You could have it all by Pamela Rose

22 Jul

Written by Edward Kane
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Pamela Rose's You could have it all is a winning collection of contemporary blues. Driven in large part by Tony Stead's Hammond B-3 Organ, the music has a funky pulse that shows the influence such diverse artists as Jimmy Smith, the Neville Brothers and Al Green. Vocalist Rose works well within the range of her voice; the blues have been sung by brassier women, but Rose has a good sense of delivery and can raise some sass when she needs to.

The musicianship is steady throughout the album, but what sets this album apart are Pamela Rose's lyrics. Songs like "The One That Got Away" and "This Love Will Do You In" expertly walk the fine line between universal sentiment and cliché that defines the blues. "Mama Needs A Little Day" is noteworthy for its depiction of a day in a mother's life, a perspective too little seen in the genre.

You could have it all comes surprisingly close to delivering on the titular promise. Meaningful songs, danceworthy rhythms and good musicianship are all here. What more do you want?