October 29, 2023
BACKBONE Deb Callahan (Blue Pearl Records) *****+
This is the 6th album for this Philly based blues singer/ songwriter, the follow-up to 2015’s Sweet Soul, and it’s a knockout. Backbone swings and grooves from the first note to the last, powered by Callahan’s powerful voice and some extremely sweet playing from her road tested all-star band. This is very likely one of the best albums you’ll hear this year; completely irresistible.
Backbone is funk with a blues soul, richly produced by guitarist Chris Arms. As a singer Deb has the power of Shemekia Copeland but with more control, and her band is absolutely stunning at every turn. It feels like the disc is built around the fat grooves laid down by bassist Garry Lee but the contributions of Allen James (guitar) and Tom Walling (drums) are equally critical ingredients in this delicious recipe; after all they’ve been playing together 16 years now, and that relationship is on full display. Backbone also features London producer/ songwriter Danny Schogger on keys and producer Arms on slide, plus a number of special guests.
Backbone is 12 cuts in all, 10 written and/or co-written by Callahan plus covers of Percy Mayfield’s Danger Zone and Sean Costello’s Anytime You Want. The disc embraces a range of rock, soul, roots and swing styles with a funk ‘n’ blues… er, ‘backbone’. It’s a record of its times, reflecting the intense impact of world events of the past few years as the songs deal with themes of uncertainty, vulnerability, polarization in beliefs, freedom, taking a stand for what you believe in but most importantly, letting go. As you consider the lyrical messages the music itself has a relaxed yet intense focus, laid back but with a laser focus and firm grip on the groove.
I’ll give the last word to Blues Music Magazine; “Anyone who thinks contemporary blues is not evolving enough lyrically or stylistically need only have a listen Callahan’s pioneering originals here to have their faith restored.” Backbone is seriously excellent.
HOT TRACKS: What I’m Workin’ With, Big Girl Pants, Just What The Doctor Ordered
Copyright Deb Callahan Band 2023