Video Premiere: Sue Foley “Southern Men”

Photo: Sue Foley by Danny Clinch

We are pleased to exclusively premiere the video “Southern Men” by multi award-winning blues guitarist, singer, songwriter Sue Foley, from her forthcoming album, ‘Pinky’s Blues’ out October 22 via Stony Plain Records. Recorded at Fire Station Studios in San Marcos, Texas, Pinky’s Blues by Sue Foley features several of her originals, as well as songs from some of her favorite blues and roots artists. Joining 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. The legendary Jimmie Vaughan joins in as a special guest on rhythm guitar for the track, “Hurricane Girl.”

Austin-based, Canadian blues guitar/vocal queen Sue Foley walks a line between swamp and surf on her new track “Southern Men.” Foley’s spellbinding vocals and sparkling Telecaster tones create an innovative Texas-Noir sound on this one that feels unique and special and sits wonderfully against her band’s deep groove. It’s a strong, sultry cut that reminds us all how dynamic Foley is on all levels of her game. Her guitar lines demonstrate her natural gift for phrasing that rivals the giants of old and her star turn in the video is also smoldering hot. Foley is one of the finest all-around talents making music today and continues to amaze and entertain blues fans everywhere. Get yourself laid back and put this one on “repeat.”

Sue Foley says, “‘Southern Men,’ originally called ‘Southern Women,’ is a deep cut by Tommy Brown off an obscure compilation album called Blues in D Natural. I’ve had that album since I was a teen and referred back to it for inspiration before hitting the studio. I was obsessed with this song almost my whole life. It was a magical performance that featured the most haunting harmonica solo by Big Walter Horton. I knew I’d have to put my own spin on it to make it work, and I think we did pretty well, using an entirely new approach. This new approach features my pink paisley Telecaster, ‘Pinky,’ front and center, stinging notes, intertwining with Chris ‘Whipper’ Layton’s strident rhythm in a hypnotic, sexy groove.”

Watch “Southern Men”

Pinky’s Blues is the follow-up to Sue Foley’s award-winning breakout album, The Ice Queen, released in 2018. Foley’s new album is a raw, electric guitar driven romp through the backroads of Texas blues, with Foley’s signature pink paisley Fender Telecaster, “Pinky,” at the wheel. She won “Best Traditional Female (Koko Taylor Award)” at the 2020 Blues Music Awards in Memphis, was nominated for a Juno Award (Canadian Grammy), and she took home the award for “Best Guitar Player” at the Toronto Maple Blues Awards.

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 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.”

For the last few years Foley and her band have kept a rigorous touring schedule across the USA, Canada and Europe. Some highlights were appearances at The Beacon Theater (NYC), guesting with Jimmie Vaughan (opening for Eric Clapton) at Royal Albert Hall in London, Montreal Jazz Festival, Ottawa Bluesfest (w/ Buddy Guy), Moulin Blues (Holland), NPR’s Mountain Stage (with Bela Fleck), Doheny Blues Festival, and the Jungle Show in Austin, Texas.

Sue Foley is about to embark on a nationwide tour including two shows during the Americana Music Conference in Nashville. For tour dates see here.