This cruisin’ and seductively addictive 13-track album from local combo Coral Lee & The Silver Scream has not left my stereo for the last couple of days. There is something so uplifting about their skilled take on vintage blues, rockabilly and country. The album boasts a suitably spacious and refreshingly airy production that gives each track a live feel. I constantly felt as if I was being transported to a summer music festival or a beer-soaked bar. This sonic authenticity suits the music perfectly and is likely to inspire the listener to rush out to see the band live and loud. Coral Lee Farrow, who has a great deal of ‘swing’ in her relaxed and soulful vocals, sounds as if she was born to sing these songs. For maximum sizzle, check out the slinky Fire which features great vocal harmonies from Coral Lee and Heather Stewart.
One of the many highlights of this album is the yearning tones that emanate from Ben Franz’s steel guitar and that shimmer mesmerisingly through tracks such as Ain’t Gonna Say Goodbye. Amongst the sterling originals that make up most of this album, there are also a couple of excellent covers: Along the Navajo Trail (written by Dick Charles, Larry Markes, and Edgar De Lange in 1945 and previously recorded by artists such as Bing Crosby and Duane Eddy) and Heebie Jeebies (written by Boyd Atkins and most famously recorded by Louis Armstrong and his Hot Five in 1926). With Rocky Road to 10, Coral Lee & The Silver Scream demonstrate that they are more than capable of “singin’ the choo cha boogie blues” and compelling the listener to happily “dance the night away”.
BY GRAHAM BLACKLEY
Best Track: Fire
If You Like These, You’ll like This: Girl of the Century ROSIE FLORES
In A Word: Swingin’
