Diane Blue

Look for the Light      

Regina Royale Records

Diane Blue had shared the stage with Luther Guitar Jr. Johnson; Irma Thomas; Big Jack Johnson and others. She released her independently produced debut recording in 2006. Four years later she won the Massachusetts Blues Challenge and went on to compete in the International Blues Challenge held annually in Memphis. Blue has since appeared on Ronnie Earl and The Broadcasters last six albums and became an official member of that band in 2016. She is currently on tour with them as their primary vocalist.

The band on Look for the Light includes Blue, harmonica and vocals; Broadcaster Dave Limina, Hammond organ and piano; Broadcaster and Producer Lorne Entress, drums and percussion; Brooks Milgate, piano and Hammond organ; Jesse Williams, acoustic bass; guitarists Chris Vitarello and Kevin Barry and special guest guitarist Ronnie Earl.

Blue opens with J.J. Cale’s “(I Got The) Same Old Blues” first recorded by Cale in 1974; She gives us a dramatic version as she accompanies herself on harmonica. “That’s A Pretty Good Love”, popularized by Big Maybelle in 1956, opens with Entress’ big beats, Vitarello’s guitar; and Blue’s sensational vocal before Limina takes over on the B-3. “Easy, Easy, Baby”, recorded by Rudy Ray Moore and The Fillmore Street Soul Rebellion in 1971, features Milgate tinkling the ivories, Blue again on harmonica, and Barry on guitar. “Knock, Knock”, was written and originally recorded by Carol Fran in 1959. These R n’ B classics are perfect for Blue.

“I Never Knew”, the first of six originals, contains the lyric “that I could feel this way until I met you”; Earl’s solo is followed by one from Limina as the band highlights the composition. “Wishin’”, “you were groping this body of mine” features some jazzy piano from Milgate and Barry’s lap steel. “Reach Out For Me” is another well written tune; one can’t help but be impressed as Blue’s beautiful vocal remains understated as Barry’s emotive electric guitar and Limina’s B-3 complete the production. On “I’m Gonna Make You Love Me” Limina switches to piano as Milgate takes a turn on the B-3. “Don’t Box Me In” once again features this fabulous band. “If I Could Talk To My Mama” features Earl rejoining the ensemble as the emotive Blue wails.

On “Look for the Light” the inspired Blue is vocalist, harmonica player, songwriter and bandleader. Diane Blue can do it all.

Richard Ludmerer