Debra Lyn’s “A Cold Wind Blows (Evolution)” Review by John Apice

August 27, 2024
Debra Lyn – A Cold Wind Blows (Evolution)

Many independent artists fly under the radar. I marvel at how some remain consistently good within their showcase while others visibly develop into exceptional artists beyond their starting point. I’m familiar with Debra Lyn’s work & this is a remixed, remastered & updated set from 2014 with a new version of one tune & a bonus newer song.

The song “A Cold Wind Blows,” is laid back with strings that surface for effect. But the dynamic percussion & Debra Lyn’s surreal but not strange vocals sustain this attraction. She’s not ethereal like Sarah MacLachlan, Enya, or the new Shelby Lynne — because Debra Lyn’s sense of melody has always been a little more mainstream balanced.

This is Debra Lyn’s (vocals/harmony/kazoo) 12 forecasts that make up the new & improved A Cold Wind Blows (Evolution) – (Drops Aug 30/Palette Records/43:18). Produced in Dolby Atmos/Spatial Audio by Jeff Silverman (bass/drums/percussion/keys/acoustic guitar/baritone & tenor acoustic guitars/sound design) in Nashville, TN & “With Or Without You,” co-produced by Tim Lorsch (strings/violin solo).

Debra Lyn always avoids the traps of clichés. Her lyrics have a sense of poignancy & her voice shines through the words superbly. With “One Heart,” the music is mixed a little upfront & her voice isn’t as clearly understood but the effect is strong because the melody is absorbing.

A bit more dance-oriented is “Carried the Torch” which while not a sparkler for me has a good vibe with its varied percussive drive. At least Debra Lyn knows how to mix up her repertoire to good effect with a fine arrangement & on this, she gets “down.” So, while it’s not my favorite I will give it the thumbs up.

The diamonds among the zirconia’s are the folky-country-inflected “Believe” & “Drunken Fool” – both imaginative & where Debra Lyn should be. The word excellent sums it up.

The CD has a pristine sound from the Atmos/Spatial Audio application. I hear it. I’m from the generation that heard good mono presence, stereo-hi/fi, Quadrophonic surround with Dolby & Beta Hi-fi with ambient sound. Many applications that were impressive & are now relegated to the dust heap. Hopefully, Atmos may catch. It does add a nice warmth to the reproduction.

Debra Lyn has evolved her music strikingly probably because there’s no major label marketing interference. But I would have signed her by now.

Highlights – “A Cold Wind Blows,” “One Heart,” “Carried the Torch,” “Closer To Goodbye,” “Believe,” “Drunken Fool,” “I’ll Always Miss the Love I Left Behind” & “Swim the River.”

Musicians – Matthew Burgess (drums/percussion), Dave Flint (acoustic guitars/Resonator guitar/Bouzouki), Taylor Reese (acoustic guitars/solo), Scott Vestal (banjo), David Francis (upright bass/acoustic guitar), Randy Kohrs (dobro) & Jeff Taylor (accordion/solo).

CD photography by Jenny Johnson (harmony). Color image courtesy of Debra’s website. Lyric insert included. CD @ Amazon & https://debralyn.com/