This collection of songs from the Debra Farris Band, as the album title implies, predominately features cover versions. With a solid band to back her up Debra is able to go for broke on the delivery of the material that has been chosen, and the result is a particularly catchy set of music.
As tends to be the case with cover versions some work better than others, and on occasions it just all seems to fall into place and they work spectacularly well. This is the case with her version of T-Bone Walker's "Stormy Monday"; this one really does hit the mark and she gives us a superb, slow bluesy performance of a genuinely classic song.
With "Route 66" we are treated to a swinging jazz style interpretation of the song, and Van Morrison's "Moondance" is given a similar, and strangely pleasing, treatment. On Bill Withers' "Use Me" she demonstrates a somewhat funkier side with another standout performance. She also features a couple of her own compositions, with the blues tinted "Exponential" and the slightly funky sounding "Get Up". She even pulls off a great rocking version of Lennon & McCartney's "I Saw Her Standing There" to finish.
Admittedly it may not be the most original album you'll ever hear. However, there is always as place for someone who can interpret, or re-interpret, the songs of others. It is an often much maligned talent, and a talent that Debra seems to posses more than most.
To find out more about Debra, the band and the music, visit her Sonicbids EPK.