Ally Venable, “Heart of Fire” (Ruf Records)- The future of the contemporary blues genre is in safe hands as long as gifted young performers such as Ally Venable are around to keep the flame burning with such power and passion. The talented Texan has found a sympathetic outlet for her gritty musical exploits in Germany’s excellent Ruf Records operation, and her second album for the label captures the singer and guitarist in typically uncompromising form as she serves up rootsy gems such as “Played The Game,” “Do It In Heels” and “Hateful Blues” for your listening pleasure alongside a soulful revamp of the late great Bill Withers’ classic “Use Me.”