Diane Durrett - Diane Durrett & Soul Suga Live (2018)

Recorded live at two shows at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur, Georgia, this is Durrett’s second album with Soul Suga and her eighth overall. She appears to be in her element here with a rousing and soulful performance. Durrett sings and plays guitar; backing band Soul Suga is Melissa Junebug on drums, Yoel B’nai Yehuda on keys, Gregg Shapiro on bass, Markham White on guitar, Adam McKnight & Deborah Reece with backing vocals, Wes Funderburke on trombone and Kerren Berz on violin.

Durrett exudes soul , charm and power as she gets introduced and songs “Bright Side.” She tells us no one has ever gone blind looking at the bright side of things, a cure for a troubled soul. “Butters In The Skillet” has a big band intro and then Durrett comes in dripping with sweet butter on her vocals. “It Is What It Is” is next, a song about a relationship gone sour. Diane sings with emotion and power. Up next is “Wish It Would Rain,” a tune she wrote after the last drought, a pretty ballad that she offers up with restraint and builds up as she testifies to the crowd. “Love Has he Right To Be Wrong” gets a little funky groove going and Durrett sings with heartfelt feeling. A dog rescue was the synthesis for “Be Someone’s Angel.” Durrett tells us to go out of our way and do something special for someone. The dog she rescued had gotten away during a funeral and her recovering the dog added some sun to an otherwise dark day for someone; the song tells us to go out and be an angel for someone, too.

“All Is Well” is another pretty ballad, this one inspired by Durrett’s grandmother. The pacing and lyrics are full of grace and charm. “In Between Times” remains low keyed and somber and bilds and builds with emotion and feeling, showing off Diane’s chops. A short percussion solo serves as intro to “Sassy Larue,” an up tempo and swinging cut about an 1950’s singer. Big horns and support from the band help sell this one. “Summertime” is a soulful cover of the classic tune and Durrett does a nice job with it. A big trombone solo gets the crowd going and then Durrett closes with intensity before taking us out sweetly. “Don’t That Bring You Back” is a jumping and fun cut that Durrett and company nail. The organ solo is slick and then the trombone chimes in for a bit. The band takes us home at the end, a rousing and fun ride. The last song is “Woohoo” with a little honky-tonk going. Durrett sings with humor that she has a little woohoo in her hoohoo. Everyone in the band takes a turn to show off their skills over the 8 minute finale that leaves the crowd wanting more, a fine close to a fine set of shows and album.

I enjoyed Diane’s last album, but live she and Soul Suga are even more intense and fun. I enjoyed this CD a lot and think fans of soulful blues will too! ~by Steve Jones