Trudy Lynn - U Don't Know What Time It Is (1998)

The exciting Southern-brand singer's first CD since the fall of Ichiban Records, where she cut sassy, R-rated Southern soul with energy, is a bit of a letdown to those familiar with her previous output. Trudy Lynn's pipes are in good shape and the material, including three Robert Johnson songs, is strong; it's just not what her fans are accustomed to and will take a few spins to register. The opening cut, "Shake, Rattle N' Roll" (no, not that one), is fiery and Lynn's hoarse delivery is man-provoking, but those explicit double entendres are missing. Lucky Peterson plays a multitude of instruments, but really gets your attention when he's messing with a big, old B3 organ. Bernard Allison and Butch Bonner are on time every time on guitars, and James Robertson's understated drumming never misses a beat. But the magic that made her every man's dream is missing. There isn't a bad performance and everything rates between a C and B-minus, but the Ichiban stuff rated from B to A-plus. Whether you're a Trudy Lynn adorer or not, U Don't Know What Time It Is is worth having for the masterful performances. Just don't expect the down-low and dirty, salacious Trudy Lynn whom listeners have come to love. This is Trudy Lynn without the frills and the racy lyrics. Some picks: "Time Is Running Out" (a strong ballad) and "I Should Have Known" (good old-fashioned down-home blues).