Deb Ryder

Enjoy The Ride

Vizztone Label Group

Deb Ryder got her start as a teenager. She would often perform the opening set at her step-father’s nightclub. Some of the artists she opened for included Etta James, Big Joe Turner, Charlie Musselwhite and Taj Mahal. It’s not surprising then that she calls James her biggest influence.

Ryder recorded her debut album “Might Just Get Lucky” in 2013. Two years later she did get lucky as her follow-up album “Let It Rain” was produced by the Grammy award winning Tony Braunagel. That album resulted in Ryder receiving a 2015 Blues Blast Award nomination. Braunagel returned again to produce her last recording 2016’s “Grit, Grease and Tears”.

For her fourth studio recording Braunagel is back as producer once again. Like in the past he utilizes members of The Phantom Blues Band. Therefore the band on this new album is Ryder, vocals; Braunagel, drums; Johnny Lee Schell, guitar; Mike Finnigan, Hammond B-3 and piano; and on bass either her husband/Executive Producer Ric Ryder, Little Feat’s Kenny Gradney, or James “Hutch” Hutchinson. Also included are Joe Sublett, saxophone; and Pieter Van Der Pluijm, harmonica. The background singers include Maxanne Lewis and Kudisan Kai Regalot. All of the songs have been written by Deb.

Throughout the recording there are several special guest guitarists. The album opens with “A Storm’s Coming” with Coco Montoya. Kirk Fletcher plays on “Temporary Insanity”. The topical “Bring The Walls Down” was inspired by her friend Julie Jenkins and features Chris Cain; and some advice from Big Llou Johnson. Debbie Davies appears on both “Sweet, Sweet Love” and “Goodbye Baby”.

Schell plays both guitar and bass on “Nothing To Lose”. Ryder’s beautiful vocal on her ballad “For The Last Time” features Finnigan on keyboards; Pluijm’s harp and Schell on slide.

The title track, which is currently receiving airplay, is driven by Braunagel’s beats and Finnegan’s keys, as the band really cooks. The gospel inspired “What You Want From Me” features background singers Lewis and Kudisan Kai. Finnegan shares a fabulous vocal duet with Ryder on “Got To Let It Go” and it should be the next song chosen for airplay.

Ryder is a great vocalist and songwriter. This engaging album should carry her to the next level.

Richard Ludmerer

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