Confessions of a Blues Singer

Rory Block

Product Details

• Audio CD (October 6, 1998)
• Original Release Date: October 6, 1998
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rounder / Umgd
• ASIN: B00000DAH2
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #105,653 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Confessions of a Blues Singer is a confessional indeed; in addition to ten top-rate blues and blues-oriented tracks (including a rendition of "Titanic (When That Great Ship Went Down)" that is the perfect antidote to Celine Dion overexposure), there are two testimonial songs, epic in length, that close the disc. "Mother Marian," the first of these, is in the best folk-ballad style, chronicling the years of a woman who clearly had quite an influence on Block's life. The second, "Life Song," is similar--except it's a testimonial of Block herself, dealing with two central themes: music and family. While these two tracks lack some of the energy in the shorter, more active blues tunes, a performer of Block's talent may be forgiven the impulse to wax poetic once in a while, especially when the results are as good as this. And Block's love and respect for the traditional blues that has been her stock in trade is evident on every note of this CD. --Genevieve Williams

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Her best album so far, August 16, 1999

By	Eric G Black (Logan City, Queensland Australia) - See all my reviews

This latest album from Rory Block, which won Best Acoustic Blues Album at this year's W.C.Handy Awards is a killer of an album. Two Robert Johnson songs get it going with IF I HAD POSSESSION OVER JUDGEMENT DAY & RAMBLING ON MY MIND which also features the talented Bonnie Raitt on acoustic slide. I AM IN THE HEAVENLY WAY,a song by Bukka White,has Rory's son Jordan singing with her,Jordan sings with such a growl,you think you're listening to Blind Willie Johnson.Rory continues her tradition of recording songs by Blueswomen of yesteryear.Louise Johnson recorded her music in the '30s,her song LONG WAY FROM HOME is included with Rory on vocals and Jordan on piano. Confessions of a Blues Singer is definitely Rory Block's best album yet.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars blues to the core, December 27, 1998

By A Customer

I can't say enough here - she's been the acoustic blues' best kept secret for quite awhile, I am both glad & sad to say. She deserves all the accolades she gets, but as a longtime fan, I almost hate sharing her music! She does it her own way - which happens to be true the masters. If you want to hear a woman that "sounds like a man" in her approach, pounds a guitar like Charley Patton & has the register all the way to Skip James' falsetto, this is it. Matches "When a Woman gets the Blues." If you're new to the blues, but care for some depth, instead of pop treatment & fluff, BUY IT!

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Back-Road Blues at it's Best!, October 14, 1998

By A Customer

As you listen to this C.D., it's easy to close your eyes and feel the emotions from where this music was born. Rory Block has given us another gift. Listen to classics like "Statesboro Blues" and it's the only version you'll remember! "I'm in a heavenly way" will have you looking for the closest tent revival. The sound of her voice is enough to tell a story, but listen to the words too.