Hot Souse

A band versatile enough to show several musical faces sometimes risks diluting its identity, a fate that the Canton septet Hot Souse avoids. Blues sounds of the jump, Chicago, and Delta variety, along with old-school R&B, jazzy moments, and the occasional original track are all part of the group's arsenal.

While each member is a rock-solid contributor, the standout element here is the tag team of Laura and Sam Henderson. The former ranges from a cool, coquettish take on "Route 66" to a punchy, post-Joplin torch job on "It Hurt So Bad." The latter shines on a pair of the band's engaging originals, "Uphill Rider" and "Cryin' Out." In addition, there's enough good harmonica, sax, organ, and slide guitar goin' on here to keep this outfit workin' regular. Easily one of the region's freshest blues-based bands, Hot Souse is worthy of your attention.