Kyla Brox: Pain and Glory

The last line of the last listed song on this monster album is “If you want a winner, I'm your girl”. How appropriate for someone who has just scooped up the award for winning the prestigious European Blues Challenge. This album just confirms that the international judges, in their wisdom, got that dead right.

Let me paint you a picture. Imagine if you will, one of those fabulous Big Band clips, where the stage is packed with the best musicians. As they swing from behind their music stands, those all-white spotlights syncopate around them, only stopping to hover as each takes a fizzing stand-up solo....a trumpet here, a valve trombone or a sax there, a killer harp, a rocking guitar, a huge Hammond or piano. Everyone gets a go. Then the bouncing spots gather together and stop centre stage and we see Kyla Brox in her Fabulous Frock sashaying into that pool of light. In two seconds flat, she gets that swinging, zinging audience dancing crazy. Offstage, you can just see The Duke and The Count fighting for her Agent's telephone number.

Ok? You are now sitting comfortably in the middle of Kyla's new album “Pain and Glory”.

It is a while since her last album – a beautiful personal commentary about a woman dealing with the blues - but, on this one, Kyla takes us to a totally different place, bursting with soul, jazz, a touch of torch and some spikey funk. Clearly, a huge amount of work has gone into the arrangements on every track. It shows. She has brought in a brass section, given a nod to Stevie Wonder with an artful clavinet contribution, often moves up-tempo and makes room for some inspired individual solo breaks which shake the mix - from classic harp to explosive Hammond. The usual pin sharp lyrics (mostly by Kyla and her two superb faithful guitarmen Danny Blomeley and Paul Farr), whilst still dealing with some poignant hurt, manage to throw a cheerier, more defiant and even occasionally sardonic take on some both tough and fun memories.

This album is yet another a example of how this 'bluesman's daughter' can, with a fine ensemble of top class musicians alongside her, deliver fabulous music in any shape, form or genre. For heavens sake, who else would throw a wonderful voice call and response (In the Morning) into a belting sax, full brass and Hammond number about adultery? Or manage to recall a moment of temptation (Devil's Bridge) over the top of a mix of some swirling keys behind a Santana inspired guitar break? Many of the tracks on here find Kyla in a positive mood - 'shake the worry out of my head' (Top of The World), 'I know I'll see you another day' (Sensitive Soul)...but for those who like their Kyla Brox puzzling wistfully about the cards she has been dealt, then you too will be very happy.

This is a big, beautiful, utterly professional, classy album. The joyful and smart 'Bluesman's Child' and the fine cover of 'Hallelujah' will undoubtedly grab some of the headlines but all sixteen songs are overflowing with vocal talent and lovingly crafted arrangements. I have only referenced a few of the tracks here but have no doubt, this is a collection to be proud of. “If you want a winner, she's your girl!”. Go Get.

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