2011-09-27
Carolyn Wonderland was recently heralded as "Best Female Vocalist" at the Austin Music Awards. After one listen to the raw energy that pours out of both her voice and guitar this is hard to dispute. The CD begins with a cover of one of the only female blues vocalists that could reach this raw energy level, the late great Janis Joplin on "What Good Can Drinkin' Do". The track "Only God Knows When" begins with a Little Feat feel to it and builds to a full gospel sound. "St. Marks" begins with soft visions of walking through strawberry fields and finishes with a vocal performance that will bring you to your knees at the alter. Carolyn dusts off the Elmore James/Robert Johnson classic "Dust My Broom" and is sure to bring her to the crossroads with the blues greats. Carolyn also would make Muddy Waters very proud on her cover of the classic "Two Trains" a song that has been covered by many, but with the pure power and energy that comes from Carolyn's vocals there may be none finer. The CD ends with the track "Shine On" a song that provides the warm peaceful feeling that is the signature of Carolyn Wonderland one of today's blues music's shining stars. Reviewed By: Gregg SaurThe opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.