Vocalist Cheryl Bendig is nothing less than superb; her voice has an addictive flower child quality that recalls the great pop singers of the ‘60s: Linda Rondstat, Judy Collins, Petula Clark. She has a knack for vocal phrasing that takes a song on a gliding, twisting thrust to a wafting, higher level, transforming the music in a way that is inspiring -- even magical. This is especially true on “Time (Wait For Me),” which again, has the feel of something by the ‘60s Mamas & Papas or Spanky and Our Gang that transcends the blues in a way that might make the music popularly viable again. “Mirror Mirror” is another song where Bendig weaves some of that black magic woman spell. Then there’s the surprisingly fresh “Bartender,” which takes an old blues clichè and gives it a gentle kick to new heights.
Not every song is a success: “Musta Been Fun” is your standard yadda-yadda blues guitar riff dressed with some Jonny Lang attitude.
But no one can deny that Cherri and the Violators aren’t violating the envelope here, creating their own vision of the blues that is pleasantly pop-oriented and unexpectedly romantic. Bandmates Tony Burke on lead/rhythm guitars, Paul Bendig on vocals/bass, and Pat Eickenroth on drums/percussion serve up a powerful backdrop for Bendig’s vocals, never overplaying their hand. With “Empty Pockets,” they’ve managed to take the blues to higher ground. If nothing else, this CD will certainly make you want to catch the band live.
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