Living Blues Magazine

Geneva Red & The Roadsters "In The Red"

Volume 32   #2

By Peter R. Aschoff
Contributing Writer

In The Red is the sophomore release by one of the few women blowing harp and leading her own band. The songs are all original, but the sound is classic '50s blues, and the Chicago-based Geneva Red plays with a driving style that touches all the ancestral bases, including prewar blues (Cotton Ain't King), Walter Horton (First Tune, First Set), modern dance themes (Red's Theme), the obligatory Jimmy Reed-style shuffle (They Tryin' To Ruin Us) and even a solo tribute to the Grand Ole Opry's DeFord Bailey (My Tribute to DeFord). Adding new depth to the Roadsters (still lead by guitarist Jackie 5 & Dime) is Floyd Murphy, whose career goes back to Sun Records, where he played guitar on Mystery Train and other sides by Junior Parker. Also sitting in on seven sides recorded at today's Sun Studio is world class drummer Sam Carr. Blues fans who like harp, solid vocals, and an original playlist that spans the history of the form will enjoy Geneva Red & The Roadsters.