Zora Young
The French Connection
(Delmark)

Not only is she arguably the best female vocalist on the Chicago blues scene today, she's quite the rage in France too. Zora Young fronts three French bands for this album blending acoustic and electric performances in both studio and live takes. The result is a display of her versatility and mastery of not only Chicago blues, but jazz, country and gospel too. Sure, it's mostly covers except for Young's own deep and fiery signature tune, "Toxic" but the arrangements are different enough to allow Young's vocal range and phrasing to be totally captivating throughout. There are a few tunes that don't measure up, but the standouts more than compensate.

Bobby Dirninger played piano and guitar on Young's 2004 Delmark release, Tore Up from the Floor Up, and he and his French producer, Chris Dussouchaud, collaborated on the idea for the half and half album. Dirninger's support, especially on slide guitar for "Honey Bee" and vocals for the riveting take on Dylan's "Tonight I'll Be Staying Here With You" prove this connection to be tight indeed. Other notables are Young's funky take on "Wang Dang Doodle," the two different versions of Sunnyland Slim's "Goin' Back to Memphis" and her heartfelt rendering of "In the Ghetto," a cover you don't often hear. She is one fabulous performer with sass, class and real soul.
—Jim Hynes