Regular Columnists

Artist: Kathryn Grimm
Album: Grimm Again
CD Review: Label: Independent
Tracks: 10
Released: 2004
For Fans Of: Bonnie Raitt, Patti Smith, Ricki Lee Jones
Fav Tracks: Fallen Angel (5), Running All Over Town (6), Wishing Well (7), Can't Stop the Train.

With a history as deep as impressive as Kathyrn's, it's a little surprising that the average listener hasn't heard of her - I must admit, I hadn't. Besides recording and/or performing with the likes of Bo Diddley, Michael Bolton, and Jeff Buckley, Kathryn is also a sought-after songwriter, guitar & vocal teacher and all-around recording studio tech.

Led by her powerful voice, which sounds like it's in full release all the time, Kathryn combines all her talents and layers them expertly on this, her self-proclaimed blue/rock masterpiece. Lush guitar, so very expressive, sounds like an extension of her vocals and often times forms a melodic bridge all their own.

Only a few notes in, you can hear that Kathryn is not afraid to present herself in many ways - serious, fun, happy or sad. The music crosses genres gently, all the while being held steady within Kathryn's strong blues-rock groove. A little swing, shuffle and pop creep in and only enhance the mix of songs. And her searing guitar provides great commentary throughout, speaking for her when she's already busy singing.

Most of the lyrics deal with love's pain and love lost & found, but more upbeat than may be expected from typical blues/rock. There is a depth here that instantly draws you in and compels you to listen to the words closely, something only a seasoned songwriter accomplishes.
All the songs time in at between 3 and 4 minutes, the sign of a songwriter who's taken the time to know what works (in general) and what doesn't. There really are no wasted notes . . .

While hers isn't a style I listen to often, it's easy to recognize music that is far above average in any genre, and hers is exemplary of the (Kathryn Grimm) Blues/Rock style.
Tracks 5, 6 & 7 are outstanding and unfortunately make the rest seem a little 'ordinary', but just by comparison. The verses in Wishing Well (vocals & guitar) are supreme.

Fans of blues, rock, great vocals, great guitar and solid songwriting will not be disappointed!
The rest of you . . . check it out, it'll do your soul some good.

Contact: Kathryn
Website: Kathryn Grimm