Blues Society of Western PA - Newsletter

Yellow Dog Records

Rarely does a first listen cause the reaction I got from listening to Eden Brent’s debut on Yellow Dog. She grabbed me by the throat on the first cut, “Mississippi Flatland Blues,” and did not let go till the last song, “Until I Die,” was over. Fifteen cuts is a long time to hold your breath! When she finally let go of my neck, I just started the CD over.

Eden grew up in the delta, living in Greenville, Mississippi. She was right there on Route 1 that was a two-lane blacktop that snakes through one stop sign towns until it runs into Highway 49. Mile for mile there is as much or more blues history there than anywhere. She was a student of Boogaloo Ames for sixteen years. That partnership was captured in a 1999 PBS documentary, “Boogaloo and Eden: Sustaining the Sound.”

There are six originals plus three by mom, Carole Brent. Their songwriting is some of the best around: heartfelt, humorous and hard luck blues at its finest. The songs are split between blues and jazz, but it is the blues scorchers that grab you. I have not even got to the good part. Eden’s vocals are amazing, both powerful and clear. She reminds me of two of my favorites: Lou Ann Barton and Rita Chiarelli. Her ability on the keyboards is…well move over Marcia; there is room on that piano bench for two ladies. In conclusion, I think some can sing, some can write and some can play. Once in a while one comes along who has it all. Allow me to introduce you to Eden Brent.

-- Jim Weber