Heather Newman, Burn Me Alive Review

Blues

Heather Newman, Burn Me Alive Review 2

Guitarist, bassist, songwriter, and vocalist Heather Newman had her blues flame ignited in her hometown of Omaha, NE. She participated in the BluesEd program based out of her hometown and gained her insight into the business and blues tradition from national and international blues musicians. All of whom challenged her to put her skills to the test and see how far hard work would take her. In 2017, Newman switched to playing bass, in addition to singing and formed the Heather Newman Band. Now they are bringing us their first studio album, Burn Me Alive. Newman’s strong blues singing takes us through twelve tracks that run the gamut of blues feels that are full of the deep emotion, a trait that is demanded for true blues expression. The band is: Keith Ladd on guitar, Ryan Matthew on piano/organ, Cole Dillingham on drums and Newman on bass and vocals. The band is deeply rooted in the blues language and it shines through the various styles they present, such as: soul, funk, and rock, but all through the blues perspective. Newman’s sultry, emotionally charged delivery, brings the blues to town on Burn Me Alive and that’s the short of it!

Heather Newman, Burn Me Alive Review 3

Positives:

A nice variety of feels and tempos. The originals are well-written, and the band is killin’, add to that blues drenched front vocals by Newman and you have a winning recipe.

Bottom Line:

Heather Newman will grab your ear with her debut album, Burn Me Alive. The bassist/vocalist has plenty of heart and attitude that she conveys with all the right colors, rhythms and style garnered from a deep understanding and absorption of the blues tradition. There is plenty of crunchy, ballsy blues playing and singing. Newman’s songwriting on the album is impressive, she certainly is one of the hottest young blues talents that has hit the bullseye right out of the gate with Burn Me Alive. The Heather Newman Band has a very bright future. Certainly, her training with BluesEd paid off, her authenticity rings true. One to watch!

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