Paul Rishell/Annie Raines: Moving to the Country

The dynamic duo of Paul Rishell & Annie Raines, presents a typically varied program on Moving to the Country. With Rishell switching from National Steel guitar to acoustic guitar to electric and Raines honking heartily on harmonica, they segue nonchalantly from Delta-flavored offerings like “My Washerwoman’s Gone” and “Twist It Babe” to the gentle Piedmont fingerpicked stylings of “Vanessa,” featuring Raines on mandolin, to full band Chicago-styled jams like the title track, the instrumental boogie “Sweet Tooth” and the energized shuffle “Good Women Have Bad Days.” They also turn in an affecting duet version of Django Reinhardt’s “Tears.” Rishell is featured in a solo setting on Blind Blake’s “Sweet Jivin’ Mama” and Raines pours her heart out on her lone vocal offering, “I Get the Blues.”

Originally Published November 1, 1999