On the eve of this year's International Blues Challenge, we're thrilled to announce the signing of 2006 IBC winner Eden Brent, a masterful blues and boogie pianist and vocal stylist. Dubbed "Little Boogaloo" by her mentor and duo partner, the late Abie "Boogaloo" Ames, this Mississippi Delta native holds a degree in music performance but credits Ames' down-home tutelage with teaching her how to "really play."

Described by one critic as "Bessie Smith meets Diana Krall meets Janis Joplin," other reviewers have compared her to Dinah Washington, Sarah Vaughn and Norah Jones (our favorite line, though, involved "an angel on Viagra.") Never mind the comparisons. Eden's fresh voice is one-of-a-kind, and her distinctive style, fusing elements of blues, jazz, soul, gospel and pop, is turning the heads of roots music lovers nationwide.

Eden's new album, Mississippi Number One, is a tribute to her home and the "blues highway" that passes nearby.  It will be in stores in April, but we'll have advance copies available in late February!

• More details and sound samples

• Taking pre-orders now! Visit the Order page to reserve your advance copy, shipping later in February.