This CD, released in '94, was Linda Hornbuckle's first, and she still considers it her best. Backed by Paul deLay's dynamic band, the "NW Soul Diva" announced herself as an incendiary blues singer. Reviewers were unanimous in their enthusiasm. West Coast Blues Review wrote, "The most beautiful and powerful blues/gospel/soul voice in the Northwest, backed by the tightest and most talented band for the ultimate Double-Whammy." Living Blues said, "Hornbuckle is a big-voiced singer who cuts loose in the finest gospel tradition and brings a dynamic sense of drama to her material." And The Oregonian made the CD one of its Top Five local releases of the year.
The band's third gig--captured on this CD--was truly memorable, described by Portland's blues association president as one of the best sets in the festival's long history. The Oregonian's Marty Hughley urged readers to buy this "tasty" CD, titling his review, "Come and Get It." Good advice indeed!
The band's second CD, this time recorded live before an enthusiastic nightclub crowd. The band was "on" that evening, and Sweet Baby James was swinging, funky, and often hilarious. The Oregonian's Marty Hughley wrote, "Travel around the world and you won't find many musical experiences that can make you feel like this."
Jimmy Mak's is Portland OR's top jazz club, and The Mel Brown B-3 Organ Group--dubbed "Jimmy Mak's signature band" by The Oregonian--has been performing there on Thursday nights for fifteen years & counting. This CD shows that the excitement hasn't waned one bit. The Oregonian's Kyle O'Brien called the band "the sound of spontaneity." Listen to this CD and you'll hear what he was talking about!
