Direct Hit Records artist: Nancy Wright - Putting Down Roots - New release review

I just received the newest release, Putting Down Roots, from Nancy Wright and it has a nice groove. Opening with pop soul track, Sweet Soul Satisfaction, Wright takes the lead on vocal with Lisa Leuschner Andersen on warm backing vocals. Of course she plays hot sax, a signature that she is well know by. Funkin' It Up, is a smoking instrumental jazz groove with Paul Olguin on bass and Paul Revelli on drums setting the forms for a great sax lead by Wright. Tony Lufrano on keys adds the glue and cementing this cool track in place. Just Can't Put A Finger On It returns to the soul style pop format again joined by Anderson on backing vocals. The track is capped off by some sweltering sax riffs... nice! Driving paced, A Serendipity, has a Motown feel, almost like a Martha Reeves meets Jr Walker. Hot key riffs from Lufrano also add nicely to the track. Instrumental, The Big Queen has a deep throaty sax voice with a New Orleans rhythm section making this funky track one of my favorites. Hush Little Darlin', with it's pop melody, features Wright on lead vocal and Lufrano on keys. Wright adds King Curtis styling and smoke of Soul Serenade curls about the room. Well I'm Travellin' has a definite country/blues twist with Wright taking the lead on vocal but then stepping up with a thick hearty sax solo as well. Kid Andersen rips loose a hot guitar riff to boot. Cool! Grooving Easy has a contemporary smooth jazz feel with a funk bottom and a touch of Cannonball Adderley. Wright shows why she is in demand as a sax musician with her solid riffs on this track. Lovely Pretender has a lot of radio appeal with solid vocals and melody. Nicely articulated sax soloing highlight this track. Gospel styling on Seems I Still Love You, set up by Lufrano on keys, gives Wright an open alley to sing lead vocals paired with LL Andersen. Lufrano's certain piano strength on this track sets it apart. Free wheelin', Boogie For JL, is a fast paced rocker with hot guitar riffs and smoking sax. Another of my favorite tracks, it pay homage to JL Hooker with whom Nancy toured. Sancity In Blue is a sultry sax fueled bluesy ballad with nice key and guitar solos as well. A really nice track to conclude a cool release.

  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”