is likely the most internationally traveled female blues singer over three decades. So it is logical for her to hook up with a band of musicians from France, where she has toured extensively. This recording is a combination of studio dates and live performances done over a 16-month period while made separate tour dates, all in conjunction with multi-instrumentalist , his various handpicked band ates, and the Paris-based , all who are very competent in playing authentic Chicago-style electric blues. The material ranges from some classic tunes everybody knows, to pop, gospel, country songs, and a lone original apiece from and . Remaining one of the premier female blues vocalists, right up there in league with the late , 's got her thing goin' on, carrying in her pipes the soul-sending tradition of her predecessors, while always adding her own somewhat elegant, sly, bawdy, only slightly nasty personal style to the proceedings. is impressive as a band leader, and he plays everything -- acoustic or electric guitar, slide guitar, organ, piano, percussion -- while singing just a little bit. He seems to always know what needs as inspiration, whether unplugged or amped up. Of the concert performances live at the in Alsace, the horn-fired, slide guitar-incited shuffle or a slow and sighing would certainly do respective progenitors proud. A version of 's is done spot-on and rocking, while the steady rollin' might sound typical to some, but is truly in the zone, and hitting on all cylinders. 's own is a slow, low-down and dirty blues where 's talent on the piano shines through. Studio sessions done in Limoges, which many of these French musicians call home, comprise the bulk of the recording, and the results are mixed depending on the material. is surprising in that it has a much more contemporary, organ groove-blues feel, despite the overt wah-wah psychedelic guitar and vocoder underpinnings. The upper-end tracks include two versions of one with a modified, modern blues style featuring a shaker and 's slide guitar in a cool attitude, the other in acoustic trim, done faster. rambles the boogie with conviction, while again features the shaker in shuffle mode. Unfortunately, is played out of tune, is a poor choice though 's spoken tales of her travails begins to qualify the selection, and in vocal duet with is kinda corny. is an accomplished singer, one that any blues fan can appreciate, and she is well-represented on this date, just not to her maximum effect. ~ Michael G. Nastos