DON'T MISS THIS ONE
11/30/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"As a Saffire partisan for many years, I looked forward to Ann's solo debut with great interest. This album does more than live up to expectations; it shines! Spreading her musical wings unfettered, Ann showcases her blues roots, range, and depth. Starting with the New Orleans flavor of BABY EVERY ONCE IN AWHILE, old-timey and spare ONE MEATBALL, and the fun and double entendre' of SNATCHIN AND GRABBIN', the album is off to a great start. Then comes the title cut MUSIC MAKIN' MAMA. Talk about double entendre - this is a masterpiece of that oldest of blues' traits; plus - the piano kicks, as always. Love songs, hurtin' songs, sweet songs, sad songs - a little bit of each. Ann Rabson shows us her songwriting skills on several originals as well as her arranging abilities with the compositions of other writers; her command of vocal diversity is evident throughout; she reminds us of her blues roots when she treats us with guitar on some cuts; and, of course, her signature piano playing drives the album from start to finish. If you like it slow and sultry, try cuts HE'S GOT ME GOING, ANOTHER YOU, and GONNA STOP YOU FROM GIVING ME THE BLUES. Celebrate with HALLELULAJ, I JUST LOVE HIM SO. Go back to New Orleans for original I HAVEN'T GOT A CLUE. Wrap it all up with the original instrumental BLUE BOOGIE - as good as blues piano gets. It is understandable why this album received two W.C.Handy Award nominations for 1998 Album of the Year (Accoustic and Traditional categories). 1998 marked the third year (also 1989 and 1996) that Ms. Rabson was nominated as Traditional Blues Female Artist of the Year as well. This album shows us why."
Phenomenally strong female voice
12/08/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Ann Rabson deserves every blues award she's received including the ultimate W.C. Handy. I love her vocal power and she's spellbinding live! I highly recommend this album to any and all blues lovers."