If Angels could sing like Carolyn Fe; they would …

This may seem like a cliche, it is and it is not. Depends whether or not you have listened to the c.d. Original Sin.

The same – titled first track commences with crickets as the bass line. An acoustic guitar soon joins the chorus. Sitting on a porch with an apple in hand maybe? Just like Eve did maybe …? The innocence of the situation soon turns to sin with a fierce electric guitar taking away your virginity. The album has begun.

‘Broken String’, the second song is blues. Bass player Little providing a grounding for menacing riffs and solos on the electric guitar. This is standard blues stuff. The band seems to declare; ‘ya we can do this but just wait …!’

Wait for what you ask?

How about a song which may have very well be done by the Stray Cats. It has a genuine ‘rockabilly’ feel. Fast cars and chicks providing lyrical fodder for Carolyn Fe’s vocals. An instrument which is vast in talent. Little and drummer Dan Legault as tight as a rhythm section can be on ‘Baby Bye Bye’.

The jewels of the album take the next two spaces on an Original Sin. Pearls inside an oyster of blues artists. Diamonds on the sea of music. ‘Devil’s Fool’ provides three surprises;

– A Samba beat
– A true introduction to Fe’s voice
– Rap

The song is catchy from the start. A foot starts to tap with Legault’s own. When Fe starts to sing – a power commences it’s journey to the pit of a music lover’s soul. Goosebumps get primed and ready. Primed for the best track on the album …

Adja Wali’ is a ballad beyond beautiful. A sunrise for the darkest of hearts. Carolyn’s voice is a creation from the seventh day. The listener is carried to the heavens on the shoulders of angels. Tim Alleyne’s keyboards providing background curtains lined with gold. There are many female vocalists drowning the airwaves with fantastic voices. Carolyn Fe, on this song and in general – is not one of them. She is above that!

You and Me and the Blues grabs the listener and places them back on earth – just above the Devil. It is a blues track and if a blues fan is listening; a love affair has begun in strength.

By the time track seven, ‘ Dont be so sad’ pierces the ears, a comfortable setting has taken place. The listener knows they like the band and whatever lays in store; will be great. Aside from the tightness, Carolyn’s ad- libbing a la female Mick Jagger is another surprising charm to the album. It has everything.

‘Rant’ is a rant. Well – duh …

It is a statement. Even though Carolyn is the sole singer, the song feels as if one hundred people are backing her up. Add a wah – wah guitar to the solo; an angry anthem to provide spark to something which causes unrest in anyone’s personal life. Go get em’ indeed!

As if to say relax; ‘Manual Overdrive’ is sexy.

The type of song to sit in a lazy boy chair with a Jack Daniels in hand. The type of tune which evokes images of a woman removing her stockings – slowly and surely. Garters come next along with the sultry tease. Fe is saying; “Now you love me eh? Well – you can’t have me but you can still try!”

If one wonders what a feeling it is to soar above and beyond the clouds; ‘Let’s Soar’ does precisely that and a little more.

Probably the third best song on the album and another one which places Fe above the majority of singers. An imaginary trip is where a mind can wander while listening to this ballad- wannabe. Fe’s dreamy voice causing traffic jams on the way home as a listening experience turns to a pleasant distraction.

Back to the Stray Cats …

‘Bow Wow’ once more a song bordering on rockabilly. Not quite yet if Brian Setzer had a little sister, Fe would be her and Blues Collective may well be the older protective brothers. Nothing outstanding from the tune only because the style has been played by many. Fe and her partners in crime do it better than most and less than a few.

The final track leaves the listener wanting some more and it was probably placed at the end for the same reasons.

‘Some More’ provides and edge with all the members singing background vocals. Vocals with attitude asking if we want some more. An upbeat bluesy rocker which makes one wonder why it is not played on the radio everday. Upon reflection of a minute or two – the answer to the question – ‘want more’ is;” Sure but wait a minute …!”

“I want to listen to this one a few more times first!”

Find out more about Carolyn Fe Blues Collective here!