Barbara Blue - Fish In Dirty H2O (2018) [CD Rip]

With 19 musicians and singers, a herd of techie helpers, and a full 63 minutes of down and dirty, heart-filled soul, blues, R & B, with a touch of hip-hop, you definitely get your money’s worth with this set. Known in Memphis as the “Reigning Queen of Beale Street,” Blue has been performing there five nights a week for the past two decades. But she hasn’t been limited to Memphis. She’s also done numerous tours in other parts of the U.S. plus far-flung venues like Australia, not to mention a long list of international blues festivals. So this is one blues lady who has done her time and honed her chops to a high polish. If you’re not familiar with her work, this is definitely a stellar introduction.

“My Heart Belongs to the Blues” sets the tone for the whole set, which is first class throughout. In “Johnny Lee” Barbara is joined by a female vocal group called ‘Sweet Nectar.’ “Meet Me In Memphis” brings in some horn work with a tribute to the good times that are always available on the banks of the Mississip. “Dr. Jesus” is a gospel cut about the Man who can heal any aching pain, whether in the heart or in the soul; and it’s all co-pay free. The title cut, “Fish in Dirty H2O” gives a nod toward hip-hop with some rap-like lyrics. “Walk Away” is about that painful time when you both know it’s over but you’re still having a hard time cutting those ties.

“Slow Burn” is another look backward, this time it’s those smoldering love letters that can still stir up achingly sweet pains long after the fireworks have turned to ash. “Gravy Train” tells us to sop up and appreciate every good time that comes our way.

All in all, this is a first class album by a first class blues lady: Barbara Blue. ~Russ Heitz (Suncoast Blues Society)