Award-winning guitarist/singer Sue Foley, recently released a new CD, Pinky’s Blues, as a tribute to her partner in crime—her sidekick, a pink Fender Telecaster she aptly named Pinky.
It’s not unusual for a musician to latch onto a special guitar. Or, in Sue’s case, for a guitar to latch onto the artist. While the most famous is undoubtedly Willie’s Trigger, Pinky sits right up there at the top of the blues ladder, along with Sue. She considers her guitar a living extension of herself. About the day she walked into a music store and found Pinky, she said, “It was like a light shined down on this sweet pink Tele hanging on the wall behind the cash register.” She knew that was the guitar for her. And they’ve been together ever since.
During the COVID lockdown, she, along with Mike Flanigin started a live stream show called “Texas Blues Party.” In the process of producing this music show, both Foley and Flanigin were inspired to record albums. Mike Flanigin produced Pinky’s Blues.
The first track is the title and is a perfect rendition of what the blues truly represents. Soulful and despondent, each guitar lick is precisely executed, exactly what you’d expect from this dedicated award-winning artist.
“Two Bit Texas Town,” written by Angela Strehli, carries the listener straight into the journey of Pinky’s Blues. Sue’s voice lends itself perfectly to the song.
Foley confesses that “Dallas Man” was written about all the great guitar players from the Dallas area. Her list is too long to name but starts with Blind Lemon Jefferson and, of course, includes the Vaughan brothers.
However, the album also includes Foley’s special takes on classics such as Lavelle White’s “Stop These Teardrops,” Frankie Lee Sims, “Boogie Real Low,” and even includes songs by Clarence Gatemouth Brown and Willie Dixon. I have to say each rendition of these tunes is unique and powerful with Foley’s signature guitar licks and soulful lyrics.
“Hurricane Girl,” penned by Foley, seems autobiographical. Truly, Sue Foley’s guitar prowess and strong vocals could be likened to a hurricane. “I’m a force of nature. I’m a hurricane girl…” The legendary Jimmie Vaughan joins Foley on this tune. It was interesting to pick out the difference between the two legendary players. Because each has their own distinctive style, it’s not hard to tell when they switch licks.
Everything on this album is undoubtedly a labor of love—an undeniable love of the blues, a special pink telecaster, and a passion for playing it. If you’re a fan of everything blues, this album is a must for your collection.
For her tour info and more, visit http://suefoley.com/
