I’ve just made my way home through the latter days of the English summer in September rain that was quite cold! I’m shocked that as I am dropping my little one off at school, I am sitting shivering in a coat when, technically, we have not arrived in that season of “mellow fruitfulness” yet.
I am the new girl here; only my second review for the magazine and Mark had sent this single over to my in-tray with an instruction to let people know all about this British success that occurred over the pond this summer.
Before getting to the music, this duo recently won the Silver Award for International Duo Of The Year for the International Singer Songwriters Association Awards 2024, which they attended in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, both an incredible experience and achievement for these established artists. So congratulations from all of us here at the magazine.
We interviewed Ritchie a year or so ago and he is a stalwart of the UK blues scene with some signature guitar breaks. His “Rocking the Blues” album in 2014 contained the enigmatic track “The Stygian Witch” that contains his best, in my opinion, solo—it’s a solo that comes from the heart.
However, in the present day, I am sure Ritchie won’t mind me saying that adding Debra Susan to his recordings has added an extra quality, raising the bar of the commercial side of his output. Tracks like “I Can Hear the Train a Comin” are made for commercial radio or Radio 2 audiences, and the new single also matches that reach.
Of course, for some reason there are a few artists who have chosen to sing about September Rain (and “November Rain” too)! This original song is definitely a southern rock/country track; it is joyful in the vocal delivery; and is infused with a US feeling that makes me want to fish out my cowgirl boots, rhinestone jacket and tassels (actually, on this magazine, that is more Lorraine’s style than mine!). It’s a well-crafted track and was produced by Michael Tingle, who has worked with the duo for many releases in the past.
As a basic line, does it make me feel good listening to it? Yes, it does! It’s a blast.
Let’s hope both Ritchie and Debra continue to squeeze that lemon of success for years to come.
As a finishing point, to keep us improving the magazine, we really do need your support, and if you can go to the “support us” button and buy us a coffee, it helps us feel appreciated and keep improving the magazine. (And as I’m new here, it will make me feel very welcome, lol.).
The band’s official website is here
You can stream this single and more music from the duo here.
By Anna-Louise Burgess