Laurie Jane and the 45’s
Self-Produced
CD: 10 Songs; 33:36 Minutes
Styles: Contemporary Electric Country Blues, Piano Blues, Blues Rock
by RAINEY WETNIGHT. What’s hotter than summer, tastier than a barbecue, and shorter than a good day at the beach? Laurie Jane and the 45’s, the self-titled debut album from a fantastic country blues band. Straight out of Louisville, Kentucky, they present ten tantalizing tracks: seven originals and three covers. All are worthy of spots on fans’ party playlists, especially for outdoor gatherings. Lead singer Laurie Jane Jessup’s vocals are 50% sweet torch singer and 50% whiskey-hardened barfly. In fact, one of the best songs on the CD is “Whiskey Will,” reviewed below. Laurie Jane sounds way more like Bonnie Raitt than Shania Twain or Faith Hill, for purists who are worried about this album being more country than blues. With a dash of Chicago swagger and more than a mite of Memphis moxie, it defies strict categorization within the blues genre. Once in a while, aficionados need something to chew on. This album is more hearty than a Porterhouse steak. Along with lead singer Laurie Jane are co-producer Cort Duggins on guitar and keyboards; Jason Embry on upright bass; and Scott Dugdale on percussion. All three of “the 45’s” are songwriters. These featured tunes will get anybody dancing, drinking or both. READ MORE