And now, we turn to a voice that’s been carrying the spirit of the blues for decades—Miss Freddye. Known around Pittsburgh and beyond as the “Lady of the Blues,” she’s built her career on authenticity, heart, and a deep connection to the roots of American music. With her latest single, “Slippin’ Away”, she reminds us that sometimes the simplest stories are the ones that stay with us the longest.
“Slippin’ Away” is a slow-burning blues ballad, written by the late Mike Lyzenga, and brought to life here with a quiet intensity. From the very first note, you can feel the mood settle in—this is a song about love fading, about trying to hold on to something that’s already beginning to slip through your fingers. It’s a theme we’ve heard before, but in Miss Freddye’s hands, it feels personal, immediate, and real.
Her voice is the centerpiece, and for good reason. There’s a warmth to it, a richness that comes from years of experience—both on stage and in life. She doesn’t rush the story. Instead, she lets each line unfold naturally, giving the listener time to absorb every word. When she sings, “I feel you slipping through my hands,” you believe her—not because she’s telling you to, but because she’s lived it.
Backing her up is a band that understands the power of restraint. Mike Huston’s guitar work is tasteful and expressive, adding just the right amount of emotion without overwhelming the vocal. Jeff Conner’s keyboards bring in a subtle gospel flavor, a nod to the spiritual roots that have long influenced Miss Freddye’s style. Greg Sejko on bass and Bob Dicola on drums provide a steady, unshakeable foundation, keeping the song grounded while allowing it to breathe.
What really stands out about “Slippin’ Away” is its simplicity. In a world where so much music is layered, processed, and polished to perfection, this track takes a different path. Produced by Miss Freddye herself, it feels honest and unfiltered. There’s space in the arrangement—space for the instruments, space for the vocal, and most importantly, space for the listener to connect with the emotion at the heart of the song.
Miss Freddye’s journey as an artist is an important part of this story. She’s spent years performing, recording, and keeping the blues alive in her community. Influenced by gospel and traditional blues, she’s developed a style that’s both timeless and deeply personal. “Slippin’ Away” is a reflection of that journey—a song that doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but instead reminds us why the wheel keeps turning.
And that’s the beauty of the blues. It’s not about complexity—it’s about truth. It’s about taking a feeling we all recognize and giving it a voice. With “Slippin’ Away”, Miss Freddye does exactly that.
So as this song fades out, it leaves behind something lasting—a feeling, a memory, maybe even a moment of reflection. And in the end, that’s what great music is all about.
–Kasey Smack