Etta James: Long-lived and legendary

Etta James
Matriarch of the Blues
(Private Music Records)

By David John Farinella
Special to CNN Interactive

(CNN) - If Etta James worked in corporate America she'd had been given the silver watch, the golden parachute and thanked for her efforts long ago.

Happily, James is in a different universe, one that's inhabited by a few legendary names who consistently have offered poignant, soulful music.

During a career that's spanned 45 years, James has touched down on any number of musical styles. She's been a whirling blues dervish, a sultry jazz crooner, a pop music master and a R&B balladeer. James has rarely faltered, even during her lean times.

AUDIO 'Gotta Serve Somebody' 240KWAV sound 'Miss You' 400KWAV sound   MORE REVIEWS Read our latest reviews of box sets, greatest hit albums

"Matriarch of the Blues," her latest, is another example of how a legend works.

Over a 12-song set, she pours her throaty, gritty vocals over a healthy dose of the blues standards and pulls a few more traditional rock/pop songs into the blues arena. One example is "Miss You," a Rolling Stones rock ballad that James reworks masterfully.

Her cover of Bob Dylan's "Gotta Serve Somebody" opens this collection with passion and energy. Clearly, James believes in Dylan's message. The Roots Band, who has been her touring band for years, doesn't miss a step, either.

Over the past couple of years, James has turned to a number of other genres, but her voice lends itself best to the blues.

Thanks to James' ability to push and pull emotion through music, without becoming extravagantly emotive, this should be considered one of her finest hours.

See related sites about MUSIC

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.