MICHAEL DOHERTY’S MUSIC LOG

Deborah Silver: “Glitter & Grits” – “Who could ask for anything more?” Deborah Silver asks in “I Got Rhythm,” the opening track of her new album. In the moments before I put on this disc, I could have listed off dozens of things in response to that question, but once this delightful music starts, my needs seem to evaporate. Perhaps this music is taking care of everything, or perhaps it is putting things into perspective. At any rate, the music is excellent. That opening track features some wonderful work by Ray Benson on electric guitar. And Deborah’s vocal performance is lively and fun. And that track sets the tone for the album, which features completely enjoyable renditions of classic numbers like “That Old Black Magic,” “Get Happy” and “Bill Bailey, Won’t You Please Come Home.” One of my personal favorites is her delicious rendition of “I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Write Myself A Letter,” which features some nice work on fiddle and piano, as well as a totally adorable vocal performance. Perhaps the best vocal performance of the album is that on “After You’ve Gone,” another of the disc’s highlights. She varies her delivery throughout the track, sometimes sounding intimate and seductive, other times taking on more energy. That track also features some excellent work on fiddle. Deborah Silver and Ray Benson have a lot of fun on the duet of “Ballin’ The Jack,” a playful number, and Deborah also delivers a nice version of “Fly Me To The Moon.” Joining Deborah Silver on this release are Floyd Domino on piano, David Sanger on drums, Josh Hoag on bass, Dennis Ludiker on fiddle and mandolin, Eddie Rivers on steel guitar, Ray Benson on electric guitar and acoustic guitar, Rick McRae on electric guitar, Mickey Raphael on harmonica, and John Mills on saxophone and clarinet. This album was released on August 7, 2020.