Being the daughter of a blues legend can be quite tough. You can never escape comparisons with your father.
However, in the case of Zakiya Hooker, daughter of legendary boogieman John Lee Hooker, Zakiya has her own plans. She has nothing to do with her father’s boogie blues. On her sixth album ‘Bluesman’s Journey’ she opted for a mix of soul and blues.
Zakiya’s life has not always been pleasant. For example, her 20-year-old son John died after a car accident and her other son disappeared behind bars for a long time. The name Zakiya means “pure” in Hebrew and “intelligent” in Swahili.
Especially a lot of soul on her new album. And it should be noted that this soul unfortunately loses a lot of warmth due to the somewhat cold, tinny production of husband Ollan Christopher. This can immediately be heard in the sparklingly grooving Keeping It Real. Zakiya’s voice sounds soulful and warm like Dionne Warwick’s.
Where Did The Angels Go is an intimate soul blues ballad, featuring burning guitar work and Zakiya’s velvety voice. Memories Of You moves towards the highly cultivated R’n’B and is saved by the warm vocals of Zakiya. As soon as Zakiya gets involved with the blues, the level of the songs immediately increases. One Step Two is a driving shuffle with a burning blues guitar and Another Kind Of Blues a fiery driving blues number.
In Bluesman’s Journey John Lee Hooker appears via voice samples. A loosely swinging tribute to father John Lee. In Resting Place you can hear some light reggae rhythms. Zakiya closes the album with the lazy soothing blues In The Mood.
Although Zakiya Hooker’s new album lacks some warmth, it is still a pleasant soul blues album.
Tracks:
01. Keeping It Real
02. Little Secrets
03. Where Did The Angels Go
04. One Step Two
05. Memories Of You
06. Bluesman’s Journey
07. Another Kind Of Blues
08. Resting Place
09. In The Mood
