One of the big stories last fall was the forthcoming album from Samantha Martin & Delta Sugar, the critical success of Send The Nightingale serving to heighten the anticipation. The TBS selected the newly enlarged group after a competition at Hugh’s Room with Dan McKinnon and Raoul & The Big Time to be its representative at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis. Alas, that trip proved to be unsuccessful but a major record label reached a much different conclusion and the album will soon be here for us all to enjoy – the Release Party is at The Horseshoe on April 28th. Delta Sugar is Sherie Marshall and Mwansa Mwansa, Samantha calls them ‘co-vocalists’, and if you enjoyed those harmonies on Send The Nightingale, you’ll be enthralled here. With a full rhythm section, piano, organ and four horns, this is now an eleven-piece spectacular. ‘Run To Me’ is the chorus on “You’re The Love” the tuneful opener with its chiming guitar parts. It’s just one of the highlights. Another, one that should be released to radio, is “Good Trouble”, a delightful rocker. “All Night Long” is another scorcher about a partner who’s been away longer than can be explained. “Only So Much” leads the slower songs, with a gorgeous, doom-laden arrangement of song about an abused wife & mother. Close behind is “Chasing Dreams”, an excellent song about lack of progress. All ten songs are originals, either by Samantha or co-written with Curtis Chaffey or Suzie Vinnick. And they are all very good songs that demand a great deal of the singer and Samantha does that and more. The band is there every step of the way, with a rhythm section led by Morgan Doctor on drums. Special mention goes to the horn arrangements but there are no weak links here. You must be at the Shoe on the 28th. The web site is www.samanthamartinmusic.com.