Rory Block
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| Rory Block | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Aurora Block |
| Born | November 6, 1949 Princeton, New Jersey, U.S.A. |
| Genre(s) | Country blues |
| Occupation(s) | Guitarist |
| Instrument(s) | Guitar |
| Years active | 1964-present |
| Label(s) | Rounder, Telarc, Rykodisc |
| Website | www.roryblock.com |
Aurora "Rory" Block (born November 6, 1949,[1] in Princeton, New Jersey) is an American female blues guitarist and singer, a notable exponent of the country blues style.
Contents |
[edit] Career
Aurora Block was born in Princeton and grew up in Manhattan. Her father, Allan Block, ran a sandal shop in Greenwich Village in the 1960s, and the constant presence of members of the Greenwich Village folk music scene, such as Peter Rowan, Geoff Muldaur and John Sebastian,[1] made an impression on the young girl, who studied classical guitar. At the age of 14, she met guitarist Stefan Grossman, who introduced her to the music of Mississippi Delta blues guitarists.[2] Block was fascinated, and began listening to old albums, transcribing them, and learning to play the songs. At age 15, she left home to seek out the remaining blues giants, such as Mississippi John Hurt, Reverend Gary Davis and Son House, and hone her craft in the traditional manner of blues musicians[1]; then she traveled to Berkeley, California where she played in clubs and coffeehouses.
After retiring temporarily to raise a family, Block returned to the music industry in the 1970s with middling success until signing with Rounder Records in 1981, who encouraged her to return to her love for the classical blues form. Since then she has carved out her own niche, releasing numerous critically acclaimed albums of original and traditional songs, including many Robert Johnson covers, including "Terraplane Blues" and "Come on in My Kitchen". Block has won five W. C. Handy Awards, two for "Traditional Blues Female Artist" (1997, 1998), three for "Acoustic Blues Album of the Year" (1996, 1999, 2007).[1]
Her many albums, such as Turning Point, Angel of Mercy and Tornado have featured her own songs, while Mama's Blues, Ain't I A Woman and When A Women Gets The Blues spend more time amongst her blues models like Tommy and Robert Johnson, and the blueswomen Lottie Beaman and Mattie Delaney.[3]
Block continued to tour, although not as heavily as in earlier times, and she's often accompanied by her grown son Jordan Block, who also plays on her albums. She remained busy in the early part of the 2000s, releasing six albums, including a live recording. 2005's From the Dust drew raving critical reviews, as did 2006's The Lady and Mr. Johnson.[1]
[edit] Discography
- 1965 How to Play Blues Guitar, Elektra Records (artist credited as "Sunshine Kate")
- 1975 Rory Block, RCA Victor 0733
- 1976 Rory Block (I'm in Love), Blue Goose Records 2022
- 1977 Intoxication, So Bitter Sweet, Chrysalis Records 1157
- 1979 You're the One, Chrysalis 1233
- 1978 How to Play the Blues Guitar, Kicking Mule 109
- 1982 High Heeled Blues, Rounder 3061
- 1983 Blue Horizon, Rounder 3073
- 1983 Rhinestone & Steel Strings, Rounder 3085
- 1986 I've Got a Rock in My Sock!, Rounder 3097
- 1987 Best Blues and Originals, Rounder 11525
- 1987 House of Hearts, Rounder 3104
- 1991 Mama's Blues (live), Rounder 3117
- 1992 Ain't I A Woman, Rounder 3120
- 1994 Angel of Mercy, Rounder 3126
- 1995 When A Woman Gets The Blues, Rounder 3139 (1996 Acoustic Blues Album of the Year)
- 1995 Turning Point, Munich 145
- 1996 Tornado, Rounder 3140
- 1997 Gone Woman Blues: The Country Blues Collection, Rounder 11575
- 1997 The Early Tapes 1975-1976, Alcazar
- 1998 Confessions Of A Blues Singer, Rounder 3154 (1999 Acoustic Blues Album of the Year)
- 2002 I'm Every Woman, Rounder 3174
- 2002 Women In (E)motion (live album), Rounder
- 2003 Last Fair Deal, Telarc Records CD-83593
- 2004 Sisters & Brothers (with Eric Bibb and Maria Muldaur), Telarc CD-83588
- 2005 From The Dust, Telarc CD-83614
- 2006 The Lady and Mr Johnson, Rykodisc RCD 10872
- 2008 Blues Walkin' Like a Man: A Tribute To Son House
[edit] Festival appearances
- Long Beach Blues Festival - 1993
- San Francisco Blues Festival - 1999
- Notodden Blues Festival - 2006
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d e Allmusic biography
- ^ "Born to the Blues". FLYP. 2008-11-24. http://www.flypmedia.com/content/born-blues. Retrieved on 2009-07-01.
- ^ Russell, Tony (1997). The Blues: From Robert Johnson to Robert Cray. Dubai: Carlton Books Limited. p. 94. ISBN 1-85868-255-X.
- ^ Mojohand discography
