MEmphis Rock and Soul

The history of Stax Records is a rich one, as brilliant musical artists such as Otis Redding, Sam and Dave, Mavis Staples and many others created a legacy of hits both soulful and full of the spirit of rock. When Melissa Etheridge decided to honor the artists on the Stax label, she brought it home to Memphis, to the original Royal Studios where all the vibrant recordings were made. Not only that, but she developed a friendship and bond with many of the original musicians whose powerful grooves can be heard on the original recordings of these songs.

Etheridge is truly in her element on "MEmphis Rock and Soul." She is a singer who can fire it up like Janis Joplin, touch the heart like Elvis Presley and steam up the windows like her musical hero, Otis Redding.

Let's start with her rendition of "Respect Yourself," written and revitalized with updated lyrics that stay true to the original, yet bring the message forward in regards to her stance as an activist of human rights. It's truly a testament of feeling, and the sentiments of the song ring true to this day.

It must be noted that the musicianship in all regards is superb, from the blazing horns to the righteous organ playing of Rev. Charles Hodges and the smoking guitar work of Michael Toles; they are all phenomenal. When she performs "Hold On, I'm Coming," it's a tornado of power that blasts the roof off. Needless to say, if you love the original recordings in the first place...

Justice is served as Melissa Etheridge delivers up a hot plate of respect and a fresh attitude for this music. The back-to-back songs "I'm A Lover" and "Rock Me Baby" come front and center and would light up the charts as an "A or B" side of a 45 record back in the day. You wouldn't know what side to play as the lights go down and your lover comes to town.

There is also the timelessness of Tina Turner to be found within the emotional delivery of "I Forgot To Be Your Lover." It's the ultimate of blues and 1970s soul. Melissa dives back even further into the vaults of Stax Records with the song, "Wait a Minute." She sends the listener right back to the days of hairspray holding up a high bouffant as she shakes this tune like nobody's business.

A truly inspired collaboration; Melissa Etheridge takes you for a spin to Memphis with all the soul and sensations to create musical fireworks. She truly honors the legendary recording artists from Stax Record's history in her own inimitable way.

"Memphis Rock and Soul"
Melissa Etheridge
$12.90
Concord Records