Album Notes

Hailing from Port Arthur, Texas (the same hometown as the legendary Janis Joplin), Becky Barksdale began playing when her grandfather gave her a guitar at the age of twelve. She was gigging on the regional scene by the time she was sixteen, leading to a period on the road with a latter day lineup of blues-boogie band Canned Heat. Through word of mouth, Barksdale came to the attention of Michael Jackson and was hand-picked to play guitar for the pop superstar on his tour to promote his Dangerous release in 1993. With her profile quickly on the rise, Barksdale became the first artist signed to the House Of Blues label, appearing on the 1996 compilation HOT BISCUITS, and the 1997 compilation ESSENTIAL WOMEN IN BLUES. In 1999, she released REAL LIVE, a live recording earning rave reviews.

Becky's 2003 release, OUT OF THE BLUE is a fantastic ride that covers a big hunk of musical territory. From the swampy Southeast Texas bar room blues of "Muddy Water" - to the fun urban-esk blues of "Make My Move." She digs into a rockin' Stones groove and then slides into the heartfelt roots rock feel of "Bone In Your Back."
Her guitar playing covers a lot of territory as well. Becky's delicately sweet touch on the title cut "Out Of The Blue" soon becomes the rough and ragged 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre' on the blues classic "Hipshake" - not to mention, a cool tip of the hat to blues legend Freddie King on her cover of "Muddy Water."

And there's no filler here - Every song is a winner. The lyrics take a stand. They are the voice of strong, intelligent woman with a brash 'tell it like it is' attitude. These songs come with soul. Powerful and sensual, exhilarating and intimate... and there's no doubt she means it.

OUT OF THE BLUE offers 12 new tracks of music, including 8 previously unrecorded original songs, 3 blues classics and a special bonus track - a new version of an original song previously only available on live and compilation CDs.

"Major talent... "And I believe her, I believe every single thing she says and plays." - LOS ANGELES MAGAZINE

"absolutely thrilling... Barksdale sings with gusto, as well as lusto - as if no one is getting off more than she is." - LA WEEKLY

"...unearthly intensity..." GUITAR PLAYER MAGAZINE

Guitars and Vocals: Becky Barksdale
Drums: Joey Waronker
Bass: David Sutton & Becky Barksdale