Home Cookin' - Home Cookin' (Feat. Brenda Boykin) (1997) [CD Rip]

Personnel:
Vocals – Brenda Boykin
Guitar – Anthony Paule
Piano – Jim Pugh
Bass – Tim Wagar
Drums – Tyler Eng

HOME COOKIN' is another jewel in the crown of brilliantly executed CD releases emerging from the Bay Area music scene. This self titled, debut CD on Blue Dot Records is a refreshing addition to the airwaves. Vocalist extraordinaire, Brenda Boykin has a "no holds barred" approach to her arrangements and puts a new twist on some tried and true American Roots classics such as "She'll Have To Go," "Don't You Lie To Me," "Since I Met You Baby," and "T For Texas". HOME COOKIN' introduces Boykin as songwriter, and a good one at that. She refers to her style as "Afro-billy" and gives listeners examples of that style on the self penned "Ila Mae," "Tickle Me," and "The Road I Choose." Blues guitar champion, Anthony Paule's performance is nothing less than superb throughout this CD. His gut wrenching solo on the slow-blues gem, Last Night is testament to the depth and sensitivity for which his craft has become known. Paule's "less is more" philosophy regarding blues music is a wisdom that has developed from years of respecting and honoring the music's origins. Bassist Tim Wagar and drummer Tyler Eng are rock solid, never wavering from the foundation they have put down. Jim Pugh, piano (Robert Cray & Chris Isaak) makes a guest appearance on HOME COOKIN' and graces 12 of the 14 tracks.