Voodoo in the Shadows

Reviews:

“The rhythm section takes a subtle back seat as Boyes displays her wizardry with spooky and sinuous lead guitar. … Boyes can croon movingly in tandem with some dulcet organ accompaniment by Neal. The musicians are consistently top-notch, Boyes’ singing is excellent, and her guitar artistry is world-class. Another fine album in her resume.” —Dan Stevens, Blues Music Magazine

“Riding a successful career since the 1990s, Australian Fiona Boyes sustains the vitality of her love of the music found in America’s Deep South on [Voodoo In The Shadows]…Boyes’ blues composing has a revealing immediacy, as with ‘Tell Your Story Walking’ and ‘I Ain’t Fooling,’ both scrupulous in conveying the understated ebullience of her guitar.” —Frank-John Hadley, Downbeat Magazine

“Guitarist and singer-songwriter Fiona Boyes draws musical inspiration from a variety of influences, displaying a prowess unbound by style or genre. … With excellent musicianship and a spirited atmosphere throughout, Fiona Boyes’ Voodoo in the Shadows casts a seductive spell.” —Melanie Young, Living Blues Magazine

“‘Voodoo In The Shadows’ is a terrific recording, start to finish. Fiona Boyes hits on all cylinders here and has without doubt put together a prime songbook that showcases her love of the music of Mississippi and Louisiana. But it is all her own here and breathes excellence throughout. Exceptional and very much recommended.” —Cascade Blues Association

“This is among Fiona Boyes’ best albums due to the changing instrumentation and styles. She’s convincing in her deep understanding of the idioms, singing emotively, and playing mostly in the pocket rather than trying to dazzle with her guitar soloing. The words “voodoo” and “shadows” usually connote darkness, but this album shines brightly throughout.” —Jim Hynes, Making A Scene

“Boyes is now in full-stream, turning out consistently captivating, arresting music that demands global attention. Since turning to California Bay Area label, Reference Recordings, Boyes has truly gone from strength to strength and blues-lovers have benefitted from the production values and exposure provided. Voodoo in the Shadows highlights this near-perfect, dynamic, empathetic meeting and combination. … A simply excellent album, a blues must-have essential this year, this is kickass, badass music, exactly what blues has always been, and could and should remain.” — Iain Patience, Elmore Magazine

“A blistering, hot acoustic blues set led by her stinging guitar and sounding like she really lives it voice, Boyes just plain owns it. With youth still on her side, she makes this journey through the southern back roads as authentic as it gets. Maybe even more real than you can take, this is another notch in her belt that is unmistakably punched. Killer stuff throughout.” —Midwest Record

“Australian musician Fiona Boyes has dedicated her life to the music, and that intensity can be heard in everything she sings and plays. Her guitar work puts her in the top class for modern blues people, especially the way the sound seems to sing coming out of her instrument. Boyes never gets hung up trying to be anything other than what she is: someone who uses the music to try and make the world a little bit better place to be. … This new collection of songs is like a wild ride through Mississippi, New Orleans, Texas, up to Chicago and then all the way over to California. There is never any question that what is being heard is the real thing, whether it’s from downtown or down under doesn’t matter. It’s the connection of feelings between people that completes the blues circuit, and makes the results so powerful. It’s all here.” —Bill Bentley, The Morton Report