Regular Columnists

Artist: Band: Hydraulic Woman
Album: “Glad Game”
CD Review: Kristen Schuldt has a rich bluesy voice and writes some really interesting songs. She has a lot of talent in both areas. I would go see her live in a heartbeat.

I liked this record, but I have to say I believe she deserves better backing players, a better sound engineer and better quality recording than she has on this particular CD.

I especially like her arrangement and harmonies in “Fought a Feeling”. A lot of her treatments remind me of the great mood and energy of earlier Indigo Girls. The lead guitar work is also much better on this track than on the previous ones.

“Hard To Say Goodbye” is a really juicy rocking number, and her vocals give this song its strength. She can really belt the blues with a very natural fluid feel.

As far as the engineering goes, “Wait” has a different engineer and I have to say I like the approach better. Kristen’s voice is out front, the subtlety of the electric and acoustic guitar pieces are clear, and the bass is less muddy not standing out in front so much in the mix.

All in all this is a good record and makes me look forward to what this very talented woman will do next.
www.hydraulicwoman.com