On this American singer's debut studio record, the blues-rock and country soul influences are obvious. For instance, the vocals on Flatlands Of North Dakota are a ringer for Bobbie Gentry and the Led Zep ,via Memphis Minnie, classic When The Levee Breaks is subjected to a slow, bluesy treatment.
The album is produced by Marvin Etzioni and backing musicians include R&B drummer James Gadson, pedal steel player Eric Heywood, and roots singer-songwriter Jonah Tolchin.
The fact that it was two years in the making and financed by a job in the service industry proves Rose's dedication and passion for music making. But, although she is a sassy sax-playing singer, this is not enough to convey the kind of deep soulfulness she's clearly striving for.
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Above all, the predictably mainstream arrangements are too slick and lack the kind of raw grit or grind this kind of music needs to make a more profound impression.
Helen Rose's website
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