This month we focus on Pink Telecaster guitar slinger Sue Foley.
Sue Foley’s latest musical endeavor, “Live In Austin, Vol. 1,” is not just an album; it’s a sonic journey that unfolds with a unique and original flair. As the opening chords of her seductive blues anthem “New Used Car” fill the air, it becomes clear that Foley is a musical force to be reckoned with.
With a history steeped in the blues tradition and a guitar prowess that can only be described as scorching, Sue Foley stands proudly alongside the legendary blues women of the past, such as Bessie Smith and Memphis Minnie. Her voice, a mesmerizing instrument in itself, effortlessly shifts between playful, knowing, and biting, with an irresistible undercurrent of sensuality.
From the sultry “Queen Bee” to the propulsive riffs of “Walkin’ Home” and her playful rendition of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Howlin’ for My Darlin’,” Foley navigates the blues landscape with confidence and style. She seamlessly incorporates her own touch, infusing country-rock vibes into “Highwayside” and adding a touch of poignancy to Bob Dylan’s “Positively 4th Street.”
One standout instrumental piece is her take on Jodi Williams’ “Hooked on Love (Lucky Lou),” where Foley’s guitar mastery takes center stage, creating a mesmerizing fun house of sounds that keeps you hooked. The album concludes with an electrifying rendition of Cheap Trick’s “High Roller,” leaving the audience craving for more.
If there’s one criticism to be had, it’s that “Live In Austin, Vol. 1” at 11 tracks leaves you yearning for more, but the promise of future volumes is a reassuring prospect. Sue Foley, like a fine wine, continues to age gracefully, and this album is a testament to her musical evolution. Her self-confidence, evident in “Better,” is not just a proclamation but a resounding truth that resonates throughout this electrifying live performance. Sue Foley’s “Live In Austin, Vol. 1” is a unique and original blues experience that showcases an artist at the peak of her powers, keeping the torch of the blues tradition burning bright.
Recorded Live at The Continental Club, Austin, TX, May 19, 2023
Produced by Mike Flanigin
Featuring:
Sue Foley – Guitar, Vocals
Jon Penner – Bass
Corey Keller – Drums
Derek O’Brien – Guitar
Angela Miller – Background Vocals, Tambourine
Lauren Cervantes – Background Vocals
Get Sue Foley’s Live In Austin Vol. 1 on Amazon
Sue Foley’s Website
