Reviewed by Lins Honeyman

Following her more polished solo outing 'My California' in 2010, Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Beth Hart has teamed up with in demand American blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa for an album of carefully selected blues and soul covers that one suspects was a labour of love for both artists. The perennial "Sinner's Prayer" starts proceedings in full-blooded fashion and, through the pairing of Hart's gritty vocals - betraying an obvious Janis Joplin influence - and the fluidity and sheer expression of Bonamassa's guitar playing, sets the scene on an absorbing release that not only pays homage but also breathes new life into past masterpieces. Naturally, Hart is keen to pay her debt to female influences such as Billie Holiday and Etta James and she effortlessly pulls off a stunning version of James' "I'd Rather Go Blind" - complete with an extended showcase solo from Bonamassa - and an impressive Lady Day impersonation on the album's title track before venturing into male territory with noteworthy covers of songs such as "For My Friend" (Bill Withers) and "I'll Take Care Of You" (Brook Benton). More upbeat numbers such as the quasi-gospel of Etta James' "Something's Got A Hold On Me" and a delightful rendition of "Well, Well" by Delaney and Bonnie spice up a collection of predominantly slow burners and only a somewhat out of place reading of Tom Waits' blasphemous/tongue-in-cheek (delete as appropriate) "Chocolate Jesus" lets the side down. Hart and Bonamassa arguably save their best performances for last in a breathtaking version of Aretha Franklin's "Ain't No Way" to end this hugely enjoyable collaboration in tender fashion.

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