One of the great joys of reviewing albums is when a new performer turns up that is both talented and enjoyable to listen to, and this set from, North Carolina based, Robin Rogers is just one of those. Earlier this year this album, of twelve titles, won an award at the Memphis International Blues Challenge for  “Best Self Produced CD” and the producer Jim Brock certainly has done a great job. There is an interesting mix of acoustic and electric music where Rogers takes all the vocals and plays some pretty sharp harmonica on a number of the tracks. The material, chosen with great integrity, includes titles from Skip James, Memphis Minnie and Rev. Gary Davis making this disc both intriguing and entertaining. The much recorded title “Hesitation Blues”, from the legendary Rev. Gary Davis, starts this very well balanced set off on a high note and this is the first time that I have heard this song performed with a group including clarinet and piano – and it really works!  Rogers has surrounded herself with some inventive, sympathetic musicians and throughout she allows them a lot of space to express themselves. Her husband Tony Rogers, and Max Drake share the guitar playing and are equally at home on either acoustic or electric instruments. There is some low key but effective guitar backing by Tony on the ‘classic blues’ title “Wild About That Thing”, and his resonator guitar picking on Tommy Johnson’s  “Travellin’ Blues” drives this captivating track along at a great pace.  I was pleased to see three titles from the wonderful Memphis Minnie and Rogers certainly gives them an extra dimension. Her version of “Crazy Crying Blues” with its unusual vocal style is one of the finest moments of this highly recommended set. The late Jo Ann Kelly was well known for her interpretations of Memphis Minnie’s music and often performed “Me And My Chauffeur” and it is good to hear another sparkling version here. Rogers is backed by an acoustic band on this track with some beautifully crafted resonator guitar work from Tony Rogers and tight percussion from Jim Brock. I particularly enjoyed the piano from Mark Stallings on another of the early classic blues titles “ Black-Eyed Blues” when he captures the feel of those magical days.  The title “Yola My Blues Away” from Skip James ends this quality outing on a high note and it has been very enjoyable, in particular, to hear such a natural and creative vocalist who certainly knows what she is doing.   Rating 9 – Bob Tilling