I can’t help it. I’m a sucker for supergroups.
This past summer, Delta Deep released its self-titled debut full of bluesy, pulsating riffs, booming vocals and an undying love of funk and soul. The band is comprised of Phil Collen (on guitars, formerly of Def Leppard, MANRAZE), Robert DeLeo (bass, Stone Temple Pilots), Forrest Robinson (drums/percussion for TLC,
The band grew from Collen’s immense respect and admiration for blues, funk and soul music, genres he felt weren’t greatly represented by today’s modern musicians. He first hooked up with Blackwell-Cook in 2010 (she is actually Collen’s wife’s godmother) and the duo quickly started jamming out to Motown and blues around the house. Robinson and DeLeo joined shortly after, thanks to their affinity for jazz and Motown-styled rhythm and blues. DeLeo, last to join, closed the circle on what would become their soulful quartet, and alas, an album was born and released June 23.
The record has a real southern attitude, reinforced by power – of each individual member, of their combined efforts. The guitars are strong and searing, nicely accompanying Blackwell-Cook’s spotlight moments, while slicing through key tracks with power solos elsewhere; a true axe to grind, a tug of war for center stage.
Though some listeners might feel nostalgic upon hearing such an authentic blues sound, the album’s production (done by Collen, himself) helps the Delta foursome sound incredibly modern, placing them firmly in the here and now. Musically, Delta Deep is tight as all hell, but Blackwell-Cook takes them to that next level. Having been described as “one part Aretha, one part Chaka, two parts Led Zeppelin,” she provides exactly the vocal force necessary to rise above such a commanding sound.
Here are a couple tracks off of the band’s debut record, and below those, their latest song, a Christmas cut, entitled: “Take Me Home for Christmas”:
