Search - Marcia Ball, Angela Strehli, Lou Ann Barton :: Dreams Come True

Austin's leading ladies of contemporary blues team up for the best album ever on club-owner Clifford Antone's label. The songs mix Ike Turner gems with three Ball compositions, two from bassist Sarah Brown, and others by Harold Battiste and Lavelle White. Which means the accent is on old-fashioned hooks and harmonies, perfectly executed right from the opening Ike and Tina hit "A Fool in Love." All three women sing lead on that number, but otherwise they trade the spotlight. Ball's singing is tart 'n' sweet, with a hint of Texas dust. Her barrelhouse piano is the CD's most distinctive instrumental voice. And her "Snake Dance" is the biggest surprise, conjuring a New Orleans voodoo vibe. Strehli belts in clear, powerful tones--imagine Ma Rainey as a rocker. Barton sings sassy, with a slight sultry slur--also with the know-how to make "Good Rockin' Daddy" '50s perfect. Barton's career stalled after this 1990 session, while Ball and Strehli have continued to make excellent recordings. --Ted Drozdowski