Search - Joanna Connor :: Fight

One of her best

07/31/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Joanna Connor is one of the finest slide players ever. Even players the quality of David Hole admit stealing her licks. 'Fight' displays the strength and maturity Connor has developed. Featuring only three covers (the title cut by Luthur Allison, 'Walk Away' by Ann Peebles and 'Walkin' Blues'), the album demonstrates how Connor has grown as a writer. Whether reflecting on being a touring band (Living on the Road), a bit of joy (Heaven), lost love (Your Love was Never Mine) or being the mother or a mulato child (Child of Two Worlds) Connor handles her subjects deftly. Plus the lady can flat out sing. She has a strong voice that can shout or croon as the song calls for. Then there's her guitar work. Her straight soloing recalls the work of Mike Bloomfield. There is the technical surety that allows her to attempt fast and complex figures, but she maintains a sense of line. The same is also true of sidekick Anthony Palmer. This guy can play anything. But it is as a slide player that Connor has gained her noterity. Listen to what she does with "Walkin' Blues". The intensity of Duane Allman and the melodic approach of Robert Johnson. Connor is one of the most underappreciated players of contemporary electric blues. She is also one of the modern players who is setting the tone for the 21st Century. "Fight" is an excellent album to check her out."