Janiva Magness - The Devil Is An Angel Too (2010)
Janiva Magness has diligently forged a career that’s seen her rise steadily to the top in the world of blues. With The Devil Is An Angel Too, she proves there’s far more than typical twelve-bar convention on her mind.
Blues, Rhytm & Blues | EAC | FLAC tracks + LOG No Cue| 293,71 MB
Released: April 13, 2010 |Alligator Records

It’s not exactly a concept album, but Magness points out that the compositions she’s chosen for her second Alligator outing explore the duality of the human condition – the good and the bad, the devil and the angel in all of us. Far from restrictive, though, the theme proves broad indeed as Magness delivers an even dozen tunes with smoldering intensity and sass to spare.

Magness employs a varied cast revolving around a core band driven by the twin guitar attack of Dave Darling and Zach Zunis, anchored by drummer Stephen Hodges and augmented here and there by husband Jeff Turmes. It’s a seasoned and agile ensemble that fits like a glove. Arrangements range from the big, bold sound of “I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down” (with both Farfisa organ and Wurlitzer providing a thick sonic cushion) to the stripped-down closer, “Turn Your Heart In My Direction,” a tender tune written by Turmes that features synthesized strings. In short, instrumentation is as appropriate, with atmospheric production and lots of moody keys to frame Magness’ magnificent pipes.

The material is an eclectic batch indeed, with soul as prominent in the mix as blues. The title track, written by Julie Miller, kicks things off with a menacing jungle beat. “Slipped, Tripped And Fell In Love” is slinky and sultry, and Magness does a magnificent job on the old soul chestnut, “Walkin’ In The Sun.” “I’m Feelin’ Good” seems an odd choice given it was written by Leslie Bricusse and Anthony Newley, best known for contributions to musical theatre, but in Magness’ hands it’s a passionately soulful declaration that leaves no doubt there’s a great deal of darkness behind her sunny outlook.

Track list:
01. The Devil Is An Angel
02. I’m Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down
03. Slipped, Tripped And Fell In Love
04. I’m Feelin’ Good
05. Weeds Like Us
06. Walkin’ In The Sun
07. End Of Our Road
08. Save Me
09. I Want To Do Everything For You
10. Your Love Made A U-Turn
11. Homewrecker
12. Turn Your Heart In My Direction

Download:
http://rapidshare.com/files/383708905/zenekucko_00108.part1.rar.html
http://rapidshare.com/files/383708879/zenekucko_00108.part2.rar.html
http://rapidshare.com/files/383709799/zenekucko_00108.part3.rar.html