The drums kick off that classic sing sing sing beat, then a snarling guitar joins in and a swirl of horns whips up the tempo until powerhouse vocalist Candye Kane belts out “Hey you, stand back I’m coming out swinging,” telling you you’re in for one hell of ride. Candye Kane and partner in crime Laura Chavez are back with their third album together Coming Out Swingin’, and they mean business. This powerful 13-song set was recorded the way that the blues is meant to be; live, raw and raucous, and features not only Kane in her element but strong performances from a great rhythm section, some hot horns and the ever-present guitar sensation Laura Chavez, who is a master of tone and style.
As many know, Kane has been battling cancer for several years, and this record may prove to be the cathartic healer she was needing. Each song exudes her fight for life, not with desperation, or “poor me” sentiment, but with the true grit and tenacity of a survivor. Along with sizzling title track you clearly hear the battle cry of self empowerment on the other Kane-Chavez penned tunes “When Tomorrow Comes” and “Rise Up.”
Kane keeps her reputation as diva who isn’t afraid to dish the dirt on the hot shuffle ”I’m the Reason Why You Drink,” the catty “You Ain’t All That,” and the punkabilly flavored “Barbed Wire Mouth.” She delivers her strongest challenge asking all of us to examine our social consciousness on the minor key torch song “Invisible Woman.” You can hear the genuine heartfelt gratuity to all who have supported her as Kane testifies until her voice strains just the tiniest bit, but prevails on the Rick Estrin gospel infused ballad “What Love Can Do.” The vaudeville swing and blues review then ends on an up note with the rumba “Au Revoir Ya’ll,” and the encore tribute to her recovery, “Marijuana Boogie.” Let’s us all hope this is not the swan song for Candye Kane, but rather the beginning of a new chapter in her storied career.
originally published at Innocent Words Sept 2013 http://innocentwords.com/candye-kane-coming-out-swingin/
http://www.reverbnation.com/candyekane
