Los Angeles, CA singer MAHALIA BARNES – one of the most impressive female vocalists to come out of Australia – and her band The Soul Mates have teamed up with American blues-rock guitarist Joe Bonamassa to release an album of funky-fiesty Betty Davis covers called Ooh Yea! – The Betty Davis Songbook.
Mahalia Barnes – eldest daughter of Australian Cold Chisel rock singer Jimmy Barnes and recent contestant on The Voice (Australia) – has been around music her whole life but has always been most heavily influenced by soul, blues and rock ‘n’ roll.
In addition to Barnes on vocals and tambourine and Bonamassa on guitar, the album features The Soul Mates players Franco Raggatt (guitar), Clayton Doley (organ, piano), Lachlan Doley (clav, rhodes), Ben Rodgers (bass), David Hibbard (drums), Yanya Boston (congas), and backing vocalists Darren Percival, Jade MacRae and Juanita Tippins. It was recorded live over three days at Freight Train Studios in Sydney, Australia.
“Making this album was a real joy. I love the realness. Recording it the way we did kept it really exciting and raw – no tricks or fix ups, old school and real. A perfect take is one that means something and feels great.” said Barnes.
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