Talking To Strangers

Talking To Strangers

Editorial Reviews
<"b00006isd37499"> Amazon.com
Shemekia Copeland has already scored numerous awards and accolades, but this is the young singer's real artistic breakthrough. While Copeland's first two CDs were at times marred by ham-fisted musical support and subpar songwriting, she is now free to unfurl the subtle, soulful side of her big voice. "Don't Whisper" sounds like a lost Memphis classic--the kind of tearjerker Ann Peebles might have cut. Copeland pours her vocals like warmed honey over the song's sad lyrics and an arrangement that balances producer Dr. John's delicate piano with edgy, tremoloed guitars. She turns soft and breathy on the lovely, jazz-inflected ballad "Happy Valentine's Day," evoking a worldly, relaxed beauty that belies her 23 years. There's plenty of full-tilt belting, too. "Sholanda's," a tongue-in-cheek trip to a beauty parlor, balances her power with graceful New Orleans-flavored drums and slide. And "The Push I Need" is a playful duet with Dr. John that's sprightly and smart enough to sidestep clichés. Overall, there's a sense of poised musicianship at work, which makes Talking to Strangers emotionally tempered and rewarding. --Ted Drozdowski

<"b00006isd32999"> About the Artist
Since the 1997 release of her debut, TURN THE HEAT UP (recorded when she was just 18 years old), singing sensation Shemekia Copeland has taken the music world by storm. Quickly conquering the blues community – she holds four W.C. Handy Awards, five Living Blues Awards, and a Grammy nomination – she has her sights set on music lovers everywhere. She has appeared before national audiences on Austin City Limits, Late Night With Conan O’Brien (twice), the CBS Saturday Early Show, and... read more

<"b00006isd34999"> Album Description
Shemekia Copeland, Alligator's fastest-selling artist ever, returns with TALKING TO STRANGERS! One again, Shemekia unleashes her stunning "whisper-to-a-scream" vocals on a wide variety of blues, funk, rock and ballads, all tinged with Dr. John's New Orleans grooves and backed by his airtight, funky band