Blues Harp Women
Label: Ruf Records

Think you know all of the women out there keeping blues harp music relevant? Think again. ‘Blues Harp Women’ is a double-album that is a contemporary music history archive celebrating an oft-overlooked category—female harmonica players. It’s also a wonderful introduction for anyone not aware of the number of highly talented and original female blues harp players currently making music. This 31-track sampling suggests that there are at least 31 ways to play the harmonica blues.

Kudos to producer Paul Norman and Adam Gussow for their deep digging (in order to present a diverse array of artists) and for the gems that they are sharing. This collection is the necessary kind of reminder that should sustain everyone, male or female, out there making their own kind of blues. Attention has been paid… now just enjoy the music.

Essential Downloads: “Heavy Water” (Stacy Jones Band), “Down to the Hollow” (Trina Hamlin), “Ain’t Easy” (Beth Kohnen), “Looking Good” (Annie Raines), “Rhonda Alla Blue” (Rhonda Rucker).

To preview or purchase this album on iTunes, click here.

Tracklist

Disc 1

1. Harmonica Girl – Paula Rangell
2. Roadmaster – Roxy Perry
3. Heavy Water – Stacy Jones Band
4. Down Home Shakedown – Big Mama Thornton
5. 32-20 Blues – Lynnann Hyde
6. Down To The Hollow – Trina Hamlin
7. Stop! Wait A Minute – Tracy K
8. One More Lie – Teresa ‘T-Bird’ Lynne
9. Naughty Girl – Octavia
10. Why You So Mean To Me – Kat Baloun
11. Ain’t Easy – Beth Kohnen
12. Stuck On You – Jane Gillman
13. Mechanical Beast – Zola Moon
14. Please Call Daddy – Mattie Phifer
15. Sadder Than Sad – Dorothy Jane ‘DJ’ Gosper
    

    Disc 2

    1. Cash Is King – Jenny Kerr
    2. Blues Got Me – Cheryl Arena
    3. Lookin’ Good – Annie Raines
    4. He’s Gone – Marion Turner
    5. Meet Me Where They Play The Blues – Terry Leonino
    6. Crazy Maisie – Dana Dixon
    7. Everybody’s Dancing – Beata Kossowska
    8. Take The Lead – Jill Fromewick
    9. Never Leave Me Home – Diana Redlin
    10. Summertime – Christelle Berthon
    11. Hit The Road – Judy Rudin
    12. Doctor C – Cecilia Loforti
    13. Rikers Island – Maria Coyote
    14. Fast Food Mama – Jackie Merritt
    15. Bring It On Home (To Me) – Big Nancy
    16. Rhonda Alla Blue – Rhonda Rucker