Saffire–The Uppity Blues Women - Sloppy Drunk

Bogan, Public Domain

This acoustic trio from Fredericksburg, Virginia were one of the blues’ unlikeliest success stories. The late pianist/guitarist/vocalist Ann Rabson had been playing for 30 years when she began giving guitar lessons to award-winning schoolteacher and activist Gaye Adegbalola. Gaye developed into a strong guitarist and harmonica player and a standout vocalist in the sassy Bessie Smith tradition. With the addition of Andra Faye on vocals, bass, guitar and mandolin, plus a heap of original songs ranging from traditional blues to hilarious takes on middle-aged sexuality to forceful social/political statements, they became one of our most popular bands. They made eight Alligator albums between 1990 and 2009. Sloppy Drunk features Ann’s two-fisted piano playing and vocals.