Emily Fennell is a blues singer, but her honesty and clarity mean she could choose any genre. She has a history of winning blues music awards. As a blues singer, she avoids cliché. She writes her own songs and has a distinctive voice. She also has a strong drive to sing her own truth. She’s been singing for audiences since she was four years old.

Emily’s commitment to singing her truth drives her artistry. When she performs onstage she sings right at you, driving a nail directly into your soul.

There is never anything pretentious about Fennell or her music. When she takes the stage, she pitches the tent right where she stands. Let the revival commence.

There ain’t no use in lookin’ back

When the past is dark and reckless

My dreams appear suspended

In the time I should forget…

I was the one who held the key

To my freedom… 

Those are the opening words on the album The Medicine by Emily Fennell, also known as Miss Emily. The first song serves as a statement of purpose for this album. It’s called My Freedom. She’s leaving the past behind and steps into the now. The band lays down a groove worthy of Stax Records. Fennell delivers the song with ferocity. She means every word, as always.

The next song is Stand Together, Band Together. The title is the message.  It has a haunting backing track, powered by insistent drums. This album was produced by Colin Linden, so it follows that everything sounds great. There is a section where Fennell is joined by backup singers in a call-and-response section of the chorus. It’s an all-purpose inspirational anthem.

One of the most powerful tracks is The Medicine. “You took the medicine until the medicine took you,” she sings. It is a lament about the losses of human life through the current drug epidemic. It’s somber, with a nice organ part giving it a gospel feel. In its seriousness it never builds to a crescendo but remains sober and sorrowful.

Maybe is torchy in the best sense. Fennell belts it out, supported by an outstanding band. They play like they’re happy to be on this song, supporting this magical singer. “I’m not telling you, baby…” The emotion, as everywhere on this record, is palpable.

You Make Believe is about the power of belief. Belief can save you, it can betray you. It can change your life for good or ill. Be careful what you choose to believe in. “Where would we be without dreamers, baby?”

Running Again has a great vocal hook. Hot electric guitar comes in smoking about 2/3 of the way through the song. “It’s all over before we get the words right…it’s all right if it takes all night,” she sings in a voice that turns sultry for just one phrase. This song is not about the words, it’s about the feeling and the feeling is real.

Solid Ground. This may be the most moving song on the album. Any parent who has seen their child venture out into the world knows this feeling, hoping they have laid a solid foundation for their child to stand on. “I can’t promise you I will always be around… at least I will have laid some solid ground…” As a parent, we hope we have done enough to give our child what they need to stand on their own. It is a feeling composed of hope, fear, and a longing so intense it borders on anguish. It is the longing that your child will be all right, whatever happens. That we have, indeed, done enough. Life is full of challenges and disasters, as well as joys and fulfillment. We wish, always, for the sun to shine on those we love. As a parent, we strongly hope we have helped them discover the inner resources to stand strong when the wind blows. Ferrell’s delivery on this song is strong but restrained. The melody is engaging and powerful, and the band is majestic and supportive.

Smith’s Bay Drowning is a song based on a poem by Suzanne Pasternak. Pasternak is best known for her book on the Halifax Explosion of 1917. This shipwreck poem has its roots in Prince Edward County, as does Fennell herself. It’s a song she has been singing for years, and it’s good to have it recorded.

Remember This Song is the last song on the album. It kicks off with a guitar passage that sounds like it was lifted from San Francisco, 1966. “Do you want to sing along, remember this song,” she sings. “I want this to move you.” The song is not simplistic. It is a song of thanks, and the arrangement is thrilling throughout. It’s a great way to close out the album.

Vocals: Emily Fennell, Guitar: Colin Linden, Drums: George Recile, Bass: David Santos, Hammond B3: Michael Hicks (John Mulligan)