The Nortons
Wild, Wild, Woman
On Sale Now
For $14.95

The Nortons are a great example of what high-quality blues music truly encompasses in modern rock today. My experience with that particular genre on a contemporary level is limited, but I still recognize their strengths as I would any indie rock band with blues-laden influences. There is solid craftsmanship at the core of this stellar six-piece that very few modern-day blues artists embody. At times, The Nortons can exemplify elements of what some might tritely refer to as the conservative “bar band,” but this is not a bad thing for those who just want to have a beer, kick back, and have a good time. For those who are consumed by this sound, and it’s hard not to be in the right frame of mind, the rewards of plentiful.

The Nortons don’t succumb to the weaker traits of blues rock, in which the lyrical content takes a back seat to protracted lead guitar solos that suggest a certain pomposity instead of originality. More often than not, even in the case of the latest Aerosmith and Eric Clapton records, the chord structures begin to sound identical, mostly consisting of three chords that grow all the more languid as time goes on. Music was meant to inspire and invigorate.

The Nortons do just that on Wild, Wild Woman, and they exhibit a strong contrast to the abovementioned exhausted habits of blues. More often than not, each member gets his or her shining moment, from saxophone player Gharett Schaberg to guitarist John Bransgard. However it would be impossible NOT to notice the colossal, mind-bending talent of the lead singer Danielle Schnebelen, who is clearly the driving force with a vocal array that is on par with the likes of Joplin or Aretha. She is that good and with nearly every track, she pierces the soul with both tender longing and/or fierce conviction. The reckless abandon of the album’s magnum opus, “Married to the Blues” encapsulates all the elements that make this band a must-hear. Danielle is a rising star with a permanent place in the sky, and the band backs her up admirably. Whether she speaks of marital turmoil or newfound desires in “Night Time Is The Right Time,” she does it in a way that sounds sexy, liberating, and even therapeutic through her daring delivery. “Fishing Trip” takes a simple setting and turns it into an illuminating metaphor.

Wild, Wild Woman not only has emotional resonance, but it is also simply just a fun record to listen to. The only quibble would be the production quality, which tends to be a bit dry and stationary from track to track. The pensive slow songs don’t sound all that different from the fast-paced rockers in terms of studio construction. If they choose to ultimately branch out and explore new terrain in the realm of engineering, then perhaps they will go on to bigger and better records. Sometimes a bit more reverb here and there would help make the band sound more complete and less controlled at times, but it’s clear that this is a fantastic band, set in its sound with both confidence and grace. With a voice like Danielle Schnebelen’s, there is also no doubt you’ll be hearing much more about them in the near future.

To purhcase this CD go to: www.nortonskc.com

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