Tami Neilson – Neon Cowgirl
Despite the image, & crazy album artwork, this performer is magnificent like Patsy Cline, & Timi Yuro. She opens her latest album with “Foolish Heart” with Roy Orbison’s intonation & phrasing that’s impeccable. It’s a wonderfully arranged mature full orchestra-style that’s gripping & excellent. Tami has lots of reasons to interest the deepest, sweetest ears.
“Salvation Mountain” is in a retro gear, but the lyrics are whipped out fast & furious. Is it danceable? Yes. If you have good balance. There are 11 musical illuminations from the Neon Cowgirl (Drops July 11/Outside Music/34:50) produced by Steven Schram (with “You’re Gonna Fall,” produced by Tami), & recorded in Auckland, New Zealand. The powerhouse vocals of Ms. Neilson are supported generously by a tight band that keeps the lid on all her steam.
What’s most intriguing about Tami is her diversity. Each song is in a different frame, & each is performed with skill & vocal persuasion. “Neon Cowgirl” features Neil Finn (former Split Enz/Crowded House/Fleetwood Mac), & it’s orchestrated with affirmation, sung with sincerity, & poignancy.
Up next — something a little more entertaining & novelty oriented. “Borrow My Boots,” which has banjo plucking, & is a rollicking little number with ‘60s girl group traditions with a touch of gospel thrust. Paced well among the initial, more serious tracks. There’s a lot to like in this collection. Neilson should be a major attraction by now. She’s a thick wire with lots of current.
“Love Someone” is a little more elementary, but what’s to appreciate here is the soulfulness. A steady Motown beat that Tami belts out like the best soul sister with backup singers who smoke. Tami then drops back into a suave, prominent Julie London sexy vocal on “Keep On,” with movie-themed strings similar to the old days when Nancy Sinatra sang songs like this as well. It has a little drama, but Tami is impressive as hell. It’s never overblown, just kept at a high level.
“You’re Gonna Fall” is gimmicky with a male vocalist (JD McPherson) similar in tone to Nancy Sinatra’s duet partner, the late Lee Hazelwood. It’s good entertainment, but it’s not “Foolish Heart.” A little more commercial/mainstream is “Heartbreak City, USA,” & might climb the charts. Tami returns to serious ballads with the tender “Loneliness of Love,” & her easy listening charm shines.
Tami’s not just a singer, folks…Tami Neilson is an artist.
Highlights – “Foolish Heart,” “Salvation Mountain,” “Neon Cowgirl,” “Borrow My Boots,” “Love Someone,” “Keep On,” & “Loneliness of Love.”
Musicians – Tom Broome (drums/percussion), Brett Adams (lead guitar), Chet O’Connell (acoustic & rhythm guitars), Neil Watson (banjo/pedal steel guitar), Chip Matthews (bass), Steph Brown (keys), Nick Atkinson (sax), Victoria Kelly (string arrangements/strings), Miranda Adams, Robert Ashworth, & Charmian Keay (violins), Ashley Brown (cello), Bella Kalolo-Suraj, Anna Coddington, & Vanessa Abernethy (bgv).
Color image courtesy of Tami’s Bandcamp. CD @ Bandcamp & Apple + https://www.tamineilson.com/
Enjoy our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Tami Neilson’s “Chickaboom!” Has Grit and Plenty of Vitality
