Rory Block
Ain`t I a Woman (Rounder) (STAR)(STAR)(STAR)
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Although somewhat schizophrenic, Rory Block`s ”Ain`t I a Woman” may just be her most satisfying album in a career that dates to the Greenwich Village folk scene of the `60s. The album`s first three tracks, all Block originals, take her away from her blues comfort zone into more contemporary territory. ”Silver Wings” and ”Sisters” showcase her powerful, dusky vocals, while Dire Straits` Mark Knopfler adds some chilling guitar to
”Faithless World.”
On ”Road to Mexico” Block sings touchingly about an absent mother`s guilt, while she soulfully duets with son Jordan on the traditional gospel tune, ”Walk in Jerusalem.” A bit more predictable are the acoustic blues tunes by such Delta blues greats as Robert Johnson and Tommy Johnson. If you like Bonnie Raitt, check out kindred spirit Block.
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