Beth Hart / Joe Bonamassa - Seesaw

****

This is a covers album to check out!

Beth Hart is a brilliant American singer and Joe Bonamassa is a guitar virtuoso so what would an album sound like if the two teamed up. Well it would sound like this 'Seesaw' is a great collaboration between the two artists. 'Seesaw' a covers album that mixes up Blues and Swing with a Big Band feel for a collection of classic songs from the generations. This CD includes the Ike and Tina Turner made famous 'Nutbush city Limits' plus loads more legendary songs.

Beth Hart sounds a little Amy Whinehouse Esq. on opening track 'Them there Eyes' which was recorded originally by Louis Armstrong on this track I am not too sure what instruments Joe is playing on cause the guitar is so low in the mix. Joe Bonamassa comes into his own on the intro of the amazing 'Close to my Fire' which has a great sound to it and really brings out Beth Hart voice with feeling this song was made by German duo Slackwax and I think this new version has surpassed the original by far. This is a track you can't miss out on, the only problem I have sometimes with album of covers is that artists find it hard to completely make them their own but on this album that is not the problem they are really well polished and are tracks you don't want to miss out on hearing.

Their slow down version of the Blood, Sweat and Tears number 'I love you more than you'll ever Know' leaves me a little cold, I loved the original song so much and this just doesn't come close. For me this is one of the lowest moments on the album, don't get me wrong it's good but the original track was breathe taking and this is just not that. I do love their more creepy version of the Melody Gardot hit 'If I tell you I love You' which has a Cabaret feel about it and makes you think of Burlesque and old whore houses. So I obviously love it, I think I will listen to this over and over again... this might not be the best track on the album but it is my favourite.

They bring sound of Al Green into their Blues World on the track 'Rhymes' which has the original feel to it but has been given Beth Hart's feel to it. I love the feel of title track 'Seesaw' which really has the Soul feel to it they really do Aretha Franklin justice. Think The Commitments gone American and you have what this version sounds like. I would advise if your into Blues and Soul and Funk to check out this covers album because it is really great.

Review by Dan Devour

Listen! to their cover of  'Nutbush city Limits' Below...