On her latest release, ‘Bayou Liberty’, New Orleans songstress Tiffany Pollack not only embraces the sights and sounds of her native Louisiana, but the wider genres of jazz, soul, and country across twelve original and entertaining compositions.
The opening track ‘Spit On Your Grave’ is a swamp blues, harmonica drenched delight that quickly informs the listener that Pollack is an individual who doesn’t easily forgive her trespassers. Continuing the theme of taking no nonsense, Pollack uses cutting humour to rebuke an old companion in the ragtime influenced ‘Crawfish and Beer’.
Stepping back a gear, with ‘Mountain’ and ‘Baby Boys’, Pollack proves that she has a natural affinity for writing and singing about timeless Americana themes and characters.
Further showing her ability to switch genres, ‘The Devil In The Darkness’ is a snarling swamp blues fusion of jazz and rock. Searing electric guitar and growling brass abound as Pollack belts out lyrics with passion. While slightly slower, the brooding, self-empowered ‘Livin’ for Me’, continues the theme of heavy brass fuelled blues.
‘My Soul My Choice’ sounds like it has been lifted straight off the Stax label. The chord structure and swinging brass underlines Pollack’s soaring vocal to deliver one of the many highlights on the record. Demonstrating once again her ability to write sharp stinging lyrics, ‘Sassy Bitch’ uses a soul-based, brass-fuelled song that offers criticism and warning in equal measure.
With a range of musical styles, sharp observational lyrics, and great music. ‘Bayou Liberty’ is a magical album that highlights the southern musical melting pot that is Louisiana, and showcases the rich talent of Tiffany Pollack and marks her out as an artist to watch.