“Cat on a Mission” by Nite Train with Thomasina Winslow

Last February, Thomasina Winslow released one of my favorite albums of 2020, the acoustic, country blues “Return.” She concluded the year by teaming up with her friends in local blues rockers Nite Train for the delightful seven-song “Cat on a Mission.” The title track and “Gone So Long” are tasty roadhouse vamps that would be a lot of fun to hear live, vocalist Ken Briggs providing the barroom growl that ties the songs together. While most of Briggs’ lead vocal spots fit that style, Nite Train offers a couple of flourishes to help make the material stand out. This is most notable on “Truck Trouble” and “Gone So Long, Marcus Benoit provides some lights-out sax playing. but what I’m partial to Winslow’s contributions on the record. She brings an element of sly funk-and-soul to the mix, helping to add a little extra sizzle to Nite Train’s sturdy, capable blues-rock. “Stay Even” has a crunchy riff that emboldens lyrics rooted in standing tall and proud in the face of oppression and frustration. Then there’s “Right Where You Wanna Be.” You can, and should, get down to this one. Winslow offers up a bold, funky lick, and Benoit’s sax backs it up. If it doesn’t make you move, well, I just don’t know what to tell you. Stream at: www.nitetrainband.com

Jim Shahen Jr.