Rita Bliss – Live From London EP
This short 3-song sampler EP, Rita Bliss – Live From London (Drops June 5/Independent/11:40), is steeped in a rootsy realm with “July” sung remarkably well in a traditional manner. Rita doesn’t sound like a veteran folk singer but does come across as someone who has absorbed the spirit of the genre to perfection.
She’s an Austin, Texas banjo picker who performs as well with a harmonica during this solo spot at The Green Note in London, which brings a little of the Texas music the world has embraced. Rendered poignantly is “Texarkana.” A well-laid out Grapes of Wrath-type story song & despite the stripped-down set, Rita sings confidently, smoothly with lots of character & bluegrass hues in her showcase. At times, she projects with a warm tone similar in some respects to an artist like Cris Williamson (“Last Sweet Hour”). There’s an old-world, homegrown feeling in her voice, not as rural & Appalachian as Iris De Ment or Dar Williams, but just as sincere.
The songs were captured by Oscar Cainer on February 21, 2026, before a small audience that obviously appreciated the rural, prairie, & mountain styled music to what London is usually accustomed to. The third track, “Two Dollar Bill,” is a narrative in Rita’s distinctive vocal style. Relaxed, with precision & no hokum. A longer album would’ve been nice since the material was not corny, campy, or novelty-oriented. There’s a seriousness & sweetness to each performance.
Did it penetrate the London audience’s ears? Their polite applause must have signaled an appreciation for the deep country-folk tales of Ms. Bliss brought to their showplace. I know music like this has captured the imaginations of audiences in New Zealand, Australia & Scandinavia. I’ve reviewed country-folk-bluegrass albums from artists from those countries & was surprised, if not thrilled, by how well they played & got it.
Rita Bliss sounded quite convincing, brave, & alone on that stage. But she commanded the performance engagingly. She still performs great American heartland music & maintains the tradition faithfully. Pete Seeger would be proud & so would John Hartford. I have to assume with a full band she’d ignite quite a musical fire with her banjo, harmonica & well-articulated voice.
Highlights – All 3.
Color image courtesy of Nicola Gell. CD @ https://ritabliss.com/product/1255131-live-from-london-pre-order-cd
Enjoy some of our previous coverage here: REVIEW: Rita Bliss “Peaches and Apple Pies”