Ally Venable Real Gone (CD)

(Ruf Records) 12 tracks, digisleeve.

Arguably the most exciting sound you'll hear this year is that of award-winning blues-rock singer Ally Venable with her new album 'Real Gone".

The title track blasts off to open Venable's fifth long-player with pounding drums and a brittle guitar riff before the bubbly Texan then sets off on a breakneck ride in the fast lane. The title Real Gone hints at movement, and that fits the album's genesis.

For the recording sessions last year, Venable travels to Nashville and Chicago. At the mixing desk there is none other than Grammy winner Tom Hambridge (Buddy Guy, James Cotton). "I have many fond memories of the sessions on Real Gone," Venable says. "Working with Tom and the atmosphere he creates as a producer is incredible. This recording was my best studio experience to date." With Real Gone, this already amazingly mature artist is now breaking new ground. Venable writes in her song lyrics about the pitfalls of life as a touring musician and the emotional impact that pretty much everyone can relate to. "I love all the songs on the album," she says. The restless Texan is, of course, touring extensively with Real Gone. If you miss out on joining her on this whirlwind journey, you have only yourself to blame. Venable sums up her excitement for the new album, "I can't wait for people to hear it!"