Release: GRÁINNE DUFFY - DIRT WOMAN BLUES

GRÁINNE DUFFY - DIRT WOMAN BLUES CONTEMPORARY BLUES LABEL: BLUE HEART RECORDS RELEASE DATE: MAY 19, 2023 For her fifth studio album, Dirt Woman Blues, Irish roots phenom singer, songwriter, and guitarist Gráinne Duffy ventured far from the Emerald Isle to sunny Southern California to find a bigger, bolder sound. The three-time Blues Matters Wri ters’ Poll winner, partnered with American bluesrock guitarist Marc Ford

best known as a former member of The Black Crowes, creating a tandem guitar sound with her husband Paul Sherry, also in her band. They enlisted Gary Clark Jr.’s Austin, TX rhythm section; drummer/percussionist JJ Johnson and bass/keyboard player

Elijah Ford (Marc’s son) along with Grammy-winning producer Chris Goldsmith, Jimmy Hoyson, Sam Goldsmith, John Ginty and Peter Levin. The sessions yielded a collection of nine original tracks, composed by Duffy and Sherry, centering around Duffy’s haunting alto and a mash up of songwriting styles from Celtic storytelling to Delta Blues poetry and Laurel Canyon 70’s Rock. 

Guitar driven rocker, “Well Well Well,” opens as a celebration of self-discovery and empowerment. The title track, “Dirt Woman Blues,” is a mournful yet surprising composition as it uses the classic elements of heavy blues in a fresh and unconventional way. The breezy “What’s It Going To Be?” speaks of the unbridled joy that love can produce. Duffy keeps the romance going on “Running Back To You,” a swinging girl group styled R&B number with modern muscle. JJ Johnson drives the tribal beat for the Celtic tone poem “Rise Above,” while Duffy’s fiery vocals channel her namesake Gráinne, the daughter of Cormac Mac Airt in the Fenian Cycle of Irish mythology. 

Ford delivers one of those engaging guitar riffs from southern harmony as the base for the grooving “Sweet Liberation,” a great singalong that starts out smooth and builds to blazing boogie jam. The easy sway of “Hold On To You” has a Beatles-meets-Bonnie-Raitt feel with big piano chords, Ringo styled drumming and soulful vocals. American Blue Scene named Duffy as the successor to Rory Gallagher, demonstrated in the rousing and defiant track “Yes I Am,” which finds her boldly carrying the torch of the Irish blues legend’s legacy. A smooth, strumming acoustic guitar leads the album closer “Killycrum,” written in tribute to her home in County Monaghan and feelings inspired by its green pastures and drumlin-dotted landscape, which also influenced the poems of Patrick Kavanagh. 

On this ground-breaking release Gráinne Duffy supplies a unique mix of Irish mysticism, soulful vocals, an amazing groove, an extraordinary band, and beautifully crafted lyrics.Rick J Bowen 

 BIOGRAPHY

Gráinne Duffy is a guitarist, singer, and songwriter from Monaghan, Ireland. A pioneer with her own style, Duffy’s music pays sincere homage to the roots, soul, blues, and rock traditions, enriched with delicate Celtic elements. A three-time Blues Matters magazine Writers’ Poll winner (Best Female Vocalist, 2014, 2015; Best Solo Artist, 2015), Duffy was also named Best Modern Roots Artist in the 2021 Independent Blues Awards. An international touring artist, Duffy’s festival performance history includes Glastonbury, Tremblant International, Mahindra Blues, Notodden Blues Festival, and more. She has also played on live BBC sessions and TV performances.

WEBLINKS

OS: www.grainneduffy.com

FB: www.facebook.com/GrainneDuffyOfficial

Radio Single: 2. Dirt Woman Blues

Additional recommended tracks: 1. Well Well Well, 3. What’s It Going To Be? | 4 Running Back To You

For more information: Betsie Brown, Blind Raccoon, betsie@blindraccoon.com