Shemekia Copeland is a leading contemporary blues singer, with a sound that has always stood out as unique and bold. Since her 1998 debut, “Turn The Heat Up,” the 39-year-old musician has released six outstanding records which have been produced by the likes of Cajun funk soul man Dr. John, Steve Cropper (founding member of Booker T. & the MG’s), Oliver Wood (Wood Brothers), and for America’s Child, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Will Kimbrough. In Copeland’s case, all of her producers have played on her albums, but none have affected her style and vision. On the latest, Copeland tackles many socio/political issues that have plagued America and still do today. Standout tracks include: the anthemic opening track “Ain’t Got Time to Hate”; the hymn for unity, “Americans,” which also features Mary Gauthie; the acoustic call for relief from fear-laden politics “Smoked Ham and Peaches” which also features Rhiannon Giddens on banjo; the blues interpretation of The Kinks’ “I’m Not Like Everybody Else”; the John Prine duet “Great Rain”; the smoldering cover of her father’s, the late Blues Hall of Famer Johnny ‘Clyde’s “Promised Myself,” a cover of bluesy roots singer-songwriter Kevin Gordon’s “One I Love”; a scorching cover of Terry Abramson’s and Derrick Procell’s “In the Blood of the Blues”; and the rollicking southern rocker “The Wrong Idea.” Shemekia Copeland’s underlying message on America’s Child is both one of empathy and understanding as well as a commitment to remaining defiant and strong about what’s going on in America today. In my opinion, this is Copeland’s best album yet! – Written by JFelton
SIMILAR | Robert Cray, Ruthie Foster, Bettye LaVette, Koko Taylor