Deborah Holland – I Made It This Far
With a career that began in 1987, Deborah Holland has performed for years with drummer Stewart Copeland & bassist Stanley Clarke in Animal Logic. She still works with the wonderful trio, The Refugees (who I’ve seen twice). Solo — this is her 7th album. Yet, I wonder why with much of the success she has had her name is not as prominent as I feel it should be. With Emmylou Harris, Shawn Colvin, Mary Chapin-Carpenter & the like. Deborah Holland’s voice has always been a remarkable instrument. As compelling as Linda Thompson’s (Richard & Linda Thompson), June Tabor & Christine Collister.
This new project’s 11 tunes reassure that I Made It This Far (Drops March 7/Rage On Records/41:38) is true. She has. Produced by Deborah (vocals/acoustic guitar/dulcimer/accordion/piano/bgv) the showcase is loaded with some of the best tunes I’ve heard Ms. Holland do. I find sincerity in Deborah’s voice. Her tonality has sentimental qualities, a value-added in that even her distinguished backup vocals would polish anyone’s song. It can’t be said that Ms. Holland sounds like this singer or that singer. I have heard many through the years & her voice, like the late Sandy Denny (Fairport Convention) & Judith Durham (The Seekers), has a signature sound. Instantly recognizable. Her “My Lifeline” is a precise example of this richness.
Her song topics are a unique blend (“Thankful – Thanksgiving 2023,” “Born With a Broken Heart”) that maybe the Midwest’s Carrie Newcomer would do. Few others. Many singers are preoccupied with the gold ring – the mainstream commercial acceptance. A slippery slope. Deborah prefers originality with her quality & the intensity that comes from the beauty of a well-crafted song with little fanfare.
Her partner in crime is veteran musician Wendy Waldman (“Living Is Good”) who’s also part of The Refugees trio. Wendy plays acoustic guitar on the terrific “Circling the Drain.” Wendy, the late Nicolette Larson & Judee Sill (“The Kiss,” “Jesus Was a Cross Maker”) are exceptional artists & writers who deserve far more recognition.
Recorded well with Deborah’s voice up front & warm, she must have been singing some of these songs while smiling since her voice sounds it. Her intonation, phrasing & range is precise. “Everybody’s Drinking But Me,” is marvelous. Each song has its natural flavor & with that, there’s not a bad tune on this album. Serve it up loud & often. One of the year’s best.
Highlights – “Thankful (Thanksgiving 2023),” “A Long Time Ago,” “Circling The Drain,” “My Lifeline,” “Born With a Broken Heart,” “East Porpoise Bay,” “Everybody’s Drinking But Me” & “50 Year Reunions.”
Musicians – Abraham Parker (piano), Patterson Barrett (acoustic & electric guitars/pedal steel guitar/lap steel/electric piano/organ/mandolin), Wendy Waldman (acoustic guitar/bgv), Michael Friedman (acoustic guitar), Nick Vincent & Scott Babcock (drums/percussion), Mark Henning & Brent Gubbels (bass), Carl Sealove (fretless electric bass), Garth Bowen (violin), Amy Laing (cello), Adrian Dolan (string arrangements/violins/violas), Dan Navarro (duet vocals) & Peter Bernstein (orchestration/arrangements).
Color image courtesy of Jane Thomson Photography. CD at Bandcamp + https://deborahholland.net/