| CD REVIEW This review was also published at Blues on Stage |
| OUT OF HER MIND - STICKSHIFT ANNIE AND THE OVERDRIVE Reviewed by Tony Engelhart |
| Originally from the Midwest, Annie Eastwood settled in the Seattle area a little over 15 years ago and has played in every blues club in the city. Finally, she lays down her smooth brand of bar room blues on an impressive debut, Out Of Her Mind. Stickshift Annie and The Overdrive play a sleazy strain of blues which is both smart and sexy. Annie's sassy vocals are complimented by her magnificent band, including James Middlefield on a harmonica and Ian Waldie on slide guitar. The disc was nominated by the Washington Blues Society for best Recording and Eastwood for Best Female Vocalist in 2001. While the awards went to other artists, it reestablished the group as a powerhouse in the Northwest. Out Of Her Mind contains all original material with no filler. With a relaxed ambiance, 'High Tech Blues' gets things rolling, a funky shuffle, with plenty of Annie's sexually charged innuendos in between smokin' solos. Jazz and Blues collide with 'Troubled Fool' which features stellar guitar licks, solid harp playing and a laid back groove. 'Burning Up' and 'Miss Phyllis' are chock full of dangerous lyrics as Eastwood tantalizes the listener with her mischievous voice Out Of Her Mind is campy, fun and just close enough to the edge without crossing the boundaries of good taste. Like another Northwest Blues Diva, Duffy Bishop, Annie isn't afraid to lay it out for all to hear while using her womanly ways to lure the listener in. Available at: www.nwblues.com Stickshift Annie is now performing under the name, Stickshift Annie with Kimball & The Fugitives |
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