Shemekia Copeland may just be one of the best blues/soul/R&B singers on the scene today. The fact that her powerful set of lungs were groomed into shape amid years of exposure to the music of her guitarist/vocalist father, Johnny Clyde Copeland, has a lot to do with that, I'm sure. It appears other pros are quite aware of her amazing talent as well, as her fourth release, The Soul Truth, dutifully portrays. Though Shemekia's voice possesses influences of other singers, such as Etta James, Big Mama Thornton, Tina Turner, and even Aretha, she also has a sound all her own. The vibrato in her voice, more like a constant quiver, is unique to her. The fire and forcefulness she truthfully delivers is hard to come by these days.

Putting that fine voice aside momentarily, the fact that Steve Cropper produced the CD makes it an excellent choice for review in a guitar magazine. The guitar icon and aficionado of soul and R&B is also the featured guitarist on every cut. Also on the exciting CD is guitarist Bob Britt, Felix Cavaliere on organ, and Chuck Leavell on keyboards. One couldn't ask for a better keyboard duo, that's for certain.

'Breakin' Out', the CDs opener and one of the few Cropper/Hahn originals (John Hahn has been a strong contributor to Shemekia Copeland's CDs), displays Shemekia's vocal power immediately. The fine guitar playing of Steve Cropper and Bob Britt, complemented by the tenor solo of Jim Horn, bring a perfect balance to the song.

'Poor, Poor Excuse', another of the Cropper/Hahn compositions, is an amazing blues ballad, and probably the CDs finest cut. Cropper's signature guitar style pours forth. Most guitarists and music enthusiasts alike will immediately recognize those fill-in riffs and that Telecaster trill, between Copeland's powerful verse lines, which aren't unlike what you would have expected out of a youthful Etta James. The horn section fills in nicely on this one as well.

'Strong Enough' is another in that vein. These types of songs are always so ideal for the strong and soulful feminine voice. Shemekia doesn't disappoint one bit. What also sticks out in this one is the B-3 sound of Felix Cavaliere.

'You Can't Have That' is a rocking number, in which Shemekia belts out "You can have some of this, but baby you can't have that." Also shining on this one is Chuck Leavell's piano, the tenor sax of Jim Horn, and the rocked up guitar of both Cropper and Britt.

'Uptown Line' has a pleasant flow to it. Lyrically, it's all about the liberation of the black female, one who rids herself of the clichés and disappointing men in her life, finally feeling fine as she rides out her dreams. Besides Shemekia, what stands out in this one is Bob Britt's distorted slide guitar and the steady flow of John Billings' descending bass line.

Steve Cropper solos with personality on 'Givin' Up You'. Known for his 1973 hit, 'Drift Away, Dobie Gray sings duet with Shemekia on 'Used'. Though this soulful ballad comes closest to being the CDs token pop song, it only adds to the diversity of the whole package. It's the bluesy voice of Shemekia and the acoustic blues of Steve Cropper on 'Something Heavy' that brings this amazing CD to a close.

Shemekia Copeland's The Soul Truth is an amazing release from a truly wonderful vocalist. What makes it such a wholesome CD is that the guitar playing, as well as the other instruments involved, matches the perfection of that fine voice. Additionally, none of the superb musicians on the record standout too much, as to force the vocals to appear secondary. Those involved, especially Steve Cropper, are professionals at knowing how to accomplish that with class. Cropper has played back up to some of the finest singers in history. He's the best at making his instrument stand out when it should, even if that noticeable spark is for a mere second or two. Shemekia Copeland can now be added to that list of vocalists. Keep an eye on her and an ear open; she's only going to get better and better.

The Soul Truth
1. Breakin' Out
2. Who Stole My Radio
3. Poor, Poor Excuse
4. All About You
5. Better Not Touch
6. Strong Enough
7. You Can't Have That
8. Uptown Line
9. Givin' Up You
10. Used
11. Honey Do That Voo-Doo
12. Something Heavy

CD Contributors
Steve Cropper - guitar, background vocals
Dobie Gray - duet vocal
Bob Britt - guitar
David Santos - bass
Steve Potts - drums
Tom Roady - percussion
Jim Horn - alto, tenor, bass, and baritone sax, tenor solo
Harvey Thompson, tenor sax
Charles Rose - trombone
Steve Patric - trumpet
Felix Cavaliere - organ
Eddie Gore - piano
Tom Hambridge, Mark Williams, N-Nandi Bryant & Lisa Cochran - background vocals
Chuck Leavell - keyboards
Joe Hudson - Horn Arrangement
Reggie Wooten - guitar
Carl Marsh - organ, synthesizer
Shake Anderson - bass
Chester Thompson - drums
John Billings - bass

The Shemekia Copeland touring band
Shemekia Copeland - vocals
Arthur Neilson - guitar
Damon DueWhite - drums
Kevin Jenkins - bass
Jeremy Baum - keyboards

Produced by Steve Cropper
Alligator Records 2005

Links
Shemekia Copeland
The Soul Truth on Amazon.com
Alligator Records