Reviewed by Tony May

Amazing powerhouse acoustic blues from the greatest living female practitioner. Mainly solo voice/guitar, the voice is blissfully blues and soul soaked and the country blues guitar picking's truly astounding. Classic tracks include gospel material such as Son House's "Preaching Blues", Skip James' "Be Ready When He Comes", Blind Willie McTell's "Taint Long For Day". The entire set sizzles, but you could really get scorched by "Tallahatchte Blues", "Railroadin' Some" from the great Henry Thomas and the more familiar "Hellhound On My Trail" from Robert Johnson. The traditional "Sweet Sunny South" is still achingly beautiful, as is the slice of acappella harmonising on display. If you enjoy fine music on offer from such as Bonnie Raitt and Maria Muldaur, you'll love the way Rory Block's music takes a couple of steps back from there, towards the authentic black roots. Great music.

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