Far more killing is Sister Monica. Her self-titled debut (Mo Muscle MORO42756; 64:40) is chock-full of energy and underscored by a kicking horn section. A Bay Area treasure, Sister Monica blends Koko Taylor’s earth-shakin’ pipes with her own unique sense of sass, which comes across in no uncertain terms on the humorous “The Sista Don’t Play.” Touches of Aretha Franklin’s regal quality come across on the churchy “How Long Does It Take?” as well as on her magnificent a capella rendition of “Amazing Grace/Motherless Child.” The great Guitar Shorty guests on “Stop Talkin’ ‘Bout Me Stalkin’ You.” The superb (and highly underrated) San Francisco area blues guitarist joins with Sister Monica for a toe-curling performance on the slow blues, “I Don’ Want To Hurt You Baby.” With this excellent debut, this new blues lioness is in serious contention for a W.C. Handy Award.
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