Indie911
2005
Nothing But The Water
About This Album
While the 22-year-old Grace Potter's vocal influences are obvious -- Bonnies Raitt and Bramlett, Susan Tedeschi, and Lucinda Williams -- it's what she does with her voice that is most impressive. This sophomore indie album gets all the parts right. Even though the band is from Vermont, there is no denying the Southern blues, gospel and swamp rock that course through its veins. Potter's songs, all co-written with her group, grind through a combination of the Band, J.J. Cale (who she namechecks on the opening "Toothbrush and My Table"), Taj Mahal, and Tift Merritt. Although it is self-recorded, Nothing but the Water exudes a professional sound and the band knows when to play and when to lay back. Lyrically, Potter is stuck on the lost love track, but she makes the most of that overworked concept with smart, savvy words that retain an air of mystery. She's got a terrific, grainy voice, but it's her piano and Hammond B-3 playing that really set her apart from the pack. The organ adds a gospel flavor -- part Gregg Allman, part Booker T., part Steve Winwood -- that pushes this material from good to great. "Treat Me Right" throbs with a sexuality perfectly echoed in the band's skeletal swamp funk backing.
Track List (try tracks 5,6,10,11 and 12)

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