3/1/2006

Frank-John Hadley

Flower, a world-class fingerstyle and lap-slide guitarist, weighs in on the close relationship between folk-blues and early jazz with a warm, relaxed session in New Orleans that took place not long before the levees broke. Also a convincing singer with a strong yet light touch, she brings the faculty of fresh discovery to the old Geechie Wiley gem "Last Kind Words Blues" and 13 more, including five originals. Now based in Portland, Ore., after many years in Denver, Flower sounds like she was born to perform with pianists Amasa Miller and Henry Butler, clarinetist Dr. Michael White and other local guys. They're exceptionally communicative.