Saffire The Uppity Blues Women Cleaning House CD

Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women: Andra Faye McIntosh (vocals, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, bass); Gaye Adegbalola (vocals, guitar, harmonica, egg, percussion); Ann Rabson (vocals, guitar, piano).

Another generally likable album from Saffire, Cleaning House contains plenty of the bold, sassy material (e.g., "Hungry Woman's Blues," "If Love Hurts, You're Not Doing It Right," "Tomorrow Ain't Promised") listeners have come to expect from the band that half seriously, half tongue-in-cheek, bills itself as the Uppity Blues Women. All three women take turns on lead vocals; Andra Faye McIntosh's singing is particularly enjoyable. The 17-song acoustic set includes five originals from band member Gaye Adegbalola, three originals from bandmate Ann Rabson, and a spirited variety of songs written by old-timers like Memphis Minnie and contemporary songsmiths like Rick Estrin. ~ Steve Hoffman

Recorded at Streeterville Studios, Chicago, Illinois.

Producers: Saffire-The Uppity Blues Women, Bruce Iglauer.

Personnel: Andra Faye McIntosh (vocals, guitar, mandolin, fiddle); Gaye Adegbalola (vocals, guitar, harmonica, percussion); Ann Rabson (vocals, guitar, piano); Steve Freund (electric guitar).

Recording information: Streeterville Recording Studios, Chicago, IL.

Photographer: Marc Norberg.

Unknown Contributor Role: Gaye Adegbalola.

Arranger: Gaye Adegbalola.

Additional personnel: Steve Freund (electric guitar).Down Beat (9/96, p.57) - 4.5 Stars - Very Good/Excellent - "The Saffire acoustic blues trio...doesn't so much perform songs as possess them on their fifth and best recording yet. They evince familiarity with the liberated spirit of 1920s classic blues/vaudeville foremothers while staying focused in the present on nine saucy originals..."