by Jim Santella

From Louisiana, singer Hope Waits carries the southern country charm that makes a blues song comfortable with her wherever she goes. She's not related to Tom Waits, but she sure does have the same kind of magnetic attraction. Her voice allures while her lyric delivery casts a spell. She recorded this debut album here in the Southland with veteran blues musicians, including guitarist Peter Malick, drummer Butch Norton and bassist Jeff Turmes. 

Waits sings crossover tunes that carry a wide appeal. "Come Rain or Come Shine" lets her feel a Billie Holiday posture while moaning slowly with dirge-like blues passion. "Mother-in-Law Blues" and "You Crossed the Line" come soaked in pure blues; it's the kind of vocal adventure that carries you away. Others, such as "Ring Them Bells," "Ignatius" and "Fortune Teller" move slow and rhythmic with a deep meaning that comes through clearly. Similarly, "The Ballad of Judith Anne" allows her to pay homage through song; in memory of her mother, the song crosses over between blues and pop with a strong emotional force out in front. 

The LA horns backing her are from greater Los Angeles, not Louisiana. But they give the album a professional sound and surround Waits with a complementary air. Her debut marks a reason to celebrate: the world has a new star on the scene and she's headed for the top.