Connie Lush Band
Album: Renaissance
Label: Self Released
Tracks: 10
Website: http://www.connielush.com

In 2014 Connie Lush, one the UK's pre-eminent female blues singers, decided to take stock of her musical path.

In a 20-year career she has certainly paid her dues. The five-time winner of the best UK vocalist and twice European blues vocalist of the year teamed up with experienced drummer Roy Martin (ex-Aretha Franklin) and guitarist/producer Steve Wright. Together with Connie's bass-playing husband, Terry Harris, they settled down to write new material in North Wales. Renaissance is the result.

The brooding opening track Lonely Boy sets the scene perfectly. The sparse arrangement giving plenty of room for Connie to express herself. Her voice growing into the song as it develops.

The more commercial-sounding Blame (It All On Me) takes an different approach but is no- less successful - the band flexing their collective muscles to great effect.

On Don't Cry For Me things slow down a touch and Connie is in fine form with some great counterpoint guitar from Steve.

There's even more tasty guitar on the next track I Don't Say Goodbye. Indeed the soulful guitar is one of the highlights of the album, it's always there but never insistent or trying to overshadow anyone else.

Throughout the playing is assured and the production is such that the songs have plenty of air to breathe. This is certainly so on the soulful Blue Night, with Connie in sparkling form. It has an almost Bonnie Raitt-like feel - and that's no bad thing. One of the album's many highlights.

The funky Give Me A Minute swings along very nicely, Crying Won't Help You is a slower ballad which just oozes class, the silky steel Falling Down Like Rain has a harder edge.

The album wraps up with Connie's take on Bonnie Raitt's I Can't Make You Love Me - a beautifully crafted song with Steve's leading the way with some scintillating guitar and Connie delivering a bravura performance. A fitting finale.

If you like your blues with soulful edge then this is a must-have.

If this is a renaissance then it's a very welcome one indeed.

John Knighton