Bible Belt

iTunes Review

Diane Birch’s 2009 debut Bible Belt percolates an earthy warmth with songs trimmed in the familiar tones of old Wurlitzers, buttery New Orleans bass lines, twangy guitars, and a soulfully inviting voice that pulls from Laura Nyro’s penchant for putting a womanly groove into a melancholy tune. Birch carefully crafted Bible Belt to sound like ‘70s AM radio gold by assembling a fitting team of musicians including Patti Smith’s guitarist Lenny Kaye, George Porter of the Meters on bass, Lenny Kravitz’s drummer Cindy Blackman, Bones Malone and Lenny Pickett on horns, and production help from GRAMMY award-winners Steve Greenberg and legendary soul chanteuse Betty Wright. “Fire Escape” opens with a quilt of gospel vocals as Birch’s inflections pull you out of the cold and into her cozy New York home where the melodies flow like pots of tea. “Valentino” struts on organic “Magic Bus” percussion and a cool, bellbottomed Joni Mitchell vibe. But it’s the smoky “Nothing But a Miracle” that perfectly captures the sound she’s going for, playing like it was penned by Teddy Randazzo and recorded in the Muscle Shoals Sound Studio on two-inch tape.