Heather Hardy photo: Donna Malech
Hardy’s third release, and her first since since 2000, showcases the musician’s sweet violin electrified in a positive bluesy/soul album with spiritual overtones. All of the songs were written by the talented Hardy, fleshed out by Ed DeLucia on guitar, Larry Lee Lerma on bass, Ralph Gilmore on drums and percussion, Michael P. on guitar, Sabra Faulk on guitar and vocals, Don Nottingham on vocals and Jacob Hardy on drums. All of the album’s musicians will perform at The Boondocks CD release show on Sept. 4.
These amazing musicians come together to create a beautiful album, centered around Hardy’s electrified violin, something uncommon and special that totally showcases her virtuosity. According to Hardy’s website, she trained at the Manhattan School of Music and she explored improvisational violin while playing on New York City subways.
Moving to Tucson in 1989, she soon joined the Sam Taylor Band, crediting the late, great Taylor as a mentor. “I never, ever, did a gig with Sam that he didn’t bring chills to my arms or just blow my mind with his mastery of his Church of the Blues.”
While there are many notable tunes on this disk, raising my arm hairs was track nine, Give Me A Love. It’s a beautiful song with amazing harmonies and great guitar work. You’re going to find yourself singing along with the chorus by the end of it.
The title track, Get Out of the Road, is about being stuck in a bad place and needing a hard push to get unstuck. “Get up, nobody’s making you stay...you are standing in your own way. Get out of the road, we don’t want to see you die.” The violin breakdown at the end of that song is so very tasty and makes me want to see her rip it live.
The Lil’ Mama performs at Boondocks Lounge, 3306 N. 1st Ave., Sept 4; Amity Foundation,188 E. Broadway Blvd., Sept 9; The Mint, 3540 E. Grant Rd., Sept. 23; The Hut, 305 N. 4th Ave., Sept 30. More details at HeatherLilMamaHardy.com.'
