Oct/Nov 1999

The Cathy Lemons Blues Band

Dark Road (Saloon)

Slicker than Janis, and certainly a better songwriter, Cathy Lemons is going to be a force to be reckoned with. Featuring basic blues phrasings and themes, Lemons infuses her music with soaring emotions. The title cut, "Dark Road", should quickly rank here near the top of her chosen profession. Her list of cover tunes is short and her choice impeccable, from the opening "Rollin' and Tumblin' " from Muddy Waters to Jimmy McCracklin's lilting "Just Got to Know." Her feminine take on "Good Morning, Little Schoolgirl" is delivered with a sly wink and soaring voice. Lemons comes to San Francisco by way of Texas. She has worked with Anson Funderburgh, Mark Hummel, John Lee Hooker and Stevie Ray Vaughan. Backing Lemons are Johnny Ace (bass, vocals), Steve Freund (guitar). Guests include Tommy Castro, Rusty Zinn and Davis Maxwell. This is a pleasure if you like thrill chills running up and down your back!
--Cotten