DEBORAH BONHAM – Spirit

Spirit is Deborah Bonham’s fourth album in a three decade recording career and her first in 6 years since the highly acclaimed Duchess album and while she may not break any new ground here she has created a classy collection of Blues Rock with a tinge of Folk as a perfect showcase for her raspy, powerful voice.

Opener “Fly” with its Southern Rock vibe and effective Pedal Steel guitar from BJ Cole has just a hint of prime time Lynyrd Skynyrd while ”Pain Birds” wistful delivery and slightly sinister guitar melodies combine to great effect before a thoroughly uplifting chorus kicks in. Peter Bullicks’s minimalist guitar solo is a lesson in how at times less is indeed more.

The centrepiece of the album is undoubtedly “Killing Fields” with an almost Springsteen/Counting Crows up-tempo feel with a stirring vocal from Bonham and an absolutely killer chorus which combine to create a sure-fire hit if released as a single.

Old friend Robert Plant shows up with a dirty, rasping harmonica solo on the pulsating Blues of “What It Feels”.

Bonham’s vocals are impeccable throughout and on “I Need Love” she gives the performance of her life which would give Janis Joplin a bloody good run for her money.

While there may be harder Rocking releases out this year the quality of the well-crafted songs on Spirit, the accomplished musicianship and the powerful, expressive vocals of Bonham make this a hugely enjoyable album which comes highly recommended.