reflects the stature that she has gained since making a huge splash with her 2006 International Blues Challenge win and her 2008 release, Mississippi No. 1. Tutored by Abie “Boogaloo” Ames, Brent has wide range of piano skills that make her as comfortable with the Kansas City Swing of Jay McShann as with harder pounding boogie woogie that gained her the nickname “Little Boogaloo.” While this disc features plenty of her piano chops it never serves as a mere vehicle for her to show her prowess on the keys. Instead, her strong songwriting and compelling vocals are what will keep you coming back for more. With a delivery that recalls Bessie Smith or Maria Muldaur in her jug band days, Brent pulls you into her tales of men who need to make up their mind, "Someone to Love", life without a purpose, "Ain’t Got No Troubles" and gold-digging ladies with their eye on her man, "In Love With Your Wallet". Standout tracks include the rollicking "Let’s Boogie Woogie", the swinging "Later Than You Think" and the road house blues of Delbert McClinton’s "Right To Be Wrong". Smitty