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 Toni Spearman
So Called Friends
Brambus 200494-2
http://www.brambus.com
Toni has been around for a while - I recall reading about her back in the Blues Life days, but for some inexplicable reason she remains little known outside of a small central European circuit. Maybe this release can change that.
Let’s hope so, as it reveals that this South Carolina born singer is a more than accomplished blueswoman, sassy and bold on the likes of Denise LaSalle’s ‘Stepping Out’ (with guest Lily Delois) and Irma Thomas’s ‘You Can Have My Husband’, tender and soulful on blues/ soul ballads such as ‘It Ain’t No Fun’ and ‘I Need You Tonight’, and rabble-rousing on the likes of the opening ‘Let The Good Times Roll’, with its shades of BB King’s live shows, or the closing Lowell Fulson composition ‘Talkin’ Woman Blues’ - here entitled ‘Honey Hush’. And I have yet to hear a poor version of Sam Cooke’s ‘Bring It On Home To Me’ - Toni certainly excels on this one! Ms. Spearman has also supplied several notable original compositions and her backing musicians (two guitarists, keyboards, bass and drums) also revel in her and their opportunities for versatility, providing accompaniments that range from southern chitlin circuit to big band swing, from the throbbing Chicago styled blues of ‘Good Love Gone Bad’ and the blues with a hint of funk that is the title track to almost full-on blues-rock.
Toni is always in control though. Why isn’t she better known? After listening to this, I am even more puzzled - buy it and let’s rectify the situation. Norman Darwen
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