Norma Jean Bruso
Going Back to Mississippi
Severen 0030
(Severn Records Inc / PO Box 21144 / Severn, MD 21144)
available on jazzmart
also available on Amazon
This blues shouter can belt it out with tremendous power. She has one of those voices that is neither male nor female at times, but just sheer dynamic energy. Norma Jean brings the energy and power of KoKo Taylor or Big Mama Thornton combined with that sexual energy of an Etta James. A voice that can growl with either anger or hurt, or go up into the higher regions when called for. She is from the delta region of Mississippi from a family steeped in the music of
the region, blues and gospel. She got her professional start in Chicago in the ‘70’s and has not looked back. The band is tight behind her, helping her along. This is her second solo disc and if you are a blues fan who wants to hear the real delivery and feeling grab it up.