New Music Reviews - Home of DJ Willis

“Danielia Cotton introduces herself and announces her intentions on “Make U Move”: “I’m a little black girl, I’ll rock your world.” She makes good on that boast through each of the 10 tightly crafted, toughly delivered tunes. Though she can lean back and roar with gospel fervor (”Testify”), the guitar-driven record draws inspiration from the late ’60s/early ’70s possibilities created by Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Sly Stone and Delaney & Bonnie. “Righteous People,” with its Eastern modulations (all that’s missing is a sitar break) is a time machine back to the Fillmore East. Midtempo dedication to the road “Let It Ride” and anthem “Bang My Drum” sound like staples of what used to be called AOR radio. Don’t miss the provocative and unsettling “Dark Desire,” a volatile mix of eros, race and rock. —Wayne Robins”