CANDYE KANE "SISTER VAGABOND" Source: The Philadephia Inquirer Date: 09/2011 Writer: Nick Cristiano

"Sister Vagabond"

Three years ago Candye Kane underwent lifesaving surgery for pancreatic cancer. Judging by her new album, many of her latest scars came on the battlefield of love. Not to worry, however: She remains as joyously irrepressible - and colorful - as ever.

Kane can still belt the blues with gritty authority, as she does on Jack Tempchin's "Everybody's Gonna Love Somebody Tonight," one of only four nonoriginals on the 13-song Sister Vagabond. But with ace guitarist Laura Chavez as her main musical partner, the singer continues to branch out masterfully from her blues base. "Love Insurance" mixes girl-group pop with R&B horns; "Sweet Nothin's" brings a slinky swamp groove to the old Brenda Lee pop number; and "Have a Nice Day" is a zydeco-flavored romp. A few others echo '50s sounds, from the "I Put a Spell on You" vibe of "Walkin', Talkin' Haunted House" to the swinging R&B and bass duet vocal of "Side Dish."

On the rocker "Hard Knock Gal," Kane pays tribute to the sisters who have taken a licking, gotten back up, and don't take guff from anybody. It's pretty clear from the life-affirming spirit that burns through this album that no one fits that description better than Kane herself.