Taking gospel to the country

Reviewed May 2009

Brigitte DeMeyer’s music can be best described as folk mixed with gospel, with a dash of country for flavor. Her new disc, "Red River Flower," was recorded in Nashville, with 12 originals and a cover – and the result is a down-home good time. DeMeyer's strong vocals already have a southern drawl that gives the roots tunes a countrified feel, and crack session players (including steel player Al Perkins, multi-instrumentalist Phil Madeira and guitarist Buddy Miller) shine throughout, giving her songs an intimate feel.

After opening with the gospel-feeling "Looking for Moses" (set to a finger-snapping rhythm), DeMeyer hustles through the rocker "Without You" with rollicking guitars along for the ride. "Wicked to Win" is hard-pounding blues-rock, with DeMeyer sounding like Susan Tedeschi. Things quiet down for the folky "Bird" before "Shepherd," a memorable shuffle that is a highlight. Gospel backup singers are aboard for the urban-beat "Justice." "Sweet Lady Rosa" is another bouncy, hoedown-style country rocker that has good hooks. Slower tunes like "Running to You" and "Meant for Mine" work well also, especially "Mine." She can sing the blues, too; the closer "When I'm Gone" has plenty of blues sass and scat singing.

"Red River Flower" is the kind of music that will likely increase Brigitte DeMeyer's audience among roots and country listeners.

Review by Frank Kocher, a longtime San Diego resident, musician, music collector and frequent contributor to The San Diego Troubadour.