A Block Buster Concert Rory Block Combines Ecstatic Stage Presence With Very Personal Songwriting To Secure Blues Status

Rory Block is not only a versatile musician but also an intense stage performer. From blues to folk and many variations within, Block’s immense talents have placed her among the ranks of the blues greats.

Block returns to Spokane Saturday for a show at Spokane Falls Community College.

She is a performer known for her ecstatic stage persona one of flying, foot-stomping rhythms and enthusiastically plucked notes and insistent chords.

With her husky voice, she not only gives new life to the old masters’ songs but also is known for her own deeply personal songwriting.

It was Block’s father who introduced her to music. The leather craftsman played old-time country fiddle and the music of Charlie Poole and Roscoe Holcomb. Growing up in Greenwich Village in the early ‘60s brought Block to the blues. She spent time with legendary musicians such as Mississippi John Hurt, Skip James and Son House.

It was the sounds of the great Delta guitarists with their eccentric rhythms that especially fascinated Block. She was drawn to the work of Robert Johnson, Charlie Patton and Willie Brown.

She would go on to gain great acclaim in music circles, receiving praise from the likes of Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal.

Her albums “Ain’t I A Woman” and “Tornado” featured guest artists such as Mary Chapin Carpenter, Paul Shaeffer as well as members of Dire Straits.

Her 1995 release, “When A Woman Gets the Blues,” landed her a W.C. Handy Award (the Grammy of blues) for traditional blues recording of the year.

CONCERT Rory Block will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday at Spokane Falls Community College Music Auditorium. Tickets are $12.50, available at Street Music, G&B Select-a-Seat outlets or call (800) 325-SEAT.