yFebruary 2002 Feature Story

Marcia Ball

photo by Jeff Jaisun

by Phil Chesnut

Five time 2001 Handy nominee plays EMP's Skychurch, Seattle, Sunday, 2/17, 8pm. The Alice Stuart Band opens.

Marcia Ball: Presumed Innocent - Alligator
Marcia Ball's new album Presumed Innocent shows music fans that she's damn guilty of delivering another superb collection of southern boogie, roadhouse blues,and potent ballads. With PI being her ninth album (her first on Alligator Records) and being nominated for a list-leading 5 WC Handy Awards, Ms. Ball has reached a pinnacle in her career. Presumed Innocent is nominated for Best Contemporary Album and Blues Album of the Year and Ball, the ever-consummate performer, is nominated for Entertainer of the year.

As are all Marcia Ball albums, Presumed Innocent is steeped in blues and honky-tonk with some gulf coast sound thrown in for flavor. Ball's terrific stride piano is featured on all selections, although her bright vocals seem to be the featured item of this first session with Alligator. With 13 imaginative songs, five penned by Marcia, every selection is well-produced without being forced or overdone. Ball's ballad "She's So Innocent" is truly sung from the heart, as are the low and sweet "I Have the Right to Know" and "Let the Tears Roll Down." There's also a substantial dose of foot stompin' swamp boogie including Ball's "Leaving the Scene of the Crime" and "Shake a Leg." It is, however, her great secondline syncopation piano a la Professor Longhair that sets Marcia Ball apart from all others-a good dose is heard on her "Louella" and "Thibodaux, Louisiana." Along with several guest stars including Delbert McClinton, Wayne Jackson, and Sonny Landreth, this CD features a full range of Marcia Ball gems. I can see why Marcia deserves every nomination. For a live dose of this bayou queen of the piano, check out Marcia Ball performing songs from Presumed Innocent and other Ball favorites in the NW this month.