Some people play the blues, some people sing the blues, and some people live the blues. Sue Foley is one of those rare musicians who does all three.
Foley may have been born in Canada but she is now settled in Texas. She plays a pure brand of Southwest electric blues. Pinky’s Blues is the 15th album of her career. It is also one of the best releases of her career, building on the foundations she has established. Her guitar work continues to evolve, her voice is a fine blues instrument, and her combination or original songs and covers are perfect vehicles for her music.
She always keeps it fairly simple. She is backed by her band of bassist Jon Penner and drummer Chris Layton and at times keyboardist/producer Mike Flanigan. It is a basic approach that keeps the focus on her guitar work and lyrics, which are at the core of the blues.
Foley’s own ‘Hurricane Blues” is one of those perfect blues songs. The guitar and vocal play off of each other as the rhythm section lays down an underlying beat. It is topped off with Jimmie Ray Vaughn guesting as an additional guitarist.
She returns to her roots with covers of Frankie Lee Sims’ “Boogie Real Low” and Lavelle White’s “Stop These Teardrops.” It is interesting to hear a female’s take on Willie Dixon’s “When The Cat’s Gone The Mice Play.” Even the newer material, including her own “Dallas Man,” pays homage to the history of the blues.
She and her guitar Pinky (hence the name of the album) are now back on the road honing her skills. Pinky’s Blues is an excellent and well-crafted album that should appeal to any fan of the blues.
