Bluesday Afternoon by Debbie Ritter & 4-40 Blues

Sassy and sexy Debbie Ritter and her band, 4-40 Blues, have released their debut CD, "Bluesday Afternoon," and it a stunning collection of very eclectic, guitar-laden originals, all fueled by Debbie's soulful vocals.

Folks, there's a bit of something for everyone contained herein. No matter whether you are in or out of love, most everybody will be able to relate to the tales Debbie spins on this set. All the cuts were written by Debbie and guitarist extraordinaire, Tom "TomCat" Whisenhunt. Outstanding cuts abound, too, such as the leadoff tale about what a body can get if he or she simply asks for it, called "It's Alright With Me." Or the classic tale of loneliness, even though someone is there with you, "Bluesday Afternoon." Chip Woody deals some tasty harp on the slyly-sexy "Miss You Already." You can almost hear the "come hither" in Debbie's vocal delivery on this one!! Rock along with Debbie and the lengths she goes to in order to keep her man from lacin' up his "Walkin' Shoes." Her soulful side emerges on the tale of a woman in turmoil over her lover with "Half a mind to love you, half a mind to leave."

But, hands down, our favorite cut is a funky, rockin' , hilarious "Late Again," a tale of someone who always seems beset by bad luck that causes them to run late for everything!! Tom's guitar work is especially good on this one!

In the tradition of Bonnie Raitt, Celinda Pink, we rightfully add the name Debbie Ritter to the short list of women who are equally at home belting out a rocker or crooning a ballad. Grab up a copy of "Bluesday Afternoon" and---ENJOY!!! Until later...

Sheryl and Don Crow. ~ Music City Blues Society, Nashville, TN.

"This is mostly a low key album with more slow burners than biting quick tempos, having said that, Debbie Ritter's sweet to raunchy voice never lets things slacken. Debbie has a world-weary delivery that is admirably suited to her feminine outlook on the blues, but there is also R&B and jazz to the proceedings too. The whole band is in the pocket, but I must single out Tom "Tomcat" Whisenhunt, whose guitar work is very tasty indeed. What you will find refreshing is that the whole affair is an original work - no overly flogged workhorses here, but catchy & thoughtful tales. Debbie Ritter & 4-40 Blues have come up with a debut that is well above the norm!

Sue DiNim, Get Rhythum2 Magazine (UK)

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