Katie Henry: Get Goin’ Review

Rising blues rock singer and multi-instrumentalist Katie Henry’s latest album, Get Goin’ marks a progression in her career, showcasing her versatility and depth as a songwriter and performer. Produced by the celebrated modern blues icon Bernard Allison, the album presents a balanced blend of blues, rock, and soul, anchored by Henry’s silky vocals and compelling instrumentation.

Katie Henry sits among a fresh wave of skilled and enthusiastic emerging artists in the modern blues scene. The New Jersey native singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist gained recognition with her critically acclaimed album On My Way, earning a place on Blues Rock Review’s Top 20 Albums of 2022. With Get Goin’, she expands upon the sonic tapestries laid beforehand with both familiarity and inventiveness.

Opening with “Love Like Kerosene,” Henry adds energy from the get-go with an uptempo blues number characterized by lively dynamics, catchy guitar riffs and piano passages. The track serves as an early showcase of Henry’s vocal prowess and the tight chemistry of her backing band.

Anchored in a burly bass line, “Jump” follows, offering a laidback, late-night blues vibe with a touch of softness and elegance. Henry’s more restrained vocal delivery shines through, evoking a sense of intimacy and mystery.

Next, “A Doll’s Heart” emerges as a standout ballad, featuring evocative guitar and piano melodies accompanied by a heartfelt vocal performance. The track showcases her songwriting prowess and ability to convey raw emotion, bringing the listeners into the heart of the song’s narrative.

Henry’s rendition of “Voodoo Woman” brings a funky twist to the album, with her vocals taking center stage alongside another robust bass line and sweet guitar licks. The track highlights her ability to successfully breathe new life into classic blues standards.

Another piano-infused ballad, “Wake Up Time” further demonstrates Henry’s talent for crafting evocative numbers, with her soulful vocals delivering a message of self-discovery and resilience.

“Get Goin’ Get Gone” has a nice laidback blues groove, featuring more of Henry’s smooth vocals and impeccable instrumentation, while her take on “Nobody’s Fault But Mine” rounds out the album with a hauntingly beautiful interpretation of a blues classic.

From a production standpoint, Get Goin’ boasts a clean sound quality, allowing Henry’s vocals and instrumentation to shine without the sound feeling overly sanitized. Allison’s production expertise ensures that each instrument has its room to shine in order to capture the nuances of Henry’s performance.

Overall, Get Goin’ is a strong album whose appeal lies in its nuanced themes, compelling songwriting, competent instrumental performances, and, of course, Henry’s vocals. Displaying a certain pop, accessible element while still maintaining a bluesy edge that is convincing and engaging, they take the record to the next level and further solidify Henry’s promising status in the world of blues rock.

The Review: 8/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Love Like Kerosene
– Jump
– A Doll’s House
– Voodoo Woman
– Wake Up Time

The Big Hit

– A Doll’s House