For all its simplicity — or is it really that simple? — the country blues as originated by folks like Robert Johnson, Son House, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Charley Patton, and Blind Willie McTell contain a multi-colored galaxy of emotion.

No less than Jimi Hendrix, at the height of anxiety and complexities, would retreat into a dark room and softly play country blues as a form of therapy and succor.

Magical stuff.

It's a great opportunity in this context to see Rory Block Thursday at The Kate. A master — and ongoing student — of country blues for decades, Block continually evolves in her brilliance. Her 2020 recording, "Prove It to Me," is a compelling and urgent recording of original and cover material — and is nominated this year for and Independent Blues Award for Best Album.

Rory Block, 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook; $28; thekate.org, (860) 510-0453.