November 12, 2009

She Makes Us Groove
by Christine Gerani

Multi-Instrumentalist Katie Pearlman’s new CD We Make This shows off her rich songwriting and grooves reminiscent of the bluesy style of Bonnie Raitt. The best example is on the album’s title track, where each musician delivers a superior performance. In I’ll be Waiting Katie surprises the audience with groovin’ verses that build into a powerful anthem-like chorus. Most artists couldn’t pull that off but Katie does and with a natural ease. I must admit, I found myself attracted more to the songs without the bluesy edge.
In I Feel, a straight ahead mainstream groove, the catchy keyboard and guitar riff offers up a great start to an incredible song. I love this song. The background vocals are there but could stand to be more prevalent for this big chorus, my only real critique. It closes with a beautiful and fitting guitar solo.

In Life Gives the lyrics are well done and musically this song also stands out amongst the rest. Katie’s vocals in Dreaming With You are mystical, pretty and heartfelt. In We Make This Katie leads the way on vocals, drums and acoustic guitar and she is surrounded by incredible musicians, Jeff Pearlman on keyboards, Joe Cesare on Electric Guitar and Tom Bowler on bass.

Although Katie is a master of the blues, she is also an amazing hook writer when she takes risks like in I Feel and I’ll be Waiting. We hope to see more of that cool and clever styling of Katie in the future!

Please visit her website at www.katiepearlman.com

We Make This is available on CD Baby and iTunes!