With the release of “My Precious Blues” by Bluestown Records label, the renowned Norwegian artists Rita Engedalen and Margit Bakken deliver an outstanding and deeply intentional record under the banner of their project Women In Blues. This album marks two decades of solid musical collaboration and stands as a heartfelt vindication about the legacy of the genre’s female pioneers, bringing to the present-day stories of their struggle for recognition, that carry an impressive social relevance.

Across eleven tracks, the album masterfully moves along acoustic blues, passionate gospel and powerful freedom songs. The opening title track, “My Precious Blues”, drives listeners straight into a raw, acoustic atmosphere, where Engedalen’s smoky, nuanced vocals perfectly combine with the instrumentation. Standout cuts include the vibrant gospel track “I Will Be Ready” performed with overflowing devotion, and their fantastic rendition of Clara Smith’s “Strugglin’ Woman’s Blues”, where the vocal chemistry between Engedalen and Bakken reaches heights of deep emotion.

An intimate and visceral piece of work that, not only celebrates the artistic maturity of this Nordic duo but also pays an essential and well-deserved tribute to the resilience of women in the blues music.