Odetta: Blues Everywhere I Go

Renowned folk singer Odetta turns to the blues for her first album in 14 years. Blues Everywhere I Go (M.C. Records MC0038; 63:40) is a collection of urban blues tunes from the ’20s and ’30s that have been associated with the likes of Bessie Smith, Ma Rainey, Sippie Wallace, Memphis Minnie and Victoria Spivey. Backed by a band that includes guitarist Jimmy Vivino and bassist Mike Merritt from the Conan O’Brien show, Odetta delivers this earthy material with a voice that ranges from operatic swoops to plaintive sighs. Dr. John joins in on two songs, including a vocal duet on the Percy Mayfield classic “Please Send Me Someone to Love.” Perhaps a bit too stylized for hardcore house rockin’ blues fans, there is nevertheless a huge crossover appeal here.

Originally Published January 1, 2000