Blues Everywhere I Go

Blues Everywhere I Go

• Shrink-wrapped

Though Odetta hasn't exactly been inactive, <I>Blues Everywhere I Go</I> is her first studio recording in 14 years. It's been worth the wait--this is an incredibly strong album, from one of the most gorgeous folk-blues voices ever. Odetta's voice has aged well, acquiring a depth of maturity without losing one whit of emotional expression. Among the album's highlights are "Oh Papa," a slow, bittersweet work of art, and a take on "Careless Love" that must rival the best versions of this often-covered song. What's frequently astonishing is how Odetta breathes new life into old material, giving it new relevance; this is especially evident on "TB Blues" and "Homeless Blues." Liner notes from blues writer Robert Gordon add a bit of history and interpretation to the material. --<I>Genevieve Williams</I>