The Louisiana-born Hope Waits comes by the blues the hard way – she’s the daughter of an alcoholic father, and her mother was murdered when she was 21. Opening with a smoky version of Jackie Wilson’s “I’ll Be Satisfied,” Waits delivers a great CD highlighted by her compelling vocals and a diverse set list. Some tunes recall Bonnie Raitt’s early blues work (“You Crossed The Line”), while Waits evokes Billie Holiday on a haunting version of “Yesterdays.” Some of the strongest moments come when Waits sings her own tunes, such as the beautiful “Fortune Teller” or the blues shuffle “Get Behind the Mule.” This is a remarkable young singer with a fresh approach to blues and jazz, and with the right marketing, could emerge as the next Norah Jones. Highly recommended. (GH)
