Philadelphia’s own blues and soul powerhouse singer and songwriter Deb Callahan has been performing, touring, recording and engaging audiences since the late 90s. She’s lit up stages at top festivals including Monterey Bay Blues Fest (CA), Springing the Blues (FL), Bayfront Blues Fest (MN), St. John’s Blues Fest, (VI) Briggs Farm Blues Fest (PA), and WXPN’s XPonential Music Festival in Philly. Her sixth studio album Backbone dropped in March 2023 to rave reviews, international airplay, and a six-month run on the Roots Music Report’s Top 50 Blues Albums—peaking at #2. Often likened to Bonnie Raitt and Susan Tedeschi, Callahan’s sound is unmistakably her own. Backbone was produced by Philly’s Chris Arms and recorded live at Morningstar Studios. Her previous release, Sweet Soul, was helmed by Grammy-winning producer Tony Braunagel and featured top-tier L.A. session players alongside longtime guitarist Allen James.
“Backbone” has a blues and funk base and embraces a range of rock, soul, roots and swing styles. The songwriting reflects the intense impact of world events over the past few years exploring themes of uncertainty, vulnerability, being comfortable with and showing up for oneself, taking a stand, polarization in beliefs, freedom and letting go. Deb worked with Arms, Schogger and James to write much of the original material and chose two covers that fit in well with the material including Percy Mayfield’s “Danger Zone” and Sean Costello’s “Anytime You Want”. Deb and her core band’s eighteen years plus of performing and touring together shines through on this CD, creating a unique chemistry and an ability to play with natural, nuanced improvisation.
Review Quotes for Backbone
“Callahan blends timely probing lyrical content with classic blues all served up with her fiery take no prisoners power. Callahan’s voice packs a hefty punch with just a hint of urbane gravel while her smooth vibrato smooths those edges into an endlessly inviting package.” Matt R. Lohr – Living Blues Magazine
Backbone, Deb Callahan’s first studio album in eight years, provides plenty of ‘S’ appeal: soulful, sultry, sassy, and socially conscious. Deb Callahan wanted to make a statement and successfully does so with an album as diverse and soulful as her tremendous singing voice. Emotionally compelling, Backbone has just enough sass, sultriness, and social awareness to keep listeners engaged throughout Callahan’s personal and musical journey Ken Billet – Blues Blast magazine
“Backbone is another winner from Deb Callahan, who remains one of the most compelling vocalists in the blues and soul genres, a voice to be reckoned with in the coming years. Graham Clarke – Blues Bytes
The variety of musical material on Backbone snakes stealthily from soul to funk to blues rock with one constant: the exceptional vocals of Deb Callahan“. “The lady combines the attributes of skilled songwriting, a deep appreciation of American roots music, along with her powerfully affecting vocals” Randall Parrish, Vivascene
“Backbone swings and grooves from the first note to the last, powered by Callahan’s powerful voice and some extremely sweet playing from her road tested all-star band. This is very likely one of the best albums you’ll hear this year; completely irresistible.” —-Hot Wax Album Review- The Rock Doctor
“Callahan has carved a niche for herself up and down the East Coast. Now it’s time for the rest of the USA/Canada to appreciate her modern, clever lyrics that mostly stay clear of the tired old blues themes”.—Richard Skelly, Blues Music Magazine