Tampa Bay singer/songwriter Rebekah Pulley has completed a fresh full-length and it’s a beauty. Titled Back To Boogaloo, the album is a brilliant folk-rock affair marked by smart storytelling, expressive vocals, pop hooks and spot-on instrumentation. Pulley, who self-penned each number, has delivered her strongest album to date.
Co-producer/guitar virtuoso/keyboardist Steve Connelly is all over the disc, which was expertly recorded at his Zen Recording Studio in Pinellas Park. Another prominent component is the gorgeous piano and Hammond B3 contributions by Ryan Arsenault (Vodkanauts). In fact Pulley’s entire Reluctant Prophets band, including members “past, present and future” offer excellent accompaniment throughout. In addition to Connelly and Arsenault, the players are Robert Pastore (bass), Sandi Grecco (drums), Ted Lukas (guitar) and Jasmine Conrad (backing vocals).
The full-length also features a touching, twangy duet with Ronny Elliott titled “Tumbleweed.” Back to Boogaloo will be released Sept. 5; the same day WMNF 88.5 will host a CD release party for Pulley at Skipper’s Smokehouse.
This article appears in Jul 16-22, 2008.