Missy Andersen: Missy Andersen

SoultrainOnline.de By Dr. Chuck August 2009

The Detroit born Missy Andersen had early experiences as a singer. She was, among other things, the opening act of Cissy Houston until she met Earl Thomas in the early 90's and was made a member of his popular North America music group, The Juke Joint Jezebelles - a quartet who purposefully brought soul, gospel, and blues to the forefront. The Jezebelles toured around North America and Europe, where, among others, they shared the stage with Ray Charles and Robert Cray Band. After a brief stint as lead singer of the band Tell Mama, as it was bound to finally happen: After these years, Missy released her debut album under her own name. "Missy Andersen" is, despite the fact that it is a debut, a very mature album that on the surface mainly follows the flourishing trend of Sixties Soul. Still, the just eight titles have all the experience and depth of the blues tradition, but clearly it follows the stylistic, classic-soul pattern. Only in the last title, "Stand Up and Dance" do the influences from blues and roots shine right through. The album is not boring; it is totally entertaining. It's fun to listen to; Andersen’s voice is unique, forceful, and never overbearing. As a result, Missy succeeds in giving her debut album a very special beauty which is probably also due to her husband, producer, and guitarist, Heine Andersen. Two of the titles are written by Missy Andersen - "New Feet" and the before-mentioned "Stand Up and Dance" - which echoes her unconditional, blues background. A very successful album.