Written by: Shay Coulson | Photo(s) by: Cat Palmer
Talia Keys & The Love Release High-Octane Blues Album, ‘Lessons’ [Stream/Listen]
Salt Lake City’s own Talia Keys has released her second full-length album, Lessons.
Made up of seven tracks, Lessons unveils a high-octane blues and soulful R&B groove collection, highlighting Keys’ impact and musicianship throughout Salt Lake City’s music scene for over the past decade. Her backing band, The Love – comprised of Ryan Conger (Joe McQueen Quartet) on keys, Josh Olsen on bass, Dave Brogan (ALO) on drums, and Lisa Giacoletto on backing vocals – adds just the right pizzaz to the activist singer’s vision and classic soulful sound.
What sets Lessons apart from Keys’ previously released 2015 debut album, Fool’s Gold, is the addition of the Omega Horns on several of the album’s tracks, furthering Keys’ influence and sound within Salt Lake City’s rock and blues scene. Lessons comes as an explicit announcement to listeners for the need to openly express and call out the misdirection of today’s society. Written and produced by Keys prior to the global pandemic, it’s only fitting that the album’s name teaches listeners a “lesson” through honest lyrics and themes touching on politics, social and equality rights, the patriarchy within the music industry, and more.
Related: SoDown Releases Reggae-Fueled Bass EP, Get UP
“Heads Up” lays down a lively rendition with empowering lyrics and verses touching on the need to be confident in your own skin, no matter how marginalized society tells you that you are. On the other side, “Born In The Light” slows it down a little bit with a sultry jazz composition, underscored by lively keys and the Omega Horns. The song is accompanied by a beautiful Melahn Atkinson-directed music video filmed in the desert land of ancestral Puebloan and Ute Tribes.
“Born In The Light” – Talia Keys
[Video: Talia Keys]
Keys just debuted the new album at The State Room over the weekend for her official album release party. While she doesn’t have a current announced upcoming show, Keys will no doubt be out and about within SLC’s venues continuing to showcase her high-energy activist rock n’ roll.
Stream Talia Keys’ Lessons below and listen on all streaming platforms here. For more information, visit Talia Keys’ website.