Sue Foley: Live in Europe

Canadian-born, Austin, TX-trained Sue Foley has established herself as one of the stars of the contemporary blues scene—as a player, singer, and songwriter. Sue Foley: Live in Europe compiles two concerts: a 13-song set recorded at The Underground in Koln, Germany in 2005, and a bonus eight-song offering from a show in Amsterdam (which includes versions of four of the Koln songs) during the same European tour. The only cause for lament is that Foley doesn't play any acoustic guitar, strictly sticking with her pink paisley Telecaster, but she's riveting nonetheless, whether picking out up-tempo country stomps or grinding through several brilliant slow blues. Some of the Koln songs are instrumentals, including “The Snake,” “Hooked on Love,” and “Mediterranean Breakfast,” while the rest feature Foley's high, warbly vocals, reminiscent of Michelle Shocked. By the Koln closer, the lowdown blues “Gone Blind” performed solo, viewers know that Foley is the real deal, and she's backed here by a crack band that includes keyboard whiz Graham Guest, drummer Tom Bonam, and bassist Michael Turenne. A great introduction to this underrated talent for the uninitiated (and sure to be welcomed by veteran fans), this is highly recommended. Aud: P. (M. Moore)