The blues is part of Carolyn Gaines genetic makeup, and it shows in this, her debut album.

The influence from her background is revealed in her style, though she has made it uniquely her own. Gaines' husky, sultry voice is distinctive and well suited to her performance. Tina Turner has compared her to Big Mama Thornton. She brings a presence which calls to mind those smoky, lively clubs where the Chicago-style blues were born.

A daughter of guitarist-vocalist Ray Gaines and niece of saxophonist Grady Gaines, both of whom have earned their chops in the music business, she grew up immersed in the world of music and recalls singing along to her father's collection of records featuring such noted personalities as Diana Ross, Billie Holiday and Natalie Cole. Later she and her siblings sang at some of her father's club dates. She didn't set out initially to be a performer, opting instead for a theatre arts major, then working in management, publicity, promotion, production of radio and cable TV shows, and writing articles about blues greats.

During this period she also developed the Blues Schools program, presenting information and an introduction to blues music to students all over southern California.

This range of activities ultimately brought her back to performing.

The 11 tracks on this album are a pleasing mix of old standards and a few original compositions. They include the usual hard times and regrets themes, but also some rollicking happy music and subtle humor. Her take on Muddy Waters' "I'm Your Hoochie Coochie Man" gives it a modern, female viewpoint, and is brilliant. Some other personal favorites include her "Mr. Dill Pickle," "Charlie Mae & Chicago" (dedicated to her mother and Buddy Guy) and "I Want Your Money Honey," where she growls and grunts in dangerous passion.

Gaines is backed by Fred Clark, guitar; Glen Doll, harmonica; Rudy Copeland, organ; Del Atkins, bass; Chad Wright, drummer, and her cousin Grady Gaines Jr., performing on tenor sax. Special guest Big Jay McNeely plays sax on three numbers.

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