Singer Cee Cee James released her fourth album, Blood Red Blues, on July 17. Featuring 12 original songs, which were co-written with her husband and slide guitarist Rob “Slideboy” Andrews, the album was produced by Grammy winner Jim Gaines. James’ music and her voice are blues in the truest sense, and the raw power of her voice is her pride and power. Based out of St. Louis, Mo., James’ sound is full of the twang and drawl of the South, both in the instrumentals and in her vocals. The tracks, while following the standard blues riff chord progression, manage to be versatile and showcase James’ strengths while also highlighting the technical strength of the band supporting her.

At worst, this album gets slightly repetitive, as blues is wont to do. There is only so much to do with a blues scale, and it is a common gripe with jazz and blues music. It is also a Catch-22, as this scale also lays the foundation for a truly talented improviser to show off. There is no shortage of skill with Cee Cee James and her band, which makes the chugging along of chord progression bearable. Sounds where she shines are “Feel My Love Come Down,” which is underscored by a fun, upbeat guitar riff and choral vocals toward the latter half of the track. “Wounds” is also a good listen, making a departure in style from the rest of the album. Instead, this track bears more of a rhythm and blues feel, a synth laid over guitar for some solo licks. Most of all, this song stands out because it demonstrates James’ versatility within the genre.

On the whole, Blood Red Blues was a good listen. There won’t necessarily be any tracks that stick with a listener for years after, but a blues fan will be pleased with this effort. James is a talented musician and the quality of the tracks she produced here is solid.

The Review: 8/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

- Blood Red Blues
- Feel My Love Come Down
- Wounds

The Big Hit

- Feel My Love Come Down

Review by Sarah Richmond