Wow.

That was my reaction halfway through the first track of Michelle's "Tryin' To Make A Little Love," which also happens to be the title track. This is the rare performer that gets everything right. Her voice is perfect for singing the Blues, and she can sing them too, with its peculiar and a bit raspy sound, and it carries a lot of power. She sings with the strength of Aretha Franklin, Rory Block and Bette Midler. What a great voice.

"Tryin' To Make A Little Love" is almost Jazzy. The title track was written by Joanne Osborne, and it sets a pace that is not let down throughout the rest of the album. The mood is different from other Blues ladies I've heard lately (most recently my 1/99 review of Rory Block's "Confessions Of A Blue's Singer"). Somehow, as I listen to Michelle, the word "Jazz" keeps ringing in my head.

Maybe I've listened a little too much to "Blood, Sweat and Tears." The music arrangements sound just as rich, and like I said before, it provides a very particular mood. Sort of a night club performance atmosphere.

Out of the thirteen tracks, I'm hard pressed to pick a favorite. "Tryin' To Make A Little Love" is great. "Ay La Bas" has a bit of a "Honky Tonk" flavor. A nice surprise was the fourth track, "I Would Rather Do Without It." When it started I swore she was doing a cover on "Deep Purple." I just loved it. There is also what in Spanish is called a "Son," which is a bolero of sorts. "Corazon De Hielo" is an awesome piece of work, and her pronunciation is nearly flawless, although I would have preferred if she had done the whole song in Spanish.

What else can I say? I won't say she rocks, since that's not her style. But she swings with the best. And you can't miss that voice! I am definitely planning on following her.