Backbone

Philadelphia’s blues-soul singer and songwriter Deb Callahan releases her 6th CD “Backbone” on Blue Pearl Records. The CD, produced by Philadelphia producer, songwriter and guitarist Chris Arms was recorded live at Morningstar Studios in Norristown, PA with overdubs and mixing completed at Arms’ Studio 501 in Philadelphia. Deb recorded this album with her road tested, all- star band of Allen James on guitar, Garry Lee on bass and Tom Walling on drums. The CD features London’s producer and songwriter Danny Schogger on keyboards and Arms on slide guitar. There are guest appearances by Philly’s Jay Davidson on sax, John Colgan Davis on harmonica and Charlene Holloway on backing vocals. The core bands years of playing together creates a unique chemistry and an ability to play with an easy, nuanced improvisation.

Deb’s last CD, “Sweet Soul” was released in 2015 and produced by Los Angeles based producer-drummer Tony Braunagel. This CD, which received great reviews, was written in the years after Deb became a new parent to her son with a focus on love, connection and family. “Backbone” has a blues, funk, soul, rock, roots vibe and includes a range of styles. The songwriting reflects the impact of world events over the past few years exploring themes of uncertainty, vulnerability, being comfortable with and showing up for yourself, taking a stand, polarization in beliefs, freedom and letting go. Deb worked with Arms, Schogger and James to write the original material and chose two covers that fit in well with the material including Percy Mayfield’s Danger Zone and Sean Costello’s “Anytime You Want”.

$20