After releasing her own cassette (the partially live Burlesque Swing -- the best introduction to
Candye's unique talents), this stew may be a case of too many cooks. And despite a star-studded cast -- including two
Paladins and one member of
Los Lobos (who are also listed among the six producers -- not counting
Kane), R&B guitar great
Roy Gaines,
Blaster Dave Alvin,
Fab T-Bird Kim Wilson -- the result is neither fish nor fowl. The hardcore blues numbers -- "Big Mama Candye's Blues" and "Don't Blame It on Me" (a duet with
Wilson) -- are fairly standard fare, and her ribald side is virtually absent, but the conjunto "She Wore a Red Carnation" and country two-step "Dance Hall Girls" show
Candye's singing and songwriting to their best advantage. (Her Antone's follow-up, 1995's
Knockout, is far from a "blues album" -- with country and rock material penned by
Dylan,
Jack Tempchin,
Rickie Lee Jones,
Van Dyke Parks, and
Lowell George -- but features better vocal performances by
Candye and production by
Val Garay.) ~ Dan Forte