Soulbag

July 2011 - France - Dominique LaGarde

Kaye Bohler possesses a generous nature. This can be seen at first glance at the CD cover. As happiness never comes alone, this disc is a nice surprise; it revealed a singer with a voice clear and settled that knows how to be authoritarian or sensitive. It is sometimes thought to Etta James for the density of emotion. Blues, shuffles, funk, a bit of Philly soul, a pinch of jazz; the compositions are largely the road and give off a scent of San Francisco blues of the 1970s. The lady took care to invite Robben Ford and Tommy Castro without giving them the keys to the house and two tomcats in the six strings skillfully blend into the landscape. A flower, it cannot refuse.

Kaye Bohler possède une nature généreuse. Cela se voit au premier coup d'oeil sur la couverture du CD. Une fleur épanouie défiant le monde d'un regard bleu. Comme un bonheur n'arrive jamais seul, ce disque est aussi une belle surprise, il révèle une chanteuse à la voix clair et habitée qui sait se montrér autoritaire ou sensible. On pense parfois à Etta James pour la densité d'émotion. Du blues, des shuffles, du funk, un peu de Philly soul, une pincée de jazz, les compos tiennent largement la route et exhalent un parfum de San Francisco blues des années 1970. La dame a pris soin d'inviter Robben Ford et Tommy Castro sans leur laisser les clés de la maison et les deux matous de la six cordes se fondent habilement dans le paysage. La production tout en souplesse, signée Tony Lufrano, évite la pesanteur et les clichés. Une fleur, cela ne se refuse pas.

Muzikreviews.com ★★★★★

April 2011 - Shannon Halper- Muzikreviews.com Contributor

Key Tracks- Constant State of the Blues, He Helps Me, Two Things at Once

If you are in the mood for some first-rate rhythm and blues with a touch of soul, than you are going to fall in love with Kaye Bohler. Her 4th album Like a Flower is a sure hit! She has a very soulful voice with a great rhythm and blues sound that reminds me of some of the great R&B artists such as: Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and Tina Turner.

Kaye Bohler has been on the R&B scene for the past 25 years and is continually making her way to the top of the that world. Her success with the past three albums has people referring to Kaye as the "Power House Blues Woman and Entertainer" and the "Rhythm and Blues Singing Baby of the Blues" just to name a few. To help her name to fame in R&B, Kaye has also dominated the stage at many places across the Northern California Coast at such places like Monterey Bay Blues Festival in Monterey, Ca, The Little Fox Theater in Redwood City, The Palms in Winters, and the Blues by the Bay Festival just to name a few.

As a singer, songwriter and bandleader Kaye poses as triple threat and continues to show off her talent in her latest album Like a Flower which has great songs that you really get that old blues and R&B feel. You are able to understand her story that comes alive in each song. The album was Kaye's way of detailing a broken heart, the loss and recovery, all of which she describes as being able to bloom again like a flower. The strength and power that she conveys pours out in each song, each lyric and each note embarking with her on a journey. The very relatable songs and appealing tunes leaves you wanting more and you even catch yourself tapping your foot and humming along to the beat and getting lost in the song.

Listening to the album over and over again I found myself drawn to two particular songs that I thought were the top for me vocally and lyrically on the album. "He Helps Me" to me was the most relatable by the lyrics of the song and choice of rhythm supporting the lyrics. Without even getting to know who Kaye Bohler was I thought that I was listening to Aretha Franklin. With the inspiration that is conveyed in Kaye's vocals you are able to feel the power and emotion. She had something to say and she made sure she was heard. The use of the guitar with the light taps on the drums in the background truly makes this song stand out and worth listening. Another personal favorite on the album was "Constant State of the Blues." This song has a stronger blues and jazz sound which is a perfect combination. Having the stronger jazz sounds in the song combined with the deep voice shows the pain and sorrow that the song is representing. You can feel everything Kaye was going through while tying all of her emotions together. Although you hear the music it is almost like you are sitting in the same room with Kaye as she is telling her story. It is easy to be taken in by the words and sounds and become a part of the song, as if you were actually living it through the words as she sings. I could honestly go on and on about each song on the album.

Kaye Bohler is going to continue to be a huge success. As she continues to create albums as Like a Flower, I believe that her following will just continue to grow. With powerful lungs, a great band and amazing lyrics, you can't go wrong with this album. It is truly a great buy and I cannot wait to listen to the album some more. For myself I know I am truly looking forward to seeing what she will come up with next. I believe Kaye will soon be household name and she will continue to capture people's attention.    ★★★★★

Nashville Blues Society

March 2011 - Sheryl and Don Crow

California native Kaye Bohler has a dynamic, powerful vocal range that is perfectly suited to the classic blues, soul, and R & B that she sings on her latest CD, "Like A Flower." These ten original tracks take you back to that splendid "San Francisco Sound" of the Sixties, with splashes of Tina Turner, Janis Joplin, and jazz greats Dinah Washington and Billie Holiday. Throw in guest guitarists, Robben Ford and Tommy Castro, themselves no strangers to that Bay Area sound make this one fine listen!

Songs of love and relationships are the common thread of this set, through the eyes of a woman who's had experience with both the good and the bad. The lead off cut finds her extolling the virtues of a good lover, " He Helps Me," then she rocks out in the same vein with "Got A Good Man," opting for a "mover and a shaker" over a "moneymaker." A muted sax intro leads into the torch like ballad, "My Heart Beats For Him," while the horn section adds fuel to the strong vibe of "How Do I Get There." Kaye realizes it's time to cut her losses when she realizes that her love is "Wasted On You." She has a hard choice to make between "Two Things At Once," where one lover "pays the bills" while another "gives me thrills."

We had two favorites, too. The pressures of everyday life leave Kaye in a "Constant State Of The Blues," while a lover who prefers alcohol over Kaye's lovin' touch drives her into "Another Man's Arms."

Big and brassy, bold and sassy, Kaye Bohler is poised to set the blues world on its collective ear with her dynamic voice and penchant for classic blues-flavored soul and R & B. Check out "Like A Flower" and ENJOY!!!!

Rootstime - Belgium

July 2011 - www.rootstime.be

The Term "Blues Diva" is beaten over our heads, yet I dare to use it here again. Kaye Bohler from the San Francisco Area is one lady who has all the qualities to claim that title. She not only possesses a tremendous power in her voice, she also has a voice full of feeling while maintaining depth and clarity.

Even as a songwriter she knows how to impress. Ten of her own original songs on "Like a Flower" and each of them, even if listening half unconsciously, you catch some internal part of yourself singing and humming because of the strong hooks they have. Whatever immediately drew public attention to the promo sheet was supplied to the entry in the header: "featuring Robben Ford, Tommy Castro and Garth Webber." That can all count in terms of eye-catching. Of course, the guitar work of these gentlemen is notable as well, but we are sure that, had they not been there this would still have become a beautiful, fascinating and varied blues release.

Variety is a definite on this release as Kaye feels at home in a soulful ballad (How do I get there) or a funky blues song (Got a good Man) or in Jazzy tracks (My Heart Beats for him) and solid R&B (I got to know). Here are the influences of her role models surface like Albert King, Tina Turner, Al Green and Billie Holiday.

Kaye Bohler is no rookie, nearly 20 years of pushing it all the way and with great blues names together on stage. That is if we are not mistaken, her fourth CD now. Her steaming live act ( revealed in a live attached clip) earned her the name "The White Tina Turner" and when you see the curls at work you have to confirm her live sex appeal… then throw in the music, almost not needed immediately, but helps of course. Fortunately this (sex appeal) is not used to cover a lack of talent because she has more then enough. You get it all by Kaye, the already strong package!

Crossroads Blues Society - Illinois

June 29, 2011 - Like a Flower   Reviewed by Rick Davis

Kaye Bohler has been compared to Aretha Franklin, Gladys Knight and Tina Turner. The truth of the matter is her deep, smooth, powerful rhythm and blues vocals are like no one you have heard.  She is well known across the Northern California Coast at such venues like Monterey Bay Blues Festival in Monterey, Ca, The Little Fox Theater in Redwood City, The Palms in Winters, and the Blues by the Bay Festival, entertaining blues fans for the past 25 years. If you are looking for first class rhythm, blues, and soul, Kaye has just the voice to go beyond your expectations! In reference to her first three CDs, statements about her like "Power House Blues Woman and Entertainer" and the "Rhythm and Blues Singing Baby of the Blues" are a testimonials of her talent.

Her forth CD Like a Flower, once again is a superb collection of rhythm, blues, and soul charged with emotion and backed by an all-star support cast. Lead guitar assignments are shared by Robben Ford, Tommy Castro, Danny Caron, Garth Webber, and Sammy Varela. Like a Flower, written Kaye, opens with the tune "He Helps Me" is a tribute to her soul mate for the day by day life support. "How Do I Get There" implements a superb horn section as Bohler sings with conviction for guidance to get through this thing called life! "Wasted On You" begins with a smooth sax solo and smooth background vocals and builds with Kaye's powerful, soulful vocals posing the question of has my love been "wasted on you?" "Constant State Of The Blues" is an over emotional testimonial of a caregiver riding that emotional roller coaster day and day out. Superb guitar solos by Danny Caron and Garth Webber create a nice tempo on this tune. "I Got To Know" opens with the fiery guitar riffs by Tommy Castro and blazing sax solos by Nancy Wright combining with the pure blues vocal quality of Kaye's vocals. "Another Mans Arms" delivers a funky R&B tune with some of the best 60's style guitar solos imagined created by Garth Webber. "Two Things At Once" is slow, rich, mellow tune with smooth lead guitar solos by Sammy Varela. "Got a Good Man" opens with a Texas blues guitar sound and brings the horn section back along with Tony Lufrano on Keys. Kaye belts out with jubilation she has found the perfect mate and intends to keep him right next to her! "My Heart Beats For Him" is a total shift to a Billie Holiday style jazz tune with Kaye showing her audience the stunning versatility of her voice. She will melt you with her seductive, charming vocal style on this one! She completes this treasury of soul with a pure rhythm n' blues title track "Like a Flower" featuring Robben Ford on guitar and once again Kaye Bohler making her statement on vocals.

This Lady is the real deal and supported by a highly talented group of musicians! Kaye Bohler will make a believer out of any R&B or blues music lover! I can only hope to someday see a live performance. Reviewed by Rick Davis