With her satin peppermint tones, vocalist Manou (Sängerin) of the multinational (albeit Germany-based) all-star, blues-rock outfit IVY GOLD meanders through refined & effective songs like a sorceress trapping silver memories in her hands.
Songs such as their recent “Shine On” draw upon the superb percussion of Tal Bergman (Joe Bonamassa), the bright guitar of (producer) Sebastian Eder (Avalon), the throbbing rhythms of New York bassist Kevin Moore (Jennifer Rush) and the magic keys of Anders Olinder (Glenn Hughes).
The title track from their debut album Six Dusty Winds was a swaying breeze of a number, with teasing organ smudges, palpitating guitar and a breathy velvety voice that you’ll focus on right up to the moment you’re hypnotized by garlands of guitar. This is compelling and revealing.
While “This Is My Time” is squelchy and not unlike something from Tormato era Yes (late 1970’s) in terms of style, taste, and subtlety, which might surprise blues aficionados as it tilts towards prog-rock/ and adult soft-rock than rootsy blues. It might be a tad over-mellow for those looking for edginess and guts in their sounds… but for those who admire slick exuberance, this is a dream come true.
If you are in need of new polite urban blues, this is for you…
For fans of: Steve Lukather meets Bettye LaVette
Words: @neilmach 2021 ©
Images: Ivy Gold, Golden Ivy Records 2021
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