by Steve Kurutz
Returning to the uptempo groove of her classic LP Tell Mama, this release finds James backed by another tight rhythm section and as sassy as ever. Tracks like &Woman (Shake Your Booty)& and &Only a Fool& (a remake of the Bobby Bland classic &I Pity the Fool&) show that the famous soul belter has lost none of the strength of her voice. And, if anyone dare question, just listen to James' version of Randy Newman's &Leave Your Hat On,& a ballsy track that exemplifies everything great about Etta. Out of print, this album is worth the hunt.