I wouldn’t be surprised if this collaboration between singer/guitarists Tab Benoit, Debbie Davies, and Kenny Neal becomes one of the most popular new blues records of 1999. As exciting as it is to see these three making a record together, just as impressive is the rhythm section that anchors this recording. Backing Tab, Debbie, and Kenny is Ronnie Earl’s old band, the Broadcasters, with Per Hanson on drums, Rod Carey on bass, and Bruce Katz on the keyboards. The one special guest is Kenny’s famous father Raful.
The first track called "Deal With It" gives all three a chance to sing some of the verses and play a little lead. Surprisingly, only five of the twelve cuts features the three stars together. For example, the next tune called "Down In The Swanp" is a Tab Benoit original with him and Kenny but no Debbie. A song called "Money" features Debbie and Kenny but no Tab. "Money," by the way, is one of four songs written or co-written by Debbie’s drummer and long time musical partner Don Costagno.
My favorite Kenny song on the disc is "Bop ‘til I Drop." This is a catchy little melody that reminded me of an older Kenny Neal standard called "Blues Stew." Tab Benoit does an amazing job on the Screamin’ Jay Hawkins classic "I Put A Spell On You." I won’t compare it to the original, instead I’ll say it’s better than the CCR version. I liked a song Debbie sings called "So Cold." Debbie plays an acoustic guitar and Tab compliments her with an electric accompaniment. Debbie sings like an old time blues crooner on this one.
Perhaps the highlight of the disc is the Raful Neal original "Luberta." Raful plays the harp and sings one of the verses. Everyone takes part in this one and everyone gets down! I’m sure that this tune will become the signature song from the disc.
Telarc is Kenny Neal’s new label. Tab records for Justice Records and Debbie for Shanachie Entertainment. The connection between the three is that they’re all handled by the same booking agency out of Charlotte called Intrepid Artists. I talk to many record companies and booking agencies around the country and I really like the people at Intrepid. Besides these three they handle my good friend Tinsley Ellis along with Bernard Allison and Deborah Coleman among others. Check out their website at www.intrepidartists.com. You can check out the touring schedules and read the bios on all these talented musicians.