Gems: Volume 2 is composed of what Sue refers to as “personal favorites” recorded by several of her bands dating back to the 1980’s. The most recent track recorded just this past summer with old friends and special guests at the Thunderbird Analog Recording Studio. It’s a wealth of material that truly reflects her lifetime in music. So I asked if putting together this project made her a little nostalgic. “Yes.” Sue says. “Most of the time, over the last 70 years really, I was always looking forward to the next project. I’m still like that now, but I guess I’m old enough to want to write my memoirs, musically speaking. I find it interesting to figure out why I came to be playing a certain way. They say everything you do is just preparation for the rest of your life, forever preparing. I have found that everything I have done musically, I have eventually used.”  

Time and space prevent a complete description of the total project, but to whet the appetite let’s examine a few nuggets. Songs that jump out at you… “Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere” is a beautiful and loving homage to Hadda Brooks. Vocalist Deejha Marie spells it out and the lushness of the Motel Swing Orchestra adds so much texture, its music you can feel.

“Freak Lover” is a little different, reminiscent of the Prohibition/Speakeasy era, with Candye Kane at her bawdy best. ‘Come and see about me, Daddy!’ The violin of Eric Hokkanen gives you some Papa John Creach attitude in this uptempo romp.

No big band can call itself a ‘big band’ without some Ellington and this fresh take on “East St. Louis Toodle-oo” from 2015 is ageless. The muted brass of Phil Shopoff and April West make Sue’s piano shine all that much brighter. It’s like stepping back in time. Speaking of which “Fish for Supper” is my absolute favorite track. The legendary Preston Coleman has that Louis Armstrong growl as he laments over his gastronomical woes. Watch out for bones!

“Ladies Shoes” is a slow blues where once again, vocalist Deejha Marie takes it to the street. The track also features the unrelenting and masterful blues guitar of Steve Wilcox. Add the rest of the orchestra and you grasp the true meaning of ‘smoke-filled room!’

That’s just five of the 20 tracks available on this star-studded album. Sue says, “I have played with some wonderfully talented and charismatic people over the years… Preston Coleman and Candye Kane definitely among them! AND I still do!!” An incredible rotating cast of musicians but a long-time core rhythm section of side players like sax man, Jonny Viau and rock solid time keeper and drummer, Sharon Shufelt. Vocalists Deejha Marie and daughter, Sharifah add even more depth and emotion to the big band songbook. Bass player Pete Harrison, guitarist Steve Wilcox and the trombone of April West round out the current lineup and all have been instrumental in Sue Palmer’s musical journey. And Sue is the first to recognize it. “I always remember that Duke Ellington considered his orchestra his instrument… and I feel like that too. If one has a wonderful band, you want to highlight them!!!”

Sue will highlight her entire Motel Swing Orchestra with guest vocalists, Sharifah Muhammad and Laura Jane Willcock at her upcoming ‘Gems: Volume 2’ release party January 7, 2020 at Tio Leos, 5302 Napa St. San Diego. More info is as close as www.suepalmer.com

The post Sue Palmer Doubles Down — Gems: Volume 2 appeared first on Traveling Archive.

You know it’s going to be a good day when your mailman delivers a big fat CD right to your front door. And it’s extra special when it comes from the reigning Queen of Boogie, Sue Palmer. Sue has put together a collection of 20 songs that she says are “particular favorites” from an immense archive that dates back almost 40 years. With an extended musical cast of peers, old friends and special guests, GEMS Volume One is a snapshot into the life and career of this gifted performer.

From the moment the disc opens, the left hand of Sue gives notice that Boogie Woogie is where her heart beats. The remaining 19 tracks show how prolific and versatile the woman can be. The homage to Duke Ellington with Sue’s Motel Swing Orchestra is stellar as are all the straight ahead jazz elements found in this recording, and there are many.

Janiva Magness makes a surprise appearance with 2000 LBS of Blues in a cajun-flavored ‘Why Did You Go Last Night?’ This Clifton Chenier classic is a pure West Coast stroll with Sue’s accordion skills being offset by Roger Baldwin’s thick, nasty harmonica!

The years Sue spent working with Candye Kane are lovingly preserved here so expect an abundance of fun and quirkiness. Their version of ‘These Boots are made for Walkin’ prove accordions, banjo’s and Nancy Sinatra rock. ‘Motel Mambo’ evokes the golden days of Johnny Otis’ Barrelhouse and Central Avenue’s Club Alabam. ‘Git it’ by Suaro is from Sue’s earliest recordings when she was part of Ms. B. Haven “an all women’s rock band from the late 70s.” Each track seems to capture a moment in time and that is reinforced on ‘Aloha Oe.’ Adrian Demain is a monster on the lap steel and when Sue breaks out a ukulele you can almost feel the North Shore breeze.

There are so many other vocalists, Deejha Marie, Sharifah Muhammad, Missy Andersen, Preston Coleman, Earl Thomas, Molly Stone, David Mosby… and guitarists, Steve Wilcox, Jimmy Woodard, Heine Andersen, Laura Chavez… and an unbelievable horn and rhythm section, Sharon Shufelt, Jonny Viau, April West, Pete Harrison, Thomas Yearsley, Daniel Jackson, Gilbert Castellanos, Rob Thorsen… and a cast of thousands.

If you want the complete lineup, pick up your own copy at the CD Release party for Sue Palmer’s GEMS Volume One, Tuesday July 3^rd, 2018. Bring your friends and your dancing shoes to Tio Leo’s at 5302 Napa Street in San Diego. Show starts at 7:30PM, don’t be late.

The post Sue Palmer Drops a Few GEMS appeared first on Traveling Archive.