I love female blues singers I wrote a book about them (my T’ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do,) but not every new artist I get to review really stands out. Many are good, but they just don’t hit me in a special sort of way. This is not so with Markey Blue.

Markey Blue is Jeanette Markey and she shares her project with guitarist and producer Ric Lantana and some great backing musicians. The sound is Memphis soul, blues and r’n’b at its best. All of the songs are originals but they capture the classic soul sound perfectly with songs like “I Can’t Let Go” and “Feeling Blue.” . The recording was funded by a Kickstarter campaign, often a good sign as it shows dedication on the part of the artists and their followers.

Close your eyes and you are back in the super-smooth 70’s. With the clean guitar riffs, snazzy horns, those amazing vladocals, and electric piano, the mood is just right.   “When Love Comes Along” reminds me of a BB King number, pure blues.  “Flames”  feels like a Pointer Sisters number, a bit more 80’s than the 70’s.    “Play Me” is just a really fun number with a great groove and awesome horns. “Another Lover” and “With You” are sweet soul ballads.    “Voodoo Do” is a  hoot. “Ain’t No Angel” has a very full sound and a rock groove while “By My Side” is a heartfelt soul ballad. “Baby I’m Cryin’ winds things up with possibly the best vocal performance from Markey and is pure soul.

If you like strong female singers backed by great bands (and who wouldn’t like that?) check out Markey Blue. This one’s got it all going on