Ghalia,”Mississippi Blend” (Ruf Records)-Brussels born singer-songwriter Ghalia Volt has certainly come a long way since the time just a few short years ago when she could have been found plying her trade as a busker on the streets of the Belgian capital. Ghalia is now firmly established as one of the major blues talents on the prestigious Ruf label and her latest CD offering is a typically gritty affair, recorded in the hill country of Mississippi with a strong supporting cast including colourfully named characters such as Lightnin’ Malcolm, Watermelon Slim and guitarist Smokehouse Brown. Splendid stuff.