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Michelle Wilson

"tryin’ to make a little love"

This one's a little different for me. I'm typically not an R&B kinda lady. But . . . this lady is lovely to listen to. Michelle's vocals cover a wide range of sounds and styles. She's gruff, wailing, throat-catching, soft and sultry. Often within the same song.

The opening and title cut is a robust beginning, showcasing Michelle's throaty vocal style. Written in part by Joan Osborne it's a good hook for the rest of the cD. Ay La Bas is a bouncy, Louisiana flavored jump tune. Dave Limina's piano on this and the opening tune are fabulous. cranston clement on guitar is a measured, clean complement and the horn section adds bunches. Life Rolls On has a croony, country sound. A high school-like love ballad, this tune allows Michelle to sound pensive, mature and anguished all at once.

I Would Do Without It is an interesting shuffle with the strong horn section adding a good deal of class. Limina's piano is a tasty accent. Each Day has a boogie-gospel feel. Michelle almost cries out her selfless addiction to some guy–ugh! Half Past the Blues is a jazzy piano showcase. Her voice is airy and sultry. An urban street saga.

Responsibility alternates between a soft, heartfelt croon and a bit of bop. Her voice is a blast of strong emotion. Bring It Home To Me breaks away into a ragtime type boogie. With that piano rockin' the walls and her plaintive, catch-in-the-throat style vocals this one'l have you up and hoppin'. Someday is a deep, sad dirge. It's a cry to the heavens an anguished slave may have sung. The wailing licks of clements' guitar add a modern moan to the fray.

Guess You Didn't Love Me Enough gets us back into a slow blues slide. The topic is appropriate also, some rotten user-guy, but ends with a surprising, self-aware touch. Scott Billington's harmonica is the perfect touch. In the Driver's Seat is a groovin', low down number. Who's lipstick is that anyway? The Wilson voice is tough and hurt all at once. Very cool slide guitar, horn and piano touches.

A very interesting piece of work all around - check it out.

MER