by Scott Yanow
The team of guitarist Paul Rishell and Annie Raines on harmonica (both sing) is so appealing that their acoustic duets make the occasional guests (and electrification of the music) seem unnecessary although Ronnie Earl gets in a few good guitar solos. Five originals by the Rishell/Raines team fit right in with songs by the likes of Blind Boy Fuller, Bo Carter, Babecue Bob, J.B. Lenoir, Otis Spann, Peg Leg Howell and Big Bill Broonzy. A touching version of &I Shall Not Be Moved& is the set's highpoint but all of the 16 selections (which range from country blues and early folk music to later electric blues) are well worth hearing. Highly recommended roots music.