Nora Jean Wallace BluesWoman

Nora Jean Wallace
BluesWoman
Severn Records

Music lovers have reason to celebrate the return of Nora Jean Wallace with a new CD, "BluesWoman." It has been 16 years since Severn issued her acclaimed "Going Back to Mississippi." She left the music scene to take care of her ailing mother, but now she returns with this release. About that earlier album, I wrote that she "has shown herself as among those who will carry on and follow Koko Taylor and keep 'this great music alive and vital.'" Taylor was a major influence on her, and like Taylor, she has a deep, husky voice with an authoritative, no-nonsense attack.

Severn's David Earl produced this recording and picked up the guitar for four numbers. He also assembled an excellent band of Johnny Moeller on guitar, Steve Gomes on bass, Kevin Anker on organ, Steve Guyger on harmonica, Stanley Banks on keyboards, and Robb Stupka on drums. Kim Wilson guests on harmonica on one selection. There are two covers. Wallace or Stanley Banks wrote eight of the ten tracks.

Banks wrote the opening song "Martell." Against a relaxed shuffle groove, Wallace sings about trying to forget her man, and that she is going to drink some Martell until her eyes turn bloodshot red. Steve Guyger quickly shows why he is among the most underrated harmonica players playing today. It is followed by a deep Memphis soul groove for Syl Johnson's "I Can't Stop." Moeller contributes a neat guitar riff in the backing of her robust singing before a sharp, focused guitar solo. Then follows Banks' "I'm a Blues Woman," where Wallace proclaims she is a Blues Woman from her wig down to her shoes. The performance does evoke classic Koko Taylor with Guyger and Moeller, both adding spice to the musical blend.

The George Jackson penned "Evidence" is a soul-blues gem, with Wallace singing about the lipstick traces and a hotel receipt being evidence of her man's infidelity. It is a compelling performance where she displays her mastery of vocals dynamics. This song is followed by Wallace's "Victim," where she sings about being a victim of love to a man who has a woman on the side. Moeller's rapier-like guitar stands out here. Other standout tracks include the marvelous played Chicago blues shuffle "Look Over Yonder," and the evocative "I've Been Watching You."

"Dance With Me" is a solidly performed and enjoyable, if lightweight, track. The album closes with the strong, moody "I Don't Have to Beg You to Love Me," with another assured, passionate vocal. It is the finale on Nora Jean Wallace's most welcome return. On the outstanding "BluesWoman," Nora Jean Wallace shows that she is still a vibrant, superb singer and backed by an excellent studio band.

I received my review copy from a publicist. Here is Nora Jean Wallace singing right before the pandemic closed things down.