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Putumayo Records has come down with a serious case of the blues. Its previous releases feature noted blues musicians from Chicago, New Orleans and the Mississippi Delta, as well as a collection called "Blues Around The World." The label rounds out its blues showcase with a new release dedicated to "Rhythm And Blues."
Several generations of R&B stars are featured on the new release. One example is James Hunter, a rising British singer and songwriter whose 2006 Grammy-nominated album "People Gonna Talk" includes "'Til Your Fool Comes Home."
While there's a wealth of rhythm and lots of blues on "Rhythm And Blues," the music stretches far beyond its title. Take Cracked Ice, for instance, a New York City septet that fuses R&B with pop, rock, funk and jazz.
Also from New York comes blues singer Catherine Russell, daughter of Louis Armstrong's one-time musical director Luis Russell. Her sultry version of Sam Cooke's "Put Me Down Easy" first appeared on her 2006 album, "Cat."
Catherine Russell puts a reggae spin on a tune first recorded by Sam Cooke's brother L.C. Cooke, "Put Me Down Easy."
Blues divas are well represented on "Rhythm And Blues," including Ruthie Foster, Sharon Jones, Lavelle White, and New Orleans soul queen Irma Thomas. Singer Angie Stone teams up with soul great Sam Moore and bluesman Keb' Mo' on the R&B classic, "Wang Dang Doodle."
New Orleans favorites Henry Butler and Rockie Charles are also featured, as well as the late Crescent City guitarist Snooks Eaglin, who sings about "A Mother's Love."
