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In April, blues fans will be in for a rare treat as Smoken Joe's presents Paul Rishell and Annie Raines for a special artist residency on Thursday nights. Although they have become known for their close attention to pre-war acoustic blues styles, Paul and Annie first found their musical common ground in a Chicago/Texas-style blues band. Paul and Annie are equally passionate about their craft and devoted to the study and performance of a wide range of blues styles, from the syncopated acoustic guitar wizardry of Blind Lemon Jefferson and Son House to Chicagoan "Little" Walter Jacob's swinging amplified harmonica. Paul has reached what Boston Phoenix writer Ted Drozdowski called "a place deep and resonant as Robert Johnson's crossroads, where authenticity, soul, and a sense of purpose and commitment ring out in every note he sings and plays." Annie has added vocals, mandolin, piano, and other instruments to her musical arsenal, while being recognized by top professionals and fans worldwide as the "queen of the blues harmonica." Says blues legend Pinetop Perkins, "She plays so good it hurts!"