Never Going Back

Performer: Shemekia Copeland
Engineer: Jeff Bakos; Joe Johnson
Producer: Oliver Wood; John Hahn
Distributor: Fontana Distribution

Notes: Audio Mixer: Joe Johnson. Audio Remasterer: Greg Calbi. Recording information: Grandpa's Studio, NYC. Singer Shemekia Copeland is the daughter of the late Texas blues guitar great Johnny Copeland, and while she's joined the family business, she is not riding her father's coattails. While blues is at the heart of her approach, her style is closest to the soul-blues blend of Irma Thomas, Little Johnnie Taylor, and Johnny Adams. Vocally, she recalls Thomas, Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, and even Lucinda Williams at her most bluesy. Copeland's rough-and-ready backing includes John Medeski, Chris Wood (both of Medeski Martin & Wood), and Marc Ribot, who ideally balance the raw and the smooth with class and flair.

Down Beat (p.76) - 3.5 stars out of 5 -- "She finds sparks of optimism in the words of Hahn and Woods' easy-paced 'Broken World,' with focused and watchful John Medeski seated at the organ." Dirty Linen (p.54) - "Though remaining thoroughly seeped in the blues, Copeland brings a forward-looking view as she takes on religion, politics, and the shape of the planet." Living Blues (p.30) - "This is a Copeland we haven't seen before -- confident and introspective, she bares her soul with a slow-burning intensity and takes risks with material that doesn't fit the standard blues mold."

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