Western Carolina-based Laura Reed’s voice exudes sass, soul and femininity.  It has that childlike catch that Billie Holiday’s had.  Combine that with Ani DiFranco’s rapid-fire sass and freestyle jazz delivery and you’re halfway there.  The rest is pure soul, whether on the Portishead-like “Forces at Play” or the torchy R&B of “Don’t Go.”  She scats and soars as her crack band floats from funk to R&B to jazz with nods to world music and gospel.

What pushes her songs to the next level are well thought out, but subtle, musical touches.  The juicy pump of the Hammond organ, the unusual and slightly distorted muted horn solos, tribal drumming, and deep bass vocal harmonies peeking out behind reed’s voice give “Soul:Music” rich organic layers.

Reed and Deep Pocket play the Double Door on Saturday.

The Charlotte Observer, Sunday, 3/23/2008