Country-gospel-blues singer
Tracy Nelson takes a cue from
Johnny Cash and
B.B. King by heading to prison to record her first live album. Few singers belt out songs with as much husky power and gutsy intensity as
Nelson, and the surroundings lend themselves to performances of
Memphis Slim's "Mother Earth" and
Big Bill Broonzy's "I Feel So Good" that rank with her most impassioned work. A full band, including horns and a female backing vocalist, churns up exciting arrangements, and everyone seems to have been inspired by the audiences at these shows. Recorded in front of two separate crowds divided by gender, the enthusiastic response pushes
Nelson and her band to superb heights. Guitarist Sam Stafford is particularly fiery, especially playing slide on "I Feel So Good." Incendiary versions of
Patsy Cline's "Walkin' After Midnight" and
Bessie Smith's "Send Me to the 'Lectric Chair," the latter obviously custom-picked for this audience, elicit a rowdy response that is channeled back into
Nelson's set. Even run-of-the-mill swamp rockers such as "Be Good to Me Baby," "Strongest Weakness," and "Got a New Truck" -- the latter co-written with
Marcia Ball -- are elevated by
Nelson's attack. The straight-ahead country of "After the Fire Is Gone" turns into a near gospel frenzy, as does a cover of
Lyle Lovett's partly humorous "God Will." There are few singers with a voice as naturally passionate as
Tracy Nelson's, and none who effortlessly combine genres with such skill. The album makes a case for more live shows to be recorded in prisons, and is a worthy successor to those that already have been. ~ Hal Horowitz