Blues Kitty Music artist: Liz Mandeville - The Stars Motel - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, The Stars Motel, from Liz Mandeville and it has a real nice flow. Opening with Too Hot For Love, Liz Mandeville is up front on lead vocals with Scott Ellison on lead guitar, Matt Kohl on bass, Robbie Armstrong on drums and Joan Gand on B3. With a more relaxed BB King kind of feel, Blues Is My Boss features Dario Lombardo on lead guitar with Mandeville handling lead guitar and lead vocal. Matt Cartwright sets a deliberate bass line and Andy Sutton is tight on drums. With a New Orleans feel, Everybody Knew But Me, has a great rhythm with Heather Tackett Faludo on bass, Steve Hart on tuba n Alex Leong on trombone and Jim Godsey on percussion. Very cool! Quiet ballad, One Dance, is soulful and has great horn bass featuring Jeannie Tannec on trumpet, Johnny Cotton on sax Charlie Kimble on sax. Gand's B3 work really beefs up the middle and Minoru Maruyama, guitar work gives the track sting almost sounding like a Muscle Shoals track. On Try Me Mandeville gets a great soul feel going backed by Rachelle Coba and Andy Sutton. Gand's Piano work is spot on developing a great swing with Faludo and Sutton's lines. Mandeville lays out some real nice lower octave guitar riffs that set the track apart. Truth has a great chugging rhythm not unlike a cool Al Green track. Darryl Wright's bass line really sets this and Mandeville's vocals ride it. Harp work by Dizzy Bolinsky adds really nice texture and guitar work by Maruyama and Mandeville ices it. Dario Lombardo's Reefer and a Glass of Wine is a super swing track featuring Doug Deming on lead guitar. A really swinging sax solo by Charlie Kimble seems to fuel Deming's guitar work and sassy trombone work by Cotton makes this one of my favorites on the release. Slower blues ballad, What Could Have been is the best showcase for Mandeville's voice. Matt Kohl sets a solid bass bottom and Gand's B3 work caress the soulful guitar lead by Mandeville. River Of Blood has a swampy sound with heavier vocal lines by Mandeville and fluid guitar lines by Coba. Wrapping the release is swing track, What Do Blues Men Like? with really slick guitar lines by Ellison and really rich vocals by Mandeville. Jon Parris on bass and Sutton on drums tops a great closer for a solid release.


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Blue Bella Records artist: Hank Mowery - Excuses Plenty - New release review

I just received the newest release, Excuses Plenty, from Hank Mowery and it's a cool mix of rural country, R&B/soul and blues. Opening with Anna Lee, a country rocker featuring Mowery on harp ad vocal, Troy Amaro on guitar, Chris Corey on piano, Patrick Recob on bass and Theo Ndawillie II on drums. I Don't Want to Know is a nice R&B ballad with strong radio appeal. Jimmie Stagger and Claude Nine add some real nice guitar work to this track but in a melodic contained envelope. Title track, Excuses Plenty, has a country 2 step feel but a euphoric harp wail that really gives the track a special feel. Troy Amaro adds some nice guitar work on this track as well. Country rocker, Walk With Me has a strong pop influence. Mowery's vocals are really super and Mike Morgan adds some hot guitar riffs to Mowery's own lead harp line. Straight up Chicago blues number, One And Only, has a real nice vocal duet with Recob and Morgan is really fluid on guitar backed by Pete Curry on drums and Larry Taylor on bass. Little Bit Of Rhythm has a light touch and a lot of swing with Corey and Amaro playing a really nice instrumental duet. Early 60's style rocker, Cry For Me, has a surf feel but without the tremolo shimmer. Clavoline work by Corey add a , backing vocals by Matt Mason and vocals give it a country twist. Bluesy ballad, Would You Still Love Me On A Rainy Day, features serious vocals by Mowery and some ultra tasty harp work by harp maestro, Dennis Gruenling. This is some serious dramatic harp work and joined by Doug Deming on guitar this is my pick of the release. Hot blues stomper, Telephone Is Ringing, also features Deming and Gruenling with Danny Banks on drums, Andrew Gohman on bass. This is a hot track really stoking the fire before the close. Mowery's vocals on this track are super and the track really hits! Wrapping the release is Skip James' I'm So Glad, an acoustic number with Piedmont style picking by Amaro. Excellent conclusion to a versatile release.


 

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Blind Raccoon & Earwig Music Showcase & A Bunch Of Other Happenings In Memphis This Week!

Blind Raccoon & Earwig Music Showcase Friday, May 10, 2 - 8:15 p.m. Purple Haze Night Club, Downtown Memphis, One Block South of B.B. King's on Second Featuring Andy Cohen, Leo Hull, Tommy McCoy, Guitar Mikey RB Stone, Johnny Drummer & Chris James and Patrick Rynn Blues Hall of Fame Tribute Jam Wednesday, May 8, 10 p.m. onwards B.B. King's on Beale, Memphis Yellow Dog Records All Star Showcase Thursday, May 9, 12:45 - 3:45 p.m. B.B. King's on Beale, Memphis VizzTone Label Group's Blues Party On Beale Friday, May 10, 10 p.m. onwards Rum Boogie on Beale, Memphis

Benson Blues: Harmonica Workshop, Concert Featuring Dennis Gruenling, Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones

Master Harpist Dennis Gruenling Continues U.S. Tour With Guitarist
Doug Deming (With The Jewel Tones) Both Supporting Their New CDs

Perform Locally: Pizza Shoppe Collective in Benson - Wednesday, Aug. 29th

(BENSON, NE) - Benson gets the blues as one of today's most compelling duos in Contemporary Blues, harmonica master Dennis Gruenling and guitarist Doug Deming (and his band, The Jewel Tones), perform swinging jump blues rich with gritty shuffles and driving boogies at Pizza Shoppe Collective, 6056 Maple St., Benson, Wednesday, August 29. Harmonica workshop from 5:30-6:15 p.m. (includes performance, $20); CD Release Party from 6:30-8:00 p.m. $5. (if not attending workshop). Info: (402) 556-9090 or visit www.pizzashoppecollective.com.

Harpist Gruenling and guitarist Deming (the later who fronts longtime group, the Jewel Tones) have once again joined forces, recently completing an ambitious twenty-eight city tour in just twenty-six days, each in support of a new CD ("Rockin' All Day" by Dennis Gruenling; "What's It Gonna Take" by Doug Deming).

Watch highlights from their recent 2012 Summer Tour here:


About: Dennis Gruenling

After receiving his first harmonica as a gift from a family friend while in his teens, he had heard his first blues record and his life was never the same! Having been in New Orleans during 1992-'93, Dennis came back home to the Garden State of New Jersey and quickly gained a reputation as a young rising star on the local blues scene, working in a couple different local blues bands. In 1998 he started to form his own local "all-star" band, using members pulled from other regional bands. Since his self-titled debut with that band ("Dennis Gruenling & Jump Time!") in 1999, Gruenling has pulled in countless fans and numerous accolades from critics and musicians around the world for his swinging, highly original harmonica sound and style. Taking equal parts from the blues harmonica and swing saxophone traditions and styles, Dennis has pushed the boundaries further for blues harmonica, while in the meantime pioneering a whole new sound and direction for the instrument. http://www.dennisgruenling.com.

"Dennis Gruenling has become the new harp player's harp player...one of the most critically acclaimed of his generation" - JUKE JOINT SOUL

"Dennis Gruenling is a leading light among a new generation of harp players...stands poised to claim a spot in the pantheon of blues harmonica greats." - BLUES REVUE

About: Doug Deming

"We have no gimmicks," says leader Doug Deming. "We play pure traditional music from the heart, with an image that conveys a deep respect for the genre." As a result, Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones have been become regulars on the national blues and jazz touring circuit as well as an 'in demand' backing band for a 'who's-who' of today's top American roots music performers, including Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Louisiana Red, Chicago Pete, vocalist Alberta Adams, Black Top's Johnnie Dyer, W.C. Handy Award winner Johnny 'Yard Dog' Jones and the legendary Lazy Lester. Detroit guitarist and Handy multi-award nominee Johnnie Bassett describes the band as "great talent...that people outside the area will come to know."
Doug Deming has been the driving force behind the Jewel Tones (formerly known as the Blue Suit Band) since it's beginning in 1991. As a guitarist and vocalist, he acknowledges a musical debt everyone from T-Bone Walker and Muddy Waters to Nat Cole and Count Basie. Says Detroit blues writer George Seedorff: "Doug is equally at home playing straight ahead on the solid body guitar or swinging on the big jazz box." The group's recordings achieve originality while staying deep in the genre. http://www.reverbnation.com/dougdemingthejeweltones.

"Doug Deming's 'Falling Through The Cracks' features solid performances on a program that encompasses a variety of blues styles." - BLUES FESTIVAL E-GUIDE

"You can sit and listen to the Blues or you can get up and start dancing to it. Doug Deming and The Jewel Tones' 'Falling Through the Cracks' will certainly get you doing the latter, with one of the finest mixes of 50's Style Rockabilly, Classic Jump/Boogie, Shuffle, and Swing I have recently heard." - BLUES UNDERGROUND

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Western NY Blues Society Present..Doug Deming & Dennis Gruenling In Concert 7/13

28 Shows In 26 Days!

Harpist Dennis Gruenling Joins Guitarist Doug Deming (With
The Jewel Tones) On U.S. Tour Both Supporting Their New CDs

<Perform Locally: Paradise Island In Buffalo - Friday, July 13>

(Presented By the Western New York Blues Society)

(Buffalo, NY) - One of today's most compelling duos in Contemporary Blues, harmonica master Dennis Gruenling and guitarist Doug Deming (and his band, The Jewel Tones), perform swinging jump blues rich with gritty shuffles and driving boogies.

Harpist Gruenling and guitarist Deming (the later who fronts longtime group, the Jewel Tones) have once again joined forces for an ambitious twenty-eight city tour in just twenty-six days, each in support of a new CD ("Rockin' All Day" by Dennis Gruenling; "What's It Gonna Take" by Doug Deming). Full itinerary is found below.

Dennis Gruenling along with Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones perform locally at Paradise Island, 4701 Transit Rd., Depew, Friday, July 13. 7 p.m. $12. advance, $15. at the door. This is a Western New York Blues Society-sanctioned event. Info: (716) 656-7946 or http://wnyblues.org/Home/tabid/41/Default.aspx.

Dennis Gruenling (l) and Doug Deming (r) have both released new albums and are touring together

About: Dennis Gruenling

After receiving his first harmonica as a gift from a family friend while in his teens, he had heard his first blues record and his life was never the same! Having been in New Orleans during 1992-'93, Dennis came back home to the Garden State of New Jersey and quickly gained a reputation as a young rising star on the local blues scene, working in a couple different local blues bands. In 1998 he started to form his own local "all-star" band, using members pulled from other regional bands. Since his self-titled debut with that band ("Dennis Gruenling & Jump Time!") in 1999, Gruenling has pulled in countless fans and numerous accolades from critics and musicians around the world for his swinging, highly original harmonica sound and style. Taking equal parts from the blues harmonica and swing saxophone traditions and styles, Dennis has pushed the boundaries further for blues harmonica, while in the meantime pioneering a whole new sound and direction for the instrument. http://www.dennisgruenling.com.

"Dennis Gruenling has become the new harp player's harp player...one of the most critically acclaimed of his generation" - JUKE JOINT SOUL

"Dennis Gruenling is a leading light among a new generation of harp players...stands poised to claim a spot in the pantheon of blues harmonica greats." - BLUES REVUE

About: Doug Deming

"We have no gimmicks," says leader Doug Deming. "We play pure traditional music from the heart, with an image that conveys a deep respect for the genre." As a result, Doug Deming and the Jewel Tones have been become regulars on the national blues and jazz touring circuit as well as an 'in demand' backing band for a 'who's-who' of today's top American roots music performers, including Kim Wilson of the Fabulous Thunderbirds, Louisiana Red, Chicago Pete, vocalist Alberta Adams, Black Top's Johnnie Dyer, W.C. Handy Award winner Johnny 'Yard Dog' Jones and the legendary Lazy Lester. Detroit guitarist and Handy multi-award nominee Johnnie Bassett describes the band as "great talent...that people outside the area will come to know."
Doug Deming has been the driving force behind the Jewel Tones (formerly known as the Blue Suit Band) since it's beginning in 1991. As a guitarist and vocalist, he acknowledges a musical debt everyone from T-Bone Walker and Muddy Waters to Nat Cole and Count Basie. Says Detroit blues writer George Seedorff: "Doug is equally at home playing straight ahead on the solid body guitar or swinging on the big jazz box." The group's recordings achieve originality while staying deep in the genre. http://www.reverbnation.com/dougdemingthejeweltones.

"Doug Deming's 'Falling Through The Cracks' features solid performances on a program that encompasses a variety of blues styles." - BLUES FESTIVAL E-GUIDE

"You can sit and listen to the Blues or you can get up and start dancing to it. Doug Deming and The Jewel Tones' 'Falling Through the Cracks' will certainly get you doing the latter, with one of the finest mixes of 50's Style Rockabilly, Classic Jump/Boogie, Shuffle, and Swing I have recently heard." - BLUES UNDERGROUND

Watch a live performance of Doug Deming's "Momma Didn't Raise No Fool" by Dennis Gruenling and Doug Deming here:

Dennis Gruenling/Doug Deming - "2012 CD Release Tour" - Live Shows Itinerary

June 20 (Wed.) Freddie Rebels Naples, FL
June 21 (Thur.) Gatorz Port Charlotte, FL
June 22 (Fri.) Mattison's City Grille Sarasota, FL
June 23 (Sat.) The Back Room Delray Beach, FL
June 24 (Sun.) Earl's Hideaway 2pm Sebastian, FL
June 25 (Mon.) Papa Mojo's Durham, NC
June 26 (Tues.) Reeve's Theatre Elkin, NC
June 27 (Wed.) Capital Ale House Richmond, VA
June 28 (Thur.) Roxy & Duke's* Dunellen, NJ
June 29 (Fri.) Black Eyed Sally's Hartford, CT
June 30 (Sat.) Private Party Middletown, NY
July 1 (Sun.) Asbury Park Jazzfest Asbury Park, NY
July1 (Sun.) Towne Crier* Pawling, NY
July 2 (Mon) Mystic River Park Mystic, CT
July 3 (Tues.) Triad Theatre New York, NY
July 4 (Wed.) House Party New Jersey
July 5 (Thur.) House Party Barrytown, NY
July 6 (Fri.) The Turning Point Piermont, NY
July 7 (Sat.) Harmonica Seminar Teaneck, NJ
July 7 (Sat.) The Twisted Tail Philadelphia, PA
July 8 (Sun.) Skeeter's BBQ Shamokin Dam, PA
July 9 (Mon.) Blues Society Event Cleveland, OH
July 10 (Tues.) Woodlands Tavern Columbus, OH
July 11 (Wed.) Court Street Grill Pomeroy, OH
July 12 (Thur.) Thunderbird Cafe Pittsburgh, PA
July 13 (Fri.) Paradise Island Buffalo, NY
July14 (Sat.) NY State Blues Festival Syracuse, NY

*"Harpin' For Hunger" Benefit Shows

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Rocker - Dennis Gruenling & Doug Deming

Ever since his self-titled debut with his band Jump Time hit the streets in 1999, Dennis has been pulling in countless fans and numerous accolades from critics & musicians around the globe for his swinging, highly original harmonica sound, and top-notch band. Within the context of Jump Time, he pulls from mostly horn influences to get a new sound for the instrument, blending the vocal abilities of the trumpet and trombone with the swinging, fat-bodied sound of the tenor and baritone sax players of the 1940's & 50's era.

In 2000, "Up All Night" was released. A non-Jump Time project, which owed much to his roots in stripped down Chicago-style blues, proving he could also play "traditional" blues harmonica with the best of them. This gained more recognition for his talents not only as a harp player, but also as a bandleader and songwriter. The year 2001 saw the second Jump Time release, which includes special guests and the new addition to the band - vocalist Gina Fox. Once again Dennis has pushed the boundaries further for blues harmonica.

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