Lil’ Red & the Rooster — “7” — Lil’ Red Records
Somewhere in time and space (the last couple of years, anyway), I picked up on the seriously delightful music of Lil’ Red and the Rooster — Jen Milligan (Lil’ Red) and Pascal Fouquet (Rooster). Now it’s time to share that experience, with the release of their latest album, “7.”
Lil’ Red and the Rooster are a happy international union of Milligan (Columbus, Ohio), and Fouquet (France), and a delicious blend of their considerable musical talents.
That blend combines blues, soul, jazz and gospel with smart, thematic songwriting — or as Milligan has described it: “Mix what’s pissing you off with some bounce and swing, sprinkle a pinch of blue notes and bend it all together on six strings and you’re guaranteed a feel-good satisfaction.”
And there’s a big bunch of satisfaction in the seven original songs here. The music swings easily, bending genres and strings behind Milligan’s sweet, sassy and sultry vocals, floating on her sharp and sensitive lyrics. Fouquet’s guitar work is a masterwork of nuance, never overpowering, making elegant statements, always saying more with less — a talent that seems sadly overlooked these days. Grammy-nominee Bobby Floyd’s finely tuned piano and B3 work complete this joyous ensemble.
The additional cast behind all this effervescent music includes what they describe as their “Parisian rhythm section” — Jean-Marc Despeignes on bass and Pascal Mucci on drums, plus Jeff Morrow (Empire) as Mr. Saboteur, The Governor on bongos, Colin John on lap steel guitar, Bobbi Townes on vocals & tambourine, with Quan Howell and Kara Brooks on vocals. One of the album’s strong points is its fresh, vital sound, having been recorded live in the studio. Everybody sounds like they’re enjoying themselves, and that openness shines through.
The opening track is the magnificently conceived, gospel-drenched optimism of “Wild’s Rising,“ with its rollicking spirituality driven hard by Milligan’s vocals and backup choral tapestry preaching personal freedom. Fouquet’s guitar solo is inspired and inspiring. “Stack ‘Em Up Baby” is a lilting jazz tune with Fouquet’s lyrical guitar and Floyd’s tasty piano filigrees embellishing Milligan’s satin-smooth vocals — all with a smoky late-night club vibe.
“Is This Heart Taken” is a sultry love song with a funky blues flair that allows the group to stretch out midway. The “Melancholy Mood” sounds just like its title; it’s introduced with a gorgeously extended Fouquet solo, punctuated by a rolling B3 solo that drives away with the blues.
The instrumental “Midnight On the Rocks” delivers another gently swinging melody as Fouquet and Floyd play off each other’s tasty grooves. Milligan delivers a delicate, jazzy “Between the Lines,” showing off her meticulous phrasing and delivery. “Mr. Saboteur (aka Do the Donut)” opens with layered Latin rhythm leading into a whimsical tale of swapping a donut addiction for other pleasures that might make your eyes glaze over.
The closer is a deep blue version of the Freddie King classic, “Same Old Blues,” with Milligan’s torchy vocal lamenting its pain and pleasure. Floyd’s piano solo is a highlight, followed by Fouquet’s mood-perfect guitar. It’s a heartfelt tribute that preserves the original while making it their own.
It’s fair to say that Lil’ Red and the Rooster are not exactly household names in today’s blues world, despite their worldwide travels and performances. But it’s very fair to say that they should be. Their consummate musicianship, coupled with their ability to bend new life and style into their music, should put them on everybody’s (I’m looking at you!) short list to hear and thoroughly enjoy.
“7” is simply a gorgeous album, filled with great music, created by these talented artists to deliver their eloquent message of freedom and self-empowerment. Milligan’s philosophy bears repeating: “Mix what’s pissing you off with some bounce and swing, sprinkle a pinch of blue notes and bend it all together on six strings and you’re guaranteed a feel-good satisfaction.”
I’m feeling very satisfied!
Some closing notes: The CD versions of the album are only available at their live shows. Check their website for ordering a digital version, and just possibly scoring a CD, plus it’s available on all streaming platforms. The title? Not Mickey Mantle’s Number 7, as George Costanza demanded for a newborn’s name. Fouquet initially suggested it, but Milligan relates it to the dominant seventh chords that give blues its distinctive sound.
Here’s “Stack ‘Em Up Baby” from the album;
Tracklist:
1. Wild’s Rising 05:48
2. Stack ‘Em Up Baby 04:42
3. Is This Heart Taken 03:27
4. Melancholy Mood 06:34
5. Midnight On the Rocks 03:18
6. Between the Lines 05:47
7. Mr. Saboteur (aka Do the Donut) 03.48
8. Same Old Blues (Bonus track) 05.28
Musicians:
Jen “Lil’ Red” Milligan – vocals, washboard, claps
Pascal Fouquet – guitars
Bobby Floyd – B3 organ, piano, tambourine, claps
Jean-Marc Despeignes – bass
Pascal Mucci – drums
The Governor – percussion – Tracks 3, 5, 7
Colin John – lap steel guitar – Track 3
Jeff Morrow – vocals – Track 3
Bobbi Townes – vocals, tambourine, claps, – Track 1
Quan Howell – vocals – Track 1
Kara Brooks – vocals – Track 1
Producer – Lil’ Red, Lil’ Red Records
Vocal Arrangements – Bobby Floyd (Track 1), Jeff Morrow (Tracks 3 & Lil’ Red)
Blues Roadhouse 