CANDYE KANE "SUPERHERO" Source: Blues in Britain Date: 06/2009 Writer: Mick Rainsford

Candye Kane: Superhero

Candye Kane’s debut CD for Delta Groove is a personal triumph for her on two accounts.  One is the fact that it was even recorded at all, as she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in February 2008 – and secondly, having fought and beaten cancer, she has recorded a set that puts her at the forefront of “modern blues divas”.

Kane is blessed with a big personality with a voice to match – all of which is demonstrated on the opening, and title track, “Superhero”; a churning slab of R&B with sympathetic sax (Jonny Viau) and snakey guitar from the prodigiously talented Laura Chavez who I can only describe as the female equivalent of Kid Ramos.

Talking of Ramos – he actually guests on two tracks; the bawdy “I Like ‘Em Stacked Like That”, a swinging West Coast styled duet with Mitch Kashmar that has a strong James Harman feel accentuated by the guitar – and “Till You Go Too Far”, a West Coast/Chi-Town hybrid with a pulsing bass (Paul Loranger), mellifluous harp (Kashmar) and hot “twangy” guitar, with Kane sounding like a new and younger version of Koko Taylor.

Kane wrote ten of the tracks on this CD, and demonstrates her ability to write great songs in a variety of blues based styles.  “You Can’t Stop Me From Loving You” is a stomping slab of rock’n’roll with country overtones accentuated by Chavez’s playful “bluesabilly” guitar.  “I Didn’t Listen To My Heart” and “Throw It In The Trash Can Love” find her singing like a blue Brenda Lee – the former a r’n’r  styled ballad replete with squalling sax, the latter a “Let’s Jump The Broomstick” styled stomper with growling sax and Duane Eddy styled guitar.

Kane is equally impressive on older more traditional styles of blues.  Muddy’s “You Need Love” is given a new slant by Chavez’s deep blues guitar and Kane’s feral vocals – whilst “Picture Of You” has a classic blues feel emphasised by the clarity and ringing tone of Kane’s vocals which is echoed by Chavez’s masterful guitar.

Kane’s reflective side is equally appealing – her vocals possessing a frailty and sadness on “Don’t Cry For me New Jersey” that is reflected and enhanced by Chavez’s acoustic and baritone guitar – whilst the acapella “I’m Gonna Be Just Fine” is both compelling and inspirational; the perfect end to a highly recommended set.