Allison August — “August Moon” — MoMojo Records
Allison August’s bright new album, “August Moon,” has been in the works since Covid interrupted its development, but its release shows it was worth the time it took to craft this exemplary package of original songs.
Each track reflects a moment in August’s personal journey and shines on her effortless ability to blend a variety of styles to her personal musical vision, propelled by soulful vocals and a crackling band of backers.
The session was produced by Grammy-winner Tony Braunagel (who plays drums on most tracks), backed by a stellar cast of musicians that includes, including Paul Barrere (guitar); Mike Finnigan (keyboards); Lenny Castro (percussion); Bob Glaub (bass) and backup vocals from Teresa James, Gregg Sutton and Maxayn Lewis. (See the full cast on each song below the video.)
Also guesting is blues powerhouse Sugaray Rayford, in a scorching duet highlight on the funkified “I Won’t Say No,” with August matching Rayford with her own lusty pipes.
August has provided her own thoughts on the songs here, showing how each one evolved from her life and experiences. It’s a special window into her musical creativity, and I’ll let her speak for herself:
“Afraid of Love” is a funky little jam about being torn between wanting love and connection but being too guarded to let down your defenses. “Dashboard Madonna” is about my love/hate relationship with Los Angeles. It is a creative hub for artists and musicians with beautiful beaches, mountains and palm trees, but also filled with people struggling with poverty and homelessness.
“I Won’t Say No” is the story of friends and lovers who struggle navigating their complicated relationship. “What Would Mama Say?” takes me back to my early twenties when life was carefree and fun, but pretty confusing, and my mother’s attempts to protect and guide me with (usually unheeded) advice.
“Blue Eyed Boy” is about my son, our deep connection, and trying to navigate parenting a teenage boy. “Honey Jar” is a Wood Brothers song that seeps into your bloodstream and makes you dance whether you want to or not.
“Desiree” is my beloved cousin who passed away several years ago. She was a bright light in this world and known to kids in the neighborhood as “Mama Dez.” This song is my way of honoring her. “Dog In You” reflects life’s trials and tribulations, which often lead to great stories – and this is one of them.
“Blues Is My Religion” explores my disappointment with the misinterpretation of the teachings of the bible and other religious texts and how they are used to marginalize different groups of people instead of bringing them together in peace, love and respect for all man (and woman) kind.
“The Cure” came about while my friend Paul Barrere and I were both battling cancer. We would commiserate about the side effects of treatments, and I’d say, “talk soon,” to which he’d reply, “If the cure don’t kill me first!” Anybody who knew Paul was privy to his sometimes, morbid sense of humor, and I really miss him. “I Ain’t Lyin'” talks about wanting to keep things simple in relationships by telling it like it is.
“Born Yesterday” is my ode to making the most of what you’ve got and aiming for the stars even when it seems the cards are stacked against you and daring to believe in yourself when no one else does.
“August Moon” is packed with creative songwriting, sparkling musicality and powerhouse vocals that refuse to be eclipsed. Shine on Allison August!
Just who is Allison August? Here’s an interview with Michael Limnios of Blues GR.
Here’s a live performance by August:
Track Listing and Credits
1)Afraid of Love: Drums – Bryan Head, Bass – David J. Carpenter, Guitar – Sam Meek, Organ – Phil Parlapiano, Percussion – Lenny Castro, Saxophone – Joe Sublett, Trumpet – Les Lovitt, Backing Vocals – Maxayn Lewis & Jen Castonon, Lead Vocals – Allison August
2)Dashboard Madonna: Drums – Tony Braunagel, Bass – David J. Carpenter, Guitars – Paul Barrere & Billy Watts, Piano – Mike Finnigan, Violin – Don Teschner, Percussion – Lenny Castro, Backing Vocals – Teresa James & Gregg Sutton, Lead Vocals – Allison August
3)I Won’t Say No: Drums – Tony Braunagel, Bass – David J. Carpenter, Guitar – Sam Meek, Horns – Dino Soldo, Keys – Mike Finnigan, Percussion – Lenny Castro, Lead Vocals – Sugaray Rayford & Allison August
4)What Would Mama Say?: Drums – Tony Braunagel, Bass – David J. Carpenter, Guitar – Sam Meek, Keys – Mike Finnigan, Percussion – Lenny Castro & Dino Soldo, Backing Vocals – Maxayn Lewis & Jen Castonon, Lead Vocals – Allison August
5)Blue Eyed Boy: Drums – Bryan Head, Bass – David J. Carpenter, Guitar – Sam Meek, Organ – Phil Parlapiano, Percussion – Lenny Castro, Backing Vocals – Maxayn Lewis & Jen Castonon, Lead Vocals – Allison August
6)Honey Jar: Drums – Tony Braunagel, Bass – David J. Carpenter, Guitar – Sam Meek, Keys – Mike Finnigan, Percussion – Lenny Castro, Backing Vocals – Maxayn Lewis & Jen Castonon, Lead Vocals – Allison August
7)Desiree: Drums – Tony Braunagel, Bass – David J. Carpenter, Guitars – Sam Meek, Organ – Mike Finnigan, Backing Vocals – Teresa James & Gregg Sutton, Lead Vocals – Allison August
8)Dog in You: Drums – Tony Braunagel, Bass – David J. Carpenter, Guitar – Billy Watts & Buzzy James, Percussion – Lenny Castro, Saxophone – Joe Sublett, Trumpet – Les Lovitt, Backing Vocals – Teresa James, Lead Vocals – Allison August
9)Blues is My Religion: Drums & Percussion – Tony Braunagel, Bass – Bob Glaub, Guitar – Josh Sklair, Organ – Phil Parlapiano, Saxophone – Joe Sublett, Trumpet – Les Lovitt, Backing Vocals – Maxayn Lewis & Jen Castonon, Lead Vocals – Allison August
Blues Roadhouse 