Dion: Girl Friends Review

Blues rock has been spoiled rotten with female artists throughout history, especially since the turn of the millennium. And who better to showcase the current cream of the lady crop than legendary Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Dion?

His third consecutive LP through a certain Mr. Bonamassa’s Keeping The Blues Alive label drops a dozen original numbers, all showcasing talismanic female collaborators. Welcoming his Girl Friends, Dion’s all-star female ensemble is a poetic and powerful change-up from his testosterone-heavy (albeit enjoyable) Blues With Friends collaboration album released in 2020.

Like a hymn of resilience to the nation, the patriotic first single, “An American Hero,” with Grammy-nominated country singer-songwriter Carlene Carter, paved the way for this new collection of songs. It’s such a great tempo for Dion’s clear and pure vocals, but like everything on this record, it’s taken to new splendor with a woman’s touch. You feel that feminine genius in every groove of the record. Here, the slight huskiness in Carter’s voice grabs the prophetic call and morphs it into a masterful harmony.

Two artists from different generations once again collide on “Soul Force” with tasty guitar licks that fling fire and tenacity from one of the genre’s premier vocalists, Susan Tedeschi. However, Susan’s primary asset isn’t utilized. Some will feel that having Susan present but not using her soaring, soulful voice is an opportunity missed (me included). However, it’s impossible to deny this gritty blues burner is enough to make anybody rock and shift.

Since I’ve covered the first two singles, I might as well stay chronological and cover the third (and most recent) — “I Aim To Please.” It’s another spangling, upbeat rocker with burly vocals and the customary toe-tapping blues bassline we’ve come to expect from Dion. This time, he teams up with Danielle Nicole to form yet another dynamite duo, with Nicole’s strong voice matching him strut for strut.

Blues is very much the name of the game throughout, with each guest bringing their unique style and voice to the party. Valerie Tyson (labeled by Dion as “one of the greatest singers on the planet”) is a familiar voice to the folk in South Florida for her group’s (The Valerie Tyson Band) high-energy performances. There’s no sign of that energy being sapped on the doo-wop, almost country-pop workout “Stop Drop And Roll.” Let those foot stomps feast on the banjo, strumming acoustic guitar, and sultry swagger that is plentiful.

Wherever you turn, there are exceptional performances galore. Explore the “Endless Highway” with the highly gifted Randi Fishenfeld on violin, while six-string maestro Joanne Shaw Taylor was never going to do anything else but bring the heat for blistering blues-rocker “Just Like That.” Her impressive picking skills and snarly, white-hot Telecaster licks illustrate why she has so many famous fans across the guitar world.

From the instantly recognizable world-class pipes of Shemekia Copeland on the soulful and conversational jazz-blues balladry of “Mama Said” to the atmospheric, emotional landscape of “I Got Wise” with American soul and country singer Maggie Rose, there’s beautiful chemistry everywhere.

The question “Do Ladies Get The Blues?” is even posed by Christine Ohlman and Debbie Davies. The answer is a swinging and stinging yes, with Olhman’s growl and Davies’s full-bodied Chicago blues guitar bite a revelation alongside the ever-capable Dion.

Just glance at the names on the cover — they read like a who’s who of female talent in the blues-rock world and beyond. They shine brightly in a realm of musical company and camaraderie that transcends generations, coming together to add sizzle, texture, and, of course, that all-important woman’s touch to Dion’s signature sound.

Thank you ladies.

The Review: 8/10

Can’t Miss Tracks

– Soul Force
– Do Ladies Get The Blues?
– An American Hero

The Big Hit

– An American Hero

Buy the album: Amazon