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There is no doubt that some might find Katie a little too intense or strange even, but

it is worth acquiring the taste for her music. There is no-one else around who sounds
quite like she does, and in the world of blues-based music, that is very much of a rarity.

Norman Darwen

Otilia Donaire—Bluesin’ It Up—Independent
(www.otiliadonaire.com)

Born in San Francisco, singer Otilia admits to a huge

influence from Koko Taylor, and was mentored by
Johnny Nitro. This album revamps the four songs
recorded at Kid Andersen’s Greaseland Studios and
previously released as an EP entitled “The Queen Bee”,

alongside other material laid down in her hometown.

‘Wrong Side Of 45’ introduces her sassy singing backed
by a busy, funky blues band, including excellent horns
and a sharp guitarist (Otilia’s regular, Joe Locococo), and with some pointed lyrics. It

sets the scene nicely for the album; there are fine, big-sounding Chicago numbers like
‘Without You’ (and you get to hear a Koko-ish growl from Otilia if you listen carefully),

whilst the direct, inviting, shuffle, ‘The Queen Bee’ is more sultry.

‘Love Sick Blues’ is kind of Sun-era blues played blues-rock fashion, whilst ‘Mama
Didn’t Raise No Fool’ has some searing slide playing and ‘Meet Me In My Dreams’ is a
strong slow blues. Keyboards player Pamma Jamma provides lovely piano on the retro

shuffle of ‘On My Way To San Francisco’, and Koko’s ‘Voodoo Woman’ reprises the
funky touch and also Otilia’s breathy to growly vocal; ‘Over You’ is a soulful ballad,
and then it’s into a joyously rocking version of Lazy Lester’s ‘Sugar Coated Love’. ‘Tired
Of Loving You’ is a mambo-styled blues, and this very entertaining set draws to a close

with ‘Hoochie Coochie Woman’, a gender-flipped reworking of Muddy’s classic (lovely
guitar break here too!). Do check out the whole album…

Norman Darwen

Beth Hart—You Still Got Me—Rough Trade

Ms Hart is a legend in her own life-time. Born in Los
Angeles, California, in her childhood she studied the

piano, concentrating on classical pieces but as she grew
olde started to play more popular music such as Etta
James and Otis Redding.

She rose to fame with the release of her 1999 single ‘LA
Song (Out of This Town)’ which was a world wide
success. Beth had started singing while attending Los
Angeles' High School for the Performing Arts in 10th

grade as a vocal and cello major. A classmate encouraged her to perform (sing) at The
Comedy Store in LA. At the age 15 she had already started performing in LA clubs.