Search - Michelle White :: Wandering Road

Once in every generation is born a songstress

Gordon Morris | Lake District, England, UK | 04/18/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Once in every generation is born a songstress who's voice is capable of healing ... such is the captivating singing of Michelle White. Sometimes we are attracted to a song merely by the rhythm, sometimes by the melody, perhaps by the voice, or maybe we are moved by the lyrics. Pinch me, I must be dreaming, because this CD has all of these attributes ... and more! The rhythm & melodies lay down a groove so deep that I could happily remain trapped there for hours; Michelle is a wondrous songwriter & storyteller whose lyrics leave you begging for more; and she is blessed with a voice that could make angels cry ... a voice that stops you in your tracks ... a voice that entrances ... a voice that is molasses, bourbon & honey poured down a gravel road ... firmly rooted in America's Deep South, rich, warm, earthy, sensual, and instantly recogniseable. Michelle sings the blues with the authenticity of John Lee Hooker, then lays back on the porch swing to sing the sweetest ballad that you will ever hear. Michelle sings with real soul that you feel in your bones, with a passion that lifts you off your feet and puts a smile on your face even on the gloomiest day. The songs are self-penned except for two by her father, the legendary Tony Joe White, and wait till you hear Michelle's enthralling version of J J Cale's "Anyway The Wind Blows" ... aahhh that voice! Michelle is an accomplished instrumentalist, playing keyboards & guitar on the CD, and is joined by a band of enviable musicians who clearly enjoy each other's company. The CD was recorded in Michelle's folks' old Victorian house on analogue tape, resulting in a laid-back refreshing feel-good factor, so often missing in a sterile studio album. Michelle duets with Nashville's Pat McLaughlin on the beautiful "Let Love", Gary Myrick plays some delicious slide guitar, Joey Zimmerman slaps an awesome upright bass, each song is bound together by the oh so soulful guitar of Tony Joe White and, all the while, Michelle's bewitching voice washes deeper into the crevices of your mind, taking you on a circle round the sun. Something this good comes around only once in every generation ... do not let this chance pass you by ... buy this CD and experience the joy for yourself."