Album Review: Talkin the Fishbowl Blues by Queen Esther

Album Name: Talkin the Fishbowl Blues
Artist: Queen Esther
Year/Label: 2004 / EL Recordings

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Review by Amy Lotsberg Producer of Collected Sounds

Queen Esther calls her music “Black Americana” but I’m not sure how to take that. Does that mean Americana music that happens to be performed by a black woman or is it describing a whole new genre? Queen Esther’s style is not what I consider Americana, but I’m not sure what else I would call it. To me, Americana is a nice word for country music that is cooler than actual mainstream country music. But I don’t hear anything in this that would qualify as country. Maybe that’s just my personal experience.

There is certainly some kind of blues influence here with the wailing guitar and funky beat, but it’s not all blues either. There’s definite rock flair as well. The songs are cleverly written and well thought out.

Queen Esther has a remarkable voice. It’s funky, sexy, and smoky and matches the music beautifully.

This is a nice debut CD for lovers of blues, rock and, OK, Americana.

Stand out songs: Shine, Love, Get It Right This Time (my favorite)

Posted on January 8, 2005

Track Listing
1. Promise Me
2. Shine
3. Talkin’ Fishbowl Blues
4. Taster’s Choice
5. Love
6. So Real
7. New York City
8. Leave Me Alone
9. Get It Right This Time
10. The Way of the World
11. Help Me
12. Stand By Your Man

[Queen Esther Official Site]

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