Wednesday, April 9, 2014

Album Review: Meschiya Lake & The Little Big Horns- Foolers' Gold

Meschiya Lake & The Little Big Horns
Foolers' Gold
****and1/2 out of *****
The frisky bold and backwards looking Meschiya Lake and The Little Big Horns sophomore effort Foolers' Gold is more of the sultry, old timey jazz that is soaked into the oak bars and stools of Storyville and now modern day Frenchman Street. The group is a showcase for Lake's vocal talents but the Little Big Horns are more then up to snuff as the group reinvents older tunes and contributes some of their own to the genre.

There is an overriding sense of female sexual empowerment on the disk as Lake tackles relationships in a variety of ways. Her interpenetration of Mabel Scott's "Catch Em Young" calls out to the ladies to get just as abusive as the men, especially the ones in her take of Billy Holiday's "My Man".  Other pro-female tales show up in "Don't Start With Me", covers of Bessie Smith's "Young Woman's Blues", Peggy Lee's "Do Right" and the groups upbeat run through of the hot Louis Prima jam "Rhythm In Me".

The sexuality hits a high point when the Little Big Horns get the percussion/tuba going for "Satan, Your Kingdom Must Come Down" because the devil is obviously in those hip shaking solos and grooves. While Lake focused on the holy on that tune, for the follow up take of Victoria Spivey's "Organ Grinder" Meschiya lets the passion seep and spread with no innuendo just raw primal lust; a show stopper.

The groups originals like the sweet title track and the slow, hot, wet and perfectly titled "Midnight On The Bayou" confirm the bands chops as song writings are on par with any of the classics and long lost gems they love to cover so much.

Their style is firmly in days gone by, but the sound is far from dated. The playing is no frills, yet crisp and vital. The vocals aren't overdubbed or layered and gorgeously magnificent because of it. A stirring listen for fans of jazz or any genre, Foolers' Gold is worth investing in. 
_____________________________________________________________________
Granted not everyone may love this sound, but seriously if you are interested in great music give this a listen. We loved the group and have loved Meschiya ever since we first heard her sing. She kills it with Scully but here she is in her favorite environment with the LBH's. This is the best they have sounded outside of hazy late night sets at The Spotted Cat.

Support the band here, buy the album here and peep some video below:


4 comments: