Reviewed by Tony Cummings

Those readers who know their soul music history will know that Irma is one of the giants of Southern soul and her New Orleans classics like "Time Is On My Side" (once sadly mangled by the Rolling Stones) have assured her of a place in soul history if not brought her the financial rewards her rich bluesy voice deserves. A few years back Irma cut a gospel project but this new set is pitched at the mainstream and the blues mainstream at that, though Irma does manage to squeeze in a superb version of Blind Willie Johnson's "Soul Of A Man". Other tracks take on such stark subjects as deaths caused by a drunken driver ("Flowers") or the perennial favourite, the breakup of a relationship ("I Count The Tears"). If you are not accustomed to the stark melodrama of deep soul and blues lyrics you might find some of the pain expressed a bit tough going but really this is soul music at its finest and most honest.

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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