Someone has finally done it and a hearty thanks goes out to Sue Foley and Thomas Ruf for putting forth the best compilation of the Blues Guitar Women yet accomplished. This is truly a stride forward that shows the great wealth of talented female guitarists that are involved in the art form. The roster for the double CD goes from the newest talents in the Blues to the older, more traditional artists. From such names as Debbie Davies, Carolyn Wonderland, and Joanna Conner to the traditionalists like Precious Bryant, Jessie Mae Hemphill and Memphis Minnie, this sweeping array of talent is the best way for fans to become familiar with artists that they may not have heard before. It would be easy to find a new favorite here. The talent is astounding!
What makes this collection so amazing is the realization that so many women have taken up the guitar as their instrument of choice, finding their place in a musical genre long thought to be inhabited by macho males. This is an important recognition of the fact that no genre is more open to female guitar players. Sue Foley says, "There may be more women guitar players in Blues than any genre and the styles within the Blue are incredibly diverse....". Here are represented the players from the US, Canada, Eastern Europe, and Australia, all playing their own brand of Blues and having a helluva time doing it! It is a real tribute to these artists, and Ruf Records should be proud to give the fans something as unique and fulfilling as this compilation.
Blues fans definitely need this compilation in their collection. The list of talent is too long to state, but everyone will agree that Ruf Records has done us a true service. Get this into your stacks of CDs right NOW!
© 2005 Gary W. Miller
BluesSource.com