Ann Rabson has performed blues, mostly as a solo artist, since her first paying gig in 1962. In the mid-1980s Ann joined with two friends to form the popular group Saffire. In addition to appearing on seven Saffire albums and, as a side person, on many other albums, Ann has released three solo albums, "Music Makin' Mama," (1997) and "Struttin' My Stuff" (2000) and "In A Family Way" (2004) to enthusiastic critical acclaim. Music Makin' Mama was nominated for two W.C. Handy Awards (now Blues Music Awards). Ann has been nominated as Blues Piano Player in 2007 and as Traditional Female Blues Artist of the Year seven times and her composition "Elevator Man" was nominated for Song of the Year. In addition to touring with Saffire, Ann maintains an active solo touring schedule in the U.S., Canada and overseas. Here's what the critics say: Ann Rabson is a rollicking barrelhouse pianist, a respected Piedmont-style finger picking guitarist and the kind of songwriter that makes her rivals jealous. She's also blessed with an immediately identifiable, husky contralto. . . -Singout ... she has what it takes to hang with the finest blues players in the world... fine acoustic guitar work in a traditional blues setting... a rolicking, good-time, r&b, boogie-woogie-blues record -Goldmine ... best known for her stellar keyboard work ... is equally at home punching out serious licks on her acoustic guitar. Her broody, smoky voice can belt out a lyric with the best of them. Rabson's skills on the 88s are remarkably versatile. It's a fact: The woman was born with the music in her heart and in her soul. -Blues Revue ... her precise and highly original fingerpicking ... shares equal time with her romping barrelhouse piano stylings ... -Acoustic Guitar Characterized by a richly dynamic right hand and sprightly bass figures ... -Keyboard ... rollicking ... her voice attains a newfound sureness and aggression. Her piano ... fuses bluesy romanticism with street- tough grittiness ... her lithe, Piedmont-laced fingerpicking style ... a solo artist of power, grace, and versatility. -Living Blues ...Rabson reveals herself as more than another revivalist jumping on the acoustic blues wagon. -All Music Guide