Ana Popovic is both a superb guitarist and a fine singer, not to mention easy on the eye. And over a good few years I have enjoyed her Blues music, always with a ‘something else’. This time around, she has created a hard funk and soul album that has all the groove of bands such as Earth Wind & Fire, The Ohio Players, even Sly Stone. There are Latin based tracks and numbers of real deep Chill such as ‘Dwell On The Feeling’.
A brief look at the track listing suggests a lot of covers although only ’50 Ways To Leave Your Lover’ is actually a non-original. All the rest were written either by Popovic and Corey LaDell Burns or by J. Sabin or other band combos.
The music is, frankly, astounding. The deep and heavy funk of the title track with a real nod to 70’s disco, the louche soul of ‘California Chase’ or the chilled modern groove of ‘Hurt So Good’, all completely credible and danceable as all heck.
One of my favourites is the first single ‘Worked Up’ – straight out of Studio 54, horns and a great bass line, Popovic’s vocals and guitar are up front, hot and heavy.
The version of ’50 Ways To Leave Your Lover’ is funkier than the Paul Simon original and Popivic delivers a stunning guitar solo over the close.
I had forgotten how soulful Ana Popovic’s music has been over the years, this brings it home in the biggest and most punchy manner.
I’ve been listening to this album for days, It rewards every listen with something new and left me with a big, big smile.
