Deb Callahan Band

Review of "If the Blues Had Wings" self release

Since major labels have practically abandoned blues as a viable commercial venture, it's up to the artists, especially new acts to record, release and promote themselves. Many deserving performers never advance past regional popularity, but occasionally an artist jumps out of the pack with outstanding talent lurking beneath the surface. Philly's Deb Callahan has the pipes, the songs and the raw talent to graduate to the next level.

From the eerie acoustic soul/Delta swamp of "Mama's Curse, Mama's Blessing" to the Little Feat Funk of "Can't watch you bleed (written by keyboardist Walter Runge, who also co-penned eight other tracks), Callahan proves a gutsy, powerful vocalist. She's as comfortable with gospel-style ballads ("More Love" and "Broken Down Man" as with angry, blues rocking burners ("Just another victim"). With absolute control over her voice, she exudes casual authority on even the subtlest material. But she really projects on the Sexy New Orleans funk of "Coffee Grind", the sizzling 60's soul of "Something Bad" and especially the sexually provocative and genuinelly funny "If your Man Messes up", a fiesty duet with Gerogie Bonds. Bond goes to to toe with Callahan, playing the hopeful job applicant to her demanding boss.

Snippets of classic tunes from Victoria Spivey, Memphis Minnie and Edith Johnson show that Callahan knows her roots even if her voice is more informed by the contemporary approaches of Bonnie Raitt, Etta James and Aretha Franklin. That's fine company to keep and Callahan is very nearly in their league. She's a commanding presence - brassy but fragile when hurt, resilient when her man ignores her. This near-flawless debut signals to the rest of the world what those in her home area know well: Deb Callahan is a major talent.

Hal Horowitz - Blues Revue Magazine

Deb Callahan was raised in a loving, progressive family in Boston and both her mother and father enjoyed folk music. But it wasn't until she was attending Bowdoin College in Maine that this Philadelphia based social worker got hooked on the blues.

On a superb debut album, Callahan sings with all the authority of Ma Rainey or Jani Joplin to be sure, but it's her songwriting that sets her apart from the rest of the pack of up and coming blues women. Her day job as a social worker provides fodder for her songs as does her own real life experiences. Her originals, some written with co-producer John Dichter blanket this album, and she closes with a Bob Dylan song, the album's only cover, "Positively 4th Street"

She sings brilliantly and makes her points without overstatement on "Coffee Grind", "Broken Down Man" and "If your Man Messes Up". She breaks new lyrical ground in the blues idion on this album and already fans are clamoring for a second release with more original songs. - Sing Out! magazine

Deb Callahan was raised in a loving, progressive family in Boston and both her mother and father enjoyed folk music. But it wasn't until she was attending Bowdoin College in Maine that this Philadelphia based social worker got hooked on the blues.

On a superb debut album, Callahan sings with all the authority of Ma Rainey or Jani Joplin to be sure, but it's her songwriting that sets her apart from the rest of the pack of up and coming blues women. Her day job as a social worker provides fodder for her songs as does her own real life experiences. Her originals, some written with co-producer John Dichter blanket this album, and she closes with a Bob Dylan song, the album's only cover, "Positively 4th Street"

She sings brilliantly and makes her points without overstatement on "Coffee Grind", "Broken Down Man" and "If your Man Messes Up". She breaks new lyrical ground in the blues idion on this album and already fans are clamoring for a second release with more original songs. - Sing Out! magazine

Singer-songwriter Deb Callahan could be on her way to becoming one of the great women of the blues. The Philadelphia-based artist has attracted attention and regional popularity for her contemporary mix of blues, funk, soul and gospel, including a hot review from "Blues Revue Magazine" for her debut release "If The Blues Had Wings"

Callahan is often compred to greats including Bonnie Raitt, Aretha Franklin and Etta James because her music resonates with passion, longing, sadness and joy. Beaches area residents can make their own comparisons when Callahan performs Sunday at the Springing Teh Blues Festival Stage at The Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach.

"So many people compare me to Bonnie Raitt and that is such a compliment." Callahan said during a telephone interview from her Philadelphia-area home. "I really respect what she has done. It's amazing." Critics respect Callahan for her gutsy, powerful vocals as well as her thoughtful and emotional lyrics. She collaborates on most of her songs and like most other blues artists, her life experiences bring an interesting perspective to her music.

The Boston native grew up in a family environment that cultivated multi-ethnic and multicultural lessons that most people don't experience. While Callahan was growing up, her parents adopted two African American children and worked hard to expose their children to both black and white cultures. Callahan moved to Philadelphia to complete her eduction;she earned a master's degree there in social work. Music remained a hobby - she played in her first band at age 19. She also studied painting. With social work as a profession. she has assisted many in the Philadelphia area and also travelled to India.

Callahan said her experiences are much like other authentic blues performers. Although she decided to shift her focus to music as a profession about 8 years ago, Callahan continues to work part-time at women centers and youth centers. "Music is where my heart is. You could say that as a social worker I take in the blues during the day."

The people Callahan connects with at the shelters often inspire her music. She plans to perform many songs from "If the Blues Had Wings" as well as some new material from her upcoming release "The Blue Pearl". Callahan says she'll also include a few cover songs that people will recognize, perhaps Ray Charle's "What's I say".

Although Callahan plays guitar, she rarely plays live. Instead she leaves the music to her band, Allen James on guitar, Gary Lee on bass and Doug Masters on drums. - Times-Union/First Coast Community, Jacksonville, Florida March 31, 2005

Singer-songwriter Deb Callahan could be on her way to becoming one of the great women of the blues. The Philadelphia-based artist has attracted attention and regional popularity for her contemporary mix of blues, funk, soul and gospel, including a hot review from "Blues Revue Magazine" for her debut release "If The Blues Had Wings"

Callahan is often compred to greats including Bonnie Raitt, Aretha Franklin and Etta James because her music resonates with passion, longing, sadness and joy. Beaches area residents can make their own comparisons when Callahan performs Sunday at the Springing Teh Blues Festival Stage at The Seawalk Pavilion in Jacksonville Beach.

"So many people compare me to Bonnie Raitt and that is such a compliment." Callahan said during a telephone interview from her Philadelphia-area home. "I really respect what she has done. It's amazing." Critics respect Callahan for her gutsy, powerful vocals as well as her thoughtful and emotional lyrics. She collaborates on most of her songs and like most other blues artists, her life experiences bring an interesting perspective to her music.

The Boston native grew up in a family environment that cultivated multi-ethnic and multicultural lessons that most people don't experience. While Callahan was growing up, her parents adopted two African American children and worked hard to expose their children to both black and white cultures. Callahan moved to Philadelphia to complete her eduction;she earned a master's degree there in social work. Music remained a hobby - she played in her first band at age 19. She also studied painting. With social work as a profession. she has assisted many in the Philadelphia area and also travelled to India.

Callahan said her experiences are much like other authentic blues performers. Although she decided to shift her focus to music as a profession about 8 years ago, Callahan continues to work part-time at women centers and youth centers. "Music is where my heart is. You could say that as a social worker I take in the blues during the day."

The people Callahan connects with at the shelters often inspire her music. She plans to perform many songs from "If the Blues Had Wings" as well as some new material from her upcoming release "The Blue Pearl". Callahan says she'll also include a few cover songs that people will recognize, perhaps Ray Charle's "What's I say".

Although Callahan plays guitar, she rarely plays live. Instead she leaves the music to her band, Allen James on guitar, Gary Lee on bass and Doug Masters on drums. - Times-Union/First Coast Community, Jacksonville, Florida March 31, 2005

This one is about two singers with sandpaper-laced, soulful pipes, each displaying huge promise. Philadelphia's Deb Callahan is a social worker who grew up with adopted black siblings, so the genuiness and emotional depth apparent in her songs come as no great surprise. Her 2001 debut "If the Blues Had Wings" is a striking endeavor. An excerpt from Memphis Minnie's "Moanin the Blues" - one of a few well placed ancient blues snippets - gives the album it's title and opens it up, leading into Mama's Curse, Mamas Blessing', an eerie blues that lets loose spirits directly from the mud of the delta. "More Love" is dramatic , the piano and washes of organ giving it a churchy feel. "Burning Bridges", meanwhile is a catchy root-rockin tune that invites comparisons to pianist and Kansas City native Kelly hunt. Deb callahan is currently in the midst of recording her second, watch for it. Both of the ladies are poised to make a splash. - Hittin the Note, Tom Clarke, Rensselaer, NY 518-477-7700

This one is about two singers with sandpaper-laced, soulful pipes, each displaying huge promise. Philadelphia's Deb Callahan is a social worker who grew up with adopted black siblings, so the genuiness and emotional depth apparent in her songs come as no great surprise. Her 2001 debut "If the Blues Had Wings" is a striking endeavor. An excerpt from Memphis Minnie's "Moanin the Blues" - one of a few well placed ancient blues snippets - gives the album it's title and opens it up, leading into Mama's Curse, Mamas Blessing', an eerie blues that lets loose spirits directly from the mud of the delta. "More Love" is dramatic , the piano and washes of organ giving it a churchy feel. "Burning Bridges", meanwhile is a catchy root-rockin tune that invites comparisons to pianist and Kansas City native Kelly hunt. Deb callahan is currently in the midst of recording her second, watch for it. Both of the ladies are poised to make a splash. - Hittin the Note, Tom Clarke, Rensselaer, NY 518-477-7700

Philadelphia based singer Deb Callahan sings with passion and verve on the New Orleans R & B, Delta and Chicago blues, gospel and soul influenced material that comprises her "If the Blues Had Wings", from her new self released album. The disc boasts 11 originals along with covers from Bob Dylan, Memphis Minnie, Victoria Spivey and Edith Johnson. Callahan's tight band backs her with gusto and if this impressive debut is any indication, The Deb Callahan Band may rise from regional to national blues scene success in the very near future. - Illinois Entertainer - Kevin Toelle - April 2005

Philadelphia based singer Deb Callahan sings with passion and verve on the New Orleans R & B, Delta and Chicago blues, gospel and soul influenced material that comprises her "If the Blues Had Wings", from her new self released album. The disc boasts 11 originals along with covers from Bob Dylan, Memphis Minnie, Victoria Spivey and Edith Johnson. Callahan's tight band backs her with gusto and if this impressive debut is any indication, The Deb Callahan Band may rise from regional to national blues scene success in the very near future. - Illinois Entertainer - Kevin Toelle - April 2005

Firmly in the tough-but-tender- voiced category currently dominated by Susan Tedeschi, Philadelphia's Deb Callahan applies her pipes to another diverse offering. On her sophmore release, the singer serves up 12 impressive originals and a scorching cover of the Butterfield's blues band's "Lovin Cup" that nearly bests even Butterfield's version. Working within a diverse set of genres that includes funk, rock, r & B, gospel and blues, Callahan shifts mood but maintains a tough intensity. She even goes acoustic on the Delta style "Credit Card Blues", putting a contemporary lyrical spin in the country blues idiom.

Ballads outweigh rockers here, and they show how powerful Callahan's voice can be as she slow-burns through "Benny's song", "Demons" and "We Can get along". Starting with an album of original material where the song-writing is already above the ordinary, Callahan further elevates the songs through effortless control and dynamics. She simmers, even speaks, when she needs to, saving the fire for the correct moment.

The subtle call and response of "Leave the Blues Behind" emphasizes the religious underpinnings that made 60's soul so memorable, while "Bull in a Chinca Shop" brings to mind Bonnie Bramletts's gutsy pipes. Listeners whose record collections and memories goe back to the mid-70's will recognize debts to Maggie Bell, Genya Raven, Lydia Pense, Tracy Nelson and to a lesser extent, Janis Joplin. These women all had the potential to belt out every song but they all understood the importance of control and mood, tempering any impulse to oversing.

Based on her two albums, Callahan has what it take to join these icons. She needs only to expand her touring and distribution to broaden her reach. - Blues Revue Magazine

Blues Source
November 2005
Deb Callahan
The Blue Pearl
CD Freedom, 2005

The title says it all. This CD is a gem. Deb Callahan has one of the best "undiscovered" voices in the music business. She is the complete package of a singer/songwriter and musician. Callahan wrote all the lyrics and knows how to address issues of today, issues of the heart and mind, and subjects that are deeply personal to her. Her band is as tight as any recording today and she had the foresight to bring in a little help without going overboard. Nothing is more disappointing than to hear a CD that has a huge horn section, background singers and a whole string section, but when you see the artist live they have a three piece band. You can't duplicate songs with the same effect as are presented on the disc. Deb does bring in additional musicians, but uses them sparingly and with perfect effect. Her base band, Allen James (guitars), Doug Masters (drums), and Gary Lee (bass), move deafly from one style to another without missing a beat. Blue Pearl Moon is a funky soulful tune that sets the tone for most of the CD. Mixed in are power ballads such as the beautifully written Land of Promise. The funky updated Delta sounds of Livin' Loud just beg you to get up and dance. Never Fly laments the trials and tribulations of mismatched love. My favorite song is Benny's Song, beautifully written acoustic ballad about the loss of a love one and the battles of depression that follow. This CD is a marked improvement over the 2002 release If the Blues Had Wings. You can feel the power in Callahan's voice, but to me it seems like she's holding back. In my humble opinion I'd like to hear her reach into her guts and let it rip. On occasions she ventures near the edge, but has yet to open up and trust the power and quality she has. She puts me in the mind of Patrice Pike from Sister Seven. All Callahan needs to do is open up and let that gorgeous voice go.

(©) 2005, Tim Richards
BluesSource.com




Deb Callahan
The Blue Pearl
CD Freedom, 2005

The title says it all. This CD is a gem. Deb Callahan has one of the best "undiscovered" voices in the music business. She is the complete package of a singer/songwriter and musician. Callahan wrote all the lyrics and knows how to address issues of today, issues of the heart and mind, and subjects that are deeply personal to her. Her band is as tight as any recording today and she had the foresight to bring in a little help without going overboard. Nothing is more disappointing than to hear a CD that has a huge horn section, background singers and a whole string section, but when you see the artist live they have a three piece band. You can't duplicate songs with the same effect as are presented on the disc. Deb does bring in additional musicians, but uses them sparingly and with perfect effect. Her base band, Allen James (guitars), Doug Masters (drums), and Gary Lee (bass), move deafly from one style to another without missing a beat. Blue Pearl Moon is a funky soulful tune that sets the tone for most of the CD. Mixed in are power ballads such as the beautifully written Land of Promise. The funky updated Delta sounds of Livin' Loud just beg you to get up and dance. Never Fly laments the trials and tribulations of mismatched love. My favorite song is Benny's Song, beautifully written acoustic ballad about the loss of a love one and the battles of depression that follow. This CD is a marked improvement over the 2002 release If the Blues Had Wings. You can feel the power in Callahan's voice, but to me it seems like she's holding back. In my humble opinion I'd like to hear her reach into her guts and let it rip. On occasions she ventures near the edge, but has yet to open up and trust the power and quality she has. She puts me in the mind of Patrice Pike from Sister Seven. All Callahan needs to do is open up and let that gorgeous voice go.

(©) 2005, Tim Richards
BluesSource.com

- Bluessource

Philadelphia's Deb Callahan is a gifted singer/songwrter who compiles different elements of Americana into a sound that hovers somewhere between the coffehouse and the roadhouse. The Blue Pearl, like Callahan's 2002 debut "If the Blues Had Wings" is a collection of radio-ready crossover material that marries soul grooves and blues grit to the songwriting and well prodiced aesthetics of adult pop (despite this being an independent production). Her working band cooks throughout and Callahan's voice is matchless in the ring of sultry blue eyed blues singers. Bonnie Raitt and Rennee Austin should get nervous and any record executive reading this should get on the phone. - Living Blues

It's not everyday that you meet a social worker who's singing the blues, at least not literally. But Deb Callahan, a maste's educated Penn grad, does admit lead something of a double life. Half of her days are spent counseling troubled youth and women in transition; and the other hald are spent belting out blues and soul-funk music with her three member band at clubs from California to the Jersey shore. "Sometimes clients find out I'm a blues singer and they're thrown by that" the transplanted Boston native admits. "It's like there's these two different sides."

Compared from everyone from Bonnie Raitt to Susan Tedeschi, Callahan - who moved to Philadelhia fifteen years ago to work on her M.S.W. - grew up with a deep love of gospel, blues and soul music. It ended up the right fit for her fiery, potent vocals. The music itself captures a lot of pain and a lot of joy."

Callahan's just released second album, The Blue Pearl, showcases her no holds barred singing and recent songwriting collaboration with producer Chris Arms. Fro the blues/funk of the spirited "Blue Pearl Moon" to the tongue-in-cheek "Credit Card Blues", the songs always have a bit of Callahan's life experiences mixed in: "Blues is the perfect vehicle for me to get my emotions out"

Nicole Pensiero

Sat., December 17 9pm at the World Cafe Live, 3025 Walnut Street, Phila., PA www.worldcafelive.com - Philadelphia City Paper

On this day when the weather would cyclically bluster to the verge of a downpour before succumbing to sunshine, noone at the picnic seemed more aglow than opening act Deb Callahan and her well rehearsed band (electric bassist Gary Lee, guitarist Allen James and drummer Doug Masters). The Philadelphia singer's 90 minute set showcased her songwriting ("Burning Bridges", "Something Bad" and the flirtatious "If your Man Messes Up") as wellas her command of an eclectic catalogue embracing Willie Dixon (Spoonful), Ben Harper (Homeless Child) and Ray Charles (What'd I say). Callahan sways, struts and preens, setting herself apart from other female blues artists n that she's a front woman period. No guitar to cling to - just a microphone to stitch together the song and her audience. But with her dynamic voice, sassy sense of showmanship and winsome smile hightlighting a peaches and cream complexion, she certainly doesn't want for tools. - Blues Revue Magazine

On this day when the weather would cyclically bluster to the verge of a downpour before succumbing to sunshine, noone at the picnic seemed more aglow than opening act Deb Callahan and her well rehearsed band (electric bassist Gary Lee, guitarist Allen James and drummer Doug Masters). The Philadelphia singer's 90 minute set showcased her songwriting ("Burning Bridges", "Something Bad" and the flirtatious "If your Man Messes Up") as wellas her command of an eclectic catalogue embracing Willie Dixon (Spoonful), Ben Harper (Homeless Child) and Ray Charles (What'd I say). Callahan sways, struts and preens, setting herself apart from other female blues artists n that she's a front woman period. No guitar to cling to - just a microphone to stitch together the song and her audience. But with her dynamic voice, sassy sense of showmanship and winsome smile hightlighting a peaches and cream complexion, she certainly doesn't want for tools. - Blues Revue Magazine

Review of "If the Blues Had Wings" self release

Since major labels have practically abandoned blues as a viable commercial venture, it's up to the artists, especially new acts to record, release and promote themselves. Many deserving performers never advance past regional popularity, but occasionally an artist jumps out of the pack with outstanding talent lurking beneath the surface. Philly's Deb Callahan has the pipes, the songs and the raw talent to graduate to the next level.

From the eerie acoustic soul/Delta swamp of "Mama's Curse, Mama's Blessing" to the Little Feat Funk of "Can't watch you bleed (written by keyboardist Walter Runge, who also co-penned eight other tracks), Callahan proves a gutsy, powerful vocalist. She's as comfortable with gospel-style ballads ("More Love" and "Broken Down Man" as with angry, blues rocking burners ("Just another victim"). With absolute control over her voice, she exudes casual authority on even the subtlest material. But she really projects on the Sexy New Orleans funk of "Coffee Grind", the sizzling 60's soul of "Something Bad" and especially the sexually provocative and genuinelly funny "If your Man Messes up", a fiesty duet with Gerogie Bonds. Bond goes to to toe with Callahan, playing the hopeful job applicant to her demanding boss.

Snippets of classic tunes from Victoria Spivey, Memphis Minnie and Edith Johnson show that Callahan knows her roots even if her voice is more informed by the contemporary approaches of Bonnie Raitt, Etta James and Aretha Franklin. That's fine company to keep and Callahan is very nearly in their league. She's a commanding presence - brassy but fragile when hurt, resilient when her man ignores her. This near-flawless debut signals to the rest of the world what those in her home area know well: Deb Callahan is a major talent.

Hal Horowitz - Blues Revue Magazine