Debbie Bond - Live at the Song Theater (2025)

This live show, with its vitality, was captured in Columbiana, Alabama. Debbie Bond was born in California, traveled with her family, & wound up in Alabama in her early 20s. Unlike some blues musicians who were influenced by legends or sharpened their performances with blues influential aficionados, Debbie picked up her affecting approach by playing raw, poorly painted juke joints, darkened blues clubs & outdoor festivals where many unknown blues veterans still cranked out a career.

With her soulful vocals & occasionally swampy New Orleans edge, the musicians manage to provide a variety of blues indulgences. There are 12 lively numbers smoothly sledding through Live at the Song Theater produced by Debbie (vocals/guitar), & “Radiator” Rick Asherson (vocals/harmonica/keyboard/bass keys).

The difference between many blues artists & Debbie’s fusions of elements is that her showcase is closer to the warm arrangements of the old jazz-fueled Mark-Almond, where Jon Mark’s laid-back whispery vocals are set against the melodic & powerful saxes of Johnny Almond. (“Everybody Needs a Friend”).

Track one, “That Thing Called Love,” is Mark-Almond in spirit with the sax & deep bass tones. Of course, Debbie isn’t Jon Mark, but her strong vocals & the way she applies her intonation, she appropriates through jazzy atmospheres. It works excellently.

Debbie has a more contemporary blues approach & doesn’t always come across as a blues-raised artist but a student of the genre who learned her lessons well. “Road Song” is too polished to be an authentic blues. Even more so than Bonnie Raitt or Bonnie Bramlett would buff. The backup vocals lend some authenticity, but the sparks are limited. There are few growls accentuated or any energetic brawn.

Not to worry. The guitar dominates on other tunes as a more dependable supporting instrument. The songs don’t roll out like a Johnny Winter blaze with Karen Lawrence (1994/Blue By Nature) range & power. Yet, Debbie does follow a likable route with her pieces. She’s consistent with her efforts – like a boxer who piles up points with sharp, accurate jabs instead of a one KO scenario. “Let Me Be,” “Winds of Change,” & “Nothing But the Blues” are such tunes. Closer to Genya Ravan (Ten Wheel Drive) than Janis Joplin.

Getting closer to the blues grit is “Watch Out For Your Heart,” that ambles along with nice sax bursts, rolling piano notes & aggressive Bond vocals. Her guitar dominates a little more upfront, but there’s no Buddy Guy or B.B. King fire in these songs. Bond relies on feeling, expression & a dependence on spirit. All well applied.