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by a plethora of guest artists who happily offered their services to help the cause and create this

album. The proceeds of which, go to Inner City Health. The artists include; vocalist Freddi Gowdy,
Todd Park Mohr; guitar, Victor Wooten, Kenny Passerelli and Greg Garrison; bass, Sam Bush;
mandolin, Tom Capek; keyboards, B3 and bass with Christian Teele on drums and percussion, Mark
Oblinger and Linda Lawson; vocal harmonies.

The album opens with The Doobie Brothers’ good-time, rolling ‘Takin’ It To The Streets’, Freddi
Gowdy adds his suitably gruff vocals to Hazel’s melodious lead, while Victor Wooten, supplies a

warm bass complimenting Dana’s urging B3. A splendidly sparkling, dancing mandolin from Sam
Bush leads an affectionate version of Irving Berlin’s ‘Cheek To Cheek’, underpinning a gently
caressing duet between Chris and Hazel. They also deliver an equally riveting and affecting,
emotion laden version of (George Weiss written,) Louis Armstrong’s ‘What A Wonderful World’,
their entwined voices float upon a sea of strings and gently struck floating piano.

The mood changes somewhat with a seriously good foot-shuffling version of ZZ Hill’s ‘Down Home

Blues’. Tom Capek provides a grooving, urging organ while Chris delivers a crispy slide and Todd
Park Mohr gives a suitably fiery response on his Stratocaster. Chris and Hazel enjoy themselves
immensely on their warming, good time feeling duets of ‘Stealin’ Candy’, and the Carol King/James
Taylor ballad ‘You’ve Got A Friend’.

Most impressive!

Brian Harman.

Debbie Bond—Blues Without Borders—Blues Root Productions
BRP 2021

For decades now Debbie has immersed herself in Alabama roots
music, playing in backwoods venues and continuing to make
regular appearances on the Southern US and European club and
festival circuit.

The release of this album was meant to herald a summer 2020
European tour but, once again, the severe restrictions that have

been imposed on people throughout the world, due to the
current pandemic, have naturally, impacted on Debbie and the
musicians attempting to record this, her fifth album. However,
with patience and the latest technology, the album was created across two continents. The
recording of the 10 original compositions here began in spring 2020 and were completed in time
for a summer release of 2021. Joining Debbie; vocals, rhythm and lead guitar, are Rick Asherson;
(her husband) keyboards, keyboard bass and harmonica, Micky Barker; drums and percussion.

Horns are supplied by Brad Guin, of the Muscle Shoals Studios Horn section and Ray Carless on
saxophone.

The opener ‘High Rider Blues’, is a splendid, low-key trio of guitar, drums and harmonica that is
fully immersed in a Delta swamp feel. The earthy tribal sound, amply compliments Debbie’s
sensuously delicate and appealing vocal. A warmly inviting harmonica-led ‘Road Song’, continues
the earthy rolling feel, as Debbie and Rick jauntily celebrate a happily married life as touring

troubadours. On ‘Let Freedom Ring’, which is a gospel infused tribute to the life of the late Dr.
Martin Luther King Jr. an almost tearful bubbling keyboard underpins Debbie’s quietly heartfelt
emotive vocal.