Kimberly Allison and friends: Old New Borrowed and Blues! (Starliner Music)

Kimberly 'KC' Allison. Now here's a lady that can do it all! Not only is she six strings of excellence, She writes, mixes, engineers, arranges and produces this CD. Heck she even does the art design. She definitely knows what it takes to put together a great blues album, which is very evident not only in her talent but the talent she surrounded herself with!

Throw in a bona fide blues man in Mister"Blues"Leshun who played with the likes of Jimmy Reed, Smokey Wilson and Big Mama Thornton to name a few, and you've got what it takes baby yes indeed! The album is impressive and features many original tunes, most by the lady herself along with some outstanding vocals from Mister"Blues"Leshun, Morris Beeks and Baxter the wonder hound.

Seems like I always enjoy the blues a little more when horns are present and this CD gives you lots from the likes of Jennifer Hall (Tenor and Baritone sax) and Phil Moris (trumpet) toss in superb support from Ron Battle (bass) and Mike Lopez (drums) and you have all that it takes to succeed in a blues offering except a harmonica. Oh yeah she has that too! Handled exceedingly well by James Murphy.

Folks if you haven't had the pleasure of listening to this remarkable lady with friends in tow and you love the blues, you owe it to yourself to spin this puppy. If your lucky enough to have seen her live in Southern California or some where else your one up on me, but not for long.

-George Hirvela