Steve Freund, Gloria Hardiman - Set Me Free (2014)

Tracklist

01. You Got Me (Where You Want Me)
02. That's All Right
03. Jammin' with Sam
04. The Way You Love Me
05. Let Me Down Easy
06. Dr. Feelgood
07. Well I Done Got over It
08. New Orleans Hop Scop Blues
09. The Things I Used to Do
10. Kidney Stew Blues
11. Homework
12. Kiddio
13. Shoppin' and Snackin'
14. Swanee River Boogie

An excellent early 80s session from guitarist Steve Freund – recorded on the indie side of the Chicago scene, and a key debut for the vocals of Gloria Hardiman! Gloria's definitely a blues singer, but her phrasing is almost more deep soul at times too – a really rich voice that was finally finding an outlet on the last strong scene in Chicago – but which might have sung for Chess or Brunswick, had she been born a decade or two before! The production is nicely laidback, and Hardiman's special style really helps keep the set away from any cliches – on titles that include "You Got Me", "That's All Right", "The Things I Used To Do", "New Orleans Hop Scop Blues", and "Well I Done Got Over It". CD features four bonus tracks – two unreleased, and two from a rare 45!

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