Based in Florida, The Shaelyn Band is known for the powerful vocals of Shaelyn Mulberry and the band's tight mix of blues, soul, funk, and jazz. The members are Erik Guess (lead guitar), Curtis Harris (bass), Win Carlson (backing vocals), Isaiah Gaytan (trumpet), Moses Maldonado (trombone), and Tim Mulberry (keys/drums/backing vocals). The band has been active since 2020, and Chapter 3 (House of Berry Productions) is their third release.

The Mulberrys wrote all 14 tracks and the album was produced by Tim Mulberry. The opening cut, "Blues Chose Me," is a straight-ahead, horn-driven blues rocker that introduces listeners to Shaelyn's soulful vocals and the fiery fretwork of Guess.

"Gumbo" adopts a tasty second-line rhythm as Shaelyn sings the praises of one of nature's most perfect foods, and the feisty "Cruise" finds the singer telling her lover if he's not in it to win it, she will be moving on.

"Push" is a funky R&B-flavored track with nice work from the horns to kick off the track, while "Carry On" leans toward southern rock territory with a bit of countrified feel with the keyboards and guitar work.

"Takin' My Love Back" is a successful soul/R&B ballad. "Bet It All Back" is an energetic mix of blues and funk, and "Make Ya Move" is a brisk, rock n' roller that's bound to get dancers on their feet.

"Music Makes It Right" is a fast-paced, funky rocker that finds Shaelyn praising the wonderful power of music to bring folks together and provide an escape from the turmoils of daily life. The mid-tempo soul/blues burner, "I'm Not Ready," is an outstanding effort, and "Debt" is a strong ballad with a gripping vocal from Shaelyn and outstanding guitar from Guess.

"I Won't Sell My Soul" offers sound advice for those with talents and abilities not to underestimate their value and to make the most of them. "Slow Blues" is a .... well, it's a slow blues, a great one, with piano and organ accompaniment from Tim Mulberry and another fine guitar run from Guess.

"Just Keep Moving" is an inspirational combination of blues and soul that bring the album to a conclusion.

As mentioned above, Shaelyn is a talented and versatile vocalist who is comfortable in a variety of musical styles and the band is most impressive throughout the disc. The songwriting takes on traditional blues and soul topics, but puts a fresh coat of paint to these familiar styles.

Chapter 3 is a fine display of the talents of The Shaelyn Band.

--- Graham Clarke