Gone Woman Blues: Country Blues Collection
This collection of 24 songs from premier Delta blues guitarist Rory Block is a tasty treat, serving up some of her best material from the past decade. Though there are only two original songs ("Gone Woman Blues" and "Take My Heart Again"), the covers are excellent, accentuating the original material without altering it beyond recognition. The liner notes read like a who's who of country blues: songs by Tommy Johnson, Son House, Robert Johnson, Charlie Patton, Buddy Boy Hawkins, and more, all performed with verve and style. Performing mostly unaccompanied except for her guitar, Block allows her gutsy voice and considerable guitar skills to shine through. A fine, fine collection for any country blues fan.--Genevieve Williams