Ally Venable: Money & Power Review

With her new album, singer, songwriter, and smoking guitarist Ally Venable proves without doubt she is a new rising force in the world of Blues Rock.

After success with her album Real Gone, which hit #1 on the Billboard blues charts, she is back with Money & Power and, once again, Grammy-winning producer Tom Hambridge is at the helm. Given their past success, it made perfect sense for Venable and Hambridge to team up once again.

The new recording is a tour de force featuring Venable’s blistering guitar and vocals with support from a first-rate musical team including Isaac Pulido (drums), EJ Bedford (bass/keys), Kenny Greenberg (guitars), Rob Coreton (bass), Luke Mosely (keys), Tim Lauer (keys), Jorion Dawson (saxophone) and Jason Grant (trumpet), all topped off by the backing vocals of Rachel & Sarah Hambridge.

It also features powerhouse guests Christone “Kingfish” Ingram and Shemekia Copeland.

Money & Power features 11 new original songs and closes with a cover of Janet Jackson’s “Black Cat.” The bulk of the writing comes from Venable, Hambridge and Richard Fleming.

Right out of the gate, she hits listeners with “Brown Liquor,” a double shot of rock-fuelled blues guitar featuring “Kingfish” Ingram, who scored a Grammy win with his collaboration with Hambridge on the 2022 album, 662.

The third song, “Money & Power,” proves to be the perfect choice to carry the title track honor. Written solely by Venable, it features her forceful guitar sound and vocals that land right in the wheelhouse of her key and range. The tune gets rolling like a train picking up speed and power as it steams along.

A news release accompanying the album announcement said, “‘Money & Power’ is a bold, uncompromising anthem that celebrates the rise of women in traditionally male-dominated realms.  It is a timely and necessary statement, empowering listeners to challenge the status quo and forge their own paths to success, regardless of gender.” That theme is carried throughout the record. And using the word “anthem” was particularly astute as much of the album has the feel of a soundtrack to an epic movie.

Fans of pop music who are looking for more substantial musical and lyrical content would also find inspiration in this offering, particularly in songs like “Legends” and “Stepping Stone.”

Venable says she was inspired by Stevie Ray Vaughan and she is on track to repeat his considerable feat of re-igniting the blues among a new, younger audience. With her inclusion in the elite all-star lineup in the Experience Hendrix Tour 2025, Venable has clearly gained the attention of her blues-rock superstar peers. Also featured on that our are Kenny Wayne Shepherd, “Kingfish” Ingram, Zak Wylde, Marcus King, Devon Allman, Samantha Fish, Eric Johnson and many more.

With this recording, Venable has one foot planted firmly in the blues with the other on the rock side of the equation. “Heal Me” and “Feel That Sting” fall into the rocking blues pocket while “Stopper Back Papa” is a funky number.

And there are other exceptions that underline her writing and vocal versatility. “Unbreakable” features guest Shemekia Copeland and carries a gospel flavor while “Maybe Some Day” will hold some appeal to country fans. “Do You Cry?” features a slow, haunting melodic rhythm, as does “Keep Me in Mind.”

Overall, it’s a great album showcasing Venable’s power and confidence and foretells of great things ahead for the promising young performer.

The Review: 8.5/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Brown Liquor
– Stopper Back Papa
– Unbreakable
– Money & Power

The Big Hit

– Money & Power