Artist: Michelle Mangione
Album: “What Is A Saint”
Worth Buying: Yes
You will be interested in this album if you are a fan of: Bonnie Raitt, Grace Potter and The Nocturnals, Susan Tedeschi
Tell Me More: Some artists set out on a career and become identified with a single sound, before possibly delving in another direction later in life. Michelle Mangione is clearly an artist interested in breaking down barriers from the get go.
From the rollicking Americana-styled folk rock of “Cry to Me” and sparse, acoustic blues of “I Know How It Feels” to the ‘70s rock-minded “Sticky Fingers (the Soul Merchant)” and ambitious title track (co-written by the legendary Grace Slick) that incorporates several styles before drawing to a gospel-winning close, “What Is A Saint” is a fully-realized effort that focuses on Mangione’s stunning blend of blues, soul, pop and alt country.
Despite the far-flung reaches of the musical galaxy positioned across the disc, Mangione and her supporting group of players (notably producer-guitarist-bassist Steve Soest) never sound like they are doing something different “just because.”
Rather, when Mangione plays 6-string ukulele or Soest is featured on mandolin, it makes a great song even better.
Mangione’s skills as a lyricist and singer hit home on “Liberty Jane,” a compelling tale of a woman who flees an abusive relationship. This is an album crafted from the heart that should bring plenty of well-deserved attention to Mangione and her music-anchored songcraft.
ROBERT KINSLER 11/10/2009
What about the packaging? “What Is A Saint” features a dozen songs. Although the CD comes in a standard jewel case, the four-page booklet features lyrics for all of the tracks.
Listen to samples and get the mp3 version for 8.99
CD Version
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