Talking to Strangers

• Artist: Shemekia Copeland
• Rating:
• Release Date: September 17, 2002
• Genre: Blues

Review

This disc, which has Dr. John at the controls as a producer, brings together a mix that brings out the best for all those concerned and involved with this project. There is no weakness here, it is a straight-ahead use of all the strengths of Shemekia Copeland, daughter of Johnny Copeland. The songs were well selected to effectively show off all her potency as a vocalist. There are some many good writers that are also players on this disc that the tunes fit like gloves. There are strong contributions by John "Fingers" Hahn, Mac Rebennack, and Shemekia Copeland herself. The tunes, varied in style, are all based in the deep blues, and were selected for their capability to push her vocal talents to constant new personal pinnacles. She keeps it interesting by varying the pace and on "The Push I Need," she sounds right at home singing this funky tune as a duet with Dr. John. She stays with the good Dr. through the tune as if she were doing this everyday. Then she turns around and seems just as comfortable singing "Happy Valentine's Day," as a slow bluesy torch-burner, with minimal accompaniment. This disc shows us some new sides of this fine singer, while she stretches her limits and she more than holds her own while being in the company of such luminous musicians as accompany her on this disc. This disc seems a return to the blues burner she is capable of being. She does her daddy proud on this stellar disc. ~ Bob Gottlieb, All Music Guide

Tracks

Track Title	Composers	Performers	Time
Livin' on Love	Gary Nicholson, Craig Fuller	Shemekia Copeland	(4:03)
Two's a Crowd		Shemekia Copeland	(2:49)
When a Woman's Had Enough	Dennis Walker, Alan Mirikitani	Shemekia Copeland	(3:54)
Sholanda's		Shemekia Copeland	(3:41)
Don't Whisper		Shemekia Copeland	(4:46)
Should Have Come Home	Mac Rebennack	Shemekia Copeland	(3:30)
Talking to Strangers	Mac Rebennack	Shemekia Copeland	(4:06)
Too Much Traffic		Shemekia Copeland	(4:03)
Too Close	Mac Rebennack	Shemekia Copeland	(4:39)
Walk On		Shemekia Copeland	(4:14)
Ka-Ching		Shemekia Copeland	(3:01)
The Push I Need	Jessie Hill, Mac Rebennack	Shemekia Copeland	(3:48)
Happy Valentine's Day		Shemekia Copeland	(5:37)
When the Battle Is Over	Jessie Hill, Mac Rebennack	Shemekia Copeland	(4:33)
Pie in the Sky		Shemekia Copeland	(2:54)

Credits

David Barard (Bass), David Barard (Percussion), David Barard (Vocals (Background)), Ray Bardani (Engineer), Ray Bardani (Mixing), Greg Calbi (Mastering), Herman V. Ernest III (Percussion), Herman V. Ernest III (Drums), Herman V. Ernest III (Vocals (Background)), Hugh McCracken (Guitar (Rhythm)), Larry McDonald (Percussion), Arthur Neilson (Guitar), Arthur Neilson (Guitar (Rhythm)), Arthur Neilson (Slide Guitar), Arthur Neilson (Soloist), Larry Busacca (Photography), Kevin Shapiro (Make-Up), Kevin Shapiro (Hair Stylist), Shemekia Copeland (Vocals), Dave Buchter (Engineer), Dave Buchter (Mixing Assistant), Daniel Milazzo (Engineer), Daniel Milazzo (Mixing Assistant), Jason Langley (Bass), Dick Kondas (Engineer), Tim Ronaghan (Engineer), Tim Ronaghan (Mixing Assistant), Kevin Niemiec (Design)