Old CDS Reviewed Anew #10 - Beth Hart - 37 Days

Beth Hart

37 Days

Universal Music - 2007

http://www.bethhart.com

I've known about this release since it was first announced back in 2007 that it would be coming out. The unfortunate thing is I don't think it was ever released in the US. The import costs were prohibitive so I've waited a long time to get my hands on this album.

It was well worth the wait. Judging by the photos in the CD booklet, it seems as if the album was recorded with the band all in the same space playing at once. It gives the album a more immediate and intimate feeling. The band is jamming and with Beth Hart's Janis Joplin-like rough and tumble vocals, you simply can't go wrong.

I have to admit that I was hooked on Beth Hart from the very first time I saw her. It was in Boston. It was The Beth Hart Band at that point and they were playing outside of Fenway Park on the top of a van. And it was amazing. I was on my way into the Red Sox game but all I could think about was getting that first CD Immortal. Then came the first two solo discs Screaming For My Supper and Leave The Light On. Those releases were then encapsulated in the electrifying super sweaty and oh so sexy live album Live At Paradiso.

Now, the next chapter of Beth Hart's musical journey ranges from the beautifully spare "At The Bottom" where it is just Hart's voice and her piano playing to the near metallic "Sick" which is a flat balls out rocking number.

Though it is a most oddly titled song, "One Eyed Chicken", actually works. Weird lyrics in the bridge.

"Face Forward" is another hard rocking song and there is a superb cover of the Warren Haynes written Allman Brothers Band song "Soul Shine".

Through it all, the band is fierce and fiery and Hart continues to impress vocally. It is a shame this CD appears to never have been released in the US because more people should hear this true performer.

Grade: A MINUS