Tag: Debbie Davies

Strings and Soul: How Debbie Davies Helped Me Fall in Love with the Blues All Over Again

There’s a certain joy that hits when you hear a guitarist who doesn’t just play well—they play with feel. That’s how I felt the first time I heard Debbie Davies. It was her cover of “Percolatin’” off her Loose Tonight! album, and right from the opening bars, her tone hit me like sunshine after rain: warm, smooth, full of personality.

I remember thinking, Wait… who is this? And why haven’t I been listening to her for years?
Turns out I’d been missing out on one of the most soulful, tasteful, and criminally underrated blues guitarists of the last few decades.

---

From California to the Blues Big Leagues

Born in Los Angeles in 1952, Debbie Davies came up through a West Coast blues scene that was all about groove, tone, and authenticity. She cut her teeth playing guitar in bar bands before landing a spot with Albert Collins’ Icebreakers in the late 1980s.

That’s right—Albert freakin’ Collins, the Master of the Telecaster, hand-picked her to be in his band. If that doesn’t tell you something about her chops, I don’t know what will.

But Debbie didn’t stop there. She built a solo career that’s spanned decades, packed with killer albums, razor-sharp playing, and some of the most tasteful phrasing this side of B.B. King.

---

Her Style: Smooth, Sharp, and Full of Soul

Debbie doesn’t play like she’s out to prove something. She plays like she’s got nothing to prove—just something to share. Her tone is buttery but bold. Her solos are clean, melodic, and always say something. No noodling. No empty flash. Just feel.

She’s got that rare ability to make a guitar sing, laugh, or cry—sometimes all in the same solo. Whether she’s playing slow and moody or up-tempo and funky, you can hear her personality in every note.

And when she sings? It’s honest, unpretentious, and full of warmth. She doesn’t try to overpower you—she draws you in.

---

The Albums That Converted Me

Debbie Davies’ discography is a goldmine, especially if you love the kind of blues that grooves as much as it moves. Here are a few must-hear records that got me hooked:

• 🎸 Loose Tonight! (1994) – Her breakout solo album, and an instant classic. Full of fire, taste, and toe-tapping swing.
• 🔥 Tales from the Austin Motel (2007) – Recorded in Texas and soaked in that gritty, roadhouse vibe. Raw and real.
• 🎤 Love Spin (2015) – One of her most emotional and musically diverse albums. Features touches of soul, funk, and slow-burning blues.
• 🕺 I Got That Feeling (1997) – A tribute to Albert Collins, and one of the most heartfelt blues records of the ‘90s.

She’s also collaborated with greats like Duke Robillard, Tab Benoit, and Tommy Shannon, always bringing her A-game and lifting the whole band in the process.

---

Seeing Her Live: Blues with Class and Fire

I saw Debbie Davies live once at a blues fest in the early 2000s, and I still remember how natural she looked onstage. No gimmicks. No big speech. Just a Telecaster, a killer rhythm section, and a woman who knew exactly how to hold a crowd with a single bend.

She’d step up to the mic with a smile, tell a funny story, then dive into a slow 12-bar that had people swaying and closing their eyes. When she lit into a solo, it wasn’t about speed—it was about feel.

That’s her magic—she doesn’t just play for you, she plays with you.

---

Why Debbie Davies Still Deserves a Spotlight

In a blues world often dominated by flashy playing and louder-is-better thinking, Debbie Davies is a master of restraint, feel, and groove. She’s not out to break records—she’s out to serve the song.

She’s been quietly building a legacy of authenticity and artistry, proving that women in blues don’t have to scream or shred to be taken seriously. They just have to be real—and Debbie is as real as it gets.

She also continues to mentor and uplift other artists, keeping the blues community alive and thriving.

---

Where to Start If You’re New

Here’s your Debbie Davies starter kit:

• 💿 Loose Tonight! – Her signature sound. Classic.
• 🎧 Love Spin – For the more emotional, modern side.
• 🔊 Tales from the Austin Motel – Raw, roadhouse magic.
• 🥁 I Got That Feeling – A must-hear tribute to her roots.

And definitely check out any live footage you can find—Debbie on stage is where the heart of her blues really shines.

More at debbiedavies.com

---

Debbie Davies doesn’t play the blues for attention. She plays it for connection. And every time she picks up a guitar, she reminds me why I fell in love with this music in the first place—because when it’s real, it stays with you. And Debbie? She’s as real as it gets.

Thank you

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.

Debbie Davies: The Blues Guitar Queen You Need to Know

Debbie Davies isn’t just a name in blues; she’s a force. This article dives into the powerful talent of blues guitarist and singer Debbie Davies, exploring her journey, signature sound, and why she remains a vital figure in the contemporary blues scene. If you’re searching for female blues guitarists, powerful blues singers, or simply great blues music, she deserves a spot on your radar.

A Blues Foundation Forged in Fire:

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Debbie Davies’ passion for the blues ignited early. Inspired by legendary bluesmen like Freddie King, Albert King, and Magic Sam, she dedicated herself to mastering the guitar. This deep connection to the roots of blues is evident in every note she plays.

From Icebreakers to Solo Star:

A significant chapter in Debbie’s career began when she joined Albert Collins’ Icebreakers in 1988. Touring and performing alongside the “Master of the Telecaster” provided invaluable experience and further honed her already impressive guitar skills. This period not only showcased her talent but also solidified her commitment to authentic blues.

Embarking on a solo career, she has released a string of critically acclaimed albums. Titles like “Picture This,” “Loose Tonight,” and “After the Storm” highlight her exceptional songwriting, her dynamic vocal delivery (ranging from smoky lows to powerful highs), and, of course, her signature fiery guitar work. These albums are essential listening for anyone seeking high-quality blues rock and soulful slow blues.

What Makes Debbie Davies Stand Out?

Debbie Davies’ magic lies in her ability to seamlessly blend technical brilliance with raw emotion. Her guitar solos aren’t just fast; they’re melodic, articulate, and deeply expressive – carrying the very soul of the blues. Her vocals are equally captivating, delivering each lyric with conviction and heart. She’s a true storyteller through her music.

Beyond her solo work, Debbie has collaborated with numerous other prominent blues artists, further cementing her reputation within the blues community. Her willingness to share her talent underscores her genuine passion for the genre.

Why Debbie Davies Matters Today:

Debbie Davies continues to tour and record, bringing her electrifying live performances to blues enthusiasts worldwide. Her unwavering dedication to her craft, her exceptional musicality, and her authentic connection to the blues tradition ensure her continued relevance and influence in the genre. For fans seeking genuine, hard-hitting blues with a contemporary edge, Debbie Davies is a must-discover artist.

Key Takeaways:

• Powerful Female Blues Guitarist: Debbie Davies is a leading figure among women in blues guitar.
• Exceptional Blues Singer: Her vocals are soulful, dynamic, and perfectly complement her guitar playing.
• Authentic Blues Sound: Rooted in tradition but with a contemporary energy.
• Must-Listen Albums: Explore “Picture This,” “Loose Tonight,” and “After the Storm.”
• Live Performer: Catch her live for an unforgettable blues experience.

Debbie Davies

Born in 1952 in Los Angeles, Debbie Davies was brought up in close contact with music thanks to her parents. Her father collaborated as an arranger with Ray Charles and recorded with Frank Sinatra. The first guitar idol – Eric Clapton, the one from the period of cooperation with Bluesbreakers, convinced Debbie to play blues. Soon her favorite guitarists became also Freddie King, Jimmie Vaughan, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. When she mastered the electric guitar she began to look for a place for herself in the local blues and rock and roll groups. The chance of getting closer to the great music scene came in Los Angeles – when in 1985 she joined the female rhythm-and-blues band The Cadillacs. The band run by the wife of John Mayall – Maggie.

Debbie Davies and Albert Collins

However, the turning point in the musical life of Debbie has become the knowledge of Albert Collins. He was her most important blues mentor. In 1988, for over three years, she became the second guitarist of his renowned band The Icebreakers. This was not achieved by any of the blues guitarists and should be considered a rare case of entrusting a girl of this role. With all due respect, but the male hermetic circle of blues guitarists seemed to be the norm.

Her first published recording was a guest performance. Invited in 1990 by John Mayall to the session of his album “A Sense Of Place.” A year later, for a short time, she found herself in the band “The Ladyfinger Revue” founded by the Californian harmonica Greg “Fingers” Taylor, next to Janiva Magness. She founded her own band in 1993. In the same year, she recorded and released her debut album “Picture This”. On which we can hear Albert Collins’s guitar in one composition. Because it gained the approval of the critics, the label Blind Pig decided to release the next ones.

A white girl, playing aggressively and expressively on Fender Stratocaster, who performs contemporary electric Texas blues combined with rock and funky, was also liked by the body of the W.C. Handy Foundation, awarding prestigious awards (currently the Blues Music Awards). In 1997 they recognized Debbie Davies as “Best Contemporary Female Blues Artist”.

Solo albums

She has released nine albums so far. Including two projects that have undoubtedly been attended by equally-respected guitarists: Anson Funderburgh and Otis Grand (“Grand Union”, 1998), and Tab Benoit and Kenny Neal (“Homesick For The Road”, 1999). Her other albums featured a few excellent bluesmen. On “I’ve Got That Feeling” – Coco Montoya was next to Benoit. “Tales From The Austin Motel” (1999) was created in Austin, Texas with the Stevie Ray Vaughan ex-group section Double Trouble – Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton. “Key To Love: A Celebration Of The Music Of John Mayall” (2003) with Mick Taylor and Peter Green and veteran of Chicago blues harmonica player James Cotton. The latest “Blues Blast” released so far in 2007 – with Benoit, Montoya and Charlie Musselwhite.

Thank You!

We appreciate your time and dedication to reading our article. For more of the finest blues guitar music, make sure to follow our Facebook page, “I Love Blues Guitar”. We share exceptional selections every day. Thank you once again for your continued support and readership.