by Brian D. Holland.

Though Sue Foley won’t sink to the pop level, it doesn’t mean her style lacks freshness and modernism, nor does it mean she’s only suited to one genre. New Used Car, the tenth release from the steamy vocalist and guitarist, is a wonderful blend of blues and contemporary music. Her voice is seductive and passionate, and, when not in a downright bluesy mode, she often pours it out punk-like and in a rocked out manner. Sue’s no ordinary guitarist either. Her playing style is diverse and tuneful. After all, it’s no ordinary thing for a guitarist to relocate from a place like Ottawa, Canada, to Austin, Texas, and become a staple player at Antone’s and other local nightclubs.

New Used Car, Sue’s second release on Germany’s Ruf Records, is alive with vibrant vocals and astounding guitar work. The album opens with the title song. New Used Car, in this case, is symbolic of the rejuvenated love she has to offer her man; she's dependable, lovable, and roadtested. The song is lively and brazen. She belts out the vocal in ‘Make It Real’ in that punk-like manner I had mentioned. It’s interesting to hear a conventional blues-rock melody done with such a seductive, chic vocal. This is what Sue Foley does; it’s what differentiates her from the rest. She's the type of performer who doesn't have to go out of her way to be sexy; she just naturally is. ‘When I Get Back To You’ has a catchy and likable melody, and the rhythmic flow puts you right into sway mode. Both the lead and rhythm guitars are phenomenal. And the guitar playing is all her, double-tracked throughout the CD. ‘Absolution’ is Sue in a slow blues mode. Her solo riffing and rhythmic chops put her on a level with the best.

If you’re new to the music of Sue Foley, or an old fan, New Used Car is a good listen. It’s diverse and complete in the styles and sounds of this female blues-rock leading light. Her voice is sexy, exciting, and original; her guitar playing is skilled and groomed. I can’t get enough of this one. When it comes to women and blues guitar, they don’t come better than Sue Foley.

New Used Car Track Listing

1. New Used Car

2. Make It Real

3. When I Come Back To Ya

4. Absolution

5. Sugar

6. Do It Again

7. Mother

8. Long Tomorrow

9. Little Things

10. Found My Love

11. Deep Freeze

12. Change Your Mind

Sue Foley: electric and acoustic guitars, vocals, percussion
Graham Guest: keyboards
Mike Turenne: bass
Tom Bona: drums
Corey MacFayden: percussion, recording engineer

Links
Purchase 'New Used Car'
Sue Foley
Guitar Women
Ruf Records