Sista Jean, whose real name is Jean McClain, got her musical experience as member of the backing vocals sections of such great artists like Tina Turner, Mick Jagger, Michael Bolton, Celine Dion or Cher. When she was not on tour with them, she usually sang blues with CB (Carlyle Barriteau), a guitar player deeply influenced by George Benson who backed musicians like Bobby Caldwell, Ben E. King, Ricky Lee Jones, The Miracles or Paul Taylor among others. After a three years long tour, now Sista Jean has started to work again with CB. They have published this last project, a tribute to the great Odetta Holmes, who is considered the queen of American folk blues as well as an outstanding activist during the sixties in the fight for black people civil rights and whose influences can be found in the music of Joan Baez, Mavis Staples, Janis Joplin or Bob Dylan. In fact Sista decided to devote herself to music after seeing Odetta playing live. Her emotional voice together with the elegance of CB guitar and the rest of the musicians involved, complete an honest album of twelve sincere songs, the majority coming from Leadbelly, one more by Alan Lomax, another one a Sista Jean & Carlyle Barriteau own composition and the rest traditional ones. VERY GOOD.

I'D LIKE TO SHARE A WONDERFUL REVIEW WE RECEIVED
THAT'S IN THE MARCH ISSUE OF "BLUES BLAST MAGAZINE"
FOR: "SISTA JEAN & CB"
"REQUIEM FOR A HEAVYWEIGHT(TRIBUTE TO ODETTA)"
THANK YOU MARTY GUNTHER:
Featured Blues Review – 3 of 4
Sista Jean & CB – Requiem For A Heavyweight: A Tribute To Odetta
Freckle Bandit Records
12 songs – 47 minutes
www.artistecard.com/sistajeancb
Here’s a well-deserved tribute album for you! Sista Jean McClain, who possesses one of the sweetest voices you’ll ever hear, teams up with Carlyle Barriteau, a gifted guitarist known for his work in the jazz and soul fields, for an acoustic tip of the hat to the late Odetta, a legendary vocalist whom Martin Luther King dubbed both the Voice Of The Civil Rights Movement and the Queen Of American Folk Music.
It’s a welcome retrospective for an artist whose legacy has begun to fade as the fans who’ve loved and appreciated her have aged and begun to fade away. Odetta Holmes (1930-2008) crossed the boundaries between folk, gospel and blues. An actress and Broadway star in her own right, she toured in the cast of “Finnigan’s Rainbow” after making her debut opposite Ella Fitzgerald as a member of the Turnabout Puppet Theater in Hollywood.
A vocalist whose he was a major influence on the careers of Harry Belafonte, Mavis Staples, Joan Baez, Janis Joplin, Carly Simon and Bob Dylan, among many others, her biggest hit was a duet of “There’s A Hole In The Bucket” with Belafonte that charted in 1961. But she’s best remembered as one of the most visible performers in demonstrations in the years that followed, most notably “O Freedom” at the March On Washington in 1963.
One of the future vocalists to fall under Odetta’s spell was Sista Jean, who grew up to be one of the most important backup singers in the world, working behind Tina Turner, Mick Jagger, Celine Dion and Keb’ Mo. She earned acclaim with the song “Dive Into The Pool,” which charted internationally on Billboard’s dance music charts, before returning to returning to her blues/roots charts in a partnership with Barriteau, who’s toured with jazz powerhouse Bobby Caldwell after working with the Miracles, Rose Royce, Paul Taylor, Patti Austin and Rickie Lee Jones.
This 12-song release follows their debut CD, 2011’s Back To The Root, and is available through Amazon, CDBaby and iTunes. It gives Sista Jean and CB the perfect platform to deliver some of the best folk blues you’ll ever hear. The duo rounds out their sound with assists from Vincent Henry (harp, horns and vocals), Mark Goldenberg (resonator guitar), David Piltch, Roberto Vally and Ian Martin (bass) and Davey Chegwidden and Big Willie B (percussion).
All but one of the tunes you’ll hear here was sung by Odetta at one time or another in her career. First up is a cover of Leadbelly’s “Alabama Bound.” Sista Jean’s voice soars over guitar work that features Goldenberg in his sole appearance. Another Leadbelly classic, “Easy Rider,” precedes a version of “House Of The Rising Sun.” A traditional folk song made popular by Blind Lemon Jefferson, “Jack Of Diamonds” leads into “Deep River,” a tune that traces its roots to Africa and was first sung in America in the mid-1800s.
“Another Man Done Gone,” credited here to Alan Lomax, but which originated with chain gangs in the Mississippi Delta, bridges into two more Leadbelly masterworks, “Midnight Special” and “Take This Hammer,” before the only new tune on this disc, “Troubled Man Of Mine,” co-written by Sista Jean and CB. A version of Louis Armstrong’s “Hear Me Talkin’ To Ya” and Leadbelly’s “Meet N At The Building” follow before the traditional gospel number “Glory Glory” concludes the set.
Requiem For A Heavyweight delivers on all counts as it revives the stylings of Odetta and revisits the American folk blues songbook as it existed in her lifetime. A beautifully executed treasure from start to finish.
Reviewer Marty Gunther has lived a blessed life. His first experience with live music came at the feet of the first generation of blues legends at the Newport Folk Festivals in the 1960s. A former member of the Chicago blues community, he’s a professional journalist and blues harmonica player who co-founded the Nucklebusters, one of the hardest working bands in South Florida.

I just received the newest release, Requiem for a Heavy-Weight A tribute to Odetta by Sista Jean & CBand it's deep. Opening with Ledbelly track, Alabama Bound, Jean and CB have a very contemporary sound with super resonator slide work by Mark Goldenberg. Another Ledbelly track, Easy Rider, has a much warmer feel with Jean digging in on vocal backed by Vincent Henry & Big Willie B on drums. Very cool! On traditional folk track, House Of The Rising Sun, Jean really shows the richness of her voice paired with nicely articulated guitar work of CB (Carlyle Barriteau). Very nice! Another traditional track, Jack of Diamonds, has a super modern bluesy sound with Jean's vocals right up front and solid drum and bass as well as harp soloing adding texture. With a jazzy approach and a very laid back delivery, traditional track, Deep River, is smooth, supple and rich. Alan Lomax track, Another Man Done Gone, stays the solid blues course acapella with hand claps. Very nice! Leadbelly's Midnight Special has a similar mix as that of CCR's fro the 70's but with a bit more country style guitar work and gospel flavored backing vocals. Very nice! Ledbelly's Take This Hammer really has the feel of an Odetta performance with strong delivery and certain delivery. Strong. Original jazz/blues track, Troubled Man Of Mine, is actually one of my favorite tracks on the release with simple guitar, drum and bass and Jean owning the track. Excellent! Louie Armstrong track, Hear Me Talkin' To Ya has a funky Louisiana feel. CB,s riffs and Vincent Henry's harp work over a super groove gives this track a hot feel and strong radio potential. Ledbelly track, Meet N At The Building, maintains a strong spiritual / blues feel with Davey Chegwidden on percussion and David Piltch on bass. Wrapping the release is the traditional track, Glory Glory. Very cleanly performed and primarily acapella, Jean shows that she really has strong control of her art and CB, joining with a clean accompaniment on acoustic guitar gives the track a polished more modern feel. Excellent closer!

Sista Jean & CB - Requiem For A Heavyweight

Sista Jean & CB ( alias voor Jean McClain and Carlyle Barriteau ) hebben met het album ' Requiem For A Heavyweight : A Tribute To Odetta ' een prachtig eerbetoon gemaakt voor de koningin van ' Civil Rights Movement' Odetta. Sista Jean heeft haar sporen in de muziekwereld reeds ruim verdiend. Zo trad zij reeds op met grootheden als Mick Jagger, Tina Turner Celine Dion en Cher. Ook gitarist CB speelde met diverse grootheden als George Benson , Ben E. King en Rose Royce. Het is duidelijk dat zo'n staat van dienst
nieuwsgierig maakt naar de muziek. Na het beluisteren van de twaalf nummers kan de conclusie alleen maar zijn dat dit een geweldig mooi album is. We horen blues en gospel van het allerhoogste niveau. Voeg hier nog eens de fantastische stem van Sista Jean aan toe en de liefhebber weet genoeg..

Sista Jean & CB - Requiem For A Heavyweight

Sista Jean & CB ( alias voor Jean McClain and Carlyle Barriteau ) hebben met het album ' Requiem For A Heavyweight : A Tribute To Odetta ' een prachtig eerbetoon gemaakt voor de koningin van ' Civil Rights Movement' Odetta. Sista Jean heeft haar sporen in de muziekwereld reeds ruim verdiend. Zo trad zij reeds op met grootheden als Mick Jagger, Tina Turner Celine Dion en Cher. Ook gitarist CB speelde met diverse grootheden als George Benson , Ben E. King en Rose Royce. Het is duidelijk dat zo'n staat van dienst
nieuwsgierig maakt naar de muziek. Na het beluisteren van de twaalf nummers kan de conclusie alleen maar zijn dat dit een geweldig mooi album is. We horen blues en gospel van het allerhoogste niveau. Voeg hier nog eens de fantastische stem van Sista Jean aan toe en de liefhebber weet genoeg..

Graham Clarke (reviewer from Mississippi)
James Armstrong
Top Ten Releases for 2015 (in alphabetical order):
Bernard Allison – In The Mix (Jazzhaus) – A bit understated by Allison’s usual standards, but the better for it, focusing more on the songs and grooves……still plenty of great guitar though.
Bey Paule Band – Not Goin’ Away (Blue Dot) – This is 12 tracks of soul/blues Heaven.
Jimmy Burns – It Ain’t Right (Delmark) – Burns returns to the Delmark label with very satisfying results. His mix of urban blues and soul with traditional Mississippi blues is second to none.
Eddie Cotton – One At A Time (DeChamp) – His best studio release to date, it’s great to have Cotton recording on a regular basis.
Ghost Town Blues Band – Hard Road To Hoe (self-released) – If you’re a blues fan at all, you must find this CD. Then, catch these guys live. You can thank me later.
David Michael Miller – Same Soil (Food For The Soul) – This guy should be better known. He’s a great vocalist and guitarist and mixes blues, soul, and gospel as well as anybody currently practicing.
Andy Santana – Watch Your Step! (Delta Groove) – This is a great mix of Texas, Chicago, and New Orleans that will have heads bobbing and toes tapping.
Sista Jean & CB – Requiem For A Heavyweight (Freckled Bandit) – The duo’s wonderful, heartfelt tribute to the blues/folk legend is a joy from start to finish.
Leo “Bud” Welch – I Don’t Prefer No Blues (Big Legal Mess) – Welch’s sophomore effort, devoted mostly to the blues, is a fine complement to his raw and ragged gospel debut.
Webb Wilder – Mississippi Möderne (Ruf) – Wilder takes the best things about Austin, Nashville, and Mississippi music and makes his own potent mix that not only crosses musical boundaries, but erases them completely.

Sista Jean & CB Requiem for a Heavy-Weight – A tribute to Odetta Freckle Bandit Records Odetta was "The Voice of the Civil Rights Movement", but the activist, singer/songwriter and actress’ place in the blues world is perhaps not as high as the respect and admiration the folk music world holds for her.. Martin Luther King called her “The Queen of American Folk music” and her classic 1956 album Odetta Sings Ballads and Blues stands as one of the pivotal and seminal folk blues recordings. President Clinton presented Odetta with the National Medal of the Arts and she was honored at the Kennedy Center with the "Visionary Award." The Library of Congress bestowed her the "Living Legend Award". Yet, her legacy is seldom honored in the blues, so this worthy tribute is timely – and extremely well done. The inspiring singer “Sista” Jean McClain (aka Pepper MaShay), who sings like an angel, and versatile guitarist Carlyle Barriteau, pulled of a passionate tour de force tribute to Odetta with the perfect title Requiem for a Heavy-Weight. McClain and Barriteau both played in smooth jazz artist Bobby Caldwell’s band and are versatile musicians who are at home in blues, jazz, rock and soul. Odetta was an amazingly powerful singer, truly a heavy-­‐‑weight, with the deep, rich operatic voice, and taking on a tribute to her takes guts. Sista Jean pulls it off most splendidly, showcasing her own exceptional singing. In the past, she sang with Tina Turner and the Glady’s Horton and the Marvelletes, and has a huge long resume as backup session singer, and here she honors Odetta with her soulful deliveries. The superb guitarist Carlyle Barriteau, originally from the Caribbean island of Aruba in the Dutch Netherlands Antilles, had a scholarship to MIT and a graduated from the famed Berklee School of Music in Boston. On this album he seamlessly moves from Delta style slide guitar to the sophisticated jazz styling. Sista belts out fiery deep roots renditions of classics that Odetta sang in her time. With five out of the twelve songs by Odetta’s favorite Lead Belly, this album seems as much of a tribute to Huddie Ledbetter as to Odetta, with Alabama Bound, Easy Rider, Midnight Special, Another Man Done Gone, Take This Hammer, and Meet N at the Building. They also cover a series to traditional songs from the folk and blues archives House of the Rising Frank Matheis LB CD reviews/Jan. 1, 2016 Sun, Jack of Diamonds, Deep River and Glory, Glory. The special treat here is their original composition Troubled Man of Mine, the only non-­‐‑cover on the album, as an offering for Odetta. She surely would have loved it. Requiem for a Heavy-Weight is a glorious tribute, a musically beautiful album with excellent instrumentation and singing that will touch your heart. Tip the hat to this duo.

Frank Matheis Living Blues Issue #241 Vol. 47, #1 February 2016

Thank You Freddy Celis and Eric Schuurmans For Your Wonderful Review Of
"Sista Jean & CB'S Requiem For A Heavyweight(Tribute To Odetta)"!!
The acoustic and blues drenched roots music that Sista Jean and CB brings ,reminds you of the
days that great vocals and guitar was enough to evoke great feelings-
For all the music lovers and especially for blues lovers this album is a piece of history
Sista Jean and CB brings honor and credit-That’s why this “Requiem For A Heavyweight” is
not only a Legitimateto ode to Odetta but also a tribute to old style acoustic blues,the roots of all
music and the basis for all the music of today—-ROOTSTIME.BE

WINNER: HOLLYWOOD MUSIC IN MEDIA AWARDS
BEST BLUES BAND 2015
SISTA JEANS BLUES MACHINE

You Can Get The Latest Release At:

http://www.cdbaby.com/sistajeancb4

It's great that Sista Jean & CB's new album "Requiem For A Heavyweight - A Tribute To Odetta" is finally released. We knew when we were mixing and mastering the project that it was special. Talk about 'old school'; the vocals and playing on this one lets you know the teacher's in! www.gandjaudio.com

FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION:

Best Album:Requiem For A Heavyweight(Tribute To Odetta)
Best Trad.R&B Song:House Of The Rising Sun
Best Americana Roots Perf.: Take This Hammer
Best Blues Album: Requiem For A Heavyweight(Tribute To Odetta)
Best Engineering:Requiem For a Heavyweight(Tribute To Odetta)

http://www.soundcloud.com/sista-jean-cb
http://www.artistecard.com/sistajeancb

SISTA JEAN & CB'S SONG "LOVE IS CALLIN" HAS BECOME 1 OF THE FINALISTS IN THE R&B CATEGORY IN THE 2ND SESSION OF THE "JOHN LENNON SONGWRITING CONTEST FOR 2015. THE SONG "LOVE IS CALLIN" IS FROM THEIR DEBUT CD "BACK TO THE ROOT".

No doubt about it, Sista Jean and CB (Jean McClain and Carlyle Barriteau) make beautiful music together. McClain has worked as a background singer for Hugh Laurie, Tina Turner, Mick Jagger, Keb’ Mo, Celine Dion), as part of an ’80s regrouping of the Marvelettes, and has charted several hits on the Dance charts (as Pepper MaShay). Barriteau most recently toured as part of jazz singer Bobby Caldwell’s band, but has previously played for Rose Royce, The Miracles, Patti Austin, Paul Taylor, and Rickie Lee Jones. The two joined forces to release the excellent acoustic blues album Back To The Root in 2012.

A year ago, Blues Bytes reviewed a wonderful 2-song preview (Spectacular 2 Song Double Pack) of the duo’s upcoming album, a tribute to folk singer Odetta. The album, Requiem For A Heavyweight: A Tribute To Odetta (Freckled Bandit Records), is now a reality, featuring 12 tracks either recorded by or influenced by the folk and blues legend. McClain has stated that she was heavily influenced by Odetta as a child and her love for this music shows through every note that she sings.

The opening two tracks, the spirited “Alabama Bound” and the glorious “Easy Rider” (both written by Lead Belly), were featured on the preview disc and they start things off perfectly. Other standouts include a measured reading of the ’60s classic “House of the Rising Sun,” the downhome romp “Jack of Diamonds,” the spiritual “Deep River,” and the moving “Another Man Done Gone,” which McClain sings solo.

There are a few more songs from Lead Belly: “Midnight Special,” taken at a gently swinging pace, “Take This Hammer,” which picks up the pace slightly, and the understated gospel tune “Meet N At The Building.” “Troubled Man of Mine” is the lone song on the disc written by the duo, but it’s a perfect fit with the other tunes and you could easily hear Odetta performing it herself. “Hear Me Talkin’ To Ya” is a fun and funky reworking of the old Louis Armstrong song, and McClain brings the disc to a close with a beautiful, stripped-down version of “Glory Glory,” backed only by Barriteau’s guitar.

Speaking of Mr. Barriteau, his guitar work is just wonderful throughout the disc, understated but never in the background. He and McClain work well together and the best thing about this album is how they allow the songs to take their time and develop without any rush at all. It’s just a beautiful piece of work that will reward blues, soul, and folk music fans, who will find it hard to stop after just one listen.

--- Graham Clarke

--- Graham Clarke

Sista JeanA couple of years ago, Sista Jean & CB blessed us with Back To The Root, an awesome set of acoustic blues with a touch of soul and jazz featuring the wonderfully subtle vocals of Sista Jean (Jean McClain) backed perfectly by CB’s (Carlyle Barriteau) guitar. After the album’s release Sista Jean embarked on an extensive two-year world tour with Hugh Laurie & the Copper Bottom Band, but has returned to work with CB, who has been touring with jazz singer Bobby Caldwell, on their second full release, Requiem For A Heavyweight (Tribute To Odetta), paying homage to one of her musical heroes.

The new CD is slated for a March 2015 release, so Sista Jean & CB have issued the Spectacular 2 Song Double Pack (Freckled Bandit Records) to help their fans make it until the new CD comes out. The two songs, “Alabama Bound” and “Easy Rider,” are both songs that Odetta (and also Leadbelly) performed back in the day. The uptempo “Alabama Bound” features a tough vocal from Sista Jean and some dazzling guitar from CB, while “Easy Rider” is taken at a slower pace, stretching to six and a half minutes. Jean’s impassioned vocal is spot on and CB’s understated guitar is augmented by drums.

This two-song set will surely please fans of the duo’s initial release and whet their appetites for the upcoming release. I can’t wait to hear McClain work through a complete album of Odetta’s classic songs. This is a great place to start to check out this pair, and it gives you time to go back to hear Back To The Root if you missed it the first time around.

It is always a pleasure to put on an album and be tapping a foot, and snapping fingers throughout. Then the album is over and you are left satisfied and breathless. This album is like drinking spring water: Clean, crisp, fresh, invigorating.
So who are Sista Jean and C.B. anyway? They have left their mark on the Los Angeles music landscape as Sista Jean McClain and Carlyle Barriteau. Both McClain (also known as Pepper MaShay) and Barriteau toured with smooth jazz artist, Bobby Caldwell. McClain also recently provided stellar vocals on Hugh Laurie’s latest album, Didn’t It Rain.
There are several aspects of this album that combine to woo the listener, drawing them into its quiet, but powerful ambiance. There is nothing to interfere with the performance as it consists solely of vocals and guitars. Even the electric guitar here has an almost acoustic sound. The production is clean, and the mix is excellent, creating a clean, simple, sparkling clear sound.
At just over 46 minutes, there is a lot of great listening here! Standout tracks include “Roll Over Me,” with its clean picked lines, heartfelt vocal, and spot on harmonica fills. “Don’t Want What U Got” has beautifully delicate electric playing, with lines played out of hypnotic rhythm chords, and then back into the chords again. The vocal that McClain lays down over the top of this is flawless, and painfully alluring. “Wine Me, Dine Me” is a fun, bouncy, upbeat acoustic delight, that is full of sunshine, and will totally make you smile. Nice guitar solo too! “Love Is Calling” is the best vocal performance on the album, and one of the best we’ve heard all year. “Speak To Me Lord” is about calling on The Lord to get advice on a cheating lover. It is modern Gospel with a pulse, and some mighty fine pickin’ from Barriteau. “U Best Know Henry” has some dynamite acoustic slide, and harmonica playing. The album closes with “You Can Dance To The Blues,” acoustic soul that will have you snapping your fingers to the beat.
There is not a bad song on this album. The vocals are brilliant throughout, and are vaguely reminiscent of Mavis Staples. Barriteau’s playing is clean, smooth, and delicate, always with a spark to it. Listeners can tell this gentleman really loves his work.
Pick this up yesterday. You will play it at least three times through on the first listen. Promise.
Sista Jean and C.B.

At CDBaby

Featured Blues Review 1 of 6

Sista Jean and C.B. - Back to the Root

Freckle Bandit Music (BMI)

http://www.sonicbids.com/sistajeanandcb

10 songs; 46:24 minutes

Styles: Roots Music, Mellow Acoustic Blues

When aficionados mention “the roots of the blues,” of what are they speaking? Are they thinking of cities such as Chicago and New Orleans? Perhaps they have mental images of masters like Muddy Waters. Maybe they’re pondering what makes early blues unique, including measured bars and repeated lyrics in an A-A-B rhyme scheme. In this case, the answer is “all of the above!” On their debut album, Los Angeles music scene veterans Sista Jean McClain and Carlyle Barriteau (C.B.) are going “Back to the Root” in a solid outing. Here are three out of ten original selections that prove this point perfectly:

Track 1: “Back It Up Train”--This is the CD’s best example of acoustic blues for three reasons: 1) it’s an instant earworm; 2) its message is quintessential: “send my baby home to me”, and 3) one of two guests, Troy Dexter, plays accompanying Dobro in an understated yet awesome fashion! Sista Jean may not have Janis Joplin’s trademark wail mastered, but her other butter-rich vocals make up for it. Nice placement putting “Back It Up Train” as the first song on “Back to the Root;” it “chugs” into listeners’ heads with lightning speed!

Tack 3: “Don’t Want What U Got”--Those who search for a sneering rant to a lousy lover will be disappointed here, but not those who prefer poignancy. This song’s best feature is its deep lyrics: “‘No promises or demands’ was always the way I kept things close at hand. But now I’m ready to change, and with God willing, I know I can stand!” Here is a ballad for everyone in a relationship who’s “always there at the end” [the breakup], but “never there for the finish” [a peaceful resolution to problems instead of a breakup]. Beware: it’s a tearjerker!

Tracks 2 and 8 feature the other guest, David Vidal, on harmonica and slide Pedal Steel.

Track 10: “You Can Dance to the Bluez”-- Die-hard purists will likely object thusly, “It’s obvious why the last word of this song’s title has a ‘z’ in it. It misrepresents our favorite musical genre entirely!” Nevertheless, the goal of Track 10 on this album is to propel people onto the dance floor instead of soapbox-debating whether or not it’s “real” blues. It’s peppy and highly enjoyable no matter what. There’s no chance of a grouchy mood sticking around while “You Can Dance...” reverberates from one’s CD player! C.B.’s up-tempo guitar hook is irresistible.

On the band’s website, Sista Jean explains, “I feel like I’m finally coming full circle with the music and with the direction I want to take it…As long as you can sing, the people will want you time and time again. We’re laying everything on the line now!” One thing’s for sure: in returning “Back to the Root,” Sista Jean and C.B. have found theirs.

Reviewer Rainey Wetnight is a 32 year old female Blues fan. She brings the perspective of a younger blues fan to reviews. A child of 1980s music, she was strongly influenced by her father’s blues music collection.

For other reviews and interviews on our website CLICK HERE

Sista JeanSista Jean & C.B. are a California-based duo that specializes in acoustic blues. Sista Jean (Jean McClain) has worked as a session singer with artists from Cher to Mick Jagger to Tina Turner to Bobby Caldwell. She also recorded in the ’90s as Pepper MaShay. C.B. is Carlyle Barriteau, a native of Aruba who is well-known as a singer/guitarist on the smooth jazz scene and has played guitar for Caldwell, Thelma Houston, and Patti Austin. They recently released their debut effort on Freckled Bandit Records, called Back To The Root, a delightful and intimate set of acoustic blues and soul.

McClain is no stranger to the blues, as she’s provided vocals for several of Joe Henry’s recent productions (Hugh Laurie, Solomon Burke, Allen Toussaint). She does an excellent job on a varied set of tunes that touch on blues, soul, jazz, and even gospel. The duo wrote all ten songs and there’s not a clunker in the bunch. Highlights include the funky opener, “Back It Up Train,” the deep soul number “Don’t Want What U Got,” “Wine Me, Dine Me,” the soulful “Love is Callin,” “Speak to Me Lord,” and “You Can Dance To The Bluez.”

McClain’s vocals are smooth and understated, which is perfect for the material. Barriteau’s acoustic guitar is right on the money, right where it needs to be on each number. They play unaccompanied on five of the ten songs, but are joined by Troy Dexter (Dobro, Fender Rhodes) and David Vidal (harmonica, slide pedal steel) on several tracks.

Back To The Root is warm and soulful, qualities that all blues albums should have. This one has been getting a lot of play at my house, and will continue to do so for quite awhile.

--- Graham Clarke