KELLY CARMICHAEL (Queen Fareena) CD
Ex-Pentagram/Internal Void guitarist Kelly Carmichael returns with his second solo recording dedicated to the blues. In contrast to his first solo album 'Old Stock', 'Queen Fareena' has taken on a more ragtime, country blues, and dixieland cast. Once again, he's supported by Jean-Paul Gaster (Clutch, The Bakerton Group, Wino), a highly gifted drummer, and various guest musicians. Needless to say, the result of this cooperation is impeccable, and by now everyone should be aware of the fact that Kelly Carmichael belongs to the spearhead of guitarists in Maryland's heavy rock/doom community. And furthermore, he proves that he has evolved into a serious singer. 'Queen Fareena' consists of a mixture of cover songs from, inter alia, Mississippi John Hurt or Reverend Gary Davis and a couple of self-penned songs.
The cover songs have been beautifully re-arranged and especially the brass section adds a dynamic, atmospheric element to the tracks. Sometimes the boundaries between swing and blues are fluent such as in the title track, while 'Guitar Rag' surprises with a cajun feel. But do not expect any distorted guitars, loud amps or something like that. 'Queen Fareena' is out and out acoustic, including upright bass, fiddle, banjo, accordion and other instruments that conserve the spirit of the 1920's and 1930's. What I also like very much is that this album creates a positive and cheerful atmosphere, of which one cannot escape. 'Queen Fareena' has been released in 2009 via Dogstreet Records and if you like the aforementioned types of blues it's definitely no mistake to buy a copy of this wonderful, entertaining album. Oh yes, nevertheless I would be delighted about a new album from Internal Void or some shows here in Europe...please...
(KK)