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There’s just not anything about this set that is not top-notch, it’s classy blues, with
humour and/ or attitude throughout. The final track offers a modern blues approach
to Robbin’s strong statement of intent whilst also referencing the roots, with nice

dobro from guest Arnaud Fraudin. It’s so good I almost forgot to mention that the
title track also features the late great Joe Louis Walker in what must have been one
of his very last recordings – he is in great form. It is a worthy tribute to a fallen blues

master, but the whole album is a wonderful introduction to a woman who should
become a household (blues) name in the not-too distant future. Album of the year
contender? Yes…

Norman Darwen

Erin Harpe—Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me—
VizzTone

Erin Harpe is a well established award winning country
blues artist based in Boston USA. Together with her

husband Jim Countryman they are now making an im-
pact on the blues scene over on these shores here in the
UK. This latest release, “Let The Mermaids Flirt With

Me” is a tribute to Mississippi John Hurt.

There is no better place to start a Mississippi John Hurt tribute album than with

perhaps his most famous song ‘Candy Man’, a great opener. I love the train whistle
on ‘Casey Jones’ and the title track ‘Let Mermaids Flirt With Me’ relays a lovely folk
tale. ‘Got The Blues (Can’t Be Satisfied)’ is a great little twelve bar blues whilst

‘Richland Woman’ has a more soulful feel to it.

‘Make Me A Pallet On Your Floor’ is another classic tune whilst yet another classic,

‘Frankie’ is sure to get your foot tapping. Erin’s version of ‘Nobody’s Dirty Business’
is quite reminiscent of ‘Cottonfields’ in its style. Perhaps one of the most iconic
blues tunes of all time is ‘Stagolee’ and Erin does it justice here. The album closes

with yet another classic tune, ‘You Are My Sunshine’ and you just can’t help but
singalong!

This album is well put together with a clean and precise production that captures
the essence of what is so good about acoustic country Piedmont style blues. Erin is
not a blues shouter but a more refined blues singer with a gentle warm and inviting

voice. She is also a great finger-style guitarist with impeccable timing and a true
master of her craft. Her husband Jim Countryman really underpins the songs with
his acoustic bass playing style that is both understated yet vital to the rhythm and

he has the knack of playing all of the right notes in all the right places!