Paul and Annie have crafted another superb effort with Goin’ Home. Their last recording won a W.C. Handy award, this one is certainly a contender. Covering songs from the pre-war delta sounds of Charlie Patton to West Side Chicago’s Magic Sam, they cover vast blues territory without losing coherence or their own identity. Patton is covered twice with “I’m Goin’ Home” and a remake of “Some of These Days (I’ll Be Gone).” This was the first song Paul & Annie recorded together on 1993’s <I>Swear To Tell The Truth.”

We know this because Paul, as on previous albums, gives commentary on each song in the jacket. This is a welcome feature that gives insight to the material and artist. He explains the uniqueness of playing and singing dissimilar parts typical of Blind Lemon Jefferson. Even a non-player should recognize the difficulty of this while listening here to Jefferson’s “Black Horse Blues.” Paul’s voice suites these songs perfectly. Backgroud vocals are excellent throughout. A modern funkified electric blues, with horns is delivered on the original “It Ain’t Right.” The other original “You’ve Got it Made,” a slide and mandolin duet sounds like it was written in the 30’s. Annie continues to diversify by multi-tasking on harp, mandolin, piano, B-3 and zither. She also contributes a strong vocal on Ma Rainey’s “Black Eyed Blues,” backed by guitar, mandolin and string bass. You might think that she’s laying back on the harp playing overall until the disc closer, Magic Sam’s “Lookin’ Good.” This is recorded live, featuring masterful dynamics and an extended harp breakdown. A great tune to end the evening! This disc will be one of the top releases of the year.

- Bob Sekinger

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