Vocals, Autoharp, Percussion
Debbie is a “pioneer” in the world of autoharps. Unlike traditional folk and old-time players, she plays a custom-made, exotic wood harp made by Ray Choi in Tustin, California, amplified with a Mesa Boogie amp and a moderate amount of effects pedals. Her playing, vocal contributions, and percussion add texture and warmth to a power trio of bass, guitar and drums. It fills a void usually filled by a rhythm guitar or keyboard and enables the band to deliver a fuller sound and to play more diverse material. She’s definitely an asset to the band!
Debbie is from Northridge, California, and transplanted herself here in Michigan about 30 years ago. She’s has always been a fan of and avid listener to a broad range of genres and styles of music, most especially the Beatles, Cream, The Byrds, Traffic, Zappa, Rory Gallagher, Satriani/Vai/Hoey, Jethro Tull, Robin Trower, Southern Rock, and avidly, the Grateful Dead. She joined the Mortals on stage about five years ago after following them for 20 years or more, and has been there ever since helping them broaden their musical horizons, song choices, and arrangements.
She’s also a long-time web developer and specializes in marketing and advertising. She has taken the band to a whole new level, definitely!
J. Phillips