The Lucky Losers - In Any Town (2016)

Over a solid blues base, sprinkle in a few pinches of Delaney and Bonnie’s psychedelic rock, stir in one part Mavis Staples gospel soul, add in some highly amplified country blues flavor, and then top it off with some solid Stax Volt R&B. San Francisco’s finest male/female duet fronted band, The Lucky Losers transcend the dark side of the American dream with their 60’s inspired sophomore album, “In Any Town”. Just one year after the release of their critically acclaimed debut, “A Winning Hand”, veteran blues singer, Cathy Lemons and soulful vocalist/harmonica ace, Phil Berkowitz return with a dangerous and sophisticated work of art.

“In Any Town” serves up medicine for wayward souls, offering glimpses of paradise through a veil of tears. The Lucky Losers build upon their distinctive signature sound, layering elements of Stax/Volt styled R&B, electric Americana, and psychedelic rock atop a Chicago and Texas blues foundation. The stark contrast between fiery Cathy Lemons and elegant Phil Berkowitz makes for a captivating musical union, breathing new life into American songwriting tradition and the lost art of duet singing. They are stronger together as artists and this album is proof.

Produced and engineered by Kid Andersen at his famed Greaseland Studios in San Jose, California, “In Any Town” features nine riveting original compositions and two innovative covers of works originally performed by Bobby Charles and Johnny Cash.

The cast of guest artists include musical luminaries, such as Kid Andersen, Terry Hanck (2016 Blues Music Foundation Award Winner), Frank Goldwasser (a.k.a. Paris Slim, veteran Delta Groove recording artist), and Memphis’ own rising blues star, Jeff Jensen.

The Lucky Losers invite listeners to relive the beautiful and twisted stories that inspired “In Any Town”. Five of the original songs were crafted by Lemons, the other four were co-written by Berkowitz and his writing partner, Danny Caron. Four of the songs are charming duets.

Berkowitz and Lemons reach for the heavens in perfect harmony on Track 1 “So High”, a spirited celebration of everlasting love. Lemons’ vocals evoke smoke and syrup on Track 2 “It Ain’t Enough”, a gospel tinged testimonial to finding freedom in imperfection. Track 10 is Berkowitz’s “Devil’s Dream”, a gripping confrontation of personal demons. The title Track 9, “In Any Town” provides the album’s most fragile moment, a slow dance of lost faith.

TRACKLIST
1. So High (Feat. Cathy Lemons, Phil Berkowitz & Kid Andersen) (4:15)
2. It Ain't Enough (Feat. Cathy Lemons) (5:18)
3. Jackson (Feat. Cathy Lemons & Phil Berkowitz) (3:34)
4. Don't Let 'em See Ya Cry (Feat. Cathy Lemons) (5:24)
5. Blind Man In The Dark (Feat. Phil Berkowitz) (4:38)
6. I Can't Change Ya (Feat. Cathy Lemons, Phil Berkowitz & Frank Goldwasser) (4:43)
7. Still Enough Time To Cry (Feat. Phil Berkowitz, Terry Hanck & Cathy Lemons) (4:46)
8. Give Me A Sign (Feat. Phil Berkowitz & Jeff Jensen) (4:33)
9. In Any Town (Feat. Cathy Lemons & Kid Andersen) (5:14)
10. Devil's Dream (Feat. Phil Berkwoitz & Cathy Lemons) (5:54)
11. Small Town Talk (Feat. Cathy Lemons & Phil Berkowitz) (3:49)