Out Of The Shadows

Second time around for this album from Jerry Lee’s sister.It is now out in an expanded version with extra tracks taken from her last solo album as well as a bonus video track. Linda may be best known for her duet album and subsequent tour with Van Morrison but I’m sure she would rather be remembered for her own music.

Certainly, she possesses a strong, sometimes fiery voice that can suit a variety of material as evidenced by this collection’s mix of rootsy, country rock , soul and r’n’b. Horns too adorn many of the new album tracks, showing its heart is in Memphis even if it was recorded in Austin and Nashville. By contrast, the material from the previous album has a more straightforward country appeal.

There is some finely honed playing involved throughout from musicians as renowned as Jim Horn and guitarist Derek O’Brien. And, as you might expect, Linda Gail aptly upholds the family trade, supplying the piano throughout.

Out Of The Shadows, as the title suggests, presents a clear, well-rounded picture of the talents of Linda Gail Lewis as writer, pianist and singer, and is well worth visiting if you want to escape some of the over-cooked product that is currently being peddled through the mainstream.