Live And Havin’ Fun
VizzTone, 2024
9/10
The singer-songwriter Deb Ryder is now 6 albums deep, and this first live album contains 14 live tracks that feature some of the West Coast’s best, i.e. Jim Pugh, Ric W. Ryder, Lon Price and many others.
“Fun Never Hurt No One” starts the set with bright horns and Ryder’s soulful pipes guiding the timeless blues climate, and “Enjoy The Ride” uses harmonica and plenty of rhythm for the powerful and melodic delivery.
Halfway through, “Ma Misere” offers a frisky and bouncy moment that uses fluid keys and spirited guitar, while “Guilty As Sin” enters intimate areas via the moody organ, crisp drums, and, of course, Ryder’s expressive pipes.
Closer to the end, “Any Bottle On The Shelf” is a playful tune that will get your body shakin’ and groovin’, and “Blues Is All I Got” brings plenty of grit and energy to the rugged yet tuneful blues rock.
Ryder is a commanding front woman, and these sturdy and memorable tunes remind us of all that we love about the blues and its ability to make for a great time.
Travels well with: Patti Parks- Come Sing With Me; Deb Ryder- Memphis Moonlight