Bettye LaVette: The Scene Of The Crime

Elly Roberts reviews

Bettye LaVette: The Scene Of The CrimeDistributed by
ANTI

• September 2007
• Rating: 8/10

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Born Betty Haskins in Michigan 1946, Bettye LaVette’s recognition as a great Soul singer is finally being recognised, at the tender age of 61.

She’s been knocking around the studio scene since 16, when she recorded a singleMy Man – He’s A Lovin’ Man, which became a national hit in America, leadingto tours with Clyde McPhatter, Ben.E.King, Barbara Lynn and up-and-coming OtisRedding. She was even signed to Motown in 1982, filling the gap by departingDiana Ross, but a modest hit failed to bring her attention, and her careerlanguished.

Some might say she’s been the Tina Turner in waiting, and there are undeniablevocal comparisons. The Detroit singer, now songwriter too, has pulled off atruly mesmering album, backed by alt country rockers Drive-By Truckers. Theproduction is top draw, by DBT and LaVette.

Here, not only does she do some impressive Soul, but tackles rasping rhythmand blues – You Don’t Know Me At All, and a touch of country –Somebody Pick Up My Pieces. There’s also some old school Soul balladeeringsuch as the emotively driven and heartfelt Choices.

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Arguably, her finest vocal performance appears on the smouldering rock balladJealousy, with the DBT’s doing a sublime steady backup, allowing LaVetteto shine and emanate her full vocal control. They Call It Love is rightout of Turner’s songbook, though the country shimmer defines it as LaVette’sgig.

Before The Money Came, an undoubtedly a reflective song, shows her adamantside, where she claims to have never sold-out, and wait has been worth it.

The principle feature, however good the songs are and band is, it’s always hervocal dexterity, which never falters, and might yet make her legend.

Weblinks:bettyelavette.com /anti.com

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The full list of tracks included are :

1. Take Me Like I Am ( Still Want To Be Your Baby)
2. Choices
3. Jealousy
4. You Don’t Know Me At All
5. Somebody Pick Up My Pieces
6. They Call It Love
7. Last Time
8. Talking Old Soldiers
9. Before The Money Came ( Battle Of Bettye LaVette)
10. I Guess We Shouldn’t Talk About That Now

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