DEBORAH COLEMAN
What About Love? (Telarc)
Reviewed by Eric Steiner

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Deborah Coleman's Telarc Debut, What About Love?, is my introduction to a fine blueswoman. Unfortunately, I'm a late-comer to one of the most distinctive and talented blues players around, and What About Love? is simmering to the top of my list as one of my favorite blues CDs released in 2004. Last year, she moved to Telarc after five CDs on Blind Pig. Her vocals remind me of early Joan Armatrading, and her mastery of the Telecaster is first-rate. What About Love? was recorded at the Unity Arts Centerin Unity, Maine with Noel Neal on bass and Per Hanson on drums, Hiromasa Suzuki on guitar and Ken Clark on the B3. Standout cuts on this excellent CD for me include the Ellis Hooks/Jon and Sally Tiven-penned "Undeniable," the always-welcome Delbert McClinton/Gary Nicholson nugget "Lie No Better," an uptempo bluesy take on Phil Everly's "When Will I Be Loved?," and Deborah's own instrumental, "The River Wild." Deborah Coleman answers many questions on What About Love?; it's an incredible disc for a newcomer to her talents like me.

Track List:

Bad Boy * Lie No Better * Undeniable * Can You Hear Me * When Will I Be Loved? * Healing Ground * The River Wild * What About Love? * Loves Like Rain * Lookin' for a Real Love * A Woman in Love

© 2004 - Eric Steiner