Teresa James — “Rose-Colored Glasses Vol. 2 — Blue Heart Records (Sept. 15 release)
Those rose-colored glasses that Teresa James sports on the album cover of her latest release, “Rose-Colored Glasses Vol. 2,” are much more than just a clever prop and title.
They represent the continuation of a vision that began almost exactly two years ago, when James and her musically exuberant Rhythm Tramps – fronted by her warmly soulful vocals – released “Rose-Colored Glasses Vol. 1,” finding the joys of love and life through the lens of their rose-colored musical outlook.
In addition to being awarded two silver medals from the Global Music Awards and a Libera Award nomination for Best Blues Record, James also received her second Blues Music Award nomination (Contemporary Blues Female Artist) following the release of Vol 1.
Since those glasses were overflowing with that vision, those ingredients are back in place for Vol. 2, another dozen expressive songs hand-crafted by producer/bassist/songwriter/ husband Terry Wilson along with James and caressed into existence by James’ honeyed voice that treats every song as an emotional rescue.
Wilson notes, “So many times I thought I’d be finished with a tune, and then Teresa would come in, hear it, and teach me how it should be done, especially melodically and dynamically.”
The Tramps plus a few friends are their usual crackling good selves here, allowing James to blend her Texas roots with their present Los Angeles environs into crisp, swinging, countrified Southern California soul. James’s expressive vocals are smooth and sensuous, with just a hint of romantic grit, and always right in tune with her message. The icing on the cake for the project was a trip to Malmsbury, England where James and Wilson had the opportunity to visit with and learn from their friend, Grammy-winning producer and engineer, John Porter, while he completed the mixing and mastering of the album.
This adventure begins with the sultry opener’s promise, “I’d Do It For You,” with the vow: “I’d take care of your bills, I’d give you your pills, I’d cure your ills….” “Better Angels” is an easy-rolling search for better angels with some honky-tonk undertones from keyboard wizard Kevin McKendree. “Lean On Love” is percussive, rock-steady advice on the emotional support available when leaning in the proper direction – toward love, of course.
“The Idea Of You” is a softly soulful ballad in a smaller combo setting that puts the emphasis on James’ haunting vocal turn. “That’s What I’m Talking About” is a gently swinging affair with a lovely liquid guitar run followed by a sensuous sax solo by Paulie Cerra. “I Don’t Need Another Reason To Fall In Love” bounces to life with a touch of R&B driving James toward her man.
James gets a co-writing credit on “Flip Flop,” with clever wordplay that highlights the dilemma of a love that’s “got me in a hot spot … catch you on the flip-flop….” “The Heart Wants What It Wants” is an eloquent lyrical gem as Wilson blends keys, guitar, and bass behind a poignant vocal turn. “Ain’t Nothing For Certain,” another track with James’ name and style on it, highlights the will to survive: “Ain’t nothin’ for certain in the world we’re livin’ in, never give up, never give in….” “Just Don’t Think About It” is a lighthearted ode to heartache. “Brand New Flame” serves as a torchy invitation: “I ain’t lookin’ for no one night stand, and I don’t want no come and go man …. if you’re lookin’ for a brand-new flame, well I’m a hot one….”
The closer, an upbeat “Second Chances,” throbs with the promise of rose-colored optimism: “I believe in second chances, I believe in love at first glance, I believe in true romance….“
Indeed. And that’s the promise of this sparkling Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps session, created with warmth and passion and musical genius. It’s simply a great album, filled with thoroughly enjoyable music from the Tramps, embracing the soul-stirring voice of Teresa James.
Those rose-colored glasses seem to be working just fine.
“I Don’t Need Another Reason to Fall in Love” from the album:
Track Listing: 1. I’d Do it For You 2. Better Angels 3. Lean On Love 4. The Idea of You 5. That’s What I’m Talking About 6. I Don’t Need Another Reason to Fall in Love 7. Flip Flop 8. The Heart Wants What it Wants 9. Ain’t Nothing for Certain 10. Just Don’t Think About It 11. Brand New Flame 12. Second Chances
Blues Roadhouse 