Every generation seems to produce its own Blues saviour(s) and there’s little doubt that Larkin Poe, an intriguing sister act from north Georgia who have been called “little sisters of the Allman Brothers,” belong on the current list, joining the likes of Gary Clark Jr., Samantha Fish, and Christone “Kingfish” Ingram.

Megan and Rebecca Lovell began their career as teenagers in 2005 and in a few short years were earning their stripes on the folk festival circuit, recording for the transcendent Playing for Change foundation, and backing Elvis Costello and other name artists.

Such diversity points to the fact that it’s not strictly Blues for the now 29- and 31-year-olds – for example, amongst their five albums and extensive online offerings, the ladies have produced a varied and critically acclaimed catalogue of cover songs, including the likes of Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock” and Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here,” and there are also original songs that certainly fit in a contemporary format.

But traditional American roots music of the Delta variety (Mississippi, not coronavirus), are where their hearts clearly are, suitably delivered with Rebecca’s powerhouse vocals and supported by Megan’s smooth lap steel guitar and slide.

Originally called the Lovell Sisters before older sister Jessica called it quits, the newly constituted duo took their name from their great, great, great, great grandfather Larkin Poe, a cousin of the poet Edgar Allan Poe, whose darker influences the sisters cite, though don’t over-use.

That two women with a mere three decades under their belts are carrying the torch for the future of the Blues might seem unlikely, but this week’s offering – their rollicking cover of Son House’s “Preachin’ Blues” – shows what all the fuss is about, and certainly serves notice of the gospel according to Larkin Poe.

Lyrics

Yes, I’m gonna get me religion
I’m gonna join the Baptist Church
Yes, I’m gonna get me religion
I’m gonna join the Baptist Church
You know I wanna be a Baptist preacher
Just so I won’t have to work

One deacon jumped up and he began to grin
One deacon jumped up and he began to grin
You know he said, “One thing, elder I believe
I’ll go back to barrelhousin’ again”

One sister jumped up and she began to shout
One sister jumped up and she began to shout
“You know I’m glad this corn liquor’s goin’ out”

Another deacon jumped up and said, “Why don’t ya hush?”
Another deacon jumped up and said, “Why don’t ya hush?
You know you drink corn liquor and your lie’s a horrible stink”

One sister jumped up and she began to shout
One sister jumped up and she began to shout
“I believe I can tell y’all what it’s all about”

Another sister jumped up, she said, “Why don’t ya hush?”
Another sister jumped up, she said, “Why don’t ya hush?
You know he’s abandoned, and you outta hush your fuss”

I was in the pulpit, I’s jumpin’ up and down
I was in the pulpit, I’s jumpin’ up and down
My sisters in the corner, they’re hollerin’ Alabama bound

You know I wish I had a heaven of my own
You know I wish I had a heaven of my own
I’d give all my women a good ole happy home

I’m gonna preach these blues
And I’m gonna choose my seat and sit down
I’m gonna preach these blues
And I’m gonna choose my seat and sit down
But, when the Spirit comes, I want you to

Grabbed up my suitcase and I took off down the road
Grabbed up my suitcase and I took off down the road
I said, “Farewell church, may the good Lord bless your soul”