In this selection of CDs I am looking at some of the best of the blues divas currently working Stateside; covering a wide variety of blues styles ranging from classic blues, through pre-war Mississippi, post war Chicago and 50’s styled R&B, to the soul blues stylings that are so popular today.

. . . Sheryl Warner & the Southside Homewreckers’ debut release is a real gem, paying tribute to a diverse range of influences ranging from Hattie Hart’s “Won’t You Be Kind”, where Warner’s sultry vocals are laced with pathos that is mirrored by reflective piano (Steve Utt) and harp (Rick Manson), to Tampa Red’s “Boogie Woogie Dance, where harp and guitar (Greg Kimball) weave a web of blues around Warner’s boisterous vocals.

Warner’s vocals are permeated with a natural melancholy, evoking images of a female Blind Willie McTell, never more so than on Blind Blake’s “Chump Man Blues”, a loping blues with sparse but effective guitar and mellifluous harp; this formula being repeated on Broonzy’s “When I Been Drinking”, which comes replete with some wonderful Black Bob styled piano. Alberta Hunter’s “Down-Hearted Blues” is given a wistful reading that evokes an almost “physical” loneliness that is enhanced by Manson’s “moaning” harp, whilst on Willie Brown’s “Future Blues”, the harp consummately echoes the resignation inherent in Warner’s vocals.

The poignancy and desolation that permeates Warner’s vocals on “Come Back Baby”, is almost palpable and is echoed by sparse guitar and lonesome harp; a languid rendition of “Mississippi Blues” is enhanced by “down in the alley” piano and tantalizing guitar and harp; whilst the slow rocking “Corrine, What Makes You Treat Me So?” with it’s mournful vocals and harp, is another delight on this highly impressive set. . . . .