Executive Producer - Johnny Neel / Co-Producers - Niecie and Doug Jones / Recorded at Straight Up Sounds Studio
There has been plenty to say about Niecie over the years. Cashbox Magazine has said " raw and soulful...rocking blues powerhouse”. Voted one of the Top 25 Women in Music by Blues-E News Magazine. Blues Blast Magazine said it best ".... If you are an entertainer that is going to go by one name (like Sting, Cher, or Bono) you had better have the talent to back it up, and Niecie passes this test easily ".
Magic Slim once told her, " Girl, you need to sing the blues”, and he pulled Niecie onto the stage with him. Professional dancer for about 20 years in Jazz and Ballet. Niecie was also an eye model for a French cosmetic firm which is how Niecie got to Europe to perform musically. She was doing rock at the time. Back in the 90's Niecie had some connections that led to an exclusive performance at Paisley Park. "The experience was life-changing. Being so close to Prince that I could count his eyelashes left me speechless".
"Queen Of The Hill“ showcases a great voice that doesn't try to be anyone else. Niecie stays away from the screaming and shouting approach that is usually the tried-and-true playbook for so many others. Damn the demographics. Screw the focus groups. F' the algorithms. Deeply rooted in the blues / rock traditions, Niecie makes music on her own terms. There are plenty of styles and influences on this outstanding release that drives the listener into an attentive frenzy. "Queen of the Hill " shines a light on 12 tracks, 8 written or co-written by Niecie and keyboardist Johnny Neel." Every Kind of Blues " is a first-rate original penned by Johnny Neel. Covers of the classic tracks " In the Basement " (written by Raymond Miner, Carl Smith and Billy Davis and was first released by Etta James and Sugar Pie deSanto in 1966) and ' The Hunter " (blues song first recorded by Albert King in 1967 for his landmark album " Born Under a Bad Sign and written by Stax Records house band and, Booker T and the MGs and Carl Wells) are standouts, stamped personally by the first-rate band and Nieces powerful vocals.
Niecie is a stand-alone talent. Well known for her incredible live performances, Niecie is also a force to be reckoned with in the studio. Here is a powerful voice with an original style all her own. Her versatility as a songwriter is equally impressive. Band is filled with seasoned players all able to stretch themselves musically with every note: Johnny Neal, keyboards, B-3; Guitar duties taken on by Chris Anderson, Jon Conley, Doug Jones, Luke Davis; Ger Hoffman, Randy Coleman, Dennis Gulley handle bass; Daryl Burgess and David Northrup on drums; Melissa Alesi, Christine Neel, Johnny Nell, BGV. Plenty of passion and unbridled energy by everyone involved
" Welcome to my web boys. Put you under my spell, wrap you up nice and tight. You'll feel my love potion melt your blues away ' - Niece is simply- hypnotic!! This is one release you will be playing over and over again. Invite your friends over - it's time to party!