Album: Revival – October 2024
Can’t Miss Tracks: Southern Soul, Set Me Free, Chasin’ Time
Kat Riggins isn’t just a performer—she’s on a mission. With her powerhouse vocals that echo the legendary Koko Taylor and Janis Joplin, Kat is leading a musical revival that celebrates the raw, untamed spirit of the blues. Her latest album, Revival, is more than just a collection of songs; it’s a passionate plea to keep the blues alive and thriving in the hearts of a new generation of listeners.
Revival, the sixth full-length album from the Miami native, is a high-octane celebration of everything blues, soul, and rock ‘n’ roll. But it’s not just about paying homage to the past—it’s about bringing the blues into the future with a fresh, fiery energy. “I thank God that my passion is my purpose,” Riggins says, “and that is to help preserve this endangered species called the blues.” With Revival, she’s doing exactly that, infusing each song with a message of resilience, renewal, and personal empowerment.
A Sound Rooted in the Blues, But Branching Out
At its core, Revival is deeply rooted in the blues. Kat’s vocals are gritty and fierce, carrying the weight of generations of blueswomen before her. But the album also offers plenty of room for her to flex her R&B, gospel, and rock ‘n’ roll influences. Ten original tracks, co-written with producer Tim Mulberry, bring a contemporary edge to the blues while staying true to its emotional heart.
The album opens with the energetic, blues-rock anthem “Lucky,” where Kat’s tough, confident vocals set the tone:
“I know just what I like,
I like to wheel and whine,
And bump and grind,
And get on down tonight.”
It’s an irresistible introduction to the raw, liberated spirit of the record. But it’s only the beginning. “Revived,” the almost-title track, takes things to a funkier, R&B-infused place with its message of personal renewal:
“Look at my new walk,
I’m stepping high,
I got a real good feeling inside,
Feeling revived.”
From there, the album weaves through a tapestry of grooves and moods. “Southern Soul” brings a relentless party beat with a deep blues foundation:
“Ain’t nothing like a southern soul,
Blues all in my toes,
Rockin’ roll folk singing.”
Kat’s vocals continue to evolve throughout the album, from the defiant swagger of “New Level” (“I got a new attitude to match my dreams, I’m on a whole new level”) to the emotional release of “Set Me Free,” where she pleads with the blues to give her the freedom she craves:
“Like singing the blues without feeling,
Now why oh why keep trying,
My patience is dying,
Just set me free.”
A Blues Revival with Heart and Soul
Kat’s songwriting shines with a deep understanding of both the power and the vulnerability within the blues. Tracks like “Mojo Thief” offer a playful but poignant warning about holding onto one’s unique energy:
“Everybody’s got a mojo,
You just gotta let yours work,
But don’t you be,
No mojo thief.”
And in “Chasing Time,” Kat reflects on the inevitability of life’s passage with a soulful blend of regret and hope:
“I can’t rush into tomorrow,
Or get back yesterday,
But I keep chasing time.”
Perhaps one of the strongest tracks is the defiant “Mighty,” where Kat delivers an anthem of self-worth and power:
“Let the meek take the Earth,
The universe is for the mighty.”
Meanwhile, “Old Time Way” is a hard-rocking tribute to the timeless power of classic blues and the feeling that modern music often lacks:
“Nowadays the music plays,
But the feeling ain’t the same,
As the good old days,
I wanna go back.”
The album closes with the tender, hopeful ballad “Healer,” where Kat sings of the power of music and compassion to heal and uplift:
“Maybe I can bring somebody peace,
Maybe make somebody feel loved,
If I could just provoke a little hope in this world,
It’ll spread left, right, below and above.”
A Personal and Powerful Revival
The raw, emotionally charged performances on Revival aren’t just confined to Kat’s voice. Her band, The Blues Revival, is a powerhouse in its own right, with Tim Mulberry on bass, drums, keys, and horns, and the impressive contributions of Eric Guess on guitar and backing vocals from Shaelyn Mulberry and Mark Barner. Together, they create a sound that is both expansive and intimate, capturing the essence of the blues while pushing its boundaries.
Kat’s voice is at the center of it all—a potent blend of strength and vulnerability, capable of moving listeners both physically and emotionally. Whether she’s belting out anthems of empowerment or softly singing a ballad of hope, Kat draws listeners in and invites them to join her in the revival of the blues. She doesn’t just want you to listen—she wants you to feel.
A Legacy of Passion and Purpose
Kat Riggins’ journey to this moment has been one of dedication to the blues and a refusal to let the genre fade into obscurity. Born in Miami, Kat was raised in a household where music—from gospel to soul, country to rock—was always playing. But it was the music of blues and jazz legends like Koko Taylor, Nina Simone, Sam Cooke, and Janis Joplin that truly captivated her soul. By 23, she was already performing jazz and blues standards at a local club, and her career has since taken her around the world, performing on international stages and winning new fans along the way.
Her first recorded effort came in the form of the EP Seoul Music, and her 2014 debut album Lily Rose introduced her as an artist to watch. But it was 2016’s Blues Revival that truly solidified her place in the blues world, and with Revival, she’s carrying that torch forward with even more energy and vision.
Kat’s mission is clear: to keep the blues alive, to revive it, and to share its power with the world. With Revival, she’s not just honoring the past; she’s shaping the future of the genre.
Whether you’re a lifelong blues fan or a newcomer to the genre, Revival is an album that demands to be heard. Kat Riggins’ electrifying voice and passion for the music are impossible to ignore, and the album’s mix of high-energy grooves and heartfelt ballads will move both your heart and your hips. If there’s one thing Revival proves, it’s this: the blues is not only alive—it’s thriving. And with artists like Kat Riggins leading the charge, it’s in very good hands.
