Mary Flower Ladyfingers CD

Unassuming blues heroine Mary Flowers proves once again that she's one of the nation's premier fingerstyle blues guitarists on Lady Fingers. More importantly, she's made a beautifully eclectic and listenable record, which can't be said of many traditionalist outings. Though primarily a purveyor of the Piedmont blues (the Delta tradition's brighter, syncopated cousin), Flower takes flight on this record, not limiting herself to scholarly ragtime reproductions. One moment, she's getting low-down and dirty on an imaginative medley of Big Joe William's "Baby, Please Don't Go" and Booker T. Jones' "Green Onions." The next, she's delivering a torchy rendition of Toots Thielemans' jazz classic "Bluesette," followed by a country spiritual and two thoughtful original instrumentals, showing off her heavyweight chops. Memphis Minnie, Jimmie Oden, and Ivory Joe Hunter also get their due. Flower's version of Hunter's "I Almost Lost My Mind" is priceless, featuring harmony from Mollie O'Brien. Thoughtful accompaniment by Pat Donohue (guitar), John Magnie (accordion), and Mark Diamond (string bass) really adds to the session. Flower's technique is exceptional throughout and, in the end, serves the highest purpose -- the music. ~ William Meyer

Mary Flower's professional career as an international touring artist, teacher and songwriter have spanned more than three decades.She...-won third place in the National Fingerpicking Competion in Winfield, Kansas in 2000-is a founding member of the Mother Folkers-has recorded four solo cds-has released 2 guitar instructional videos focusing on blues and ragtime styles-is on staff at many "guitar camps" around the country for more information, please visit: www.maryflower.com

Audio Mixer: Scott Smith.

Recording information: Sawtelle Studio, Swallow Hill Music Assn, Denver, CO (2001).

Photographer: Bertha Ross.

Personnel includes: Mary Flower, Pat Donohue, Amos Garrett, Paul Geremia, Steve James, Dave Moore, Geoff Muldaur.

Personnel: Mary Flower (vocals, guitar, slide guitar, lap steel guitar, banjo); Pat Donohue (vocals, guitar); John Magnie (vocals, accordion, piano); Steve Amedee (vocals, tambourine); Mollie O'Brien (vocals).