RORY BLOCK, ERIC BIBB, AND MARIA MULDAUR
Sisters and Brothers (Telarc)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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With last year's Exile on Blues Street, Now That's What I Call Blues Vol. 420, or this year's Bar Room Blues, Telarc has been a reliable source of inspired blues compilations. While I've not enjoyed each dip at the tribute well (Blues on Blonde on Blonde, for example), bringing Rory Block, Eric Bibb and Maria Muldaur together for an acoustic blues set as Brothers and Sisters last summer in Maine was a Telarc masterstroke. Block and Muldaur have long kept the blues alive in the Northeast, while Bibb has quietly and consistently made a name for himself in acoustic blues ever since he shared a European stage with Corey Harris and Keb' Mo' in 1996. Bibb makes his home in Sweden, and here's hoping that his "Good Stuff" and "Give a Little More" will draw others to his work, and bring him to the US more often. Two highpoints from the musical sisters on this disc are their cover of Bill Withers' "Lean on Me" and Rory's own "Travelin' Woman Blues." Join the family on February 24th when Telarc will release Sisters and Brothers.

Track List:

Rock Daniel * Don't Ever Let Nobody Drag Your Spirit Down * Get Up Get Ready * Lean on Me * Bessie's Advice * Good Stuff * Rolling Log * Serve Somebody * Travelin' Woman Blues * Little Rain * Maggie Campbell * Give A Little More * My Sisters and Brothers

© 2004 - Eric Steiner