I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Heart of Fire, from Ally Venable and it's a solid blues rocker. Opening with title track, Heart of Fire, Venable is upfront with this Hendrix/Trower flavored radio track. Backed by Elijah Owings on drums, Bobby Wallace on bass and Pat Fusco on keys, Venable's vocals are solid and her riffs undeniable. With a bit of finger picking and acoustic slide, Played the Game still has a pop feel but with a bit more bluesy edge. Bobby Wallace adds keys and Venable's own acoustic slide work gives it a nice feel. Heavy blues rocker, Bring On The Pain, features Kenny Wayne Shepherd and he plays stinging riffs that propel this track under the vocal harmony of Venable. This track has a real nice edge and with the heavier rhythm work, one of the best on the release. Bill Withers' ultra funky track, Use Me, is up next with Owlings, Wallace and Venable creating a great rhythm under Venable's vocals. Very nice. A play on Stevie Ray Vaughan's Rivera Paradise, Tribute to SRV, is really nice and a strong exhibit of Venable's solid chops and fine hand at guitar. Very nice. Wrapping the release is rocker, What Do You Want From Me, with it's Jimi influenced guitar riffs and Sleater Kinney like harmony vocals. Solid rocker ending for a solid blues rockin release.
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