There comes a time if an artist is lucky enough, that critics know at just what point to call an album by said artist, their break out album. For the Carolyn Fe Blues Collective, there is no doubt in my mind, that their latest release "Original Sin", is certainly their break out album. After listening to "Original Sin" just once, I had already come to the conclusion that this album was not only Fun, Witty, Creative, & New, but above all, it was also very Refreshing.

 

 

"Original Sin" consists of 12 power Tracks, all originals and all co-written with Carolyn Fe. The additional writers on "Original Sin", consisted of band members George Papafilys (5 Tracks) & Dan Legault (6 Tracks). Track 9, "Manual Overdrive" was co-written with Naveen Uttamchandani, whom was actually an original member of the band, but due to family comittments, doesn't gig with them, but is still considered a colleague/collaborator.

 

In addition to Carolyn Fe (Lead/Backing Vocals), the band consists of George Papafilys (Guitar/Talk Box/Ebow/Backing Vocals), Tim Alleyne (Keyboard), Oisin Little (Bass/Backing Vocals), and Dan Legault (Drums/Percussion/Guitars/Keyboard/Bass/Backing Vocals). Carolyn Fe is also the bands Manager/Executive Producer & Dan Legault is Co-Producer. In addition to Carolyn Fe's immense talent, the band comes with quite a resume themselves, having amongst them, played with greats Percy Sledge, Fat Boy Slim and Seal. "Original Sin" was released via two nights of packed houses at Montreal's Blues Institution "Le Bisto a Jojo " on August 2011.

 

"Original Sin" starts the ball rolling with the title Track and is really the hook to the rest of the album. This song lets you know right away that this ain't your grandfathers Blues. You get it all with this one, including fantastic Vocals, Keyboards, Drums, and Guitar that is so Sizzling, you best not have anything flammable near by.

 

A Sip Of Your Gin

Brings Me Back To The Original Sin

 

"Original Sin" was one of my favorite Tracks and after having talked to Carolyn Fe, she told me it was one of her favorites as well.

 

As I continued farther into "Original Sin", it became quite aware that the Carolyn Fe Blues Collective were not ones to stay inside the box when dealing with the Blues, and in the end, although their style of Blues may not be Authentic, it is however, extremely Original. Some of this Originality can be found on Track 4 "Devil's Foot", an almost Pulp Fiction feeling Track that has a wonderful Voice Over effect, as well as the use of a talk box, near the end of the Track. Those are things I don't if ever hear on a typical Blues album. The last Track, "Some More", also has some interesting sounds with it almost sounding like Carolyn Fe is singing into a megaphone, and when the chorus kicks in with the Backing Vocals courtesy of George Papafilys, Tim Alleyne, and Oisin Little, well lets just say the Wow Factor gets turned way way up.

 

"Original Sin", was to me, just one musical adventure after the other and an album that was not only hypnotic, but also additive in nature, something that I have not gotten from an album, in a long long time.

 

The Carolyn Fe Blues Collective should be very proud of this album and the direction they continue to take their ground breaking sound. It is an album that I enthusiastically give my highest rating of 5*****. It is one that I continue to Thoroughly Enjoy and Highly Recommend.

 

Review by John Vermilyea (Blues Underground Network)

http://www.bluesundergroundnetwork.com/

 

 

 

Also check out Carolyn's Debut release 100%

 

 Blues played in its different shades with phrasing that evokes the hard-core, in-your-face strength of a woman scorned or the dreamy allure of hot ‘n steamy summer nights to true loves promise of forever.

 

Listen To Samples Here...

 

Additional Artist Info... http://carolyn-fe.com/