Record Reviews

JOANNA KNITTER ~ ARETHA ALLEGRO 041 (Barcode: 5901157049414) ~ POLAND ~ Blues-Rock Recorded: 2020 Released: 2020 This is an album by Polish vocalist Joanna KnitterFind albums by this artist and her band called Blues & Folk ConnectionFind albums by this artist, which comprises of keyboardist Artur JurekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Krzysztof PaulFind albums by this artist, bassist Adam ZuchowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr GoraFind albums by this artist. As the title suggests, this s a tribute album to the American Soul / Rhythm And Blues Diva, singer / songwriter Aretha FranklinFind albums by this artist. The album presents thirteen songs either written by or associated with Franklin’s repertoire. Normally I’d have dismissed such enterprise without even giving it a listen; I mean Polish vocalist singing classic / untouchable songs, probably with a terrible Polish accent and accompanied by a bunch of anonymous musicians. But luckily for me I have heard several earlier recordings by Knitter and decided to give the album a chance, which turned out to be quite a pleasant surprise. Of course there is nothing innovative or original as far as the music is concerned, but Knitter is an incredible vocalist, with a lovely husky / throaty voice, which she uses very effectively, her accent is not bad at all and her feel for the Blues / Soul is pretty astonishing, as if she was born Black at heart. And to top things up, the guys in the band turn out to be ass-kicking instrumentalist, who can play great guitar licks, soulful Hammond and piano accompaniment and the rhythm section pushes the music strongly forward. In short this is a great Blues / Soul album, which stands proudly shoulder to shoulder with anything recorded across the pond, and with the American music market’s head deeply stuck up the Hip Hop behind, this music sounds more American than anything made in the America these days. In short, as usual, never dismiss an album before you hear it, as nice surprises can happen. Hats off to Knitter for making my ass dance in the chair when I listened to this album, which I hope will happen to everybody listening to it. I surely appreciate to courage to face this challenge – you did well Lady!

Updated: 08/05/2023Posted: 09/08/2021

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JOANNA KNITTER ~ DISTANT BLUES NOT ON LABEL ~ POLAND ~ Blues Recorded: 2024 Released: 2025 This is an album by Polish vocalist Joanna KnitterFind albums by this artist and her band called Blues & Folk ConnectionFind albums by this artist, which comprises of organist Artur JurekFind albums by this artist, guitarist Krzysztof PaulFind albums by this artist, bassist Adam ZuchowskiFind albums by this artist and drummer Piotr GoraFind albums by this artist. The album presents eleven tracks, ten of which are original songs, nine composed by Knitter and one by Paul. The remaining track is a cover of a song written by American songwriter Norma TanegaFind albums by this artist. Knitter wrote all the lyrics to these songs, five of which are in English and six in Polish. On a note Joanna attached to the CD she sent to me, she wrote: “I am sending you my latest creation, which my band and I recorded under the premise that Blues is Life. I hope that listening to this material won’t be painful to you, but if this happens to be the case, the CD is a perfect coaster for a cup of coffee”. This note perfectly sums up the situation, and no, it is not going to serve as a coaster, since I truly love this album to bits! I have been following Knitter’s career for some time now, and although I always liked her work, this is absolutely the best recording she ever made. Her voice, husky, throaty and beautifully hoarse is perfect for what she does and the songs she writes are as Bluesy as can be. I even don’t mind her singing in English, as her pronunciation is completely acceptable by now. And the band! They really sound incredible, with the Hammond Organ, which is just perfect for the job. I also love the acoustic bass, which adds the proper depth to the sound. In short, it just does not get any better! But of course the most important thing is that Knitter’s got the Blues feel, deep inside her soul, without which nothing works. Overall, this is a brilliant Blues album, with some touches of Soul, which offers a great set of original songs, superb instrumental work and sublime vocals, everything that makes music such a deep emotional experience. Some people say that Blues was born in Poland (well in Silesia), which is usually meant as a jest, but after listening to this album one starts to wonder… A big Blues hug to you, my Dear!

Updated: 11/04/2025Posted: 11/04/2025

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