Lou Ann Barton's Jerry Wexler-produced solo debut Old Enough was released in 1984 just before I moved to Austin, and it played no small part in my decision to relocate. Imagine my excitement when I got to witness this sexy, sloe-eyed chanteuse at work on intimate stages around town! Little did I know that Barton had a history, having performed with Stevie Ray and Jimmie Vaughan, Kim Wilson, Paul Ray and others. I've heard some bootlegs from those days, and hot damn she could rock. (Sugar Coated Love, a 1999 reissue, contains some of these tapes.)

Lou Ann followed up Old Enough with the mercifully out-of-print Forbidden Tones but came roaring back with Read My Lips on Antones Records. Easily her best, Lou Ann just tears it up, essaying 15 blues and rock standards with ease, grace, and fire. Other than her girls-night-out disc with Marcia Ball and Angela Strehli, Dreams Come True, Barton hasn't produced an album since.

Learn more about Lou Ann Barton at MusicAustin.com