Rebekah Meldrum, Rebekah Meldrum Review

Rebekkah Meldrum is a blues singer and songwriter based in Indiana. She grew up singing gospel music in church and fell in love with the blues after hearing Koko Taylor. She is releasing her debut self-titled album of seven originals. Her band churns out the vibrant blues sound as she sings the lyrics with confidence and impassioned dynamics. Meldrum’s songwriting is telling stories that are engaging and stimulate the imagination and memories of life experiences.

“Set Your Soul Free” begins with long-time collaborator Paul Holdman playing a bluesy chordal intro on the guitar with just the right amount of roto sound to make you take note. When the band enters, blues harpist Tad Robinson blows some mean blues lines before Meldrum’s robust voice fills the space. Her vocal style contains clever phrasing and blues inflections. The production of the album is a little weak; the vocal sound is ‘hot’ and distorts in the speakers. That aside, “Set Your Soul Free” is a well-written song, and Meldrum sings the melody and lyrics with passion and authority.

A hip funky country blues feel adorns “Coat Tails.” Holdman’s guitar playing is relaxed and combines funk and blues in a meaningful manner. Meldrum’s vocals are energetic as she adorns the melody with glissandos and blue notes that bring out all the blues feeling. Again, the sound quality has much to be desired, but Meldrum’s singing style still shines through. Holdman’s guitar solo is spot on, as is Robinson’s harp playing. This song tells a story that is interesting, and Holdman’s delivery is very believable.

Rebekkah Meldrum is an album that will get Meldrum’s vocal style, and songwriting noticed. I hope the sophomore release has better sound quality, especially with the vocals. However, the songwriting, singing, and playing is still enjoyable and conveys the blues with passion and respect for the heritage. A fine listen for blues fans for sure.

Rebekah Meldrum: Website