GeminiiDRAGON (Feat Linwood Taylor) - Moonlight Movin' & Groovin'

From the opening bars of ‘Blues Is So Good,’ you know you’re in for something special. That cheeky vaudeville drumbeat sets the tone, and what follows is a masterclass in stripped-back blues: smooth grooves, sharp guitar licks, and harmony vocals that wrap around GeminiiDRAGON’s gravelly, joyfully growling voice. It’s a love letter to the genre, and it’s delivered with flair. ‘Low Down Dirty (Duck)’ keeps the momentum going, with second-line drumming, punchy horns, and organ swells that make the track feel alive. GeminiiDRAGON doesn’t mince words here; her warning to a deceitful man is both poetic and fierce. You can almost see the oak tree shaking.

‘Pressure,’ featuring Santiago Ortega on guitar, shifts gears slightly, bringing a more political edge. The rhythm section drives it forward, and Ortega’s guitar work adds texture to GeminiiDRAGON’s lyrics about survival and mental strain. It’s a powerful moment, grounded in the realities of modern life.

Then comes ‘Mr. Slip & Slide Man,’ a slinky, horn-laced groove that tells a familiar tale of betrayal. The organ and guitar dance together on the fade-out, giving the track a sultry finish.

Just as you’re settling into that mood, ‘Midnite Call’ kicks things back up. It’s vibrant and punchy, with GeminiiDRAGON channelling her inner Aretha, laying down the law with sass and style. The interplay between guitar and organ here is electric, and the message is clear: don’t keep this woman waiting.

‘Slow Slow Moan’ and ‘Rainy Wednesday’ offer a chance to breathe, but they’re no less compelling. The former is a standout, with its smooth arrangement and vocals that drip with emotion. It’s classic blues storytelling, and GeminiiDRAGON delivers it with conviction. ‘Rainy Wednesday,’ again featuring Ortega, captures that midweek slump with melancholy grace. The horns and guitar underscore the weariness in the lyrics, making it one of the more introspective moments on the album.

As the record heads into its final stretch, the energy ramps up again. ‘Sideways Down’ brings a Santana-esque vibe, with fluid guitar lines and a rhythm that won’t quit. It’s a song for the invisible ones, those who slip through the cracks, and it’s delivered with empathy and groove.

‘Blues Party,’ featuring Julia Dill on harmonica, is exactly what it says on the tin; a joyful, foot-tapping celebration of blues as communal release. Dill’s harmonica playing is front and centre, and it’s glorious. She returns for ‘Juke Joint Jumpin',’ a sultry, slow-burning number that feels like the kind of track you’d hear spilling out of a packed club on a humid night. If there’s any complaint, it’s that it ends too soon; you want that party to keep going.

The final track, ‘All Night (Bonafied Heartbreaker),’ blends blues and funk with a touch of heartbreak. The intro is rich with horn sounds and drums, and the guitar work is melodic and expressive, reminiscent of Clapton at his most tender. GeminiiDRAGON sings of a toxic love she can’t shake, and it’s a fitting close to an album that’s unafraid to show both joy and pain.

“Moonlight Movin’ & Groovin’” is a bold, soulful step forward for GeminiiDRAGON. The production, courtesy of Christian Simeon & The HATERZ, is tight and vibrant, and the addition of Linwood Taylor has clearly helped steer the sound back to its bluesy roots. GeminiiDRAGON’s voice is a force; capable of channelling the spirit of Aretha Franklin, Janis Joplin, and Grace Slick, while still sounding entirely her own. There’s a richness and range here that’s rare, and it’s used to full effect across the album. Comparisons to Janiva Magness feel apt, especially in the way GeminiiDRAGON conveys emotional nuance through her vocals.

This album doesn’t just revisit blues traditions; it reinvigorates them. It’s a celebration, a reckoning, and a reminder that GeminiiDRAGON is an artist who follows her own path, wherever it may groove.