Shemekia Copeland 33 1/3
The blues has run through Shemekia Copeland’s veins since the day she was born. Daughter of blues great Johnny Copeland, Shemekia started her career opening for her father to introduce her to music fans. Since then, she has brought a soulful flavor with her outstanding vocal talents and that continues to be the case on her latest release 33 1/3. Leading off with “Lemon Pie”, Copeland goes straight for the jugular with a song that combines the blues, rock, and soul together in a way that catches your attention. She brings in the big guns to help, including Buddy Guy’s incredible guitar work on “Ain’t Gonna Be Your Tattoo”. J.J. Grey also contributes his song “A Woman” before helping Copeland on the vocals for “Mississippi Mud”. Copeland also does justice to Sam Cooke’s classic “Ain’t That Good News” to round out an album that brings a modern spin on classic blues. Overall, her referencing of vinyl with the album title fits so well. Although she is certainly a modern artist, she keeps the spirit of the influential blues of the past alive and well. Copeland will only help blues thrive into the future.