Kim
Lenz & Her Jaguars
The One And Only
When
it comes to rock n roll, never underestimate the power
of a girl with a guitar and a strong voice. Definitely never underestimate
the power of a redheaded bombshell with a sexy growl and good
taste in music. Which makes Kim Lenz a force to be reckoned with.
But on her second record, The One and Only, Kim Lenz
proves that she is more than simply an temptress with a back-up
band ? shes a true blue rock n roller.
Although
the obvious comparison is to Wanda Jackson, in some ways Kim Lenz
recalls a young Elvis. While sharing Jacksons tough-girl attitude,
her voice has less of Wandas distinctive growl and squeak,
and more the smooth croon of Presley during the Sun Records years.
This is not to say that she is lacking in power; no, like Elvis,
when the band cuts loose so does Lenz, and the frenzy in her voice
is infectious. And The Jaguars, Lenz talented backing band, are
well suited for cutting loose. As produced by Big Sandy, who also
pens Somebody Lied for the disc, the instruments are
clear and distinct without losing that essential retro feel that
is a key factor in Lenzs sound. In both the original songs
and the covers, including a Gene Vincent song that he never recorded,
Lenz nails the reberb, twang of early rockabilly. But Lenz experiments
with bringing other influences to her faithful rockabilly, which
is especially successful with the Latin flavor of Truest Love.
But it is the driving rockers where Lenz and the Jaguars really
shine.
The
One and Only easily demonstrates why Kim Lenz and The Jaguars
are is already legendary in rockabilly circles. If you have a
passion for American roots music then is a must-have for your
collection.
-
MacCauley Connors
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