Shemekia Copeland 04/03/2010

House of Blues / Chicago

She is the among the most vibrant and lively artists we have ever seen. Shemekia Copeland generates so much energy in the room, and she speaks to us through her singing and gestures. It’s like having a conversation with a friend because she sings about things that everyone can relate to. She reminds me of the great Etta James with definite influences of Koko Taylor. When Shemekia sang Never Going Back To Memphis, Born A Penny, Big Brand New Religion, to mention a few, the entire place was rockin’ and swaying with enthusiasm. She is a tough act to follow, and while she opened for Robert Cray who was also his usual outstanding self, we would have been quite content to have Shemekia Copeland play a little longer. She really performs like no one else.