DIUNNA GREENLEAF
Trying To Hold On
Blue Mercy 930

www.diunna.com
 

This fourteen track project is ex-gospel singer Diunna Greenleaf’s stunning, originals-studded follow-up to her 2007 Cotton Field To Coffee House masterpiece. Accompanied by a boat-load of special guests like guitarists Bob Margolin, Anson Funderburgh and Smokin’ Joe Kubek along with harmonica mavens Billy Branch and Bob Corritore and mandolin whiz Rich Del Grosso, among others on various tracks, the first lady of Houston blues masterfully channels the likes of Rosetta Tharpe, Aretha Franklin and, especially, Koko Taylor here—her recall of Taylor’s early hit “I’m A Little Mixed Up” is a highlight. Other delights include the finger-waggling warning about her man’s “Double Dealing,” the emotionally taut gospel song “Beautiful Hat,” a particularly hard-rocking number titled “I Can’t Wait” (where Corritore really takes off on harp), a wry slice of street-smart philosophy (courtesy of Sam Myers) called “Look Out For Sunny Day Friends” and the contemplative title song. Delta Groove or Blind Pig should sign her up at once!

— Gary von Tersch