Fiona Boyes: Professin’ the Blues
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Fiona Boyes: Professin’ the Blues

One of Australia’s premier blues guitarists, the prolific Fiona Boyes brings the goods again with 16 tracks of mostly originals. Recorded in California, it bears the idiosyncratic stamp of award-winning engineer ‘Professor’ Keith O. Johnson. Her first outing for this label, Boyes plays acoustic, cigar box guitar and a couple of Resonators in various modes. It’s old-style tunes for updated stories; a new recording approach capturing a timeless feel. Minimalist accompaniment is provided by drummer Jimi Bott and bassist Denny Croy who can themselves boast a rich list of experience and accolades.

Boyes bares her soul – from venting her spleen to celebrating late blooming love. A smoking cover of Big Joe Williams’ ‘Baby Please Don’t Go’ features an unholy trinity of bluesy vocals, 4-string cigar box and shuffling beats. Instrumental ‘Catfish Fiesta’, penned with Nick Charles, has all the laid-back charm of a N’awlins barbecue. ‘Face In The Mirror’ (Melbourne’s Chris Wilson among the co-writers) makes for a welcome closing waltz. Liner notes include instrument construction details, tunings, photos and links for fellow tragics. The complete sliding and picking blues package with a little touch of jazz and a whole lot of sass.

4 stars
Reference Recordings
Reviewed by Chris Lambie