Light It Up
VizzTone, 2025
9/10
The powerful vocalist Long Tall Deb and British-American guitarist Colin John return with a 3rd release that showcases their blues-rock ways with plenty of excellent guests.
The animated title track leads with Chris Butler’s playful bass complementing John’s intricate guitar and Deb’s soulful pipes, and “My Love” follows with Zac Var’s thumping drums alongside the dense guitar and sturdy singing.
Halfway through, “Hear Them Moan” places Jason Edwards on drums and John on lap steel via the calmer mood, while “Spoonful” recruits Steve Marriner’s lively harmonica and flowing rhythm section from Butler that helps make this the album’s best.
Further still the swift and rhythmic “Out For A Rip” allows for Pascal Fouquet and Alastair Green’s meticulous guitars to shine, and “Crooks, Thieves And Liars” exits with Deb’s emotive voice amid the intimate and thick bouts of timeless blues.
Deb’s versatile pipes possess beauty but can still growl, too, and John’s handling of guitar, six string bass, lap steel and baby sitar is nothing short of stunning, as they turn in a top notch, blues rock outing.
Travels well with: Willie Buck & Bob Corritore- Oh Yeah!; Big Al And The Heavyweights- Blues Power