MARILYNN CLAIRE
In Love With the Blues (Drumhead Productions)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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I know first-hand that Marilynn Claire is in love the with blues. I saw her belt out an Aretha Franklin classic at this year's Sopro Productions Easter Blues Revue in Blue(s) Island on Chicago's far South Side. I've got a recap of that show in this month's Everything Else in Review section, and I also want to shout about her record. Marilynn Claire's In Love with the Blues is not strictly a blues record, however. There's most certainly blues on this debut recording from this very talented Aurora, Illinois' songbird, but Marilynn Claire is also a fine jazz singer as well. "Lay Me Down" would be right at home in classic Chicago jazz rooms like Andy's Jazz Club near the Magnificent Mile that is North Michigan Avenue, particularly for the way that Marilynn's band clicks on this original song. I like the way producer Patrick Doody anchors the song with a strong beat on drums, and Ron Anaman's bass provides a strong counterpoint, but the what got my attention was John Talmage's piano solo. "I Don't Care" is also ready for jazz radio airplay, but I return often to "Everybody Knows" for Joey Drada's and Ted Spaniak's solid guitar work. Check out other emerging blues artists through www.sopromusic.com, and look for Marilynn Claire to set up her own web shop later this year. Delta Frank Black, the blues doctor at WGLT-FM, has added In Love With the Blues to his playlist. In Love With the Blues showcases Marilynn Claire's diverse vocal gifts with strong examples of her abilities as a jazz and blues vocalist.

Track List:

In Love With the Blues * My Turn * Everybody Knows * Chicago (It's Got Everything You Need) * Lay Me Down * I Don't Care * Everyday I Have the Blues * Stormy Monday

© 2005 - Eric Steiner