ARTIST
Last Fair Deal (Telarc Blues)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Rory Block says that Last Fair Deal is "a total celebration of my beloved instrument and best friend, the guitar." Her Telarc Blues debut is certainly cause for celebration, because it contains 14 original and cover blues that showcase Rory Block as one of the most talented blueswomen in America. She may be new to Telarc, but she's no stranger to the blues, after 14 records on Rounder. Early on in her career, she was mentored by Skip James, Mississippi John Hurt, and Son House, and these lessons have translated well on Last Fair Deal. Her cover of Son House's "Country Farm Blues" is inspired, as is her version of Robert Johnson's "Last Fair Deal" and "Traveling Riverside Blues." The other 11 songs contain pleasant surprises, from "Gone Again" to traditional Gospels like "Amazing Grace" and "Hallelu, Hallelu." If you've not heard Rory Block play the blues, you've missed an important voice (and guitar), but her web site can fill you in. Rory Block Rory's web site has some tasty MP3's, such Willy Brown's "Future Blues," but her story is as tragic, timeless, and full of hope as the songs on Last Fair Deal.

Track List:

Gone Again * Sookie Sookie * County Farm Blues * Last Fair Deal Gone Down * Declare * Cry Out Loud * Amazing Grace * Traveling Riverside Blues * Mama's Stray Baby * Hallelu, Hallelu (traditional) * Two Places at a Table * Awesome Love * Look What the Lord Has Done * Old Friends

© 2003 - Eric Steiner