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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 single
My Man – He’s A Lovin’ Man, which became a national hit in America, leading
to tours with Clyde McPhatter, Ben.E.King, Barbara Lynn and up-and-coming Otis
Redding. She was even signed to Motown in 1982, filling the gap by departing
Diana Ross, but a modest hit failed to bring her attention, and her career
languished.
Some might say she’s been the Tina Turner in waiting, and there are undeniable
vocal comparisons. The Detroit singer, now songwriter too, has pulled off a
truly mesmering album, backed by alt country rockers Drive-By Truckers. The
production is top draw, by DBT and LaVette.
Here, not only does she do some impressive Soul, but tackles rasping rhythm
and 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 balladeering
such as the emotively driven and heartfelt Choices.
Arguably, her finest vocal performance appears on the smouldering rock ballad
Jealousy, with the DBT’s doing a sublime steady backup, allowing LaVette
to shine and emanate her full vocal control. They Call It Love is right
out of Turner’s songbook, though the country shimmer defines it as LaVette’s
gig.
Before The Money Came, an undoubtedly a reflective song, shows her adamant
side, 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 her
vocal dexterity, which never falters, and might yet make her legend.
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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Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website.
Review & concert pics copyright © Elly Roberts, 2004-2010.