Debbie Davies' new CD - Holdin' Court
Liner Notes

"For several years now I've been getting requests from friends and fans to make an all instrumental CD. Instrumental guitar albums have not been heavily in vogue since the early 1960's, but some of my favorite guitar players; Albert Collins, Freddie King, and Kenny Burrell made great careers for themselves during that era, ergo, leaving the generations of players to come some beautifully crafted guitar music. For some of us, these instrumentals became the templates and building blocks for our own playing. Back in the day, we would painfully play that vinyl treasure over and over, trying to pull each and every note off of it in an attempt to duplicate the Master's tone and phrasings. Throughout my career I have always enjoyed creating my own instrumentals, so here they are, along with a couple of new ones, and plenty of "shout-outs" to those originators of electric blues music." Debbie Davies

Debbie Davies, a veteran of 22 years on the road, brings her seasoned licks and deep creative sensitivity to this, her 12th solo release. Having shared the studio and stage with a who's who list of top blues artists, this time Debbie strips it down to her top notch trio, only adding a few additional services of from co-producer, Paul Opalach. The sound is classic and tight. Lovers of the electric guitar, blues, and timeless good music will want to add this CD imediately to their collection.

Davies brings 6 of her own original instrumental's to this album , and augments the CD with tunes written by many of her favorite electric blues artists. Most of the material has been heavily road tested so Deb and her trio, Don and Cass, cut the tunes live in the studio to get that energy that only a touring band can create. Debbie would solo from top to bottom of each tune with her rhythym section and lay down the rhythms as over dubs. Davies' two new orriginals, Holdin' Court and Zoomin', are only now being road tested so they received a little more of the step by step care that a studio setting can offer.

The opening number, Fishnet, is a Duke Robillard number minus Dukes lyrics. Debbie does her own thing on the tune while simultaneously tipping her hat to Duke.

Down at the Honky Shack is an obvious homage to both Bill Doggett and Jimmy Smith. Here Deb playfully weaves the two tunes together, in a joyous road house romp.

Tryin' To Keep It Real, Deb's own tune, appeared on her CD ALL I FOUND, with haunting and soulfull lyrics, but here she let's her guitar do all the talking.

Gatemouth Brown's Okie Dokie stomp, has been a staple in Davies' club shows for years now, along with several of her own original instrumentals; Percolatin', So What, and Atras deTus Ojos. These tunes are definately amoung the ones that have the live, road-tested vibe.

Holdin' Court, co-written by drummer Don Castagno, is an homage to Kenny Burell. It is the beginnig of new territory for Deb and the band.

On I Wonder Why, Debbie displays her total mastery of the style evoked by the greats of '60s electric blues in this homage to Otis Rush.

With IF YOU LOVE ME LIKE YOU SAY, Debbie goes to town with her wah-wah pedal. This tune was always a staple in Albert Collin's reperatoire, and Albert, back in the day, had a big wah-wah fase himself.

Zoomin' is an homage to whole genre of surf music as opposed to any particular artist. For Davies, it's a salute her youth, growing up in So. CA; skate boarding, surfing, and falling in love with all of the sounds being created by electric guitars.

Holdin' court will take the listener on a smooth blues cruise, so sit back, roll the top down, and enjoy the ride.

QUOTES:

"Davies exhibits guitar playing virtuosity with the likes of Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan."
– MUSIC CONNECTION
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"She pulls out all the stops. She can play it all: seductive, soulful material, down-home delta blues, or humorous tales of life on the road."
- BLUES REVIEW MAGAZINE


"Debbie is one of the direct links to the originators of this music. She knows what the blues is all about and you can hear it in the passion of her playing."
- COCO MONTOYA


"Debbie is an incredible guitarist who plays with great taste and can cook like mad. Debbie plays from the heart and her heart has a lot to say. She inspires me. Besides being a fine musician she's also an outstanding person that I am very glad to call a friend of mine."
- CHARLIE MUSSELWHITE


"I don't often give endorsements or references, but once in a rare while I hear a musician of such talent that I want people to know. I believe my reputation backs up my ability to recognize exceptional blues guitarists. Such a one is Debbie Davies. Hear her now."
- JOHN MAYALL