Self issued (label)
01 June 2012 (released)
02 June 2012
Hat Fitz and Cara are an interesting pair who, on papare at least, don’t seem like a natural fit.
Hat Fitz playing style is all Mississippi Hill country Blues and Cara Robinson is more of a gospel and folk singer but between them, and with stunning production from Jeff Lang, they make something very special.
The fife and drums in the back of ‘Power’ really show off Cara’s vocals brilliantly with Fitz’ guitar light carrying the melody whil Cara belts out the lead vocal. ‘Eliza Jane’ is a more folky affair, a story song, with Cara to the fore and Fitz hoarse bellow backing her up over a simple drum figure.
The combination of their styles is what makes this album work so well as you can’t predict what will be around the corner and the previous two are followed by Fitz deep vocal on a classic Blues ‘Absent Eyes’ and then the two working hand in hand on ‘Company Underground’ with a fine electric guitar line that sounds like it is played on a Super Chicken guitar box axe.
The album has contrasts and none more than when the voices cross over to each other’s style and you hear the respect and love each has for the other.
Every track is a different kind of a gem and every track bears repeated listening and there isn’t one that stands out as THE killer track but I have to say that the album, in its entirety, has taken a residence ion my heart.
An unexpected gem and one of the best things I have heard this year.
