Page 55 - BiTS_08_AUGUST_2025

OK, this may be out of many readers’ comfort zones, but if this review has
piqued your interest at all, do give it a listen. And be sure to have your dancing
shoes ready.

Norman Darwen

Eva Carboni—The Blues Archives—Mad Ears

MEPCD0256
(www.evacarboni.com)

Born in Sardinia, vocalist Eva Carboni honed her
craft in Los Angeles and teamed up with UK

producer Andy Littlewood over the last eight
years or so beginning with the work she did

with blues-rock singer and guitarist Mick
Simpson (who appears on the set under

discussion here) on his album “Black Rain”. She
has mixed blues, jazz and rock on her own acclaimed releases such as “In The

Name Of The Blues”, and “Blues Siren”, the latter reaching number two in the
IBBA Blues chart.

This latest release is a look back comprising unreleased material, some
lesser-known items (the bulk of 2019’s limited edition five track gospel-

influenced EP “Wrong Turn”) and remixes of some favourites. Having written
that, it is surprising just how well structured this set is – within the first few

tracks, Eva has tackled various forms of blues, from blues-rock to a vintage
flavoured jazz-blues and a bluesy ballad, showing off the range of her voice,

off-set by some excellent and always appropriate guitar work and a tight band.
It is seemingly effortless and impressive.

‘Something’s Gotta Give’ leans towards a smoother soul sound, and in almost
complete contrast, the stomping ‘Goin’ Back Home’ is (deliberately) rough and

ragged. The remixed ‘A Woman Scorned’ is a wonderful no-nonsense, romping
blues shuffle (not for nothing is this labelled “Bar Room Mix”), and this rather

admirable album closes with the soul/ gospel inflected ‘Wrong Turn’.

Norman Darwen