Ruf Records artist: Ina Forsman - Self Titled - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, a self titled debut from Ina Forsman and it's terrific! Opening with Hanging Loose, Ina Forsman hits the road running with a solid and powerful, almost indescribable voice. Joined by Laura Chavez and Derek O'Brien on guitars, stellar piano work by Nick Connolly on keys, Russell Jackson on bass Tommy Taylor on drums and Mark Kazanoff on sax, John Mills on bari, Al Gomez on trumpet and Aaron Kazanoff on trumpet this is a solid opener. On Pretty Messed Up you hear solid sounds of the 60's R&B scene and Forsman sings like a star. Showing total confidence and composure, this girl can perform. With a cool piano opening by Connolly, Bubbly Kisses, eases up with a bit of 40' style mystery. Forsman's voice is intoxicating and with subtle nuance and outright power she commands your attention. Backing vocals by Alice Spencer, Tommy Taylor, Nick Connolly and Mark Kazanoff with sassy trumpet work by Al Gomez sets this track up nicely. Reggae track, Farewell, has a super rhythmic feel and really rich vocals. Masterful work by Taylor, Chavez and O'Brien gives Forsman plenty of room to do her stuff and she takes the track by storm. Trumpet accents by Gomez and Aaron and nice harp work by Helge Tallqvist makes this a particularly memorable track. Don't Hurt Me Now is one of my favorite tracks on the release with Forsman covering a latin beat with heavy B3 work by Connolly. Her vocal phrasing and effortless vocals, complimented by a slick solo by Chavez is tight and beautiful. Blues style track, Talk To Me, is given a tint of old school with solid blues style harp work by Tallqvist. Soul ballad, Now You Want Me Back, has a lot of punch with old school, up front vocal, warm backing vocals and nice horns. Very cool. Slinky, Devil May Dance Tonight, rides high on the drum work of Taylor and bass styling of Jackson. Essential piano phrasing by Connolly really works nicely with Forsman's voice and shimmery guitar work by Chavez adds to the dimensional qualities of the track. Very powerful. Fifties styled, Before You Go Home, really has style bringing thoughts of the late Amy Winehouse. Forsman has a powerful tool with a lot of character and she knows how to parlay it. A lower octave guitar solo by Chavez and relentless piano work by Connolly set the bar for this track. R&B track, No Room For Love, has a super beat and tight horns. It's obvious that Forsman has been doing her homework and studying the best in her stylistic influences. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Nina Simone's I Want A Little Sugar In My Bowl and it is over the top hot. Forsman shows just how smoking hot she really is with all of the blues you could possibly pack in one track. Backed only by Connolly, and with a sultry sax solo by Mark, this track is an excellent cherry on top of the whipped cream.



  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"