2013 release from singer/songwriter Nicki Bluhm and her band the Gramblers. The album is the follow up to her hit critically successful album Driftwood and includes the single and live favorite 'Little Too Late.' the band recorded the album at Mission Bells Studio, the San Francisco studio which Bluhm's husband and bandmate, Tim opened in 2006, in partnership with recent Black Crowes addition Jackie Greene and engineer Dave Simon-Baker. The material for the album is all new, written since the release of Driftwood, and Bluhm explained that the four songwriters in the band, including herself, Tim, lead guitarist Deren Ney and rhythm guitarist Dave Mulligan, all contributed pieced to the album.
Bluhm has a truly interesting voice with a hint of country on some songs and very much county on others. Her voice can be sweet and soft with the magic of a folksinger but then she can also belt out a song with plenty of power to rock you. Nicki, a local from Northern California and married to Tim Bluhm of Mother Hips has blossomed into a songwriter and singer with a commanding presence on stage and great albums such as this one. I loved her voice the first time I heard her sing and, to my ears, she just keeps getting better. If you haven't heard of Nicki Bluhm, give her a try - you might be as smitten by her as I am.
One of my favorite shows of 2013 was Nicki Bluhm & The Gramblers at a small club in Vancouver. While I will say that I enjoy them live more than on the CD, the same could be said for many bands. I still highly recommend this CD. Once you hear the riff for "It's A Little Too Late" it's hard to forget. In a different era that would have been a huge radio hit.
This album is just fantastic. It's a great mix of Country Rock, Southern Rock, Folk and Blues, a lot of classical influences. Nicki's voice is just great. I loved it, especially Till I'm Blue and Little too late.