Here’s an artist I became aware of in late 2008 when I saw her and her band open for 80’s rockers KIX. Even though I only saw the last few songs of the set I was blown away. About a month later I was fortunate enough to see the band in concert again and this time I made sure to catch the whole show!

CC Coletti, I learned, has been making time the last few years as a backing vocalist in MEAT LOAF’s touring band but her solo music is nothing like that of the “Meat”. She has a bluesy swagger with an almost 60’s JANIS JOPLIN vibe. I can’t say I was ever a fan of JOPLIN but Coletti possess a smoother and more accessible voice but she can rock just as hard!

Her record, entitled “Woodstock Lane” ranges from mellow bluesy rock to harder-edged blues-based rock. The record opens with “Fast Lane Addiction” and you know you’re in for a treat when the guitars of Anthony Krizan (ex-SPIN DOCTORS) come kicking in. The track has a bit of a BLACK CROWES vibe but with the smoky vocals of Coletti being a nice addition.

“Trouble With Me” is a tongue-in-cheek rocker, which pokes fun at having a little fun. I wonder if this is an autobiographical tune from Coletti? If so, she could be pretty fun to hang with!

Title track “Woodstock Lane” is an introspective tune with a breezy vibe and a great vocal from Coletti. It’s a favorite for sure. “Quit You” brings the rockier vibe back with a great groove from drummer John Hummel.

Up next is a cover of the JOPLIN classic “Mercedes Benz” with some updated lyrics and arrangement that makes this track all about Coletti and Krizan. As much as I said earlier that I wasn’t a big fan of JOPLIN this tune makes me a believer of sorts!

Krizan drives the track “If The Sun Don’t Shine” with his swanky guitar sounds along with some nicely placed horns courtesy of Dave Luther and Justin Walter to accompany the swagger of CC. Definitely another favorite!

“Little Piece Of You” is driven by the harmonica of ”Nasty” Ned and Hammond B3 sounds of Rob Clores while “Color Of You” brings the smoldering blues down a notch with the southern bluesy acoustics of Krizan but the vocals of Coletti steal the show on this one for sure. I’ll go off the beaten path a little and say her vocals even remind me of long-lost, fellow NJ native Sandi Saraya!

“Heaven Is In Your Mind” brings the blues back in full force and “Peace In My Soul” rocks things a little harder and even has some more modern elements in Coletti’s vocal. “Seven Deadly Sins” and the excellent “You Were My Angel” round out “Woodstock Lane” with “Angel” in particular being an epic of sorts. The song is a sentimental tune with the vocals taking center stage and the addition of a choir makes for a powerful closing number.

“Woodstock Lane” is a great blues-rock record with some rockier moments to make sure it keeps your attention. In concert, I think CC and band rock even harder and are worth looking into if you like this sort of thing! The record I’ll give 4 1/2 stars but the concert experience I’ll give 5 stars!