Tom Craig and Soul Patch - Get Ready For Me - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Get Ready For Me, by Tom Craig and Soul Patch and it's got a good vibe. Opening with Louita, a light funky track has a cool horn round and traces of David Bromberg bones. This track has a smoking hot sax solo really kickin it off right. Backing Tom Craig on guitar and vocal is John O'Connell on drums, Rando Branning on bass, Eric Johnson on organ, Vince Gleason on tenor sax, Mark Gallagher on bari sax, Dan Young on alto sax, Sean McClusker on trombone abd Skyler Hagner on bari sax. Can't Stop Thinking About You is one of my choice tracks on the release with a cool bass line and solid horn work, complimented by Mikey Jr. on harp. Captain Funk is a cool loosely jazzy track with sexy sax work and a tight jazzy guitar solo giving it plenty of juice. The blusiest track on the release, Please Forgive Me Baby, has really solid lead vocal and strong guitar feel. With Johnson's organ holding the line and the ever warm horn backing, this is my favorite on the release. Funky rocker, Tornado, has a really cool rhythm and Craig's vocals, balanced by organ and horn make for a nice mix. Shuffle track, I Can't Help Myself, has a commercial feel with a good hook, swinging sax and clever lyrics. R&B track, Nothin' That A Man Can't Do, is high energy with an aggressive bass line and tight horn backing. Wrapping the release is soul track, Every Woman, featuring Craig on some of the best vocals on the release. Holding down the tempo and leaving a lot of head space for vocals is really effective and a soulful sax solo stands tall over subtle instrumentation. Nice closer for a cool release.



  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Cary Morin at Folk Aliance

Going to Folk Alliance? Be sure to check out one of Cary Morin’s shows.

Wednesday Feb 15:

11:30 pm Shubb Capo’s Capocabana Room 541

Thursday Feb 16:

10:30 pm Bliss Hippy Showcase  Room 638

Friday Feb 17:

12:30 am Rocky Mountain Suite Room  532

1:10 am Wolverton Home Concerts Room 749

Saturday Feb 18:

11:30 pm Rocky Mountain Suite Room 532 

“Cradle to the Grave has found its way into near constant rotation in my cd player, it’s just that good. It seems only right that Americana music should take note of this Native Americana artist. I predict that by the end of 2017, when everyone is mentioning the top releases of the year,

Morin’s name will be in there with the best of them.” – Joe McSpadden, No Depression

Vancouver's Steve Kozak Band Release 'It's Time' March 17th

Vancouver's Steve Kozak Band Release 'It's Time' March 17th

The latest offering from this seasoned Canadian bluesman offers a tasty mix of blues as seen through a decidedly West Coast lens

Preview/Stream Tracks from It's Time on SoundCloud

You only need three things to play the blues: a good guitar, an innate understanding of the music and thirty years in which to do it. Maple Blues Award winner Steve Kozak qualifies on all three counts. The latest offering from this seasoned Canadian bluesman offers a tasty mix of blues as seen through a decidedly West Coast lens. The aptly named new release It's Time prophetically and succinctly states that putting in time is indeed a prerequisite of being a great musician, with some veteran bluesmen even attaining the status of venerable, beating time itself at its own game. Time is also about understanding the past. One cannot play American roots music with conviction and credibility without a solid understanding of the evolution of the genre. This new album is a mix of fairly obscure covers and self-penned tunes. After several listening sessions, it soon becomes apparent that Steve Kozak is coming into his own as a talented songwriter. Augmented by very tasty licks and understated riffs, it is a cohesive musical statement weaving different facets of the blues into a seamless ensemble. A cover of the very cool Brook Benton song “Kiddio” particularly appeals, with its catchy turnaround and infectious melody, Kozak has put a real polish on this tune. The Magic Sam number “Every Night and Every Day” conveys a sense of immediacy and delves deep into the blues. Kozak's own “Trouble” evokes a real Louisiana Bayou feel and could have been recorded in Eddie Shuler's garage at Goldband Records, but with less whiskey and more microphones. Then there is another Kozak composition called “That's Cool with Me”, a rollicking R&B number reminiscent of the heyday of Specialty Records with a hint of Louis Jordan; a real barn burner. Two other stand-out tracks are “A Stranger in My Hometown” and “Goin' Fishin'”, both written by Steve Kozak, are autobiographical and deeply personal. The former can be interpreted in several ways. One can think of rock 'n' rollers feeling out of place in rapidly gentrifying urban centres. In a broader sense, it can also be indicative of the alienation the average working musician may feel in this digital age. The latter track is more straightforward and literal. It speaks of the simple joys of going fishing. If there is one thing that Kozak loves as much as guitar slinging, it's getting out on the water for a day of fishing. All in all, It's Time offers a colourful palette of musical expression with a cohesive theme that gives a loving acknowledgement to that multifaceted thing we call the blues. It’s Time Track Listing 1.   Cane Sugar Sweet (3:10) 2.   You May (3:53) 3.   Messed Up (2:59) 4.   Every Night and Every Day (5:06) 5.   Kiddio (3:58) 6.   Trouble (3:41) 7.   One Woman I Need (4:33) 8.   That’s Cool with Me (2:47) 9.   Stranger in My Hometown (3:57) 10. Tell Me Why (5:54) 11.  Love Life & Money (5:46) 12. Goin’ Fishin’ (4:33) Steve Kozak – guitars and vocals Dave Webb - piano and Hammond organ Roger Brant – bass Chris Nordquist – drums With special guests The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer, Jerry Cook & Dave Vidal stevekozakband.com facebook.com/SteveKozakmusic  @SteveKozakmusic Upcoming Performances: Every Wednesday  Pat's Pub & BrewHouse, 403 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver BC February 24 Dubh Linn Gate Pub, 1601 Main Street, Vancouver BC Canada March 11 The V Lounge at The Red Lion Hotel, 3366 Douglas Street, Victoria BC  March 19 ** CD release party Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver

Supertone Records artists: Starlite Campbell Band - Blueberry Pie - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blueberry Pie from the Starlite Campbell Band and I really like it. Opening with bluesy ballad, Walkin' Out The Door, Simon Campbell takes front and center on vocal and stinging guitar lead, backed by Suzy Starlite on solid bass and backing vocals, Steve Gibson on drums and Jonny Henderson on Hammond creating a Booker T feel. Great opener. Boogie blues track, I Need A Light, has a great driving bass line, again with Campbell on lead vocal and adding Danny Boy Sanchez on harp giving it an even blusier feel. Very cool. Title track, Blueberry Pie is a quiet acoustic duet featuring Starlite and Campbell's blended voices. Taking a brush with the blues, Guilty, finds Starlite front and center on lead vocal and with an infectious bass line and backing keys, sets a great stage for Campbell to show some really nice Beck like guitar fireworks. Very nice! Driving rocker, Empire, has a great bottom and super vocal mixing for a top notch radio style track. With just a pinch of country, Don't Get Me Wrong, has a two step rhythm and with Henderson on piano and organ and highlighting Campbell's slide work is another track with solid commercial potential. Cool Freddy King like rhythm and lead guitar over Wurlitzer, gives Shimmy  a great presence. You won't get tired listening to this one. Wrapping the release is warm ballad, Thrill You, with Campbell back up front on vocals. Nicely stylized key work by Henderson, tight drumming by Gibson and a nice walking bass line by Starlite set a great floor Campbell's BB King (Clapton) like guitar soloing. Excellent closer to a real strong set.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Roots Arts Records artist: Andres Roots - Winter - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Winter, from Andres Roots, and it's deep. Opening with Karlova Blues a hill country style blues with snappy drum work and nice slide, Richard Townend has lead vocal and electric guitar with Andres Mikk on drums and Andres Roots on dobro. Winter Blues has a uptempo feel featuring Bert Deivert on vocal and mandolin, Raul Terep on drums and Roots on guitar. Shuffle track, Thanks For Bringing Me Down, features Howard Fishman on vocal and electric guitar, Terep on drums and Roots on guitar. Very cool. Tea For Alex is a really stripped down blues rocker with Terep on drums jamming with Roots on guitar. This is a great jam with some great effects. Tight. Mike Tammepold has the lead on vocal on All In The Cards with Terep on drums, Roots on guitar and Asko-Rome' Altsoo on additional instrumentation. Right out of the Muddy Waters song book, Morganfield Blues, has solid blues roots with Waters guitar riffs by Roots, vocals by Ismo Haavisto on vocal and harp and Peeter Plik on upright bass. Very nice. Get Me Back features James Dalton on vocal, Terep on drums and Roots on slide guitar. Another classic blues form track. Steve Lury has lead vocal and a nice extended harp solo on Spider In My Bed. With solid Chicago roots, Plik on bass, Terep on drums and Roots on guitar this is one of my favorites on the release. With it's Latin influence, Spanish Run, is another instrumental with a cool feel. Featuring Terep on drums and Roots on guitars, this is another of my favorites on the release. With Lorete Medne on lead vocal Solitaire stands out with her interesting voice. Backed by Edgars Galzons on helicon, Terep on drums and percussion and Roots on guitars, this track is soothing. Alligator Blues is a cool blues rocker with fleet slide work by Roots on dobro, Louie Digman on vocal and Mikk on drums. Wrapping the release is Silver Lining, a cool slow blues with Roots laying out some really nice slide work backed by Digman on piano and Terep on drums. This is a terrific track to close a pretty interesting release.



  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Busted Flat Records artist: Elliott and the Audio Kings - Self Titled - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release from Elliott and the Audio Kings and its a smoker! Opening with What they say about you..., Mike Elliott leads the way on guitar, vocal and harp. Backed by Jonny Sauder on drums and Scott Fitzpatrick on bass and these guy have the place really hopping. Elliott has terrific boogie woogie rock guitar styling and is not bashful to throw down some riffs. Excellent! On One Of A Kind I really groove on Elliott's guitar tone with is warm and fat. With double stop rhythm/lead, this track is super. The recording quality of the track is really clean, allowing the tone of Fitzpatrick's stand up bass to come through. With a rockabilly strut, What Tomorrow Brings, slinks along like an alley cat. Come On Home has a really cool drum beat with a central American rhythm. With creamy guitar rhythm tone and backing vocals by Sauder and Fitzpatrick and fanned guitar riffs, this track gets down. Easier Said Than Done is low slung and the saturation on the guitar amp is great. With a cool boogie rocking feel, this cut cruises. Elliott's harp opens No Need To be Alone and the band is tight. Snappy drums, thumping bass, fat guitar and bluesy harp... oh yeah. Toe tapper, Another Day, Another Dollar has a great feel. With an extended guitar solo and that thumping bass, this track rules. Jealous Kind has a really cool lope, Texas style. The closest thing to SRV that you would find on this release has it's own style but in Stevie's neighborhood. Excellent! Down and dirty, Friday Night, plays it low and slow but digs in for some electrifying guitar riffs. Very nice! With a New Orleans stumble, I Don't Want To Work has a snappy military style drum beat and Bo Diddley guitar. Elliott winds the guitar out on this one and these guys are really rockin! Wrapping the release is I Know with a cool Latin beat. With it's rock edge, this is a terrific track to wrap a really super release.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Interview with the dynamic Rockin’ Johnny Burgin

Bman: Hi Johnny, Haven’t seen you in a while. I'm really sorry that I missed your show in Phoenix. I was in Europe and just got back. One show I really wanted to see. How did it go?

RJB: I had a great show in Phoenix. "Bob Corritore and " Dave Riley sat in.  I had a great bassist from Alburquerque, J.D. Sipe, and Brian Fahey from The Paladains on drums.  I hadn't played with him since a tour in Europe three or so years ago with Mud Morganfield and Taildragger.

Bman: Wow. That must have been a great show! Damn. I really wanted to see you. Are you coming back again this year?

RJB: I hope to be back in October.

Bman: Great! I should be  good then. I don't think I have anything planned for October. Last I heard you were in Europe with Aki Kumar . I love Europe. How did the tour go? Where were you?

RJB: I left for Europe on Halloween, and got back at Christmas.  The first two weeks of the tour were with Aki Kumar and our West Coast Meets Chicago project.  We hit Sweden (w/ Trickbag ), the Netherlands, and the Bay Car Blues Festival in France and some FR club dates.  Then Aki went home, and I went to Finland, Italy and Spain.   

Bman:  So you’ve been back on US soil for a while. What have you been up to? Still touring or in the studio?

RJB: In January, I was in the Bay area the whole time.  I played New Year's Eve with Nick Gravenites and long time Elvin Bishop drummer Gary Silva on drums. That was fun.  In January, I cut material for a new Rockin Johnny Burgin CD, Neoprene Fedora .
 

It'll be out by March 15.  I had Nancy Wright on it, Vance Ehlers, June Core (the rhythm section on Greaseland), not to mention 3 zydeco songs I wrote with Billy Williams on rub board and Steve Willis (plays w Elvin) on accordion.  Kid Andersen and Bob Welsh played guitars and pianos, and Aki was on it as well.  He did two songs on vocal, and Alabama Mike did two songs I wrote.  Out of 16 tunes, I did three covers, a Johnny Littlejohn song, an LV Banks song, and a Little Joe Blue Song.  And Aki did a song by Willie Williams, which makes 12 originals-- that's a record.

Bman: Outstanding! I love the stuff that comes out of Greaseland and that lineup is top notch. I'm looking forward to see what you came up with. I also heard that you caught up with Quique Gomez in Spain. Outstanding! I'm really looking forward to hearing it.

RJB: Quique is a good friend, I've worked with him in Spain and America many, many times.  When Aki went home I caught up with him. I cut a cd's worth of stuff with Quique  in Toledo.  It'll come out in the summer. I'm glad we finally did a cd together. 

Bman: Weren’t you also in session with Mike Mettalia?

RJB: Yes, I've known Mike since the Smoke Daddy days in the 90s.  He wanted to do some sessions with Little Jerry Jones, Mary Lane, and Milwaukee Slim (and me!) so I acted as a liaison.  We've done some nice shows together over the years.  He's really keeping the blues alive in my book! 

Bman:  I really need to check that out! What else have you got cooking as if that isn’t enough?

RJB: Right now I'm doing a three month tour that started in San Jose, then went to Phoenix, Alburquerque, Dallas, it's going to  Houston, Clarksdale, Springfield, Chicago, Minneapolis, Toronto, France, Russia, then flying back to Chicago and driving back to SF doing gigs in NE and Utah.   Doing a session with Jeremy Johnson in Minneapolis in March, he's a great engineer (he did RJ Mischo's latest cd) drummer and guitarist.  I've always wanted to record with him.
Also doing a session on this trip with Sugar Brown (Ken Kawashima) in Toronto.  We're old college buddies and started out together with Taildragger.  He's a great player and songwriter.  

Bman: Yeah, I like Sugar Brown's work. Lot of talent there.

RJB: I am doing a tour in Sweden in May with Aki and Trickbag.  I'm doing the 10th anniversary Blues Fest after party at Reggie's with special guests TBA in Chicago in June.  Also I'm playing the Bluesfest with Mary Lane.  Playing King Biscuit with Taildragger in October  and I'll be touring a lot to promote Neoprene Fedora , as well and my release wtih Quique when it comes out.

Bman: Man. You are a busy guy. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me. Now I got to get some CD's and sit back and enjoy!

RJB: Thanks a lot Bman

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Eight O'Five Jive - Swing Set - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Swing Set, from Eight O'Five Jive and it's a swinger. Opening with Make Mine A Double, lead vocalist Lee Shropshire has the house rockin with the strong support of Andy Scheinman on guitar, Patrick Mosser on sax, Bill Bois on bass and Duane Spencer on drums. With a more casual style, Lee gets full vocal backing by the band on Ragged and Andy twists in a stylistic solo leading to a rich solo by Patrick. Get Away is a real hot footer with smoking riffs by Andy and Patrick. Very cool. Backing off a bit, Put It Back, has a smooth Louis Jordan kind of feel with warm sax work under Lee's vocals. One More Glass Of Wine has a real nice jazz club pace with smart solo's by Andy and Patrick. Very nice. Another smoker, Ridu Green's My Mumblin' Baby is a great track with hot sax work by Patrick and again hot licks by Andy...possibly my favorite track on the release. Cool swinger, A Little Bit of Bourbon, is a great closer and totally in the spirit of this music. This band really has the feel of the era and creates a sense of being in the time. Very nice set.



  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

John Richard - Lost In Dublin - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Lost In Dublin, from John Richard and it is quite uniquely cool! Opening with country flavored rocker, I Fall Apart, John Richard steps up to the mic and belts out vocals that sound amazingly like Jack Bruce. Backed by Jordan Murphy on drums, Charlie Phillips on bass, and Christien Belliveau on steel and acoustic guitars, this vocalist really hits it square. I also gotta say, Carter Chaplin on lead vocal does a terrific job with stellar lead work with unique phrasing and hints of Jimmy Page. Excellent! On Some Things Never Get Paid, Richard's vocals are somewhat distorted creating a cool aesthetic. A very simple rhythm pattern is laid out by Mike Trask on drums, Mark Doucet on bass and Belliveau on keys and a frantic guitar solo by Trask sets this track apart. Soulful ballad, Volumes of Beautiful Words, has a really nice melody and cool sonic pedal guitar effects by Belliveau. R&B track, Can't Help It is the tallest track for radio play. With it's catchy melody and simple instrumentation, it's sure fire. R&B style track, I Wish You'd Come With Me, is a real nice showcase for Richard's voice. Tight instrumentation and solid melody, this could be a 60's hit. Very nice. Black Church is an interesting track with traces of 60's detective/surf soundtracks with cool tom tom work by Colby Jardine and cool guitar work by Keith Hallett. Wrapping the release is soulful ballad, All The Proof I Need, featuring Richard accompanying himself on highly reverbed guitar with only Belliveau on bass as backup. A nice closer for a strong release.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Ayla Rose's cover of Tracy Chapman's hit song "Gimme One Reason".

Check out 16-year old Ayla Rose's cover of Tracy Chapman's hit song "Gimme One Reason". She's joined on the single by a great cast of musicians on the tune; Peter Bell (Bonnie Raitt) produced it while Dave Mattacks (Elton John, Fairport Convention) plays drums, Kevin Barry (Roseanne Cash) plays guitar.

Listen Here

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

TreatedandReleased Records artist: Reverend Freakchild - Preachin' Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Preachin' Blues, from Reverend Freakchild and he shows his knowledge of country style blues. Opening with Breathing Blues an instrumental track, the Rev accompanies his harp playing with resonator. Cool. Blind Lemon Jefferson's See That My Grave Is Kept Clean has a rowdy, hooping singing style with pure resonator rhythm and harmonica. Nice job. In My Time Of Dyin' gets an upbeat rocking kind of feel with loose harmonica ride over nice acoustic resonator picking. Son House's Preachin' Blues keeps a lot of House's original arrangement with a more modern attack on slide resonator. Son House is one of my favorite players and I think that the Rev has paid a nice tribute here. All I Got Is Now maintains it's clever hook and with a rock rhythm on guitar, the Rev brings his own personal blues styling. I Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down maintains original arrangement and is detailed nicely by The Rev. Nice slide and nice vocals. Rev Gary Davis' It's Gonna Be Alright has a softer, more contemporary feel with resonator and harp accompaniment. Wrapping the release is Son House's Grinnin' In Your Face, another of my favorites. The Rev performs this totally acapella to the handclaps of the audience. This is a cool release, low key and natural.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Rose Cottage Records artist: Peter Karp - Alabama Town - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Alabama Town, from Peter Karp and it's rich with texture. Opening with title track, Alabama Town, Peter Karp takes the lead on vocal and guitar, joined by Daniel Pagdon on bass, Mike Catapano on drums, and John Zarra on mandolin. A solid rocker and opener. With a driving swing, Till You Get Home, has great feel. Karp's vocals are crisp and Mike Latrell's piano work is smart. On That's How I Like It, a modern blueser the guitar tones are fat and rich joined by Dennis Gruenling on harp. Very cool. Shuffle track, Blues In Mind features real cool piano work and key backing vocals by Dae Bennett, Joanie Coleman, Kesha Love, Toni Summler and Elliot. On bluesy ballad, I'm Not Giving Up, Karp sings soulfully over arpeggiated guitar chords. Warm gospel like choral backing and stinging guitar soloing by Mick Taylor makes this one of my favorites on the release. The Prophet has a stripped down blues form featuring Karp on resonator, James Karp on guitar, Gruenling on harp and cool stagger drumming making this another of the standout tracks on the release. Leanne Westover sits in on Kiss The Bride performing a duet with Karp for a track with real country flavor, highlighted by Zarra's mandolin work. Very nice. Lost Highway has a real nice New Orleans rhythm with smooth vocal blending. Y'All Be Lookin' has a cool boogie beat and karp's vocal phrasing is spot on. Aggressive guitar tone on this track and a cool walking bass line makes this another of my favorites. Garth Hudson adds his distinctive accordion styling to cool, acoustic ballad, I Walk Alone. Wrapping the release is Beautiful Girl, an easy going acoustic blues featuring sweet harp lines by Gruenling and Karp accompanying himself on guitar. Very nice closer for a solid new release.



  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Smokin' Sleddog Records artist: John Latini - The Blues Just Makes me Feel Good - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Blues Just Makes Me Feel Good, by John Latini and he gives his music his own flavor. Opening with Black-Eyed Blues, Latini, who sings and plays guitar is joined by Nolan Mendenhall on bass, Brian Roscoe White on guitars and Todd Glass on drums as well as Jamie-Sue Seal and Greg C Brown on backing vocal, Ross Huff on trumpet, Tim Haldeman on sax and Bethanni Grecynski on trombone. Lord Made Me A Weak Man has just a touch of R&B with a nice organ solo by Neil Donato and a laid back solo by Latini. Blues shuffle, Three AM, has a real nice feel with rugged vocals and cool slide soloing. Woodchuck Blues has a taste of country with a bit of a CCR sound. Very cool. Funky, Pull Me Up has a really nice groove. Hot country blues flavored guitar soloing and the horn section, coupled with the vocal blends make this one of my release favorites. Title track, The Blues Just Makes Me Feel Good is another of my favorites on the release with a New Orleans style and jazzy flavored guitar work over horn backing. Very nice! Hot stepping, Gotta Have My Babies is deliberate with nice horn punctuation and lower fret soloing. Hard Walkin' Woman has a distinct Jimmy Reed sound with a solid bottom and nice vocals. Low slung guitar soloing and warm horn work fits this track to a tee. Easy paced, country blues track, I Will be Haunting You, has great presence and solid guitar accompaniment. This is a really nice conclusion to a solid release.



  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

The Lucas Haneman Express - Tearing Up The Rails - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tearing Up The Rails, from The Lucas Haneman Express, and I quite like it. Opening with The Verdict, a poppy track with blues roots, Lucas Haneman fronts the band on lead vocal and guitar. He is firmly supported by Jeff Asselin on drums, Megan Laurence on backing vocal and Martin Newman on bass. Guest artist, Steve Marriner rips loose with a nice harp solo leading into a double time rip by Haneman on guitar and close. Give Me Life is a quick paced radio track with a snappy beat, vocal harmonies and some real nice guitar riffs. Calling the Blame has a real catchy melody and an infectious rhythm. Haneman shows his more jazzy side with some real nice guitar riffs on this track. Marriner is back on Run To You blowing some particularly bluesy harp riffs. With it's Howlin' Wolf basis, stinging guitar riffs and a dramatic delivery, this is one of my favorites on the release. Blind Man's Blues has the structure of a Blind Willie McTell or Elmore James tune but written in modern style. It's interesting to hear a totally modern interpretation of delta blues. Very cool. That's The Truth is a soulful ballad with strong blues overtones. Megan shines on lead vocal on this track and in duet with Lucas who takes a smoking guitar solo on this track punctuating it nicely. An unexpected cover of Steppenwolf's Magic Carpet Ride takes away the 70's edgy back beat and instead replaces it with a power pop rock beat but not without Haneman ripping a real nice guitar solo. Interesting. Wrapping the release is Working Band, a driving rocker with Newman on bass and Haneman on electric guitar trading riffs. Creating quite a bit of steam, Jesse Whiteley steps in on organ fanning the flames for a real nice close of a strong release.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Forty Below Records Set to Release John Mayall's "Talk About That Album" on Vinyl February 17

Forty Below Records Set to Release John Mayall’s Talk About That Album on Vinyl February 17

Vinyl Package to Include Free Download Card

LOS ANGELES, CA – Forty Below Records announces a February 17 release date for the vinyl edition of iconic musician and Blues Hall of Fame member John Mayall’s latest album, Talk About That. Originally released on CD January 27, the vinyl version will also include a free download card.

Joining Mayall (vocals, keyboards, harmonica and guitar) and Greg Rzab (bass), Jay Davenport (drums) and Rocky Athas (guitar) as special guest is legendary guitarist Joe Walsh, who plays on two tracks, “The Devil Must Be Laughing” and “Cards on the Table,” both John Mayall compositions.

John Mayall will begin a lengthy European tour in early February. His most-recent American dates included several days onboard the “Legends Cruise,” and featured an exciting special guest appearance from another legend – Todd Rundgren – who jammed on guitar with John and the band on the Otis Rush classic, “All Your Love.”

Talk About That is drawing rave reviews from the press and extensive radio airplay. “…Mayall continues to work tirelessly to spread the blues gospel…the 11 tracks offer a master class in contemporary blues, topped off with a helping of Mayall’s trademark lyrical wit and even a guest appearance by Joe Walsh” -  People.com.

“Talk About That ranks with the best. Some may talk about that statement all day, but in the end, it’s true. Everything that defines a great album is here. Mayall wrote some songs that matter, and interspersed three smart covers. His quartet, aided by a trio of brass as needed, smokes every one with remarkable potency.” – Elmore Magazine

Watch a special musicUcansee.com video of the making of Talk about That

Produced by John Mayall (who also designed the album package) and Forty Below Records president Eric Corne (who also engineered and mixed), Talk about That was recorded at House of Blues Studio in Encino, California, and contains 11 tracks: eight originals, plus covers from Memphis soul music songwriter Bettye Crutcher (“It’s Hard Going Up”), blues great Jimmy Rogers (“Goin’ Away Baby”) and rock singer/songwriter Jerry Lynn Williams (“Don’t Deny Me”). The album also showcases a three-piece horn section that adds extra punch on several tracks, including the infectious New Orleans-flavored “Gimme Some of that Gumbo.”

“When I first had the idea for the title track, ‘Talk about That,’ I wanted to write lyrics that were about aspects of life that were running through my head,” John Mayall recalled. “I also wanted to give the song a modern groove that would convey the fun mood driving the piece.  Greg and Jay laid down a really infectious rhythm for me to feature my keyboard chops and bring the song to life with a really funky feel driving it.”

Throughout his career, John Mayall has always written timely songs that reflect what he sees going on in the world around him, whether it’s war, poverty, social injustice or personal introspection. Such is the case with “The Devil Must Be Laughing,” which deals with the current political and world climate. And that incentive also brought him in touch with Joe Walsh, who contributes some percolating guitar work that melds perfectly with the song’s theme.

“A day before we recorded ‘The Devil Must Be Laughing,’ we got a message through the studio owner that Joe Walsh wanted to come by and possibly play on a track or two as a guest,” Mayall said. “Who was I to say no to that idea!  So, Joe turned up at noon on the appointed day and with only a quick listen, plugged in and we did the song in one take.  The second song closely followed, and with a smile and a quick photo, Joe was done and on his way.  What a kick for all of us that day!”

For Joe Walsh, playing on a session with one of his musical heroes held a special place. “It has been a bucket-list item since 1970 to play with John Mayall,” Walsh said. “John had a run of GREAT British guitarists (one after another) with his ‘Bluesbreakers’ albums, and that’s how many of us in the States became aware of them.  Clapton, Peter Green, Mick Taylor - I studied them all for hours and became a much better guitarist as a result. The albums were legendary stuff and I have wanted to work with John for years and years, wondering what it would be like.

“Finally got the chance - and he was the complete gentleman and fine, fine musician I had always hoped he would be. When you meet a hero who helped shape your career – it’s a wonderful feeling to find they’re even cooler than you always thought they were.”

 

For more information, visit www.johnmayall.com and www.fortybelowrecords.com

Rising Blues Rock Artist Advanced Way Beyond Her Years on the Connor Ray Music Label, recorded at Red Shack Recording Studio Houston

The Real Deal at Seventeen The level of feeling that a seventeen year old artist can bring to the stage can be simply amazing. As their performance begins your mind isn't fully grasping what you are seeing and hearing on stage. You notice a level of established comfort that radiates from the young performer.  The mind can easily form an early opinion that it’s just another novelty act because it rationalizes the question, "How could anyone be deeply in tune with the blues at just seventeen?"  Then as the show progresses it happens, the age factor simply erodes, it goes completely away.  Obviously, it would be one thing for the  young performer to bust an axe with perfection at seventeen but it's quite another when they already possess the stage presence of the relaxed, older blues artist.  It’s a very cool experience to witness as it backs up the age old adage that the blues is a feeling and of course that feeling can reside in anyone, at any age. Overall, it is this set of combined abilities which are possessed by both young and older artists alike that allows them to present the blues in a mind blowing, magnificent way.  Ally Venable is a seventeen year old female blues rock artist who possesses these abilities.  She immediately transforms her audiences from being in that initial curiosity phase into the "this is way cool" phase.  Festival talent buyers are noticing Ally and she continues to perform at such notable events as The T Bone Walker Blues Festival in Longview, Texas and the Mud Bug Festival in Shreveport, Louisiana.  Ally Venable is a young blues rocker that is following the original footsteps of her female contemporaries and may well be the rising star on the horizon.  Ally Venable, simply amazing! The inspired, natural on stage presence of the Ally Venable experience Watch Ally include a very young fan from the audience at this performance Check it out - just click on the arrow below Click to Follow The Ally Venable Band on Facebook Learn More at The Ally Venable Band Official Website Quick Click to Listen to Ally perform "Too Much Too Soon" Talent Buyers Please Dial (832) 916-7716 Currently Booking 2017 Steve Krase, President, Connor Ray Music, "From the moment I saw Ally perform I knew I wanted to sign her.  This is an amazing talent that will indeed reach amazing heights as her career continues to unfold."