Barbara Blue
Album: Memphis Blue
Label: Big Blue
Tracks: 13
Website: http://www.barbarablue.com

This has to be one of the finest blues albums I have had the pleasure to listen to this year.

Barbara Blue was born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pa. She moved to Memphis in 1997 and has been performing there ever since. She has been named "The Queen of Beale Street" and on this evidence it is richly deserved.

For her 10th independently released album Blue decided to record at the famous Royal Studios in Memphis.

The recording is produced by Lawrence "Boo" Mitchell and co-produced by Blue. Mitchell is the son of the late Willie Mitchell co-owner of the Hi Records label. The senior Mitchell worked with Al Green, Ann Peebles, and Buddy Guy. The younger Mitchell learned from his father and his credits include Green, Solomon Burke, William Bell, Rod Stewart, John Mayer and many others.

This recording features The Royal Rhythm Section. Formerly they were known as The Hi Rhythm Section and they still are led by The Rev. Charles Hodges, B-3 organ; and Leroy "Flick" Hodges, bass. Rounding out the Section is David Smith, who plays bass on half the tracks; Stax ace Lester Snell, Wurlitzer organ; Steve Potts, the drummer who replaced Al Jackson Jr. in Booker T. and The MG's; and rhythm guitarist Michael Tols. The Royal Horn Section features Lannie McMillan, sax; Marc Franklin, trumpet; and Joe Spake, baritone sax.

Add to this intoxicating mix, some great guest appearances and you end up with 13 tracks of Memphis blues of the highest order.

With superb playing throughout, this truly is an excellent album. Barbara's bluesy vocals sit perfectly with some top notch production. It's just one superb track after another.

It opens up with Hands Off - a song first recorded in 1955 - with great organ, which has the hairs on the back of your neck standing up on end. It's that good.

No Time To Cry follows, it's a slower number with exquisite soulful guitar from guest guitarist Ronnie Earl.

There's some excellent trumpet on the up tempo Rudy's Blues and then the mood changes with Voodoo Woman which has a zydeco feel.

Me & Jesus is a slow soulful spiritual - and one of the many highlights on this album. Barbara's vocals are never strained. She's always in control, knowing when to stretch out and when to sit tight.

Love is After Me is a Charlie Rich song which Blue makes her own. Coat and Hat features some superb accordion gives different feel on this sweet slower number.

On Sweet, Strong & Tight the superb horns excel in this soulful showstopper, with great harmonica solo. It just exudes class. Simply superb.

I'm Gonna Tear Your Playhouse Down a classic song from the 70's is given the soulful treatment.

Memphis Stomp is a great stew featuring more great horns. Another album highlight. Brilliant stuff.

800 Mile Blues is a classy acoustic blues outing with Ronnie Earl on guitar, which allows Barbara's stellar vocals to shine.

And all too soon it's all over.

The best blues album, of the year? Check it out. Sure gets my vote!

John Knighton