Sue Foley - Deborah Coleman - Roxanne Potvin
Time Bomb
RUF 1129
Collaboration albums are somewhat of a hit or miss proposition. If the artists are not carefully matched, one will almost always dominate
the project, leaving the others as more or less foils for the main attraction. Unless you are making a CD with Sue Foley, Deborah
Coleman and Roxanne Potvin. All accomplished vocalists, songwriters and guitarists, each is a strong and unique enough performer
to hold her own when in the spotlight, and enough of a team player to step out of the spotlight and up to the plate when it’s time to back
up someone else. So, as collaborations should, it allows everyone to shine. And, these women don’t shine like cubic zirconias, they
sparkle like diamonds!
On Time Bomb there are 11 songs - three songs for each to sing lead, one instrumental and one where they share vocal duties. They
are thoughtfully arranged so you get a constant variation of styles and sounds - with the instrumental title track first, then one by
Roxanne, one by Sue, one by Deborah, repeat, repeat and end with a rollicking version of “In The Basement” with everyone jumping
in and adding their individual magic. And, in doing so a ‘Girls Night Out’ anthem is born!
I remember not so long ago when Sue Foley was the new kid on the block, so it’s a pleasure to see how far she has grown as an artist.
Although she has many excellent recordings behind her, Foley seems to have found her artistic home at RUF where she is encouraged
to take control of all aspects of her career. On Time Bomb she not only penned the three songs she sings, but wrote the instrumental as
well, in addition to serving as co-executive producer with label owner, Thomas Ruf.
Far from being three singing chicks with guitars, there are plenty of differences in the women’s styles to make this a charismatic CD.
Sue Foley’s vocals still have that Memphis Minnie like quality that captivated us from the very beginning, but they are stronger and
more assertive with every new project. As is her guitar playing. Deborah Coleman is almost the mirror opposite – her vocal style is
deep and smoky, her guitar playing as fluid and smooth as her voice. And, relative recording newcomer Roxanne Potvin brings to the
songs a vocal and guitar style that is world wise beyond her years, yet still retaining the exuberant nature of a new artist. (Potvin also
wrote two of the songs she sings here.)
On tour this year as “RUF’s Blues Caravan 2007: Blues Guitar Women”, Sue, Deborah and Roxanne get a chance night after night to
polish these gems. We can only hope that the whole thing will result in another CD as enchanting as Time Bomb.
- Blue Lisa -
Southwest Blues CD Review - September 2007
Current Reviews - 2007 Reviews - available at our store
