Award-winning blues guitarist/ singer, Sue Foley has announced the release of her new album, Pinky’s Blues via Stony Plain Records on October 22, 2021. The album features several Sue Foley originals, as well as songs from some of her favorite blues and roots artists, Pinky’s Blueswas recorded at Fire Station Studios in San Marcos, Texas. oining Sue Foley (guitar, vocals) for the recording sessions were Jon Penner (bass), Chris “Whipper” Layton (drums) and Mike Flanigin (Hammond B3 organ), who also produced the album.
To support the release of her new disc, Foley will embark on an extensive tour schedule that includes both an official showcase at the upcoming September Americana Music Conference in Nashville, as well as a set at the Kessler Day Party Showcase during the conference.
Foley also shot videos for three songs from the new album that were directed by Tim Hardiman, who directed the latest Black Keys video.
The disc’s first single, “Dallas Man,” also bears special significance to Foley.
“I realized when I wrote ‘Dallas Man’ it was just about all these great guitar players from Dallas and right around there,” Foley says. “I’ve always been infatuated with Blind Lemon Jefferson and had been reading about him and working up some of his songs. Between Blind Lemon Jefferson and Frankie Lee Sims, and then working on some Freddie King and always watching Jimmie Vaughan came the idea of ‘Dallas Man.’ Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jimmie Vaughan, Freddie King, T-Bone Walker, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Frankie Lee Sims, Anson Funderburgh, Zuzu Bollin, Doyle Bramhall II, Denny Freeman and Derek O’Brien all came from that area. That’s almost a whole album right there!”
Leaving Canada as a young player, Foley knew she had to go where the music thrived. All her years in Austin, and including those when she left to learn new approaches to life, have all come together on Pinky’s Blues.
“The fact that I have ended up back in Austin just seems right,” Foley says. “My home is Canada and I definitely identify as a Canadian. But I had a yearning for this music and I can’t even put my finger on why or how. It got in my soul when I was a teenager. I guess I was open and I got imprinted by the sound and the force of blues music. I saw my first blues show at 15 and I swear I’ve never been the same. I was lucky because I was able to play with so many legends before they passed away. That direct transmission, as we know, is what it’s all about. I have the kind of experience and education that you can’t even get anymore. In a way it’s a big responsibility to carry the message of these giants. But even more important, it’s about finding your own voice within this framework. In blues, that takes time. The beauty of blues, and something I’ve always loved about it, is that you get better as you get older. I’ve always been a fan of older musicians. There’s something about the message, the life experience, the whole package. If you can keep a good perspective on life, a sense of humor, and a love for what you’re doing, you have much more to give. This is when it all really happens.”
The “cabin fever” atmosphere created by the pandemic, also afforded her an opportunity to really map out her next moves.
“I’ve had a lot of time to think about what the next chapter is,” Foley admits. “After being home for so long, all I really want to do is turn up and play my guitar for as many folks as I can. I can’t wait to get out on the road.”
Check out the video for “Dallas Man” below, and stay up to date with Sue via her socials.
Upcoming Tour Dates:
September 23 – Kessler Day Party – Bobby Hotel (3pm) – Nashville, TN
September 25 – Americana Fest – Nashville, TN
October 15 – Antone’s – Austin, TX
October 22 – Rockefellers – Austin, TX
October 25 – SPACE – Evanston, IL
October 26 – Shank Hall – Milwaukee, WI
October 28 – Sportsmen’s Bar – Buffalo, NY
October 31 – The Met – Pawtucket, RI
November 1 – City Winery – Boston, MA
November 2 – Cafe Nine – New Haven, CT
November 3 – Iridium – New York, NY
November 5 – The Living Room – Philadelphia, PA
November 6 – Thunderbird Cafe/Music Hall – Pittsburgh, PA
November 7 – Natalie’s Grandview – Columbus, OH