September 15, 2008

Joanna Cotten - High Maintenance (2007)

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A sultry slide guitar, the lonely moan of a blues harp, the righteous thump of a fatback bass and the sticky soulful rhythm of a Beale Street backbeat … within the first few bars of the first song on High Maintenance, her stunning debut release, Joanna Cotten lays it all out like a slow ride down through the delta. Then she starts to sing, and all heaven breaks loose.

She calls her music "Funkabilly," and the appellation fits just right, serving as both the title of her album's leadoff track and as a dead-on description of Cotten's undeniable artistry – a heart-stopping mix of God-given talent, flawless technique, and deep-down southern soul that adds up to the most potent, pure-country voice to come out of Nashville in a long, long time. By the time the song fades to a raucous, gospel-drenched finale it's crystal clear – this girl was born to sing.

As her debut vividly demonstrates, Cotten has grown into a singer who comes with, and who is inseparable from, her own compelling story.

"I've got a gift that the world can't change or take away," she sings on the album's debut single, "The Prize," as a thumping beat and a slamming banjo drive the point all the way home. And every Cotten-penned song on High Maintenance completes another chapter of her unique musical journey, from the funky romantic frustration of "Hard to Want" to the introspective and inspiring balladry of "Keep My Faith," all the way to "Humble Town," a song that beautifully encapsulates the struggles of Cotten and countless creative souls along Nashville's Music Row. Two uncut gems from the Dennis Linde catalog, including the hilariously evangelistic Elvis tribute, "Miracle In Lee County," pay tribute to the late songwriter and round out this one-of-a-kind country collection. It's been a long and winding path to her debut, and Cotten has grown with every turn in the road. These days, with High Maintenance ready for release, Cotten is chomping at the bit to introduce country fans to her own, patented brand of "Funkabilly."

"I can't wait," she enthuses. "Get ready to sink your feet down in the Delta mud!"

Track List:

01 The Prize
02 Funkabilly
03 High Maintenance
04 Humble Town
05 Grateful
06 Hard To Want
07 This One Burger King Town
08 Miracle In Lee County
09 Man In Trainin'
10 Good Days Gone
11 Keep My Faith

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