Up the Empire

by Holly Golightly

Overview

On this laid-back live outing, Holly Golightly sounds a little like a caffeinated Kendra Smith (Opal, Rainy Day). She eschews psych-rock in favor of folk, blues, and low-key R&B, but her insouciant delivery evokes a similar sort of casual, romantic world weariness -- not unlike the iconic character so enchantingly portrayed by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's. The performances are loose and appealing, with spare instrumental backing spiked by frequent blasts of harmonica. The country-tinged original "If I Should Ever Leave" features the welcome addition of slide guitar and violin. There are plenty of whoops and hollers during the more rocking numbers -- from the audience or from the band; it's hard to tell -- but they rarely overwhelm or distract from the music. Up the Empire may not be the best place to start with Ms. Golightly's oeuvre, but it isn't a bad place to end up -- especially if you'd like to re-create the experience of an intimate, neon-lit juke joint where all the kids meet to tap their toes, snap their fingers, and clap their hands to the slinky beat. ~ Kathleen C. Fennessy

Product Details

Release Date:	06/09/2009
Label:	Damaged Goods
UPC:	5020422032514
Rank:	87804

Tracks

1. Won't Go Out
2. I Can't Stand It
3. Come the Day
4. You Aint No Big Thing
5. If I Should Ever Leave
6. The Ride
7. Troubles on My Mind
8. An Eye for an Empty Heart
9. Big Boss Man
10. Believe Me
11. Look for Me Baby
12. It's All Over Now
13. Mellow Down Easy

Album Credits

Performance Credits

Holly Golightly   Primary Artist,Vocals
Brian Nevill   Drums
Matt Radford   Bass
Dan Melchior   Guitar
Brian Nevil   Drums
Little George Sueref   Harp,Guitar
Dave Kraft   Violin

Technical Credits

Shirley Jean Womack   Composer
Steve McAllister   Composer
Bobby Womack   Composer
Raymond Davis   Composer
Ike Turner   Composer
Holly Golightly   Composer,Producer
Willie Dixon   Composer
Woodie Taylor   Engineer,Mastering
Ben Anker   Cover Photo
Arthole   Sleeve Art