Title: How It Is
Artist: Redding, Joanne
Label: CD Baby
Product Type: COMPACT DISCS
UPC: 825346220024
Genre: Blues

Reprinted from Singer & Musician Magazine: I enjoy a strong woman's voice. Both a strong voice, and a strong woman. Joanne Redding fits the bill. She has a voice that simply does not quit, and her no-nonsense style shines forth in this great CD. However, it's not hard to tell that she's having an absolutely great time, and wants you to have one while you're listening, too. Redding opens with the title track and informs you exactly how it's going to be. The second track, 'Credit Card Shuffle' is nothing short of hilarious. The entire CD begs you to sing along, and whether you have the blues or not, you find something great in each track. 'I sing what I feel, and I feel what I sing,' Redding says. It's no exaggeration. You can tell that Redding throws her heart into the ring each time she opens her mouth, and when you combine that feeling with a great voice the result is an entire CD that's singable and that any listener can relate to. I particularly loved 'Tread Softly,' 'Love and A Song,' and 'I've Earned The Right (To Sing The Blues).' From Blues Freepress: Joanne Redding's new album How It Is kicks in with the funky and punchy title track demonstrating her affinity with the bluesier end of the roots spectrum. When the music turns acoustic the feeling is more of country and mountain roots. All ten tracks are Joanne Redding original compositions thus displaying talent beyond her well-developed and expressive voice. Her music has been getting frequent radio airplay across the USA and further afield too. How It Is is a well-produced album mixed and engineered by Bobby Sweet who also plays the electric guitar parts and contributes backing vocals. Every once in a while a lady with a voice breaks onto the scene but Joanne Redding stands just a little taller. Don't be surprised if she gets picked up by a major label sometime soon. From Muse's Muse: I especially give Redding credit for 'Credit Card Shuffle.' It is genuinely funny. The arrangements throughout the CD are totally solid and all the players are right on target. The overall sound is impressively professional. Redding's voice has twang and power. Redding is a talented songwriter with a solid collection of songs in 'How It Is.'

Tracks:
1.1 How It Is
1.2 Credit Card Shuffle
1.3 Tread Softly
1.4 Love and a Song
1.5 Chameleon
1.6 Be Your Own Woman
1.7 A Family to Love
1.8 I've Earned the Right (To Sing the Blues)
1.9 Don't Tempt Me
1.10 What's in Your Bag