Doris Mayes - Deep River

Review by Kelley Cartledge

Doris Mayes' latest album, Deep River, is a soulful and moving collection of 12 tracks that showcases her incredible vocal range and emotionally-charged songwriting. The album seamlessly blends elements of blues, gospel, and jazz, creating a unique and captivating sound that is both timeless and modern.

From the opening track, "Deep River Blues," Mayes' powerful voice commands attention, drawing the listener in with its raw intensity and soulful delivery. The album's standout tracks, "Ain't No Sunshine" and "Summertime," showcase Mayes' ability to infuse classic songs with her own unique style and interpretation.

Throughout the album, Mayes' lyrics are deeply personal and introspective, exploring themes of love, loss, and redemption. "I Can't Make You Love Me" is a standout track, with Mayes' haunting vocals perfectly capturing the heartache and longing of unrequited love.

The album's production is also top-notch, with each track expertly crafted to highlight Mayes' vocals and the musicianship of her band. The instrumentation is rich and varied, with highlights including the soulful horns on "Chain of Fools" and the bluesy guitar on "Stormy Monday."

Summary by Kelley Cartledge

Deep River is a stunning achievement for Doris Mayes, showcasing her incredible talent as a singer, songwriter, and musician. It's a must-listen for fans of blues, gospel, and soul music, and a testament to the enduring power of great songwriting and performance.