Modern Guitars Magazine
News and information about electric and acoustic guitars

"Blues Guitar Women": 2-CD Compilation  (April 12, 2006)
When a woman gets the blues, she hangs her head and cries. When a man gets the blues, he catches a train and rides.

Though maybe a tad chauvinistic, however you might perceive this old blues verse, the truth is, women do cry the blues in an extraordinary manner. That fact cannot be ignored. The consideration Eric Clapton and others have given to acquiring the so-called 'woman tone' on their instrument over the years is indicative of the passion women are known for. However, who could possibly understand woman tone better than women? Whether cheerful or beset with gloom, their stories are alive with emotion. Their guitar playing is incredibly diverse and appealing. Whether it's flamenco, delta, Chicago, Texas, acoustic or electric, deep and slow groove, uppity and optimistic, gritty roadhouse, American or European, women of the blues are extremely creative and inspiring. The passion they put forth onstage and in the studio leaves no doubt why there may be more women guitarists in this genre than any other. Blues is an emotion, and women can be downright emotional when they have them.

Blues Guitar Women is an excellent dual CD compilation. It's 29 diverse, abstract, and extremely likable songs by some of the world's greatest female blues guitarists/singers. CD 1 is made up of songs contemporary in style, while CD 2 is traditional, and acoustic in essence. The musicianship within these wonderful songs is brilliant. Many of these gals are well known, while others not so. One might wonder why a few are unfamiliar, because their talents, vocally and instrumentally, are unique. Forget any inclination to think otherwise, or erroneous misconceptions; these chicks are damn good. This dual CD package is an introduction to the fantastic world of female blues guitarists. It's an amazing collection, one no blues enthusiast should be without.