Debbie Davies
Blues Blast
Telarc CD-83669
Ever wanted to be part of the “In” blues crowd? Well, Debbie Davies has called a few friends over for a party, and you’re invited!
All you need is a CD player and a copy of Debbie’s new Telarc Blues release Blues Blast. You’re asking “Who RSVP’d?” Well,
how about Coco Montoya and Tab Benoit, both bringing their axes and Charlie Musselwhite with harps in hand. Bruce Katz is
playing a lean, mean B3 organ and there’s a solid rhythm section set up with Rod Carey on bass and Per Hanson on drums.
Put on your high-heeled sneakers and come to the party with me!
Davies and Montoya are alumni of the Albert Collins school of the blues, and pay homage to their mentor on the opener, the
instrumental Montoya original “A.C. Strut.” Both channel Collins in tone and attitude, and the track feels like Albert’s in the room
with them, urging them on.
Not one to sit on the sidelines as a wallflower, Charlie Musselwhite gets up and gets down with “Movin’ & Groovin',” blowing
and exposing the existence of a blues musician: “Movin’ and groovin’, I’m jumping from town to town. Just dropped by to kick these
blues around.” But while he’s here, he’s gonna give that harp a good seeing to, which he does on four tracks. Tab Benoit just got
in from Louisiana, and after wiping the swamp moss off his headstock, he joins in the fun with his sultry strut through “Crawling King
Snake” and a bouncy guitar romp on Howlin’ Wolf’s “Howling For My Darling”.
The long time friends (all have appeared on pervious recordings with Davies) and contemporaries join their considerable forces for
the closing track “Sonoma Sunset.”
At first glance I wondered “Only nine cuts on this CD?” Then I looked at the total playing time: 53:50. You get your monies worth here
because on every track each musician really opened up and took their time with their musical contributions.
Debbie Davies is a gracious hostess for this blues gathering, sharing vocal and guitar duties. But it’s her CD, and fans will recognize
her guitar tone on every track. So get your hands on Blues Blast. This is one party you don’t want to miss!
- Blue Lisa -
Southwest Blues CD Review - October 2007
Current Reviews - 2007 Reviews - available at our store
