Music Review: Bonnie Raitt - Dig in Deep

The flame-haired star, part of rock’s sisterhood with Linda Ronstadt and Maria Muldaur, is a formidable slide guitarist. As a young performer on the Boston coffeehouse circuit in the late 1960s and early ’70s, Raitt met blues greats like Sippie Wallace, Son House and Muddy Waters and immersed herself in the tradition.

Soon, she was winning acclaim for her own bottleneck style. Born and raised a Quaker, she has always mixed activism with her music, campaigning against nuclear energy with No Nukes concerts and co-founding the Rhythm and Blues Foundation, which works to improve royalties, financial conditions, and recognition for R&B pioneers. Her recorded history is exceptional, featuring acclaimed albums like Takin' My Time and Home Plate and earning several Grammy Awards, including one for her cover of Canadian singer-songwriter Shirley Eikhard's "Something to Talk About" and another for her memorable duet with blues legend John Lee Hooker on "I'm in the Mood."

Raitt’s 20^th album keeps up her high standards, showcasing both her fiery string prowess and her earthy vocals over a dozen tracks. Highlights include the gritty “I Knew,” the road anthem “Gypsy in Me” and her sexy cover of INXS’ “Need You Tonight.” It's proof that, after 45 years in the game, Raitt remains one of rock's consistently strong and classiest acts.