Debbie Davies was a member of The Albert Collins Band from 1988 until 1991 when she left to form her own band. The first Debbie Davies Band album "Picture This" was released in 1993; this is her ninth band album. In 1997 Debbie won a Handy Award for Contemporary Female Blues Artist of The Year. She also appeared on two well received collaboration's 1998's "Grand Union" with Anson Funderburgh and Otis Grand, and 1999's "Homesick for The Road" with Tab Benoit and Kenny Neal. She is a tasty guitarist and an emotive singer. This newest album is a collaboration with fellow ex-Albert Collins guitarist Coco Montoya, Tab Benoit and Charlie Musselwhite. For this outing Debbie Davies has recruited Bruce Katz, organ; Rod Carey, bass; and Per Hanson, drums; who are re-united here as, in 1993, this unit was Ronnie Earl's Broadcasters. As with any true collaboration the participants perform throughout the recording.

Opening with the "A.C. Strut" Debbie and Coco exchange guitar riffs and technique learned from their mentor Albert Collins on this Debbie Davies original instrumental. Debbie sings "My Time After Awhile", a song often associated with Buddy Guy. Then Debbie reprises "Sittin and Cryin", from her "Round Every Corner" cd released in 1998, only this time Charlie Musselwhite is playing his trademark harp. Charlie's solo is unbelievable. Debbie's voice has never sounded better and it causes the listener to believe, this is indeed "Debbie's time".

Usually the first three tracks are an albums best, however we are just beginning to get heated up. Charlie Musselwhite sings and plays harp on "Movin and Groovin", from his 1993 "In My Time" release. Charlie sounds the best he has in years. Tab Benoit sings a passionate version of "Crawling King Snake" which becomes a tribute to its author John Lee Hooker, as he gives one of his hottest performances on this classic shuffle. Debbie seems to bring out the best in everyone.

Debbie sings "Howlin' For My Darlin", the Howlin' Wolf classic. Her guitar lines here are inventive as always. Debbie and Charlie harmonize on the Don Castagno authored "Like You Was Gone". Debbie, Coco, and Tab trade guitar solos on "Where The Blues Come To Die", while Debbie's vocal is one of the highlights on this extraordinary album.

"Sonoma Sunset" is a ten minute instrumental opening with harp by Charlie, and it evokes a perfect evening. Tab takes a wonderful guitar solo here and it's followed by solos from Coco and Debbie. This is a fitting end to a classic collaboration. Debbie Davies is egoless as she allows the participants sufficient space to express themselves, thereby creating a recording which will still be enjoyed many years from now.

Richard Ludmerer
Director, The New York Blues & Jazz Society
ricdale2@yahoo.com