Sandra Hall: One Drop Will Do You

On the hardcore blues front, earth-shaking songstress Sandra Hall-Atlanta’s counterpart to Chicago’s Koko Taylor-is back with One Drop Will Do You (Ichiban Blues 1507-2; 44:01). Backed by The Excellos and augmented by a four-piece horn section, Ms. Hall belts with explosive authority and grit on B.B. King’s “Ask Me No Questions,” Leonard Feather’s great vehicle for Dinah Washington, “Blow Top Blues” and two infectious novelty numbers by Eddy Clearwater, “Find You A Job” and “Party At My House.” She gets as raunchy as Candye Kane on “Big Long Slidin’ Thing” and the title track, co-written with blues harpist Chicago Bob Nelson. Sandra also contributes several convincing blues originals, including the rousing opener “Pump Up Your Love,” “Boogie Woogie Fever” and “Use What You Got.” No holds barred on this electrifying, downhome offering.

Originally Published November 1, 1997