"Memphis Calling" : Emma Wilson sings the blues one more time

What do you get when you have a female singer orig­inating from Middlesborough, Johnny Phillips, who owns Select O Hits in Memphis and is distributing Emma’s music out of Memphis, and some of the finest musicians from Memphis, and the original Stax re­cording console? You get an album that reaches deep into your soul and an eternal feeling of happiness. Nine songs that accentuate the very essence of Blues and Soul, the Memphis sound and feel bursting out of the speakers like a tidal wave. The opening track, A Small World, co-written by Emma and Gary Burr, has all the vibe of Memphis and Stax, such a soulful song, brilliantly delivered by Emma Wilson. 

The musicians on this album are steeped in Memphis musical folk­lore, they come with exceptional resumes. Booker T And The MGs, Greg Allman Band, The Bo-Keys, and Cyndi Lauper. But this album is much more than hav­ing stellar musicians in an iconic studio, this album is all about the voice and songwriting acumen of Emma Wilson. What Kind Of Love, Ft, Don Bryant is a prime example of great writing, great harmonies, and won­derful vocals. I'll See You In The Morning, co-written with the legendary Terry Reid, brings out a more soft and subtle aspect of Emma’s voice, a smokiness to the delivery. 

There are four covers on the album, Water, originally recorded and written by Steve Cropper and Eddie Floyd, a magnificent tune, you could be forgiven for thinking that this would be a like-for-like rehash of a classic song, but far from it. When an artist does a cover, you want them to bring something else to the table, Emma Wilson brings the cutlery, condiments, and the main course to this musical feast. The same can be said for her rendition of Hoochie Coochie Man. I think I’m correct in saying that I’ve not heard this song performed by a woman before, It’s part of the DNA of Muddy Waters, and quite rightly so, but Emma Wilson demonstrates just how bloody good she is. 

Emma Wilson has gone to Memphis, hooked up with legendary musicians and producers, and left us with an album that will be talked about for a very long time.