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I'm Every Woman Rounder, 2002 
Buy it online Reviewed by Pamela L. Dow
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Known as one of the most talented acoustic Delta blues artists in the business, Rory Block has completely surprised her fans with her latest release, I'm Every Woman. Those familiar with Block's work will be shaking their heads in disbelief from the very first note: I even did a double-take back at the stereo. Nobody was quite prepared to hear Block venture so far from the music we've all come to know and love. Going from the usual solo acoustic blues to an upbeat, powerful performance with several R&B tunes was certainly unexpected, but also very exciting. I was caught off guard by Block on I'm Every Woman, an album that's very different for her. Though, quite honestly, I absolutely loved this new release. Block comes out and hits a home run with the very first song, which is also the title track. Her interpretation of Ashford and Simpson's song is intense and powerful with plenty of heartfelt emotion, leaving you on a positive high. Block's version is rich and full and leaves Whitney Houston's version sounding like a dull echo. With many of the R&B tunes here, Block fits comfortably into the music. What also makes this new release so special are the tracks found between the R&B selections. Rory touches upon the gospel and folk roots of her long career with songs like "Sea Lion Woman," a beautiful duet with Gaye Adegbalola of the Saffire Women. Another strong duet is with blues artists Paul Rishell and Annie Raines on the familiar tune,"Rock Island Line." Block continues further with the song, "Pretty Polly," a duet with Kelly Joe Phelps, bringing the listener back to the familiar style we've come to enjoy. Her most deeply felt and moving performance comes with the song, "Ain't No Grave Can Hold My Body Down," an incredible duet with her son, Jordan Block Valdina. Reverend Herb Shelton appears on "Hold On/Change Is Coming" a moving song of great beauty. The only track I felt the new CD could do without, was the remake of the R&B tune, "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing," a duet with Keb' Mo'. It seemed to lack the solid performance and tradition found through the balance of I'm Every Woman. Block must be congratulated for stepping outside the box and sailing into uncharted waters. Trying something new and different professionally can help an artist grow personally. With I'm Every Woman, Block certainly proves that coloring outside the lines can just be a whole lot of fun. There's no question that she can excel in any musical format and still give her fans 110 per cent. | April 2002 |
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