The album kicks off with, “Everything Blues”,
expressing the view that blues is everywhere: everything
is blues and that's a good thing! “Blues For T-Model
Ford”, was inspired by her encounter with the legendary
bluesman, T-Model Ford, in Mississippi where she sang
for him on his 93rd birthday. The jazz-blues number,
“Kool Cat Strut”, with its languorous rhythm and
haunting melody refers to a fleeting love affair.
Barbara’s rendition of “Summertime” is very tender and
touching, like a lullaby, highlighting her vocal ability
and tugging at the heartstrings.
TO BLUES WITH LOVE was recorded, mixed and mastered by
J.D. Slim at Studio Québec Blues in Montréal. The
guitarist and acclaimed musical director, J.D. Slim, has
worked with Nanette Workman and Bob Walsh, among others
and composed much of the music for this album. There are
many talented musicians on the project such as J.D. Slim
on guitar and dobro, Pierre Lamontagne on bass, J.F.
Paradis and Bernard Deslauriers on drums and Pierre
Ducas, back vocals. There are also other prestigious
guests such as renowned bassist, Stephen Barry and
world-class drummer, Tony Coleman (B.B. King, Bobby Blue
Bland, Otis Clay).
Barbara Diab: Vocals, Back Vocals
J.D. Slim: Guitars, Dobro, Keyboards, Bass (tracks
7, 11), Back Vocals (tracks 1, 2, 11)
Pierre Lamontagne: Bass (tracks 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
9, 10, 13)
Stephen Barry: Upright Bass (track 8)
Pierre “Duke” Ducas: Back Vocals (track 6, 7)
J.F. Paradis: Drums (tracks 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
Tony TC Coleman: Drums (tracks 1, 2, 6)
Bernard “Bingo” Deslauriers: Drums (track 13)