Sugar Queen And The Straight Blues Band - Better Days

Michele Denise, known as Sugar Queen, is a versatile American vocalist and songwriter, who performs blues in Europe, US, Asia and is currently based in the Netherlands/Belgium. Her family roots are in northern Florida which explains her affinity with gospel and blues. In her early years, Michele played classical piano and received a university scholarship. Never straying from her blues and gospel roots, she continued to perform in churches of the Southern USA. Whilst touring various parts of the United States, she was singled out to perform in a historic "Mandela Released" event. During her time in the US, Michele worked a dual role as director/vocalist for several gospel and classic choirs in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana and West Virginia. Relocating to Asia in 2006, Michele formed in Malaysia the blues and classic rock band Deuces Wild. During the Miri Jazz/Blues Festival of the same year, she performed with the Singapore based Universal Blues band. During 2007 while performing blues, she worked as a jazz singer with internationalist jazz pianist, Yiang Yi Sock in Malaysia. In 2008, Michele had the distinction of performing for King Tuan Yang Terutama in Malaysia. In 2009, Michele recorded with blues/rock artist, Wang Wei (Rock Rhino) on his self-titled CD "Wang Wei" in Beijing, China. In 2016, Michele formed "Sugar Queen" in Belgium. It was collaboration between Belgian and Dutch blues artists and of course, the American Sugar Queen. Directing their sound toward Chicago blues, the debut CD "340 Blues" reached the number 4 position on the Chicago Blues Roots Music Charts with 5 of its debut songs ranking in the top 10, the album stayed in the charts for 12 weeks. Eagerly-Anticipated "Better Days" is an original written CD of a personal narrative which explores Sugar Queen's African-American roots. With her unique Chicago blues style, Sugar Queen sings this rich history with gritty raw emotion. 

1. I'm That Kinda Woman (3:25)

2. Better Days (5:42)

3. Change My Name (3:39)

4. Lolly's Place (3:06)

5. Looking Back (3:55)

6. Mister Calhoun (3:47)

7. Are You Gonna Do Right (4:42)

8. Lovin' Only Keeps A Man (3:33)

9. Creeping Going On (3:11)

10. Better Days Radio Edit (4:49)

11. Shake Off Dem Blues (3:20)

Michele Denise - Vocals

Jean Raven - Guitar

Jan van Drunen - Keys

Erwin Huigen - Bass

Lars Hoogland - Drums