Susan Tedeschi

A woman that truly stirs my musical soul is Susan Tedeschi. I was blessed to be introduced to her sultry blues voice on a blues compilation album that was given to my by an old boyfriend. That relationship didn't last, but it spurred a deep-rooted relationship between blues music and myself.

The first song that truly caught my attention by this great artist was "Just Won't Burn" one of Tedeschi's first hits on the blues scene. This melodic tune puts you in a mellow state of mind where you just want to prop up your feet and drink some sippin' whiskey. What a fitting song to introduce me to the beauty of the blues. It talks about all those depressing moods and how the only way out is through the blues. That album got me through that rocky end of the relationship and onto the next.

"Angel from Montgomery" is another soulful piece that I first heard recorded by Bonnie Raitt, a blues legend. Also recorded on her first album, Susan manages to capture Bonnie's raspy tone with her own beauty and skillfulness while singing about the brokenness of life and home. I close my eyes while singing along to this piece just attempting to capture the spirit of this tune.

One song in particular on this album that truly touched me was "Looking for Answers". It describes the journey through heartbreak by trying to figure out the answers to life. It is one of her most emotional and passionate songs on the album.

On Susan's "Live from Austin, TX" album, I love the upbeat tune of "You Can Make It If You Try" which is a light, rockin' ballad that is a blues inspiration-literally. I would even describe it as fun, which for blues is an oddity. However, this song truly makes you want to get up and go skydiving...or at least it makes you want to get up.

"Love's In Need Of Love Today" is a passionate song about the need for love in this world. I couldn't agree more. Susan touches a great part of the soul era to bring this song to the forefront of our minds at a fitting time in our country.

They call me the voodoo woman...in "Voodoo Woman" Susan has an awesome funk tune that I sing loud and obnoxious while driving home from work. It is even a tune I dare say is groovy. Can I still use that word? Voodoo Woman, like many of Susan's songs on this album, is a cover, but done so well, you would think it is a Susan original. The lyrics cause you to visualize the absurdity of the voodoo woman and her many lustrous powers.

"Wrapped In The Arms Of Another" is a beautiful piano solo ballad that showcases Susan's exquisite musical talent not only in voice and guitar, but in piano as well. It's a simple piece that was written well for her talent.

Susan's newest Album, "Hope and Desire" offers up a more upbeat blues opportunity. Although it is not my favorite of her albums, it has some great selections.

"Lord Protect My Child" reminds you of a piece that would be sung loud and prayerfully by a southern gospel choir. It is a beautiful hymn-like song that offers a great combination of guitar and piano along with Susan's edgy voice.

The last two songs I will mention on this album take you through an emotional battle of relationships. "Evidence" and "Tired Of My Tears" both touch on the turmoil and bitterness that relationships can cause. The upbeat tunes to the frank lyrics offer a great beat to sing out your anger caused by relationships.

Overall, Susan Tedeschi is such an inspirational, powerful blues singer that needs to brought into the true limelight. I compare her to the likes of Bonnie Raitt, John Hiatt and other musical legends. I encourage you to swing by her website, http://www.susantedeschi.com to listen to her music and to discover a piece of sultry soul.