Deborah Bonham - 'Duchess' album review + videos

Deborah Bonham is set to release her latest album, 'Duchess'.

If you haven't had the opportunity to hear Deborah Bonham yet, she has a soulful, bluesy voice that at times reminds me of Bonnie Raitt, Lulu, Janice Joplin and even Paul Rodgers. She grew up in England, but her music could easily be mistaken for an American blues/rock band.

It was great to find out that the late Led Zeppelin drummer, John Bonham had a sister who sings - and Deborah does sing - with a soulful passion, often missing from the top 40 charts. 'Duchess' has an old school feel that will bring back memories for music lovers who can't get enough of the blues.

'Duchess' features 13 original tracks backed by Deborah's excellent band, which includes musicians Jerry Shirley (former Humble Pie drummer), bassist Ian Rowley, keyboardist Gerard Louis, and guitarist Peter Bullick. Paul Rodgers and John Bonham's son, Jason Bonham make guest appearances on "Hold On".

Songs on 'Duchess' include the catchy opening track "Grace", "Jack Past 8", a great track, especially if you like The Band or Little Feat. "Hole In My Heart" is a slower song that could sit comfortably in Linda Ronstadt's repertoire.

"Hold On" features a guest vocal by Paul Rodgers and Jason Bonham on drums. After listening to Paul Rodgers singing rock songs over the years with bands like Free, Bad Company and now Queen, it's interesting hearing him singing on this slow, soulful country tinged track. They sound good together, and the slide guitar adds a nice touch.

Slower songs "Love You So" and "(If You) Had A Little Love" would be the perfect compliments to a late night in a dark bar after a few too many drinks. Excellent.

"How Do You Feel" is another great track, best played with the volume up. The melody and the harmonies are top notch. "Chains" follows nicely with an English folk feel with mandolin, cool drums, and touching lyrics. The bluesy, "Waiting So Long" has a nice build up and big gospel harmonies at the end.

Closing track "Blue" is stripped down to just vocals and pedal steel - a rare combination - and in my opinion ends far too soon at just over 2 minutes long. So, what can I do? I'll just have to play it again!

'Duchess' Track Listing:

Release date in the US is June 24th, 2008 - June 23rd in the UK.

1. Grace
2. Jack Past 8
3. Hole In My Heart
4. Hold On
5. Love Lies
6. Pretty Thing
7. Love You So
8. How Do You Feel
9. Chains
10. Duchess And The Shufflemeister
11. Waiting So Long
12. (If You) Had A Little Love
13. Blue
("The Old Hyde Revisited" on digital version only)

Deborah Bonham - Duchess on amazon.co.uk

Duchess on amazon.com

Watch Deborah Bonham - streaming videos from "Live in Malta":

"Pretty Thing"
"Love You So"

For more information, go to:

Deborah Bonham Official Website

By: Jenny May - BandWeblogs.com

Search for CDs, Mp3s, more: Amazon.com | Amazon.co.uk