Now 26 years old, Harlem born Shemekia Copeland just released "The Soul Truth", her fourth album. The daughter of blues legend Johnny "Clyde" Copeland, Shemekia early on was dubbed the "future" of the blues because of her sheer vocal power. Her second album "Wicked" received a Grammy nomination while her third album "Talking To Strangers" continued to garnish accolades. On her fourth album she continues to stretch out as this one is produced by guitarist Steve Cropper of Booker T & The MG's. This album is one of those rare sleepers, one that in later years will be more significant.

Steve Cropper was one of the architects of the Stax/Volt Memphis sound. He co-wrote "In The Midnight Hour", Ninety Nine & A Half", "634-5789", and "Don't Fight It" with Wilson Pickett. Having him produce Shemekia's latest was clearly a brainstorm. The album opens with "Breakin' Out", Steve Cropper's guitar setting the pace on the John Hahn/Steve Cropper authored tune. The horn arrangements and sax solo by Jim Horn are outstanding. The "punchy" Horn horns open "Who Stole My Radio", this time it's Cropper who solos with Chuck Leavell on keyboards. This isn't "blues" but old fashioned Rhythm and Blues. Cropper's guitar with tremolo introduces "Poor, Poor Excuse" with Felix Cavliere handling the organ chores, and it feels like 1965. This is one of the album's best tracks.

Shemekia co-wrote "All About You" with John Hahn and Steve Cropper. "You Can't Have That" is vintage Shemekia. Other notable tracks include "Uptown Line", "Givin' Up You", "Honey Do That Voo Doo", and "Something Heavy" performed by Shemekia with just Steve Cropper's acoustic guitar.

This album is an attempt at re-creating some of the Rhythm and Blues of the past. I for one however would have liked it even better if Shemekia had included a cover of one or more of the Steve Cropper songs mentioned above. If you love that "Memphis" sound, like I do, this is "Something Heavy" for you.

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com