Lady Dottie and the Diamonds: A True Musical Gem
Lady Dottie is the real deal. Born Dorothy Mae Whitsett, she originally honed her chops as an Alabama gospel singer and that background is evident in her vocal bravado. Her voice is equal parts honey and fire, intoxicating and ferocious. It’s the kind of organic talent that’s often lacking in our modern age of music.
Lady Dottie’s band is similarly scorching. They accompany her vocals with a phenomenal mix of blues, rock and roll, and garage rock. At times, they crank up the heat so high the mixture feels at risk of boiling over. It’s a truly incredible combination that reinvigorates sounds that in lesser hands can feel worn out.
My only criticism of Lady Dottie and the Diamonds is that we don’t have more. The band only has one release, 2008’s self-titled album, which is a mix of covers and originals. Lady Dottie and the Diamonds have spent the intervening decade and a half playing pretty regularly though, and the band’s live show is fantastic. So, while we may not have new recorded music, at least we still have those sweaty Lady Dottie nights.
Listen to Lady Dottie and the Diamonds’ “I Ain’t Mad at Ya” here: What is there to say about “I Ain’t Mad At Ya,” other than it absolutely shreds? Lady Dottie does what she always does, but the Diamonds burst out of the gate with an almost feral garage rock tune delivered at breakneck speed. Everyone gets a chance to shine in this sub-three-minute fireball that includes drum and guitar solos, organ flourishes, and call and response vocals. Simply put, it’s perfection.
Like what you hear? Check out Lady Dottie and the Diamonds at Lou Lou’s Jungle Room at the Lafayette Hotel on Friday, Aug. 23.
Do you have a “Song of the Week” suggestion? Shoot us an email and a sentence or two about why you’ve been bumping this song lately. Friendly reminder: all songs should be by local artists.
