christine hale

Gizzelle sings late ’50s blues and early ’60s soul in the vein of Etta James and Big Maybelle, with a bit of Wild rock ‘n’ roll mixed in. Side A of her new 45 is a cover of Barbara Lynn’s soul classic “I’m A Good Woman,” with a cover of Big Mama Thornton’s lesser-known but equally fantastic “The Place” on Side B. Gizzelle eradicates all the weakness in both originals, starting with removing the irritating horns in “I’m A Good Woman” and speeding up the song. Gizzelle’s voice is much more aggressive and emotional, better suited to this feminist anthem. When Gizzelle says she’s a good woman, it’s hard not to doubt her; and if you did, she’d probably punch you in the face. “The Place” is a more lighthearted and catchy party tune—not distinctive or anywhere near as heavy as “I’m A Good Woman,” but still charming. Covering heavy hitters like Barbara Lynn and Big Mama is normally a dangerous game, but both songs are better off after the Gizzelle treatment.

—Lainna Fader