Tiffany Pollack/Eric Johanson

Blues In My Blood

Nola Blue Records

Tiffany Ann Pollack is a product of the musical mecca known as New Orleans. At an earlier age Pollack began to write songs and sing. Her first professional gig was singing background vocals for Russell Batiste & Friends. She eventually formed her own band Beaucoup Crasseux. Her performing career fizzled and Tiffany studied mortuary science. After the birth of her third child she returned to her music career. She now sings with her own jazz band Tiffany Pollack and Co.

Eric Johanson was recognized as a soulful blues guitarist while still in high school. He’s been the lead guitarist for both Cyril Neville and Terrance Simien. In 2017 Johanson released “Burn It Down” on Tab Benoit’s Whiskey Bayou Records. In 2018 New Orleans’ Offbeat Magazine nominated “Burn It Down” as the “Best Blues Album of 2018”.

Pollack had been adopted at birth. She was reunited with her biological parents when she was twenty-five. Always having music in her soul she learned that her mother, Margaret, plays bass and sings in a jazz band. As luck would have it her aunt, Margaret’s sister, was the mother of Johanson. So Pollack and Johanson discovered they were first cousins and after years of having their mothers edge them to work together, finally united for this project.

The eleven tracks feature seven originals written or co-written by Pollack and Johanson. Also contributing to four of the songs is the Grammy nominated and Emmy winning producer Jack Miele. Miele’s production credits include Steve Riley and The Mamou Playboys, Dr. John, Irma Thomas, Erykah Badu, The Rebirth Brass Band, The Roots, Jill Scott, Beyonce and countless others. The album is engineered and mixed by Miele at The Music Shed Studios in New Orleans. The album is co-produced by Brentt Arcement.

Six tracks are recorded with a band including Miele, bass, additional guitar and percussion; and Arcement, drums, organ, piano and percussion. The title track includes John Gros on organ. “Memories to Forget” features Johnny Sansone on harmonica. The brass of the 504 Horns helps complete the production on “Michael” with a beautiful solo from Johanson. “River” is the Joni Mitchell classic. Vocalists Pollack and Johanson sing beautifully as their voices perfectly complement one another.

Five more songs feature a band lineup with Phil Wang replacing Miele on bass; and Gros playing both organ and piano. Included are three more specially selected covers. Nina Simone’s “Do I Move You”; Pollack singing a beautiful version of the Rolling Stones “No Expectations”; and a wonderfully re-arranged duet on “If I Had A Hammer”, originally recorded by the Weavers and popularized by Peter, Paul and Mary.

Both Pollack and Johanson are seasoned veterans. They bring a roots based approach to their blues while still reflecting the rich musical heritage of New Orleans.

Richard Ludmerer

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