New England Music Scrapbook
Jeanne French's Mean Man Blues

THIS WEBSITE, if one were to trace it back all the way to its start, came into the world, not as an Internet site at all, but as an e-mail newsletter--Crumbs From the Land of Cake. Jeanne French is one of a handful of individuals that goes all the way back with us to the beginning.

We believe many of Jeanne's American fans are going to be excited to learn about her new album. We have received a copy of Mean Man Blues: Jeanne French Live (CD, Kingsworld, 2002) and it's great. As the title suggests, this collection of cover songs is heavy on the blues. No surprise there. In the '70s and '80s, Jeanne--daughter of New England bluegrass pioneers Bob and Grace French--sang in revved-up roots-rock bands throughout the Northeast. While comparisons to Janis Joplin and Bonnie Raitt are tempting, this disc has as much in common with the classic Sleepy LaBeef live album, Nothin' But the Truth (CD, Rounder, 1987). Veteran fans who know how Jeanne throws herself into her vocals will likely be surprised at the clear, flexible voice she still has. Guitarist John Chee and bassist Mann Giant help give this recording some serious kick. Highlights include a powerhouse performance of the Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses" and a show-stopping version of Jimmy Reed's "Baby, What You Want Me To Do."

At year's end when we think about our 2002 favorites, this is one of the albums we'll be considering for our Top 10.

-- Alan Lewis, revised August 14, 2002