Thom, Sandi: Flesh and Blood

Sandi Thom is a rock and blues independent singer-songwriting artist from the UK, who produced one of the defining hits of the internet age, "I Wish I Was A Punk Rock, (With Flowers In My Hair). Her new album "Flesh and Blood", was produced by Black Crowe and successful solo artist Rich Robinson. The album was recorded at Nashville's legendary 16 Tons studio. The album features "a core studio band led by Rich Robinson on guitar and including fellow former Black Crowe and widely travelled session star Audley Freed (guitar), respected Nashville stars Mike Webb (Keys) and James Haggerty (bass), and Black Crowes drummer Steve Gorman". The album also includes "guest appearances from acclaimed singer-songwriter Buffy Sainte Marie, famous Rolling Stones collaborator, saxophonist Bobby Keys, and Sandi's life-long drummer Craig Connet", (http://www.sandithom.com/meetsandi/, 2012).

This album is an excellent representation of modern interpretations of rock and blues history. "In the Pines", with all of its accumulated history dating back to the 1870s is easily a highlight of the album. The song has been covered by such diverse artists as Lead Belly through to Nirvana's famous interpretation. Thom does a great job on the song and brings its blues roots back to the forefront.

"Help Me" kicks things off well with Thom's powerful and bluesy-soulful vocals. The supporting band is all that you'd expect from the talents of Rich Robinson and the Nashville studio artists he assembles for this production. Excellent!

The title track, "Flesh and Blood" is a powerful and original blues rocker, full of great opening piano that along with Thom's vocals eventually turns into an almost spiritual. It is one of the definitive highlights and signatures of this dynamic and empowering album. "Stormy Weather" is the perfect blues contribution to this album. The funky groove the band lays down is the perfect support to Thom's sexy vocal banter.

"Rise as One" is the perfect story of hanging tough through tough times. A great bluesy spiritual number which will have you singing and clapping from the start. Thom's soulful vocal is proof she believes what she sings.

"Big Ones Get Away", (featuring Buffy Sainte Marie), is the perfect mix of two excellent female vocals. Makes you wish you were there to watch these two ladies record it. The interaction between the two is so well directed and matches full emotion with power. "Lay Your Burden Down" is another powerful album highlight bring to bear some of the best emotion and spiritual strength from Thom's vocals.

The closer "Sun Comes Crashing Down", with Thom's soft voice will make you both wish the album was not coming to an end and hope that the next album will follow soon.

Track Listing:

1. Help Me
2. I Owe You Zero
3. Flesh and Blood
4. Sun Comes Crashing Down
5. In the Pines
6. Big Ones Get Away (Featuring Buffy Sainte Marie)
7. Stormy Weather
8. I See the Devil in You
9. Rise as One
10. I Love You Like a Lunatic
11. Save Some Mercy for Me
12. Lay Your Burden Down

Added: July 21st 2012
Reviewer: Mark Johnson
Score:
Related Link: SandiThom.com
Hits: 1969
Language: english

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