I’ve been aware of Sue Foley for quite a while, initially in a Ruf Caravan with Deborah Coleman & Roxanne Potvin and that led me to investigate some of her other releases. To be honest, I always saw the talent but never really got the spark from her studio material. It surprises me as she is a multi-award winner including 3 times for Traditional Blues Female artist at the Blues Music Awards, multiple Guitarist of The Year awards and Best Traditional Blues Album for he last studio set, ‘Pinky’s Blues’.
So, I was happy to check out a live album, especially one from the city she has relocated to from her original home in Ottawa, Canada, and at the Continental Club – legendary since 1955 – at that. And suddenly that spark is there, bright and clear. This lady was made for playing live. Her voice is more naturally expressive and her guitar playing has real verve.
It’s a fine set with a number of her originals including her first single ‘New Used Car’ and a grand cover of Dylan’s ‘Positively 4th Street’ as well as Willie Dixon’s ‘Howlin’ For My Darlin’.
For me, the best number here is the closer, ‘High Roller’ as it builds to a stomping dancehall Blues.
Sue Foley is a real live wire and this captures her in her most natural environment.
