The Best Of Sandy Atkinson Album Review.

Artist: Sandy Atkinson

Album: The Best Of Sandy Atkinson

Released: 2025

Artist Website: https://sandyatkinson.net/

Florida based blues and roots powerhouse vocalist Sandy Atkinson has been working at her craft for a long time and it shows in this 21 song "Best Of" collection. She has a naturally gritty voice and power to spare. The band that surrounds her on this set delivers the goods at every turn. This is a lineup of musicians that knows the meaning of space and supporting a great vocalist, adding color but never overstepping. 

Tired Of The Cryin' is a standout track in the R&B mold that is hinging on tragic. Sandy's vocals are simply delivered at the highest level. It would be a perfect soundtrack for a whiskey soaked break up scene in a little bar. The kind of breakup that the on screen character realizes it was their own fault and it could've been avoided, but now it's too late and all that is left to do is drink it away tonight. Tired Of The Cryin' reflects the kind of hurt that never really goes away, but just becomes tolerable. 

The minor key cut Let It Go has it all and then some. A slinky groove with some Stevie Ray Vaughan like guitar fills and a fiercely emotive vocal performance. This is a track that feels like it would be at home on a Robert Cray record. Again flirting with the R&B side of the blues, while the unmistakable anchor of the performance is the blues, but not quite a straight up traditional take. The performance is simmering without ever boiling over. Burning hot on a low flame. 

She's Just A Floozy caught my eye based on the title and certainly did not disappoint.  This cut is an acoustic blues as straight as it gets with a stellar performance from all. Authenticity is the word that comes to mind with this little gem. Floozy is a word that just doesn't get enough play anymore as far as this writer is concerned , let alone to be put to melody! It is hard to narrow down my favorite track on the is release but this one makes the short list for sure! 

The straight up swingy blues Have A Good Time Tonight rolls along the way that upbeat shuffles do. It bounces and swings all the way through and I'm sure fills the dance floor at all the band's gigs. A softer approach on the vocal doesn't go unnoticed and it was the right choice, adding a bit of patience and timeless class to the production. At just under 3:20 in length the band gets in and right back out leaving the listener wanting more of the cool vibe that is a throwback in time. 

This record falls somewhere between traditional and contemporary. It lives in those wonderful cracks that perhaps Roomful Of Blues resides in. Sticking to the blues tradition while still moving the ball forward a few feet. Never too far to lose the traditionalist, but still putting her own fingerprint on the time tested blues format. Sometimes it's polished, sometimes gritty, but consistently emotive and well done. Fans of the blues and classic R&B will find a lot to like about this 21 song collection! 

Check out the interview with Sandy below.....

Tell us the brief history of your band or musical career.

Mom taught me the joy of singing and had me on stage in church (solo) when I was 5. According to her, I was never shy. She gave me my first guitar and a “how to” book when I was 14. I taught myself how to play and started writing songs. Later as an adult, I started playing in clubs and later festivals, theaters and special events with some very talented guys I met along the way that have become good friends. Too much fun! I’ve played along the east coast in the US and did a tour in Norway. I released my first album in the 90s. Since then, I’ve released 8 albums and I’m planning another one for 2026. 


Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

Mom and my Dad had a broad taste in music gospel, country, rock, folk and jazz. So, there was always music in the house. Later, it would be Aretha Franklin, Otis Redding, Janice Joplin, Etta James, Big Mama Thornton and Howlin Wolf. I also loved Patsy Cline, Eric Clapton, classic rock including the Stones, Little Feat, Led Zepplin and the Motown sounds. To me, music is like ice cream. There are lots of flavors. I like most of them. Some, not so much.

What album has had the greatest impact on your life as a musician?

At the risk of sounding like a typical “chick singer” I would have to say “Cheap Thrills” by Big Brother and the Holding Company with Janis Joplin. “Piece of My Heart” was my favorite song. She just let go like I never heard before. I would be jumping around my bed and singing it to my hair brush while Mom was yelling “Turn it down!” Janis’s version of Ball and Chain was pretty amazing too. I learned from the liner notes that it was a Big Mama Thornton song and so that gave me a great introduction to the blues. I had to hear more! And, the rest is history. 


Is there a particular song that has resonated with you for a long time?

Etta James, I’d Rather Go Blind. I saw her perform it live with Dr. John on piano. It was amazing! I’ve heard others sing it, but not like Etta. 


What’s your favorite accomplishment as a musician thus far? 

I would say my “Best of Sandy Atkinson” album. It includes songs I’ve written during the history of my career and recorded with some very talented musicians. One thing that gives you confidence is when musicians you respect play with you knowing they don’t play with just anyone. I’ve been very lucky to meet some very talented musicians in Florida who have become good friends. Duke Robillard, whom I have a great respect for his music and career chose one of my songs “Cook In Your Kitchen” for an artist he was producing for Sonny Crownover. That was exciting to have my first song licensed!

Tell me about your favorite performance in your career.

The Palladium Theater in St. Petersburg, FL Side Door cabaret is an excellent venue. The venue hosts national touring acts and a few local acts. The room is reminiscent of a European club and the acoustics are excellent. House of Blues in Orlando is always fun. Of course, festivals are always awesome! We recently played one in Ft. Myers, FL, The Buckingham Blues Fest. Perfect outdoor venue for a festival and the weather was beautiful!. I’ve played many festivals over the years. My favorite would have to be the Dunedin Wines The Blues in FL and Hell Blues Fest in Trondheim, Norway. 


What's the best piece of advice another musician ever gave you?

Do what you do. Be true to yourself. Don’t worry about trying to fit some mold.


What's new in the recording of your music?

The “Best Of” includes 21 original songs from my previous 7 albums including the last one “Have A Good Time Tonight” released last year.

How has your music changed over the years?

As I mature and my life changes, I think my music gets richer with the experiences.

What inspires you to write the music you write? 

A song can come from anywhere or sometimes nowhere at all. It may be something I see or experience or someone close to me does. For example, “Cajun Man” was inspired by a picture I saw in a magazine of man in the swamp in LA on small boat. He looked so happy and peaceful that I was compelled to write about him without knowing him. 


What made you want to play the instrument you play? 

When I was a kid, we were at my cousin’s house and he had an acoustic guitar. I picked it up and was fascinated by it. I guess that’s where my Mom got the idea to buy me one for my next birthday.

Are there any musicians who inspire you that are not famous? What qualities do you admire about them?

I played at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis and saw musicians from around the world who were excellent in their performance and stage presence. It made me realize that there are thousands of musicians out there just like me doing what they love and some….maybe most you will never hear about. But, they keep going. Those are the ones that feel the music so deep down it shows. If it’s in you, you have to do it or you’ll bust. It’s a part of who you are like the color of your eyes. 


Describe your worst performance. What did you learn from this experience?

We had a show at a theater to record the performance and put it out as “live album.” Unfortunately, the sound guy didn’t live up to expectations and it was disappointing. So, what I’ve learned is that doing a live recording doesn’t always go as planned. The “sound guy” is just as important as anyone on stage….always…recording or not.

Tell me what your first music teacher was like. What lessons did you learn from them that you still use today?

I’ve never had a music teacher.

If you could play anywhere or with anyone in the world, where or with who would it be?

With Buddy Guy at Legend’s in Chicago. I’m glad he is still with us. His career has spanned generations and inspired many.

If you could change anything about the music industry today, what would it be?

I’m glad to see vinyl making a come back so that you have pictures and details about the songs instead of just downloading a file. To me, it’s important to know who wrote the song and who the players are. After all, when I got that Cheap Thrills album and saw that someone named “Big Mama Thornton” wrote “Ball and Chain” I had to hear more. That’s what led me into the blues. If the song had just been a file I downloaded, I would not have know that.

What are your biggest obstacles as a musician?

There are not as many live music venues to play as there use to be. So, finding those that cater to the blues lovers is not always easy.


Describe your favorite and least favorite part about being a musician.

Favorite part is the feeling music gives me. When I’m on stage with the band and we all just get carried away with the music it’s something that’s not easy to explain. It’s like we all go to the zone and there’s nothing else except the music. I close my eyes and ride it like a big wave. Least favorite, booking. 


Do you have any anxiety about performing live? 

No, I get excited.

Give us some advice for new musicians just starting out in the industry.

Patience and hard work is the name of the game. And remember, no matter how good you are, there’s always someone better. Respect that and yourself. 😊


What is your favorite piece of gear and why?

My Guild acoustic. I love the feel and the sound of it.


How do you prepare for your performances and recording work?

Rehearsals and set lists are important. Having a good plan re what songs will be done and who will play is imperative, especially in recording. You need to be ready and not learn the song in the studio. That can be expensive. Still, you want to have some freedom and fun. It’s gotta be fun.

How do you promote your band and shows?

Mostly on line, social media and sometimes radio ads.


Anything you would like to share, from new merch to upcoming shows/tours or songs/albums?

We are back in the studio in February working on a new album. I’m excited about that. I love recording and the magic that comes out! 


What are your interests outside of music?

I’ve always worked in the IT industry and I do enjoy that. I also host a blues radio show every Friday and I’m having lots of fun with that. I also love time with my Sweetheart and my cat and 2 dogs. 


Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I’m partial to Irish Whiskey.


Anything Else You Would Like to Include?

I’m very happy and honored to sign with Guitar One Records. They are the real deal with a line up of talented artists and great radio stations!