Tracy Nelson - 'Victim of the Blues' Review

Tracy Nelson has been nominated for Grammys in both Country and Blues categories but is probably best known for her time spent with the blues rock group Mother Earth in the late 1960's. As I listened to Tracy Nelson's music that blends those elements of country and rock music it took me back to another decade, in the late 70's when Donny & Marie Osmond had a variety TV show and one of the signature songs they performed on it was, "I'm A Little Bit Country, I'm a Little Bit Rock and Roll." Unlike The Osmond's light bubble gum version of music though Nelson's is a more soulful adult sound that's also filled with wonderful Blues' music.

Although 'Victim of the Blues', is Nelson's 26th album it's her debut release on Delta Groove Music and it almost didn't see the light of day thanks to a fire at her house. Back in the summer of 2010 Nelson and her longtime partner Mike Dysinger experienced a fire at their 100+ year old farmhouse. The fireman told them that they could only save one room so they quickly decided to save their home studio and all of the recorded material for 'Victim of the Blues'.

On 'Victim of the Blues' you'll find Nelson's well crafted covers of material from greats like, Willie Dixon, Jimmy Reed and Ma Rainey. She has also surrounded herself with both a great assortment of musicians along with special guest vocalists like, Angela Strehli, Marcia Ball, and John Cowman.

''Victim of the Blues' doesn't waste any time getting the good times rolling with the Willie Dixon song, "You'll Be Mine." a song best associated with Chicago blues singer/guitarist/harmonicist Howlin' Wolf. The song is filled with the piano talents of Jimmy Pugh and guitarist Mike Henderson along with bass from Byron House. But it's Nelson's smoky vocals that drive the song.

Other highlight tracks include, "Shoot My Baby"(Jimmy Reed) featuring guest vocals and piano work from Marcia Ball, "Victim of the Blues"(Ma Rainey) featuring a nice simple banjo part that sets the mood for the song, and "Feel So Bad"(Sam Hopkins) that Nelson says, "...lends itself to almost any groove and one of the more fun songs to do."

If you're in the mood for some bluesy roots rock music featuring soulful vocals you can't go wrong with Tracy Nelson's, 'Victim of the Blues.'

http://www.tracynelson.com