Illinois Entertainer May 2014 | Page 48

a first rate effort. From the jump blues of "Baby Let Me Butter Your Corn," to the band's electrifying remake of John Lee Hooker's "Boom Boom." the record is a musical tribute to the genius of blues legends like Willie Dixon (who was Branch's mentor before his death); and Paul Butterfield, whose harp work was another obvious influence. Blues Shock also showcases Branch's writing skills. The sentimental "Going To See Miss Gerri One More Time," and the jazz fused "Song For My Mother," are good examples of how Branch is taking the blues in new, more contemporary directions. - Bruce Pilato 8 SARAH DOOLEY Stupid Things (Self) At a time during which the Frozen soundtrack is the most popular album in the world, these 10 quirky coming-of-age songs are a tonic. The bouncy piano, chipper melodies, and detailed lyrics cultivate the same feminine turf but at a deeper level, and Dooley sings almost as well as Demi Lovato, Idina Menzel, and Kristen Bell. In fact, by singing "worse" - i.e., with less regard for the niceties of professionalistic perfectionism--she could be said to sing better. If only she weren't so nasal. Her piercing tone and helium-huffing range do her occasionally overripe cuteness no favors ("Watching Goonies At My House"). But when she eases up and meets her sentiments halfway, she sounds as if she could give one-woman, offBroadway shows a good name. 5 – Arsenio Orteza B