Blues Society of Western PA - Newsletter

Alligator Records

Whenever I am feeling blue, I jump in the car and toss in a Marcia Ball CD. That is the best prescription I have to assure an instant “mood” improvement. I can be guaranteed that I will be tapping my toes and just loving life. Having been assigned the task of reviewing Marcia Ball’s most recent release, I approached carefully. I am a true fan and wanted to give you an honest opinion of what I heard. I then listened to the CD many times over. Her first selection, Party Town, was a true Marcia Ball introduction. The Cajun influences that include Marcia tearing up the keys, Terrance Simien on the accordion and the strong horn section made me feel like I was back in New Orleans. The title song, Peace, Love, & BBQ was a pure example of her ability to tell real life stories that have a flavor of optimism and reality woven into them. Marcia then brought down the tempo with a slower song, “Miracle in Knoxville.” It started with a very subtle jazz-fusion and then flat out wrenched the listener with its heartfelt soulfulness. “Watermelon Time” was a playful, upbeat song that everyone can relate to and enjoy its simplicity. The CD rolls on in Marcia Ball fashion. There are tunes that are heavy on horns. Some showcase the accordion, the mandolin, and the lap steel. In all, each song has an unusual mix to draw the listener in. Marcia Ball is an extremely talented musician who combines her Louisiana Rhythm and Blues with good old-fashioned stomp and swamp. Her story telling is an art in itself. She has the ability to tell you about sad things but leaves you on a positive note for hope: “Where Do You Go” and “Ride It Out.” Marcia pokes fun at real life situations and has the theory, ‘it is what it is’ attitude. “Right Back into It,” tells of people who mean to follow the straight and narrow but for whatever reason cannot. When the song finishes it’s rocking and rolling, you know right from wrong and the consequences of your actions. You still have to smile! You know that you or someone you know will be “right back there” in the same “mess” again. “Falling Back in Love with You” has a familiar ring about man does woman wrong, woman does man wrong, and somehow life goes on. Marcia’s lyrics on that song include, “…sitting ‘round, making rhymes… thinking ‘bout the good old times… guess I’m due for something new…I think I’ll fall back in love with you.” Life’s habits are really hard to break. This CD is a good listen. The melancholy will make you think about things in your life. Before you can get really sad and feel down and out, you will soon be on to a toe tapper that will make you want to jump up and dance. Take a listen and get a good dose of “feeling” good music and a new perspective on life.
(After note: While in the Delta Blues Museum in Clarksdale, Mississippi, I happened to talk with Marcia Ball’s producer, Stephen Bruton. We exchanged impressions of the CD. I also talked with him about Marcia’s Katrina efforts and her trip to Cleveland, Ohio and the subsequent interview that evolved. It was fun trading insights and stories.)
-- Jonnye Weber