Singer-Songwriter, Kelly Brock, aka “Sunny Bleau,” is known for her straightforward lyrics, passionate performances, strong vocals, and playful personality. When writing and performing with guitarist/ songwriter/composer Nic Cocco they have created some great music. They have teamed up with longtime bluesman Mick Kolassa to produce their new album, Passion and Regrets. Bringing together a team of Mick’s “usual suspects” (drummer James Cunningham, bassist Bill Ruffino, Rick Steff on multiple keyboards, and a few tasty licks from guitarist Jeff Jensen). To add to the already impressive list of talent on the album, Sunny and Nic invited the amazing young harp player Kiersi Joli and their dear friend Dr. Peter Stephenson to round out this wonderful team of musicians. The album opens with TWO GLASSES OF WHISKEY ON ICE, which tells the story of an older woman who had a romantic encounter with a Beale Street Musician, a sad and sexy tune. YOU BETTER PUT THE COFFEE ON tells a different story, about a woman who refuses to be taken for granted. On this song, Kiersi Joli shows her stuff then hands it to Nic Cocco to “grind some beans!” LOW-DOWN-MIDDLE-AGED-BLUES is an adaptation of Peter Stephenson’s award-winning “HELPLESS BLUES” – it both celebrates and bemoans the passing of time. PEACOCK STRUT is a tune about a young man on the make! Jeff Jensen joined Nic Cocco on guitar on this tune, and Sunny delivers her take on the young man, as he struts
like a peacock, looking for a lady to woo. S-H-E-E-E W-O- M-A-N is an assertive feminist anthem, telling it like it is!
WHY DON’T YOU DO RIGHT? Is a blues and jazz standard first recorded by L’il Green in 1941. This version was arranged by Nicholas A. Cocco, and Sunny shines brightly on this amazing remake. Next up is WAITIN’ ON A MAN, where Sunny recalls a part of Sunny’s past life that still pains her to this day. YOU PUT ME OUT speaks to the anguish of being in a one-sided relationship while DEEP REGRETFUL BLUES tells a different story, a rocking number about a woman who hurt a man and regrets it “I know I broke your heart, I got the deep regretful blues.” The album closes with MEMPHIS BOUND (IT IS WELL WITH MY SOUL) a tribute to the blues and those entertainers who have given their all and those that continue to give their heart and soul to the Blues. “When I Die, I won’t be going to heaven.... ‘Cause Beale Street is hallowed ground.”
