If you are looking for the crisp and clean cookie cutter American Idol voice then this isn't it. Kristie has an old world sound smothered in take me as I am bravado that has been rooted in a life long love of music and singing. Roy is a jack of many talents when it comes to music, having worked as a freelance trombonist in Nashville since he was 16 years old. He also spends much of his creative talent as an arranger and producer. Together, Kathy and Roy, are sharing their music in venues across the US, playing from a list of over 40 songs.
One of Kristie's goals was to make a record "to encourage people of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities to consider self acceptance." She has succeeded. This is an inspiring and moving (literally) collection with songs meant to bring you up and not mock you down.
The ten tracks are:
* Big Long Sliding Thing
* Big Fat Mamas are Back in Style
* Big Red Caboose
* Fat Meat is Good Meat
* My Funny Valentine
* Roy's Blow
* Meat on Their Bones
* Built for Comfort
* Use What You Got
* When You Wish Upon a Star
1. Big Long Sliding Thing ~ Despite its lude sounding title this is a slow, sway me start to this big music CD. Very sexy and sexually suggestive. Love it.
2. Big Fat Mamas are Back in Style ~ This is my favourite. It has a catchy beat and by the end you believe "big fat mamas are back in style!" and are encouraged to "love your fat no matter where it's at."
3. Big Red Caboose ~ is about moving your caboose all over the place and having a fabulous ol' time doing it.
4. Fat Meat is Good Meat ~ A tongue-in-cheek, wiggle your toes, butt swinging good time.
5. My Funny Valentine ~ A slow classic but some of the high parts grate my nerves.
6. Roy's Blow ~ A cool 1.23 minute horn solo intermission. It's almost too short.
7. Meat on Their Bones ~ is another upbeat song about a woman wanting a man with meat on his bones.
8. Built for Comfort ~ Another absolute favourite of mine about the differences of body types
9. Use What You Got ~ A great shimmy about how perfect we all are. "It don't matter bout your size as long as you know how to use what ya got."
10. When You Wish Upon a Star ~ This has always been one of my favourite childhood songs but this rendition sounded out of tune or too falsetto for me.
Kristie and Roy are not alone in this collection. They are supported by some of Nashville's seasoned performers including the likes of George Tidwell, Steve Brewster, Jerry Kimbrough, Gary Lunn, and Jeff Coffin.
Rather than have the usual lyrics (although I would have liked them) printed on the inside flap, there is a glimpse into the background of each song and why it was chosen for the album. For instance, Big Fat Mamas, came from a fat bashing site. Talk about turning things around.
Overall, Use What You Got, provides enough Jazz, blues, big band and funk sound to whet your appetite to this new sensation. It makes me want to see Kristie and Big Potential live. Despite my dislike of the ballads I think this is a must for any plus size woman's music with attitude collection. Go on and shake your caboose in style.Download Use What You Got from iTunes:
