Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: FRIDAY, April 6, 1990 TAG: 9004060083
SECTION: EXTRA PAGE: E1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: TRACY WIMMER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
Having recently released their first album on Alligator records, the D.C.-based band will be promoting "Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women" on Saturday as part of Virginia Tech's 9th Annual Women's Week celebration.
Theirs is the story of three women who have combined their friendship and talent into a blues trio that even people who don't like the blues can't resist. These ethnically diverse, independent, 40-ish women quit their 9-to-5 jobs in 1988 and hit the road playing and singing their compelling, sometimes off-color but always good-humored, acoustic blues.
The group includes: Earlene Lewis, an Oklahoman who boasts a Cherokee heritage and plays acoustic bass; Ann Rabson, a Jewish Ohioan, who plays piano and guitar; and Gaye Adegbalola, an African-American Baptist from Virginia, who plays acoustic guitar and harmonica.
The trio currently averages nearly 200 live performances a year with each performance bringing back a set of standards.
"Middle Aged Blues Boogie," an original tune that's become their signature standard, is a bawdy, humorous piece with a clear vein of truth. And truth is what these uppity blues women sing best.
Saffire will perform on Saturday, April 7 at the South Main Cafe, 117 S. Main in Blacksburg. open at 9 p.m. Tickets cost $4 for ages 21 and under, $5 for patrons over 21. For more information, call 951-8202.
by CNB