CD Review - Kirsten Thien
Delicious
Screen Door Records SDR 0002
Delicious will satisfy your craving for songs that are sweet and sultry. Singer Kirsten Thien has a soulful voice that blends well with the Stax-like horns, organ, and subtle clean guitar tones that accompany her vocals throughout the CD. On the opening track, “Love That’s Made to Share,” guitarist Arthur Nielson provides tasteful solos along with the legendary Hubert Sumlin. Yet the standout to this toe-tapping groove may be the conviction of Thien’s voice. Later, Thien’s come-hither voice blends well with Sumlin’s distinctive touch on the sultry “Please Drive.” In the title track, Thien exudes sexuality when she reminds us that “Eve [tempted] Adam with an apple” but it is “your love that is so delicious” to me.
Thien has surrounded herself with seasoned players, like Neilson, who may be best known as the guitarist with Shemekia Copeland’s band. The CD also features the complementary guitar of Dave Patterson and solid rhythm section of the band, glued together by Tommy Mandel’s organ and keyboard. The subtle flavors of the horns add to the overall Memphis sound.
A down-home acoustic take on Ida Cox’s “Wild Women…” reveals a carefree and relaxed vocal, with guest Billy Gibson’s tasteful harmonica adding authenticity to Thien’s passionate playfulness. Throughout the CD, the magnetism of Thien’s voice is the perfect foil for Neilson’s guitar. Bassist and producer Erik Boyd provides strong direction and the result is a pleasing mix of soulful sounds, sultry ballads, and funky flavors. Thien is also credited for having written or co-written 8 of the 11 songs. Delicious offers a strong female voice that leans more towards the side of soulful balladry than traditional blues, but, along with the backing of a fine band, Thien’s is a soulful and sultry voice that is sure to whet your appetite for more. ~ Jimmy Adler
