Live & Uppity
Recorded at Wolf Trap in Virginia,Live & Uppityis just what it  sounds like: a live performance by the sassiest, most attitudinal blueswomen in the  business--and that's saying something. The opening song, "Cold Pizza and Warm Beer,"  a halfway-rueful morning-after song, sets the tone for the album; it's going to be a party,  with no regrets. And the women of Saffire are funny, too. "You'll Never Get Me out of  Your Mind" is introduced as "a song that I wrote back when I was getting rid of my  second husband." Songs like "You Can Have My Husband" (a nod to Koko Taylor),  "Bitch with a Bad Attitude," "Dump That Chump," and the hilarious, double-entendre- laden "Silver Beaver" are humorous and savvy, with topnotch, energetic performances  from all three members. Yet Saffire have their serious side as well, as can be heard on  "Lonely Nights," the startlingly tender "Hold Me Close," and the somber "1-800-799- 7233," a song about domestic violence (the number is for the National Domestic  Violence Hotline). Though Saffire's sassy, clever humor is a major reason to listen to  them, there's clearly plenty of substance here as well; their songwriting is first-rate, as is  their choice of cover material, and it's all performed with skill and heart. Very highly  recommended. --Genevieve Williams