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Review Written by - John Muller - Blue Notes and Conversations - 2023 / 2024

 

    Mizz Lowe - Classy Woman -   Mizz Lowe Records - www.mizzlowe.com - All songs written by - Mizz Lowe and Bobby Rush / Produced by - Bobby Rush / Co-Produced - Mizz Lowe / Executive Producers - Mizz Lowe - Loretta Harris-Wilson

 

 

 

           "I miss the real music of the past when the artists/musician/music was the kind that you could feel down in your soul.When the artists would make you feel the songs , feel their pain, feel their joy , made your cry or made you forget about your troubles for the moment.Today I feel that our music has no substance in it, there's no story. What happened to the story line?" - Mizz Lowe

      

 

       For many ,many years blues fans , who traveled cross country to enjoy the spectacular weekend of blues music presented by Michael Cloeren at the infamous "Pocono Blues Festival" , were treated to the "Bobby Rush Revue" , a fiery , no-holds-barred , hip shakin' and ass-thumpin'  stage show , Bobby and his ladies ignited the crowds with a risque mix of sex-rated songs and suggestive antics on stage , all the while Bobby himself , dressed impeccably, was a non-stop singing and dancing machine , a bumping and grinding dynamo of extraordinary excitement . Those big-bottomed female dancers , with Bobby's raunchy and wildly hilarious humor , his remarkable musicianship on full display,were part of a stage show that was unsurpassed , driving the thousands of fans into a delirious frenzy at every appearance. Those were good times indeed!

          Loretta Harris - Mizz Lowe - has been literally behind Bobby Rush for decades , as lead dancer and personal assistant.She is widely known for her character "Young Hen" that she plays for the "King of the Chitlin' Circuit " and "Blues Hall of Famer", Mr. Bobby Rush. Born and raised in Mississippi, growing up on a plantation , Mizz Lowe was exposed to the raucous sounds of the blues at a young age , her dad , a Straw Boss , ran a juke joint there on the plantation at least 5 nights a week . 

           Decades with Bobby Rush , finally stepping to the front of the microphone , "Classy Woman" is her debut release. With the support of Bobby Rush on backing vocals and harmonica , and a top-notch team of supporting players,Mizz Lowe delivers a set that shimmies and shakes , quivers and quakes , a non-nonsense woman who will romantically rock your world  with the snap of a whip , but cross her , cheat on her , and this tigress will pounce , the vitality of your manhood in serious question . Sassy , sexy , wickedly wild , defiantly determined , raucous rhythm and blues and sensuous soul. . Whew! Somebody get me a towel!

           With Bobby Rush co-producing the album , singing duets on six of the ten cuts , while co-writing the songs , you can already guess what's in store here . Mizz Lowe has that luscious "Honey Tree" that is ever so sweet , a "Classy Woman"  but at the same time , a "Hip Shakin' Mama", defiant and indomitable . Perhaps, given the mood is just right and your wallet is full , you will find yourself with an "Easy Baby" but she will sternly tell you , "I Ain't Givin' Up My Love." Decide to "Drink Drink" and your derriere will soon be punted ferociously out the door with an unapologetic slew of bottles  aimed accordingly in your direction - and that's the best case scenario!!

            "This Love" is a show-stopper , showcasing the beauty of Mizz  Lowes voice , a seductive slice of rhythm and blues with a smoky , jazzy feel ; "Take My Love" opens up full-tilt with Bobby's dynamic harp front and center , soon both Mizz Lowe and Bobby Rush soar vocally into the stratosphere , a truly remarkable duet ; "4 Leaf Clover" takes us to church , a beautiful Gospel-roots bathed track that is electrifying complete with heavenly backing vocals ; and "Christmas Tears" closes out the set , chiming bells , the expressive harp work of Bobby Rush , and , at the end , a snippet of "Jingle Bells" to close things out . Now this song is a gift and certainly should be on holiday playlists everywhere.

             Truly remarkable debut that is long overdue . Plenty of horn-driven funk ; sweaty rhythm and blues; sassy and seductive Southern soul ; and full-tilt blue boogie .The horn arrangements are sonically infectious , the band members are on-fire musically , and the vocals - from Mizz Lowe and Bobby Rush - are emotionally charged , pulsating with passion , showcasing plenty of compelling energy. First-rate showmanship that delivers from start to finish . We can only hope that Mizz Lowe will grace us with more exciting releases in the years ahead . Truly seductive!

 

Rounds of thunderous applause to the band......

    Bobby Rush - Vocals , Guitar , Harp / Paul Black - Slide Guitar / Brother Paul Brown - Drums , Bass, Guitar, horns, keys, strings,percussion / Dexter Allen - Bass and Guitar/CC White - backing Vocals / and....MIZZ LOWE -  VOCALS

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