Artist:     Rebekkah Meldrum

Album:     Rebekkah Meldrum

Label:     Self-released

Release Date:     10.25.2019

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Based in Indiana, blues singer and songwriter Rebekkah Meldrum performs regularly at the Slippery Noodle Inn in Indianapolis. The daughter of a preacher, Meldrum grew up singing gospel music and discovered the blues when she first heard Koko Taylor. On her self-titled debut, Meldrum’s vocals and songwriting brim with confidence. Her deep, powerful voice grabs the listener by the throat, and her command of dynamics and phrasing is sure to impress. In addition to her vocal prowess, the seven-song collection of all original material showcases Meldrum’s skills as a songwriter and storyteller. She has a singular gift for putting the listener in her shoes.

Tracks like “Set Your Soul Free” and “Whiskey and Wine” sport simmering arrangements built on the deft guitar work of Meldrum’s longtime collaborator Paul Holdman. Tad Robinson, a fellow regular at the Slippery Noodle Inn, spices up the sound with his down home harp blowing. “Far Away” is a dream of freedom and escape in the great blues tradition. Meldrum’s voice is filled with passion as she sings, “Take me down to the Delta/until the clouds above me are all clear.” Holdrum’s delicate guitar work perfectly complements the longing in Meldrum’s vocals. The themes of freedom and pursuit of one’s dreams are revisited on the up-tempo funky blues “Coat Tails.” While bassist David Murray and drummer Kevin Kouts lock into a seamless groove alongside Holdman’s guitar riffs, Meldrum sings, “Baby take your dreams and let them fly/don’t ever let your life pass you by.”

In the album’s liner notes, Meldrum indicates that the closing track “I’m Here” is dedicated to the memory of family and friends lost to suicide. A portion of the profits from the song will be donated to The Suicide Prevention Program. With Robinson joining Meldrum on vocals, the track is clearly the most heartfelt performance on the album. As Robinson and Meldrum repeat the chorus, “Know that I’m here,” trumpeter PJ Yinger and trombonist Richard Doyle create a heavenly atmosphere with some authentic New Orleans traditional jazz improvisation.

Meldrum’s debut album gives listeners a brief glimpse into her overwhelming passion and talent. Let’s hope that she continues to bring us her personal and soul-searching take on the blues.

—Jon Kleinman