Amanda St.John - The Muscle Shoals Sessions
Amanda St John is a soulful singer-songwriter from Northern Ireland. She is a mainstay on the Irish radio, festival and gig circuit and has been described as a "Head-turning vocalist with serious song writing prowess.........a sensational artist" (Visit Dublin). She has worked with artists like Brian Kennedy, Eddi Reader, Mary Coughlan, Gareth Dunlop, Ciaran Gribbin (of INXS) and Jon Tiven (Grammy winning Nashville writer/producer whose CV has included BB King, Van Morrison and The Rolling Stones etc...). for her passionate and powerful live performances and is fast establishing herself as one of Ireland’s leading vocalists. With live sessions with ‘Whispering’ Bob Harris and Gaby Roslin on BBC Radio London, various other live performances/interviews across BBC regional’s, U105, Downtown/Cool FM, UTV Live Television etc, as well as many festival slots and tours of the UK, Ireland and the USA (which included the prestigious Folk Alliance Festival and a private event for the US President) under her belt, the future is looking very bright indeed for this talented musician.
Her debut album "Grow"; was launched in May 2016 at the prestigious Cathedral Quarter Arts Festival in Belfast and has received rave reviews and worldwide airplay including a national advert campaign for The Rio Olympics for the title track ‘Grow’ In May 2018 Amanda became the 1st independent Irish artist in history to record in FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, Alabama. Following in the footsteps of her musical heroes Aretha Franklin & Etta James she took a huge leap of faith (and financial risk) to record her 2nd studio album in this legendary studio.
The opening and title track shows St.John's soulful voice in its entirety. Her vocal has that timeless vibe that brings calm and banishes all troubles when you listen to it. It's evident she's in her element. The songs have a catchy vibe, perfect balance between vocals and instruments.
Talk It Out pays tribute to St.John's influences and her deep evocative vocal is taken to a next level here. Walk Away continues on the slower and more emotional note but whatever she does, Amanda St.John presents herself as a confident and experienced performer who can do whatever she wants and you don't doubt the result. She wears the heart on her sleeve, her songs are raw and honest and she knows what she was born to do.
The albums also contains more lively numbers (Don't Think That You Know) where the energy is pouring out of every note. Another example is This Is My Life where the vocal sounds more determined, fitting to the song title. The power of St.John's vocal is truly mesmerizing.
Made Myself a Name has one of those rhytms that has stood the test of the time. Reminding the listener of the depth of the spiritual and gospel music.
The Muscle Shoals Sessions deserves to be up there with the best bluesy records of all time. It comforts, heals, brings peace and joy. It's time to relax and embrace the beauty of the music.