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November-December 2005 Newsletter
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Can’t Keep a Good Woman Down Sista Monica Mo Muscle Records 13 tracks/60:09
Sista Parker is back after a serious bout with cancer. And she makes that clear right from the start with the funky “Can’t Keep a Good Woman Down”, affirming the value of life with support from Larry McCray on guitar. The energy level gets cranked up even higher on a high-speed romp through “Cookin’ with Grease”. Parker’s vocals get support on most tracks from a group of six background singers whose efforts greatly enhance the recording. My favorite track is her version of Willie Nelson’s “Funny How Time Slips Away”. Parker resists the temptation to launch into an over-the-top vocal. Instead she captures perfectly the weary resignation in Nelson’s lyrics while displaying her impressive range. Chris Cain punctuates the slow blues number “Leave the Door Open” with his usual fine guitar playing as Sista Monica ruminates on a troubled relationship. Parker tackles “A Change is Gonna Come”, again with help from Cain, turning in a strong effort without deviating much from the original.
Sista Monica had a hand in writing eleven of the tracks as well as arranging and producing the entire disc with help from her keyboard player Danny “B” Beconcini. Together they have crafted a product that demonstrates the depth of Parker’s talent. Some of the songs could have stronger lyrics but the enthusiasm of Sista Monica for her art and for life makes this disc worth a listen.
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