Blonde & Blue
Angela Strehli is one of those most responsible for making Austin a roots music mecca in the '70s and '80s (she was a force behind both Antone's, the club and the label). Though she's been a San Francisco Bay Area resident for the last few years,Blonde & Blue, finds her back in Austin working with a faithful cast of Lone Star regulars. Actually, remakes of soul staples "Never Like This Before" and "Um, Um, Um, Um, Um, Um" were cut with different lineups; the latter, which features soul singer Don Covey and guitarist Steve Cropper, is a highlight. Not too surprisingly, Strehli proves again that she's a surefooted and sympathetic interpreter of classic blues and soul, plus she tosses in four originals. Stellar.--Steve Stolder