The very first song of this bewitching '99 solo release, from a founding member of Saffire -- The (fabulous) Uppity Blues Women, pulls you up on your feet and gets you dancing. Each succeeding song casts some other kind of spell, whether it's the hypnotic sensuality of Need a Little Sugar in my Bowl, the chilling honesty of Nightmare, the raucous humor of Big Ovaries, Baby or The Dog Was Here First, or the pure fun of You Really Got a Hold on Me. Mixing powerful original works with compelling covers of material by Ma Rainey (her lesbian song Prove It On Me Blues), Bessie Smith, and Nina Simone, this album produced by Rory Block (who also sings background vocals and plays a mean slide guitar) and featuring Ysaye Barnwell of Sweet Honey on background vocals is a must-hear; highly recommended!

Adegbalola,Gaye