24- Sue Foley "One Guitar Woman"

2024-06-13
By Pierre Jobin (translated from French)

Sue Foley "One Guitar Woman"

A Tribute To The Female Pioneers Of Guitar

Album cover with woman standing in a field, wearing a hat and holding a guitar

Stony Plain SPCD1486

One Guitar Woman, A Tribute To The Female Pioneers Of Guitar, marks the debut acoustic album by guitarist Sue Foley. Undeniably showcasing a remarkable tour de force in her career, the album comprises sixteen personal compositions. Having received accolades from Blues Music Awards, Austin Music Awards, and Maple Blues Awards, Foley, hailing from Ottawa, has continued to push boundaries with her craft. Delving into the inspirations of early 20th-century trailblazers in music and blues, she pays homage to the resilient artists who have influenced her artistry since the beginning of her musical journey. Beyond the realm of blues, these pioneers transcend genres like country, Tex-Mex, flamenco, and classical music—each a virtuoso in their own right, sparking creativity through their distinct styles and unique attributes that have left an indelible mark on the history of the guitar.

African American woman smiling to the camera

Elisabeth Cotten, a self-taught Piedmont fingerpicking guitar player, performs with finesse. Embarking on her career in her sixties, she showcases her talent through selected pieces like Freight Train and Babe It Ain’t No Lie.
African American woman smiling to the camera

Elisabeth Cotten, a self-taught Piedmont fingerpicking guitar player, performs with finesse. Embarking on her career in her sixties, she showcases her talent through selected pieces like Freight Train and Babe It Ain’t No Lie.
African American woman sitting down playing a guitar

Memphis Minnie, born in 1897, stands out as one of the most intriguing and vibrant blueswomen and guitarists in blues history. With a robust personality, she defied the predominantly male blues world of her time with sheer determination and courage. Selected titles like In My Girlish Days and Ain’t Nothing In Rambling reflect her evocative young spirit.
Woman smiling, playing guitar

Known as the matriarch of country music, Maybelle Carter played a pivotal role in Johnny Cash's life as both his mother-in-law and mentor. Renowned for her innovative guitar techniques, such as the iconic Carter scratch, she stands as an institution within the music scene. Sue Foley, in tribute to Carter, found mastering this distinctive style to be her most challenging feat on the album. The selected piece for this homage is "Lonesome Homesick Blues." Foley even penned a song in Carter's honor, paying tribute to her substantial contributions to Country Music and her unifying influence during the economic hardships of the 1930s and the Dustbowl era. Titled "Maybelle's Guitar," the lyrics of this gem were written by Carter, set to the music of "Wildwood Flower" by AP Carter. Lydia Mendoza, known as the "Mother of Tejano Music" or Tex-Mex music, boasts a career spanning six decades and is revered as a 20th-century legend in the music industry. Sue Foley skillfully delves into the emotional depth of the evocative song "Mal Hombre," portraying the tale of a callous man who abandons a young woman after manipulating her. Foley seamlessly translated the song's verses from Spanish to English, while preserving the poetic essence of the chorus in its original language. Her rendition of this song resonates with raw authenticity. Elvie Thomas and Geesie Wiley, esteemed country blues musicians, collaborated on a total of six tracks—most notably with their powerful renditions of "Motherless Child Blues" and "Last Kind Blues." These songs are masterfully showcased on this album.
Woman smiling, playing guitar

Known as the matriarch of country music, Maybelle Carter played a pivotal role in Johnny Cash's life as both his mother-in-law and mentor. Renowned for her innovative guitar techniques, such as the iconic Carter scratch, she stands as an institution within the music scene. Sue Foley, in tribute to Carter, found mastering this distinctive style to be her most challenging feat on the album. The selected piece for this homage is "Lonesome Homesick Blues." Foley even penned a song in Carter's honor, paying tribute to her substantial contributions to Country Music and her unifying influence during the economic hardships of the 1930s and the Dustbowl era. Titled "Maybelle's Guitar," the lyrics of this gem were written by Carter, set to the music of "Wildwood Flower" by AP Carter. Lydia Mendoza, known as the "Mother of Tejano Music" or Tex-Mex music, boasts a career spanning six decades and is revered as a 20th-century legend in the music industry. Sue Foley skillfully delves into the emotional depth of the evocative song "Mal Hombre," portraying the tale of a callous man who abandons a young woman after manipulating her. Foley seamlessly translated the song's verses from Spanish to English, while preserving the poetic essence of the chorus in its original language. Her rendition of this song resonates with raw authenticity. Elvie Thomas and Geesie Wiley, esteemed country blues musicians, collaborated on a total of six tracks—most notably with their powerful renditions of "Motherless Child Blues" and "Last Kind Blues." These songs are masterfully showcased on this album.
Woman smiling, playing guitar

Sister Rosetta Tharpe, affectionately known as the "Godmother of Rock and Roll," left an indelible mark on music history, influencing legendary artists like Little Richard, Johnny Cash, and Chuck Berry. Tharpe broke barriers as one of the first gospel artists to transition to mainstream popular music. Sue Foley pays tribute to her legacy by interpreting Tharpe's original composition "My Journey To The Sky," infusing the song with a reflective and profound essence that captures the essence of Tharpe's rich musical journey. With the selection of Ida Presti, the virtuoso guitarist born in France in 1924, the daring guitarist based in Austin, Texas, delves into the captivating realm of classical guitar music. Presti presents her unique rendition of Nicolas Paganini's Romance in A Minor, a piece by the renowned violinist and composer from the nineteenth century. Sue Foley expresses her deep admiration for Presti, praising her skill, depth, and emotional delivery. Foley recalls her introduction to the guitar through Charo, the talented Spanish-American artist known for her expertise in flamenco and captivating stage presence. Charo's flamenco mastery and vibrant personality left a lasting impact on Foley, inspiring her passion for Spanish guitar. Foley pays homage to Charo by including the beloved classic, La Malaguena, on her compilation album. Utilizing a single nylon string guitar throughout the project, Foley achieves a harmonious and unified sound. In her album, "One Guitar Woman: A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar," Foley invites listeners to embark on a remarkable musical journey filled with sincerity, precision, and artistry. Through meticulous craftsmanship, Foley immerses audiences in the rich heritage of guitar music, offering extraordinary discoveries off the conventional path. For those who appreciate genuine and heartfelt music performed with talent and conviction, this magnificent album is a must-have.
Woman smiling, playing guitar

Sister Rosetta Tharpe, affectionately known as the "Godmother of Rock and Roll," left an indelible mark on music history, influencing legendary artists like Little Richard, Johnny Cash, and Chuck Berry. Tharpe broke barriers as one of the first gospel artists to transition to mainstream popular music. Sue Foley pays tribute to her legacy by interpreting Tharpe's original composition "My Journey To The Sky," infusing the song with a reflective and profound essence that captures the essence of Tharpe's rich musical journey. With the selection of Ida Presti, the virtuoso guitarist born in France in 1924, the daring guitarist based in Austin, Texas, delves into the captivating realm of classical guitar music. Presti presents her unique rendition of Nicolas Paganini's Romance in A Minor, a piece by the renowned violinist and composer from the nineteenth century. Sue Foley expresses her deep admiration for Presti, praising her skill, depth, and emotional delivery. Foley recalls her introduction to the guitar through Charo, the talented Spanish-American artist known for her expertise in flamenco and captivating stage presence. Charo's flamenco mastery and vibrant personality left a lasting impact on Foley, inspiring her passion for Spanish guitar. Foley pays homage to Charo by including the beloved classic, La Malaguena, on her compilation album. Utilizing a single nylon string guitar throughout the project, Foley achieves a harmonious and unified sound. In her album, "One Guitar Woman: A Tribute to the Female Pioneers of Guitar," Foley invites listeners to embark on a remarkable musical journey filled with sincerity, precision, and artistry. Through meticulous craftsmanship, Foley immerses audiences in the rich heritage of guitar music, offering extraordinary discoveries off the conventional path. For those who appreciate genuine and heartfelt music performed with talent and conviction, this magnificent album is a must-have.
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