What is it about Satan and the blues? The Horned Imp inspires artists in the genre in big fashion — and not just because Robert Johnson kick-started the whole fad when three of his 29-song catalog were "Crossroads," "Hellhound on my Trail" and "Me and the Devil Blues."

There's no end in sight. Consider Julie Rhodes, a tremendously emotive and forceful singer-songwriter from Somerville, Mass. With her Union Band, Rhodes, whose voice and tunes resonate in finest Irma Thomas/Etta James fashion, is about to release a debut album. And — yes! — it's called "Bound to Meet the Devil."

Rhodes and the Union Band celebrate all sorts of musical deviltry on Friday in New London's Oasis Pub. Also on the bill is celebrated hometown chanteuse Daphne Lee Martin and, from Asbury Park, N.J., Francis Lombardi. Worth noting: Lombardi and Martin recently toured together, and there might be some cool sonic surprises.

Julie Rhodes and the Union Band, 9 p.m. Friday, Oasis Pub, 16 Bank St., New London; $5; (860) 447-3929.