By Ann Treacy
Raw is the name of the latest CD by Jaedyn James & the Hunger. I might have gone with “Raw With Sequins” based on the CD release party on the Cabooze Saturday night – not just because James lit up the stage with an amazing red sparkly dress but because that bawdy, naughty sequins funk attitude seems to come straight from the heart.
The band filled up the stage at The Cabooze with a horn section, keyboard, drums, wiggling backup singers and James herself. There are more men than women on the stage, but even from anyone’s view those women take center stage. Fun to note that with a band where everyone brings and leaves it ALL on the stage. The joint was jumping, singing and grinding.
The horn section is formidable, and nothing sets the stage for expectation like a good horn section. James meets and exceeds the expectation with her gravelly and soulful voice. A song like “Hurry Up & Wait” is perfect for The Cabooze. It has an Aretha-Franklin-respect-me now vibe. In fact throughout the set, everyone on stage rocks a bossy but worth it vibe. “Wantcha” carries the same authority and spirit. “Don’t Feel Nothing” is a softer song building on a cleaner (less dirty) edge to James’ voice. A pretty song that showcases another side of the music.
Finally, “Animal Queen” is a special treat – one I might not fully appreciate if I hadn’t seen the band live. It’s a lot of moans, rasps and well – animal sounds as the title might imply. But there’s something so joyful about the band that brings the song to life.
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