Ghalia Volt, One Woman Band Review

Ghalia Volt is a Belgian born blues vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and songwriter that followed her love of the blues to the American South, where she has absorbed the blues life firsthand. Volt has spent time in the blues music Meccas, from Chicago to New Orleans and all points between. In Mississippi, Volt became a regular at the annual Juke Joint Festival of Clarksdale and other popular Blues festivals of the region. She eventually settled down in New Orleans as her place of residence and inspiration. Volt presents a One-Woman-Band Show supporting her new new “solo” album on Ruf Records called One Woman Band. This is Volt’s follow-up to her previous release Mississippi Blend, which was her debut release that hit the Billboard Blues Charts top 3 positions three times over several months.

Bottom Line: One Woman Band is eleven original compositions recorded at Memphis’s legendary Royal Sound Studios, using the same board that Al Green and Willie Mitchell recorded through. This old-school approach was critical throughout the recording chain. Volt escorts you through captivating tales with her original compositions and lyrics. The music will electrify your senses with her singing and slide guitar work, all done while simultaneously drumming the beat with her two feet. Volt chose to record all the instruments live in real-time, flying solo except two cameos by bassist Dean Zucchero and two guitar solos from ‘Monster’ Mike Welch. Co-producing the record was Boo Mitchell (Al Green, Buddy Guy) and the result is a raw atmosphere in which the energy continues to be organic and is Volt’s most groove-driven stuff to date. “Last Minute Packer” featuring her powerful, soulful voice, with a clear historic influence from the blues, yields a memorable musical event all from one Woman. “Espìritu Papàgo” has Volt’s slide guitar work front and center as she is joined by bassist Zucchero. A catchy melody and song form make this a highlight in any blues playlist. “Evil Thoughts” is another highlight with a guest guitar spot from ‘Monster.’ Overall, One Woman Band is a fun listen from a very talented lady that understands and conveys the blues with style and heart. That’s the short of it!

Connect with Ghalia Volt: Website |