Blues Society of Western PA - Newsletter

Fiona Boyes’ road to the American blues scene was not typical. She arrived in the states in 2003 as the Melbourne, Australia entry to the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. She won! Her fingerpicking style on guitar impressed not only the judges but also Hubert Sumlin and Pinetop Perkins. A much-impressed Pinetop said, “I ain’t never heard a woman finger-pick a guitar like that since Memphis Minnie. She’s the best gal guitar player I heard in more than 35 years.” Most players would kill for an endorsement from Pinetop. She was nominated for “Contemporary Blues Album of the Year” in 2007. Her vocals remind me of Kelly Richey-powerful but not gruff.

She wrote 10 of the 13 songs on this CD. Her songs are the kind that will last and probably get covered by others. Other artists included on the CD are Marcia Ball, Bob Margolin, Kaz Kazanoff and The Texas Horns. Fiona may be labeled country blues but she covers many blues styles well. That versatility is what keeps this CD fresh even after the grooves start to wear out. [Or is that vinyl?] She is possibly the most unpretentious artist I have heard in years. She is definitely not afraid to take a chance. “Celebrate The Curves” is an anthem to promote those places that shape our ladies—the 3 B’s---Boobs, Butt and Belly.

This CD cooks. If I had to come up with a recipe it would be—
2 lbs. Raw Blues
1-Cup Sass-Female Style
2 Tsps Rock-a-Billy
1 Tsp Dixieland
¼ cup Boogie Woogie
Dash Salty Humor

Put all ingredients in pressure cooker. Turn on heat. Let smolder for about 1 hour.

- Jim Weber