Review: Maria Muldaur—Richland Woman Blues

This is a trip back to the roots of the music Maria Muldaur does best. It almost reminds me of the early work she did in the jug-bands with her then husband Geoff. This is the blues of the raw fields and voices of those who know of what they speak. It is a big step back from the full band she had been singing with. A big surprise is the guest artists she has playing with her here. Two absolutely spellbinding duets with Alvin Youngblood Hart, Dave Mathews on piano, Roy Rogers, Taj Mahal, Tracy Nelson and Bonnie Raitt to name a few of the guests who help her make this disc one of outstanding quality. It is a ride worth going on and the unexpected guests provide some of the biggest surprises. It is truly a journey in time back to the music of Memphis Minnie.—Bob Gottlieb