LaVette!
Artist: Bettye LaVette
Label: Jay-Vee
Released: 2023
Number of Tracks: 11
Duration: 54:06
Website: https://www.bettyelavette.com
Review by Mixmaster Linc
I was listening to my friend Jeff Harshbarger’s show during the last week of the year, and he dedicated the last hour of his show to playing songs that were nominated for Grammys this year in the jazz category. The concept inspired me, and I decided to look at the Grammys’ blues album nominations for the choice of this month’s CD review. Well, I’m here to tell you, the Recording Academy does not define blues the same way I do, and probably won’t determine the winners the same way I would either.
Of all the nominees in the Traditional Blues and Contemporary Blues categories, two stood out to me; Bettye LaVette’s LaVette! and Larkin Poe’s Blood Harmony. (I discounted the live albums, because they typically don’t bring something as new as studio albums do.) Now, based on American marketing’s obsession with things that are new and trending, I’m predicting the youngsters will win, however, I chose to review the CD that I liked the best.
LaVette! is a collection of songs all written by Randall Bramblett, the songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose main performing wheelhouse is blues/rock, jazz/rock fusion, and jam band. However, in the hands of Bettye and producer Steve Jordan, you get a definite blues vibe here from end to end. One of the nice things about this song selection is that it is not old blues standards, and you probably won’t know a single one of the songs until you hear them here. It is quite difficult to find out who is in the band behind Bettye, but they are definitely tight. We know that jazz bassist Pino Palladino and Steve Jordan himself on drums are putting in the foundation, but other than that, we just know the guests that she has on certain songs. These include the estimable Ray Parker, Jr., Steve Winwood, Charles Hodges, and John Mayer, plus a crew of younger musicians, all of whom leave Bettye’s vocals in the spotlight.
Definitely, 5 stars from me (and maybe even a Grammy).
Hear for yourself: Listen on Youtube
