Katie Henry from the album On My Way

​Katie Henry (from the album On My Way on Ruf Records) (By Lee Zimmerman)
 
It’s hardly coincidental that Katie Henry boldly named her sophomore set On My Way. Given the wealth of critical kudos she’s accumulated so far, it appears that Henry is accomplishing all the title implies. Of course, it’s one thing to suggest an individual is on an upward incline, but quite another to affirm the fact as evidenced by their endeavors. Given the assertive strains of the music she offers here, it’s clear that exaggeration isn’t an issue.
 
Katie Henry is a brassy Blues belter in the tradition of Samantha Fish, Beth Hart, Bonnie Bishop, and any number of other women who have reaped recognition courtesy of maintaining a rugged regimen and a decidedly determined approach flush with pure grit and gravitas. Indeed, there’s not a single song on the new album that fails to convey both her presence and possibilities.
 
At the same time, Henry avoids coming across as a one note replicant who adheres only to a tried-and-true template. “Empty Cut” puts piano at the forefront, allowing the melody to remain firmly at the fore. On the other hand, there’s no shortage of energy and electricity, as evidenced by the title track, “Bury You”, and “Got Me Good”, all of which express Katie Henry’s ability to up the ante through an overarched approach. That said, “Setting Sun” ranks among the album’s more soulful entries while the beguiling ballads “Blessings” and “Running Round” demonstrates she’s also adept at hitting the proper emotional cadence that the music often calls for.
 
Notably too, Henry doesn’t negate the bluesy basics which form her essential musical foundation. It’s a sound well finessed by way of the strut and sass delivered with “Too Long”, a song that boasts one of the album’s most impassioned performances. That’s not to say that Katie Henry’s not at the peak of her prowess throughout. Indeed, she is, and with the aptly dubbed On My Way she demonstrates there’s credibility in her claim.
(By Lee Zimmerman)
Listen and buy the music of Katie Henry from her store
For more information, please visit the Katie Henry website

---

Spotify EMBED: