PlanetMosh Keeping it Metal
Beverly McClellan may not be a household name in the UK but she certainly is in the US where she appeared on the US version of the TV show “The Voice”. The Blues rock powerhouse vocalist has released her album “Fear nothing” to coincide with her touring the UK with guitar legend Steve Vai. Having recorded lead vocals for the song “John the Revelator” on Steve Vai’s 2012 album The Story of Light then she’s a natural choice for Vai for suport act on the tour.
As well as having a powerful voice, Beverly is a multi-instrumentalist, able to play more than 10 instruments.
The album contains 14 tracks – 11 from the standard album and 3 previously unreleased bonus tracks. The album was recorded at House of Blues studios with Producer David Z (Prince, Fine Young Cannibals, Billy Idol, Buddy Guy).
As you’ll see from the album cover, she doesn’t look like a Blues singer, but that just proves that appearances can be deceptive – she really is an amazing blues singer. Beverly McClellan has one hell of an impressive voice – lots of power, an impressive range and just beautiful sounding.
It’s not often you’ll hear me say that there could be a good reason to watch a TV “talent” show, but if it meant hearing Beverly McClellan sing then it would definitely be worth enduring the other contestants efforts. She may not have won the series but who cares – most TV talent show winners sink into obscurity within a couple of years, whereas Beverly McClellan is likely to be around for a long time – she really is that incredibly rare thing – a TV talent show finding a singer who actually has real talent.
Her voice is certainly the centrepiece of this album, and certainly stands comparison to some of the greats – Etta James or Janis Joplin for example.
The songs and music need to be good too if this album is to succeed – having a great voice is worth little without the right music and songs to go with it. Happily the songs are extremely good, and the musicianship is top-notch too.
“I see love” is the opening track on the album. Acoustic guitars , drums and vocals mean things are kept fairly clean and simple but this just serves to highlight Beverly’s voice – superb.
“I can’t hide me” is probably my favourite track on the album – a great Blues-Rock track with an up-tempo tune, great lyrics. It’s a fantastic track and the electric guitars give it a bit of extra power.
If you’re a lover of the Blues or Blues Rock then this is an album you really need to add to your album collection.
“Fear nothing, Tour edition” is out now.
Rating: 9.5/10
Track listing:
1. I see love
2. Lyin’ to
3. It ain’t me
4. Nobody’s fault but mine
5. I can’t hide me
6. Well wondered
7. Love will find a way out
8. Come to me
9. I will never forget
10. Tender of the most
11. Precious times
12. 10. Do it (Bonus track)
13. As I walk on (Bonus track)
14. A case of you (Bonus track)
