Etta James, the vocal great had been ill for quite some time and recently lost her battle with leukemia. Trooper that she is though, James recorded this one last album for her fans and it is a fine one.
The album begins with a rollicking version of King Floyd's "Groove Me" before moving into Otis Redding's celebration of good lovin', "Champagne & Wine." Somewhat amusingly, later in the album James again covers Redding, this time with the post- seduction "Cigarettes & Coffee."
There is no aural indication that James is sick or lacking in strength; she sounds as good covering a delicate chestnut like "Misty Blue" as she does on the southern funk/gospel of album standout track "Boondocks."
The Dreamer's most surprising track is a reimagining of Guns N'Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle" as an R&B number where her sassy vocals convey just as much danger as Axl Rose's did on the original.
James has such a large body of work that longtime fans may point to one of her vintage titles as being her best but The Dreamer is a very suitable entry point for the uninitiated. Now is the perfect time for fans of acts like Amy Winehouse to come home to the treasure that is Etta James.
RIP: Etta James - The Dreamer
Rating:
Share this article
More articles for this artist .
Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Cruise, Part 4: The Cruise Wraps Up In Reykjavik
Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Cruise, Part 3: All Ashore! The Cruise Reaches Norway and Iceland
Caught In The Act: Cheap Trick Rocks Chicagoland On July 4th
Dave Koz & Friends at Sea Cruise, Part 2: Dave, Dave, Dave!
Sites and Sounds: Montana Folk Festival Coming to Butte (And It's Free!)
We Are Scientists Deliver 'The Big One'
In This Moment Recruit Kim Dracula For New Song 'Heretic'
Watch Mob Rules' 'Dawn Of Second Sun' Video
Martyr Unleash 'Legions Of The Cross' Video
Jared James Nichols Announces UK Tour
Texas Headhunters Say 'Gimme Some Love' With New Video
Poptones Stream New Single 'Say Something Now'
Peter Frampton Extends Let's Do It Again Tour