Search - Karen Gallinger :: Kinda Blues Live

Those of you who are familiar with Ms. Gallinger's (gal -in-jur) vocal tribute to Bill Evans in 2000 may recognize the title of her new release as a side ways reference to the landmark 1959 Miles Davis/Bill Evans recording Kind of Blue. Just kidding though, because this project is a 180 degree departure from her Evans tribute. It is in fact, kinda blues, kinda jazz, and kinda rock. A melting pot of many of the influences that helped form Ms. Gallinger's artistic sensibilities. This live recording features Gallinger doing what she does best: entertaining a crowd. The show starts off with an energetic blues shuffle. Followed by a sensual rendition of Peel Me A Grape. Born Under A Bad Sign, one of the great hard luck anthems, is admirably countered by a swinging version of It Ain't The Meat It's The Motion, while a bass ostinato sets the groove on the Bill Withers song Who Is She. Gallinger's Storytelling abilities take us through the hilarious If I Can't Sell It ( I'm Gonna Sit Down On It). Things pick up as she expounds further with I Can't Take You Nowhere. An understated Crossroads features Wabich playing the snare drums with his hands as the sound textures are layered to great effect. Doodlin' is an easy 4/4 swing, and the set ends pitchin' a Wang Dang Doodle. Gallinger's career runs the gamut from guitar playing folksinger in the 70' to pop rock diva in the 80's, toss in a little Puccini and a bit of Cole Porter and you have an extremely diverse musical palette. Attracted by the challenge and expressive depth of jazz, she developed a style that draws on all of these elements, and when combined with her rich contralto voice it gives her a signature sound and approach that are unmistakable. This latest offering is a glimpse at yet another side of this creative artist who, according to Bill Kohlhaase (O.C. Weekly) "...gathers you into her head as well as her soul." Funny , angry, broken hearted, or hopeful, music has a story to tell, and Gallinger is a gifted storyteller. One part triumph, two parts heartbreak - shaken, not stirred.