As we get ready to wave goodbye to July and welcome August there is a definite summer feeling here at the magazine. Our little team is down to three as the other half are all on their holidays. Undeterred, but simply behind with everything, I have picked up the baton and am doing a review myself. This is an interesting one as it is the new single from Ritchie Dave Porter and Debra Susan, a blend of traditional blues style guitar from Ritchie and a more musical theatre style vocal from his creative partner and wife Debra. I would describe this duo as a respected and hard working independent couple who are frequently out playing in the British midlands but have collected fans from across the world, especially Australia. We have reviewed them a few times and interviewed Ritchie a couple of years ago, so it is always good to check in and see how they are doing.
The new single has an official music video filmed by producer Michael which was shot in Montgomery in Wales .
The chord structures and Riffs and guitar solos are written and performed by Ritchie (who also plays bass on the track) and Debra Susan writes and performs all vocals and lyrics whilst Michael Tingle plays the drums and produces the new single.
Ritchie is playing his trusty Fender Squier Affinity series Arctic White Telecaster through the Fender Champion 50XL amplifier with no effects pedals.
My review: These two do enjoy the outdoors for their videos, once they find an old castle they are always ready to rock out. I enjoyed the guitar breaks in this one and Debra tells us that “every night’s a party when you’re in town…” – she must have known I was coming round! It is a single that has plenty of energy and Debra’s vocals have developed a rock edge to them in this one that offered a slightly different dimension to the sound.
So, as we hit the summer holiday season, ‘A Hundred Degrees,’ from Ritchie Dave Porter and Debra Susan brings their signature blend of blues guitar and theatrical vocals back into the spotlight. It’s a track that keeps true to their roots, with a touch more grit this time around. While it may not break new ground, it’s always a pleasure to see independent artists staying true to their style and putting their hearts into their craft, and these two absolutely do that.
And we hope you liked the review, dear reader! If you did, please check out the other pages of the magazine; we have many great features, merchandise pages, shops, editorials and even a poetry page. Content is free here, but we work hard for you, and to support the magazine, please show your appreciation on the support button below and buy me a coffee!
Official artist website here
You can stream music from Ritchie and Debra here
By Benny (the Ball) Benson