CD REVIEW: HOLDIN’ COURT
Debbie Davies Vizz Tone Label Group
Debbie Davies' Holdin' Court release pays tribute to those guitar players that got her started. This one especially "keeps it real." It is an all-instrumental where her guitar does the talking, but that's what makes the CD special!
As typical Debbie, she 'keeps it real" by exhibiting her own style and tight riffs, while always letting you know where her roots lie and who inspired her along the way. There is a mix of her own instrumentals as well as other numbers from artists that she either honors, or has shared studio or stage with, such as Otis Rush, Albert Collins, Gatemouth Brown, and Kenny Burrel.
Opening up with the Duke Robbillard tune, "Fishnet," the CD starts off with a cool funkiness and then lays into some screamin' riffs along the way. Many would quickly recognize the tune, "Down at the Honky Tonk Shack." It is where Debbie's passion for the Hammond players, Jimmy Smith and Bill Dogget, brings together the classic Honky Tonk tune through her tight, swing-like guitar riffs. On one of my favs, "I Wonder Why," Debbie moves on down the line with a classic low-down blues style where you can feel Deb's energy and passion run through the tune. Albert Collins' classic rhythm and blues tune, "If You Love Me Like You Say," Deb uses her wah-wah pedal to send the message through the guitar. Her "Holdin' Court" is an awesome original cover tune starting off with soulful and melodic sound, then sprinkling in some jazzed-up blues throughout the song. The last tune, "Zoom-in," is a Deb original that has a classic surfin'-sound, with a powerful tone that finishes the CD with style.
For any blues guitar player who has desired to own a blend of blues instrumentals with Debbie's incredible style, in one package, this is the CD for you! And, for the listener, you will no doubt want to crank this one up when you are cruisin' down the road! This CD displays Debbie Davies' extraordinary talent across the board in all styles of the blues.
~Mary Rose Durdak
