Cathy
Hutch releases LP
Saint
John, New Brunswick, Canada is home to singer and songwriter Cathy Hutch. In
addition to volunteering her musical talents for autism fundraisers and her
community, Hutch has found the time to release her second album, Free Wheelin.'
The
11-song album is foot tapping and soul-searching journey ready for summer
listening and perfect for country-blues-rock playlists.
The
title track gets you behind the wheel and ready to roll down the road or along
the coast on your motorcycle. Hutch’s band is equally deserving of accolades.
This tune could fit nicely into an Americana-roots rock genre. The guitar
riffs, as well as the piano and percussions on all of the tracks are flawless
and tight. Free Wheelin’ gets two thumbs up for setting the mood for a nice,
easy going summer.
It’s
interesting that Hutch makes you feel like you’re moving and there’s a sense of
nature and certainly the human spirit in her songs, but it’s really an album
that is best-experienced sitting down and not being distracted. You fall into
her vocal spell. She will color your day
with grace, light and rapture.
Songs
like “Know It All” and “Sweet Dave” are amplified, and Hutch seems to dig
deeper into her vocal arsenal for edgier deliveries. Her originality is
refreshing and she’s not trying to be anything she’s not. While some might
compare Hutch to the legendary Tanya Tucker, Pat Benatar, or even Melissa
Etheridge, Cathy Hutch stands her ground in an already entertaining splendor.
She’s genuine and passionate. Most of all, her caring smile comes through in
all the tracks.
At
first listen I didn’t think “Carry You Along” would be my favorite track. It’s
very wholesome and almost children’s programming or Christian rock. It’s an
upbeat song, and like the final track “Lullaby” her passion for the human
spirit shines through. “Lullaby” is certainly timely and reminds us that we
have to get together. In a motherly way, she sings to us as if we were sing out
loud an evening prayer. Both of these songs stuck with me throughout my day and
her voice seemed to remind me to keep my head up and move forward.
Hutch
serenades the listener with her angelic voice in “Good Friends Like You” and
again in “Reflections.” While some listeners might find it hokey or even silly
to fall into these feel-goodery songs, Hutch reminds the listener that she can
keep her listeners moving and listening with her quick upbeat tracks like
“Sweet Dave.” She’s a true artist. Her vulnerable voice channels the idea of
personal growth and taking personal inventory of a who’s who in your life.
“Good Friends Like You” might appeal to mostly females, but it’s still an open
diary. Props to Cathy for sharing her words and her voice.
Colin Steele
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