BLUES REVUE MAGAZINE

Blues Revue Magazine, September 1999 "Real Live" documents singer-guitarist Becky Barksdale cutting lose on 10 intense original in front of a studio audience. She digs into sophisticated slow blues, a Stones/Mott ringer, and a tribute to Jimi Hendrix, not to mention a little "Back to Texas" broomdusting. The voice, the guitar and the feel are all there on such songs as "Wrap Me Up", "Fun" and " I Wish". The music isn't 200 proof blues, but it retains the feel when the form strays -- there's more emotion packed into this album than in racks of others. Barksdale's tough, sexy and performin'. Star quality. (Tom Hyslop)     © 1999 Blues Revue Magazine