Rising Wolverhampton blues star REBECCA DOWNES returns in 2016 with her highly anticipated second album BELIEVE.
This disc will be released on 4th March via #CargoRecords
The release will be celebrated with a special album launch show at London’s iconic 100 Club on 23rd February.
Written by Rebecca with co-writer Steve Birkett and produced by Mark V Stuart (Magnum, Diamond Head and more) — BELIEVE is the follow up to Downes’ debut album ‘Back to the Start ‘ —we covered it in our special printed RAW RAMP Summer Blues Edition and described the album as “authentic and potent blues …with vocals so inspiring they will open up your heart…”
For Rebecca — this second album is a significant landmark.
She comments:
“The album title represents the belief that I have needed to get this far and the belief we now have in the quality of our music and our live performances. 2015 allowed us to measure ourselves against some of the best around and we believe we made our own mark. ”
“The mood of the album reflects the progress we have made – musically and personally – since the first album. I am both more comfortable in my own life and skin and our own music, the mood of the album reflects that, showcasing different aspects of the journey and vocally how hungry I am to get that live feel onto the tracks.”
We had a listen:
‘Never Gonna Learn‘ is a busy and light bounding number with smears of creamy organ and a boogachillastic rhythm and groove.
Becca’s vocals are cool-sweaty and quite funky on this opening track.
‘Night Train‘ has a sophisticated black bottomed rib of sound that runs along the edge.
This is smoky and dark, with a sticky smell that reminds us of the back room polish in some dirty jook-joint — found on the wrong side of the tracks.
A horny harmonica interacts seamlessly with the electric keys… and the seduction of that fascinating voice inspires and captivates.
‘ Its That Easy‘ is a long-slow jive and because of that it’s almost jazzarific — with flaming vocals and sparkling guitars.
This is vibrant and positive and reminiscent of Fleetwood Mac in terms of quality and substance.
The title track and the album closer is ‘ Believe‘ with squelchy guitar and a bass that sounds intriguingly spongy.
The rhythms are tight ‘n’ clean and the vocals are passionately buff-tuff … packed with high-emotion.
Rebecca is a strong and independent lady and this new album sure gives us the groovebumps …
Rebecca Downes’ Believe is released on March 4th.
Words: @neilmach 2016 ©
Link: https://www.facebook.com/RebeccaDownes/
While you wait for the new album, why not check-out Messed Up (below) the second video from her first album:
RAW RAMP 