It feels like we’ve become a bit spoiled and blasé about female singer-songwriters lately, as if there is an endless supply and as one career sinks another is on the rise. It all means that it is ever more difficult for the good ones to register, which is a shame because it would be a crime against the blues if Olga’s NOW IS THE TIME passed by unnoticed. She may well be a San Franciscan of Austrian heritage (not your normal start in the blues) but living in new Orleans and Memphis, it could be argued that spiritually and musically, she has found the perfect home.

Olga struck up a not-so-unlikely, but extremely fortuitous friendship with the legendary Jessie Mae Hemphill (having got in contact they discovered they shared a birthday as well as a musical philosophy) and while Jessie Mae, Maria Muldaur, Los Lobos, Bessie Smith, Ella Fitzgerald and Memphis Minnie have all provided inspiration, if Olga is closest to anyone, it is the flame-haired genius Bonnie Raitt, and she is not over-flattered or over-hyped by being name-checked with Raitt.

There’s an understated completeness about NOW IS THE TIME , all the power of real feelings is there, it’s just that they are not swamped by wave after wave of theatrical over-emotion. Ain’t It A Shame and Can You Forgive Me show that Olga knows her way around a blues ballad, however she’s not some giddy schoolgirl crying over a crushed love. Ain’t It A Shame in particular is carried along by mature reflection. But undoubtedly the talking point of NOW IS THE TIME will be the sensual, seductive clothes she’s wrapped the blues in, What’s The Matter With The Mill may be skillfully rough and ready but the latent sexiness of Olga’s voice means that it hits home.

But it’s her passion for the blues that makes the difference for Olga, she has plunged into the genre with a will, I Won’t Ask and Take Your Rest Daddy are pure and undiluted. Like Raitt, Olga possesses an inherent and natural magnetism that opens up the blues and makes it accessible to all, and, as she slinks her way through the album, she demonstrates the power to make grown men’s eyes mist over.
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Olga’s third album Now Is The Time is the first time that I have been able to hear this amazing, sexy guitar slinger and vocalist. From just one spin of this disk, I got a sense of nearly everything this musician is about; from her voice to her backing band, which includes husband Jimbo Mathus, you can feel the love for what she is committed to doing. This love comes shinning though on this powerful country blues recording.

 The disk opens with the title track and from the rumble of the first drum roll you can tell that this one is going to be good. The band, which can expand to seven instruments, comes together well here in one of its simpler forms. The bridge is a wonderful example of country blues done right, everyone complements each other well throughout the entire disk. The funky bass and guitar work set the tone for the rest of the album. Even Olga’s vocals blend perfectly with the sound of the band, as if just another instrument.

 “Weary” is a jumping blues boogie, driven to madness by the backbeat of Paul Taylor and Steve Malcolm, while Jimbo again shows his mastery of the guitar. The tune is cut from the mold of blues rockers Canned Heat; “Weary” has the same vibe as their “On The Road Again”. Definitely a jam you can play over again while cruising down a long, lonely highway. While “Ain’t It A Shame” is a slower tune with a rolling sound provided by a solid drum kick and a “washtub” bass thump. Here Jimbo shows his mastery of string instruments in general, by playing the mandolin as Olga’s passionate vocals drive home lyrics such as “such a shame/ two people so deep in love/ can’t act like grown-ups”.

 “What’s The Matter with The Mill” and “Stealin’” have the band playing in a 1930’s country/blues style, very similar to the same simple sound that can be found on Jimbo’s new album, old scool hot wings. Olga’s strong vocals get playful in these tracks as Jimbo and company sing alongside her.

 “I Won’t Ask” is a solid rocker that has a soul/English-blues sound to it. Certainly a tune that would have found a place on the Billboard Top-Ten in the mid 1960s, with its groovy guitar and Memphis soul bass. The mixing of Olga’s vocals is perfect on this track, with just the right amount of distortion and feedback.

 The country/soul of “Can You Forgive Me” make this track one of my favorites, Olga’s sweet yet strong vocals display a passion that shakes the soul and hits your heart as she repeats the title and asks for forgiveness.

 On “Fool” and “Gotta Keep Moving” the band gets into some solid blues/funk with deep bass runs and a solid shuffle on the drums. Jimbo’s guitar picking is outstanding as usual and is a highlight of the CD.

 The CD closes with a track that puts the spotlight on Olga’s vocals and Jimbo’s picking, “GDTRFB” (going down the road feeling bad). The song is a wonderful example of the fact that at times less can be more; a perfect blend of two guitars and two voices. At the beginning and end of this track we get a sample of Miss Olga’s very sexy speaking voice, complete with a light southern accent.

 Now Is The Time is an entertaining slice of country blues, packed with style and flair, each entry has its own appeal. The band’s performance is solid throughout, tackling every style effectively and with ease, while Olga’s strong, passionate vocals weave it all together. This being her third album makes now the time for me to run out and find the fist two and hear what I’ve been missing out on. Needless to say that Olga has got a new fan in…
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She's got a sexy body, she sings a sexy voice, she plays a real sexy guitar and this album, I think, is just the thing for long road trips, especially at night, and it's just perfect for sex! It's certainly not bad for a one-woman show when you come to think of it. I ordered three copies in the mail only yesterday and I cannot wait to play one of them! "One Good Thing" and "Gotta Put my Hands on You" I have to say are the CD's highlights, not to mention "Can't Keep a Good Girl Down". I love hearing her introduce occaisional songs, too. Keep crooning, Olga!!
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"The question is, could acoustic blues be any better than this? There is something very special about this singer and guitarist, who in many respects, is comparable to the big names. You would have to look long and hard to find someone with more passion."

"Olga, as she is called, seems to have found her own niche, combining acoustic country blues with singer/songwriter material."

"A love of the blues is evident in this album, which was recorded at a simple home studio. The technique paid off. The sound is great, never canned. The sound pulls the listener in and the inspiration is strong. Olga lives the blues and her style opens new windows to improvisation. You can hear that she follows her passion on these 14 tracks, all of which are original material with the exception of the Buddy Bolden tune 219 Train. Her technique on the guitar varies. She usually accompanies herself on different guitars, but you can also hear a washboard, bells and tambourine."
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