October 29, 2023

Deb Callahan – Backbone Blue Pearl Records https://www.debcallahanband.com/ 12 tracks/47:58

Reviewed by Mark Nelson

Philadelphia native Deb Callahan has given us 6 releases over the last 2 decades. Her soul/blues material has pleased fans. It’s been 8 years since her last release Sweet Soul in 2015. The CD has 10 originals and 2 covers. Callahan covers the vocals, with Allen James (guitar), Garry Lee (bass) and Tom Wallings (drums) are the core road tested band. Danny Schogger (piano/organ), Jay Davidson (sax), Steve Jankowski (horns), John Colgan Davis (harmonica) and Charlene Holloway (backing vocals) augment the band. The music has a blues and funk base, supporting soul, rock, roots and swing influences. The opener is “What I’m Workin With”. This is a funky dance tune with the horn section adding to the punch. I like the funky line that carries the tune called “Crazy Ride”. It will get everyone tapping their toes if not up to dance. “Big Girl Pants” is up next. This one rocks with the best of them. The 4th tune is called “Rogue”. I like this soulful blues tune. The guitar work reminds me a bit of B.B. King, very tastefully done. “A Few New Tricks” is a good blues song. Callahan’s vocals are first rate on this mid-tempo tune. “Danger Zone” is a mellow tune with some good lyrics and guitar work. It was written by Percy Mayfield. The blues come back on “Still Fighting To Be Free”. John Colgan Davis adds his harp on this history telling blues tune. The blues stay slow and steamy on “Don’t Tread On Me”. Callahan keeps up with her fine vocals. I like the guitar intro to “Cleaning House”. This one is about cleaning out the past making room for the future. This is a very good slower blues tune. The relationship issue trend continues on “Thought You Were My Girl”. This ballad is quite good and tells a great story with fine vocals. The funk returns in full force on “Just What The Doctor Ordered”. The organ work is very fine. Closing things out is “Anytime You Want”, penned by the sorely missed Sean Costello. This is a fine blue rocker, that will please all blues fans. The guitar work is quite good by Allen James. It is a great closing tune. It has been awhile since we last heard from Deb Callahan. The wait was worth it as she has delivered a very fine blues release.

This is a great band that meld together as a cohesive unit. Their calendar holds a few local dates, but I hope they hit the road so the rest of us might catch them live. I like this one…it could be award worthy for the upcoming year.