Disaster Relief were created in 2018, when Michigan-based music producer, songwriter and guitarist Darrin James decided to branch away from the blues-rock sounds of his eponymous band albums to form a more improvisational, instrumental and funky project. Disaster Relief was intended as a remedy to the negative vibes in the world and play eclectic, upbeat, horn-driven music inspired by New Orleans, Motown, Memphis, Afrobeat and more.
For these two songs, “How I Feel” and “Not So Scared of You,” they have teamed up with blues star Thornetta Davis. Davis has won more than 30 Detroit Music Awards and opened for Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt, Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight and Etta James. This Detroit Music Hall of Famer was crowned as the city’s Queen of the Blues in 2015. She’s also worked with Alberta Adams.
Davis brings her wonderful voice to Disaster Relief’s funky grooves. The songs reflect troubles of our times such as the struggle of women, to the politics of hate and division, all done with the swagger and grit of a true American blues master that is Thornetta Davis.
She and James are joined for “How I Feel” and “Not So Scared of You” by Brennan Andes on bass, Michael Shimmin on drums, Tim Haldeman on tenor sax, Dan Bennett on baritone sax and Ross Huff on trumpet.
“How I Feel” is a powerful, driving soul-infused bluesy number with huge vocals and deeply groovy backlines from guitar and percussion. The brass is strong and the structure is solid. In the middle section, the guitar interacts with the vocals well. It is a track where the instruments work with the voice to create an interactive and dynamic conversation. The sax solo is soaring, reflective and played with gusto, while the finish is expansive.
Meanwhile, “Not So Scared of You” is sassy, in-your-face-rhetoric, sung with a gutsy flow and deeply emotive undertone which emphasizes the words and their message to the listener. It is about standing up to someone, finding courage and keeping faith in your own strength.
On both tracks, Davis demonstrates why she was the perfect choice to compliment the superb musicians in the line-up. Disaster Relief demonstrates why they are perfect to accompany her voice, and the arrangement is richly textured. Davis’ voice is commanding, powerful and smooth. She tells stories with truth and honesty.
Released in April via Ravine Records, these two hugely enjoyable tracks bring funk, blues and soul together with a good dose of relevant social commentary. They also illustrate the instrumental interaction of Disaster Relief and the quality of the vocals from Thornetta Davis. ?
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