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     <p class="review"><H1 class="review">Alberta Adams</H1></p>
     <p class="review"><H1 class="review">&quot;Say Baby Say&quot;</H1></p>
     <p class="review"><H1 class="review">Cannonball CBD 29114</H1></p>
     <p class="review">Blues history includes a tradition of royalty. Blues Queens have been
anointed since the beginning. Mamie Smith, who made the first Blues
recording, Ma Rainey, Memphis Minnie and Dinah Washington all wore the
crown. I think most would agree that Koko Taylor gets the title these
days, but she’s not alone. All around the world, wherever there’s a
Blues community, there’s usually a local “Queen of the Blues.” Our own
Diamond Teeth Mary was the Bay Area’s pride and joy. Travel elsewhere
and you’ll find Marva Wright in New Orleans, Roxy Perry in New York,
Joanne Taylor in Colorado and in Detroit, Alberta Adams, a woman who can
legitimately contend for the world title.</p>
     <p class="review">Adams likes to say that she was born with the Blues. Back in the 20’s,
she was given up for adoption by an alcoholic mother. Later she moved in
with relatives in Detroit. She had to battle her numerous cousins for
food. She got her start in show business as a dancer on Hastings
Street—the street made famous by John Lee Hooker in his classic, Boogie
Chillun. When the regular singer didn’t show up one night, Alberta got
her chance and she hasn’t stopped singing for more than 50 years.</p>
     <p class="review">It was on Hastings Street that the Chess brothers discovered the petite
but powerful singer. She recorded several gems with Red Saunders’ band
from Chicago. Later she recorded for the famous jazz label, Savoy. One
of those songs is the title for her latest album.</p>
     <p class="review">Say Baby Say features Her Royal Highness in peak form, belying her age
with a rocking and rollicking performance. Unlike many singers, Adams
writes quite a bit of her own material. Her originals have the
authenticity that comes from true-life experiences. Her backup band
sparkles with Johnnie Bassett on guitar, Bill Heid on piano, Brian
Miller on harmonica and a solid horn section. This is one of the more
enjoyable CDs I’ve listened to recently. Don’t be surprised to see it
listed in the Handy nominees.</p>
     <p class="review">Norman Davis</p>
          <p class="review"><b>&copy; copyright 2000, <a href="http://www.suncoastblues.org">Suncoast Blues Society</a></b></p>

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