CD REVIEWS

An occasional update of music releases

BLUES. Saffire - The Uppity Blues Women - Old, New, Borrowed & Blue. (Alligator), Candye Kane - Home Cookin' (Antone's): Two fine releases show that the blues is not a male-dominated form. Saffire is an acoustic blues trio that has quickly established a reputation for soulful singing and playing as well as for humor. On their fourth release, they perform originals and classics by the likes of Ma Rainey, Jelly Roll Morton, Big Mama Thornton, and Lonnie Mack. Candye Kane - the blues' answer to Mae West - is a big-voiced, saucy singer whose debut is a swinging blend of country and blues. She is backed by her band, the Swinging Armadillos.