Deborah coleman - soft place to fall

Deborah coleman

Soft Place To Fall

Blind Pig BPcD 5061

This is the third Deborah coleman cD I've reviewed and I'm very impressed. This is a seriously matured set of musicians. A very upbeat effort with bunches of great dance tunes. Now, I realize that danceusic for its own sake is considered low-class, but when it's encased in fine musicianship my soul is theirs.

Some notes on the cuts: Look What You Do to Me has light African influences. Deborah's guitar work is complemented by that of Jack Holdern rhythm. confused is a strong rocker and Holder and coleman really rip on this one. Soft Place to Fall is mellow, with beautiful round-sound guitar work. Steve Potts' drumming is exceptional. Don't Lie to Me shows off Deborah's deep, smoky voice to perfection interspersed with her ringing the guts outta that guitar. Dave Smith on bass keeps the tempo on target. If You Love Me Like You Say is a real dancer. Deborah handles her guitar like she's been doin' it since she was a tyke. My 14 year old cat had a wonderful time in my arms dancing all over the living room on this one.

Another Hoping Fool - Man! Do I relate! Very sultry. Bill crawford's rhythm guitar helps create the jewel tones of this cut. Ernest Williamson Jr. on keyboards adds a ghost-like touch-very classy. When the telephone rings at night I'm hopin' it's you too! I'm a Woman is a take off on Howlin' Wolfs Mannish Boy. Great redo! Fiery guitar work is a real turn on. Smith on bass and crawford's additional guitar add to the rich-regal sound here. Bill Gibson on harmonica give a deep blues-roots feel.

So Damn Easy is a groove-in-your-seat love song. It's so wonderful. Those couple o' moments when love feels good-yeah I'm an old-dog cynic. This has some kicky 60's-type changes and a touch of chorus. Deborah is becoming a guitar phenom-go see her the next time she shows up in our geography. Nothing to Do With Love is back in the funky groove. Williamson's organ is a tasty, demure touch. coleman, Holder and crawford all participate in the hard-driving incessant guitar throbbing here. Deborah's lead is reminiscent of the 60's heavy metal precursor style.

What Goes Around is back to straight ahead chicago style blues. Marty Binder on drums maintains the heady beat while 'fast-fingered' Deborah inflames her guitar. The Day It comes may be an old gospel (does anyone know?). The dramatic chorus is courtesy of William Brown, Jackie Johnson and Reba Russell. Deborah's slide work is spine-tingling.

If you can buy only one coleman disk, make it this one!

MER