Hailing from Cleveland, Ohio this read headed beauty is known for her powerful, deep, throaty tones that shivers down your spine with her perfect pitch. Mary Bridget Davies has been nominated countless times by the Cleveland Scene and Free Times for Best Blues Band and in 2004, Davies claimed the title as Best Vocalist. Most recently the band won 2nd place at the 2011 International Blues Challenge and now a new CD has come out from West End Studios from this soulful artist entitled 'Wanna Feel Somethin' and for those unfamiliar with Davies, they only to need listen to find out what they are missing. The album starts off with Davies fierce pipes firing the fuel in “Your Kinda Love” burning strong and bitter with lost love and resentment; this sets the fast-paced tone for the album with Blues bar guitar that stoke the lyrics until the end of the song with Davies singing 'I don't need your kinda love.'
This cut is a good lead into the next single “Won't Pay You Mind” which is reminiscent of Ray Charles-esque back up band including drums, horns, guitar and bass. It features a zippy tempo that is both Jazz and Blues with a call and response exchange back and forth between the band and Davies singing “I've been thinking” makes one think of the C&R you see in Count Basie Orchestra and 'head arrangement'. This is commonly found in Jazz and Gospel music, where music is arranged in parts featuring different instrument solos from the band that are not written note for note, rather music is played in improvised sections. This is a popular style of music for powerful front vocalists such as Davies and with the musicians she performs and records with, there is a definite throw back sense to their style that utilizes Blues, Jazz, Gospel and Rock.
“Same Ol' Blues” features Gary Roberts on bass and Dave Hayes on blues guitar, accompanying Davies painful, but sweet alto voice. The guitar, bass and drums and light organ keys in the background set the stage for sorrow filled melodies and lyrics. At 1:20 into the song a sad lilting guitar solo is the prelude to the words 'I was playing for keeps baby but you were playing your game, and your chips are all gone now daddy, now ain't that a shame' leading up to the chorus 'All your broken promises you know they will never pay my rent and you give me the same old blues child!' and at 2:25 Davies shows vocals that have the depth of Lauren Hill with the grit and rock of Janis Joplin, she wails those notes at the verse to the final notes of 'I've got that same old blues, honey back again'. In fact in 2005 proved her Joplin chops out of over 150 female vocalists that auditioned for the off-Broadway show “Love, Janis” it was Mary who was cast to play the part.
“Real Thing” is the next track off the album and it has a funky groove with horns in the back keep this song moving along. Mary's voice singing “there won't be no broken heart this time, can't be no broken heart cause I'm the real thing” and at two minutes in there is a guitar solo with finger-picking flair. “Gettin' Stronger” has a dirty guitar distortion lead line by Hayes that has Mississippi-delta-water Blues style juxtaposed with Davies rough, strong vocals belting “I'm getting stronger the longer you stay away from me” it is all Rock and Blues in this song.
“Wanna Feel Somethin'” has a killer bass line with a keyboard solo and simple drum beat; Davies makes us all feel somethin' with a “stiff drink” in hand or not. The bass provides a nice counterpoint for the keys and vocals, the song has a keys/bass duet that is simply cool, this group has got some soul. With lyrics like “Walk up to the bar and throw back that shot baby I wanna feel somethin,” one can imagine themselves listening to this at a bar and their live concert video is evidence of how Davies and the band can entertain a crowd with theatrics and talent.
On the song “Take it To the Limit” Davies does a cover of the Eagles classic organ driven song, but she brings it to new soulful heights with this rendition more so than the original. This is followed up by “Trick the Devil” which is another tough Blues driven song, then the album takes an about face turn with “Wonderwall” and “Thunder and Lightnin'” which are Jazz driven. “Wonderwall” is an Oasis single that Davies has masterfully recreated into this smooth rendition of hearty vocals, organ and saxophone. “Thunder and Lightening” is a cover of the 1973 single by Chi Coltrane and Davies pays homage to this song with her wonderful vocals and it features horns and keys like the original accompaniment. These last three songs were some of my favorite off the album, but the whole album is extremely impressive in its own right, the last couple of tunes really showcases the bands arrangement and Davies vocal range talent as well. Yeah, this album has been on repeat on my i-Tunes for a few times and I am just fine with that, the band can play and the girl can sing!
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