Stony Plain Records artist: Eric Bibb - Global Griot - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent 2 disc release, Global Griot, from Eric Bibb and it's very warm and rich with heavy cultural influences. Opening with Gathering of the Tribes, Bibb blends the rhythms and instrumentation of Africa with his own warm vocal styling creating a unique sound. Rolling into Wherza Money At Bibb works a Jamaican sound and with key trumpet, organ and string accents weaving a really nice cultural textile. Very nice. Boogie track, Black, Brown and White takes on a traditional American blues form with soulful vocals, great rhythm and style. A Room For You is a light, folk style track with nimble fingerpicking, cool percussion and trademark Bibb vocals. Solo Cissokho is featured on Spirit Day, a cool West African flavored track with Harrison Kennedy on vocals. Very cool. Instrumental, Picture A New World is a nice guitar progression on a basic melodic them creating a peaceful sound with interwoven textures of sound. Wrapping the release is Needed Time with warm vocals, sparkling guitar and kora melodies and simple rhythm. This is a cool release with various nicely blended themes resulting in a very enjoyable package. 

  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

Old Riley & the Water - Biting Through - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Biting Through, from Old Riley & the Water and it's a great example of rough and tumble blues rock. Opening with Willie Dixon's Howlin' For My Darlin', Old Riley & The Water establish firm footing with a rudimentary beat and vintage sound. Sean Riley on guitar and vocal, working with Ray Micarelli on drums, Andrew Landry on bass, Joshua Cook on guitar and vocal and Scott Craver on harp runs a pretty tight ship. Blues Walking, opened on resonator guitar and slide has the contemporary blues sound of the early Rolling Stones, Yardbirds or Humble Pie in acoustic mode. Although many bands have gone down this road, few have done it well. Nice job. Title track, Biting Through, is a great rocker with a raw blues edge. The vocal distortion really adds texture and the lower octave guitar work fattens it up nicely with underplayed guitar soloing and harp. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Power To Change, a light 60's style rocker with a rumbling bass line and doubled lead vocal. With the brightness of a pop track and just the right amount of rhythm, this is a solid closer for a really nice 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

Taylor Scott Band Set to Release New CD, "All We Have," Produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, on March 1, with Guest Appearance by Henry Garza of Los Lonely Boys

Taylor Scott Band Set to Release New CD, 

All We Have, Produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, on March 1, with Guest Appearance by Henry Garza of Los Lonely Boys

DENVER, CO - Taylor Scott Band announces a March 1 release date for their new CD, All We Have. Produced by Steve Berlin of Los Lobos, All We Have showcases the band’s exciting mix of rock, funk, soul and blues music that has made them fan-favorites not only in their Denver, Colorado, home base, but around the world, as well.  The album includes a special guest appearance by guitarist Henry Garza of Los Lonely Boys. 

The album’s even-dozen tracks feature 11 originals penned by Taylor Scott, plus a scintillating cover of Sleater-Kinney’s “Good Things.” Besides Taylor Scott on guitar and vocals, the band includes Jon Wirtz (keyboards, harmony vocals); Chris Harris (bass); and Lem Williams (drums); augmented by a horn section percussion, harmonica and backing vocals.

“When (producer) Steve Berlin and I started working on pre-production for this record, our approach was to pick the best songs I had written up to that point and start there,” Taylor Scott recalls about the recording sessions. “Steve didn’t ask me to change much about what I had written.  He did, though, ask me to write a chorus to a song called ‘Clearance Bin,’ which didn’t have a proper one before. Somehow, the first words I thought of ended up being the mantra of the entire album: ‘The day-to-day is all we have, I’ll trade it for a song and laugh, the things I want weren’t meant to last anyway.’ After getting the nod from Steve, I realized that one way or another, every song on the album was about that message in some way. Even songs that I had written years before carried that theme somehow, however subtle or cryptic. That realization alone gave this project a new meaning and helped me to find a voice that had previously proven elusive.”

Besides the sheer exhilaration of recording a new album with his bandmates, Taylor Scott got an extra buzz from working with Steve Berlin and Henry Garza. “Working with Steve for the first time was an honor and a creative thrill,” he declares. “He brought our sound together in a new way and had the wisdom to understand where we were coming from AND where we were heading.

“It was also a highlight of my life to work with Henry Garza of Los Lonely Boys on the record. His group was my first rock concert as a kid and an enormous influence on me as a developing musician. Playing together in the studio was a dream come true for me. During this project, these new experiences were coupled with what I’ve always held dear and striven for; to tell a story and make honest, meaningful music with my exceptionally talented friends. This time, it all came together. That’s what this album, All We Have, means to me.”

Taylor Scott is an international touring guitarist and singer/songwriter. He has consistently toured all over the US, Canada, and Europe with both the Taylor Scott Band and trance-blues legend Otis Taylor.  In 2015, he played alongside Warren Haynes (Allman Brothers Band, Gov't Mule) on Otis' critically acclaimed release, Hey Joe Opus: Red Meat. 

As one critic wrote, “Heavily influenced by soul, funk, blues, and rock & roll, Taylor Scott’s music is gaining a reputation for transcending the limitations of a single genre. His diversely influenced rock & roll group, The Taylor Scott Band, is a high-powered extension of this mélange of sounds.”

www.taylorscottmusic.com
Taylor Scott Band Tour Dates

March

1st- Smoke and Barrel, Fayetteville, AR

2nd- Meteor Guitar Gallery, Bentonville, AR

7th- Iowa City Yacht Club, Iowa City, IA

8th- B-Bar, Omaha, NE

9th- Bodega's, Lincoln, NE

10th- Cornerbar, Fremont, NE

June

8th- Greeley Blues Jam, Greeley, CO

12th-16th- Blues on Whyte, Edmonton, AB, Canada

18th- Gallery House Concert Series, Calgary, AB, Canada

July

12th- Macugnaga Blues Experience, Macugnaga, Italy

August 

10th- Boys and Girls Club celebration, Dubois, WY

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers Announce KILLIN' IT LIVE Tour

  TOMMY CASTRO & THE PAINKILLERS ANNOUNCE 2019 NORTH AMERICAN

KILLIN' IT LIVE TOUR

New Album Killin' It Live Set For March 1 Release In US And Canada

   

"Castro’s aggressive, inspired attack on vocals and guitar is phenomenal."

–Washington Post

"Tommy Castro & The Painkillers showcase the power of the blues, soul and down-and-dirty rock ‘n’ roll...rousing and infectious. This is energizing, scorching, soul-shaking music….pure pleasure."

–Living Blues

Tommy Castro & The Painkillers have announced plans for their 2019 Killin' It Live North American tour. Killin’ It Live -- the band's new CD set for March 1 release in the US and Canada -- is a nonstop, spirited mix of blues, rock and soul, with rollicking, hypnotic grooves fueled by Castro’s fervent vocals and the band's muscular musicianship. On that same date, the band will begin their tour in Castro's longtime stomping ground of Northern California before making their way to Canada, and then heading to the Midwest and the east coast. Full dates and locations are below and can also be found here.

Guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Tommy Castro has released 15 albums ranging from horn-fueled soul and R&B to piping hot blues to fiery rock ‘n’ roll. He’s performed all over the world, earning countless fans with his legendary, sweat-drenched, exhilarating live shows. The Painkillers—bassist Randy McDonald, drummer Bowen Brown  and keyboardist Michael Emerson—have now been playing together over four years. After hundreds of live shows, they have coalesced into one of the telepathically tightest units Castro has ever assembled, making them one of the most in-demand live roots music acts performing today. Blues Revue said simply, “Tommy Castro can do no wrong."

With the group firing on all cylinders, Castro knew the time was right to answer his fans’ demands for a live album. Killin’ It Live captures the band at the peak of their creative and improvisational powers, and features one unforgettable, unpredictable performance after another. “This is the best band we’ve ever had,” says Castro. We really got something going on beyond just being good musicians. Every song we play live now has that right feel—all the dynamics. It allows us to jam out more on stage. Killin’ It Live is what you hear when you see us live.” Featuring songs from throughout Castro’s career, Killin’ It Live was produced by Castro and engineer/songwriter Ron Alan Cohen and recorded at venues in Texas, New York, Michigan and California during 2018. The album includes eight Castro originals spanning his entire career and two Castro-ized covers, each showing a slightly different side of his multifaceted musical personality.

KILLIN' IT LIVE 2019 North American Tour:

March 01, 2019   Yoshi's, Oakland, CA    

March 02, 2019   Crest Theatre (co-bill with Elvin Bishop), Sacramento, CA           

March 08, 2019   Jazzbones, Tacoma, WA   

March 09, 2019   Festival Place, Sherwood Park, AB, CANADA   

March 10, 2019   Mikey’s on 12th Avenue, Calgary, AB, CANADA         

March 12, 2019   The Triple Door, Seattle, WA     

March 13, 2019   Conway Muse, Conway, WA    

March 14, 2019   Alberta Rose Theatre, Portland, OR    

March 15, 2019   The John G. Shedd Institute for the Arts, Eugene, OR     

March 22, 2019   Rancho Nicasio, Nicasio, CA     

March 23, 2019   Rancho Nicasio, Nicasio, CA     

March 29, 2019   Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts, Fond du Lac, WI           

March 30, 2019   Medina Entertainment Center, Medina, MN   

  

April 02, 2019   Shank Hall, Milwaukee, WI 

April 03, 2019   The Castle Theatre, Bloomington, IL

April 04, 2019   City Winery, Chicago, IL

April 05, 2019   Music Box Supper Club (co-bill with Ronnie Baker Brooks), Cleveland, OH 

April 06, 2019   Rhine Haus Bier Hall, Youngstown, OH

April 07, 2019   Moondog’s, Blawnox, PA          

April 09, 2019   The Loft at City Winery, New York, NY  

April 10, 2019   Debonair Music Hall, Teaneck, NJ    

April 11, 2019   Daryl’s House, Pawling, NY     

April 12, 2019   Bridge Street Live, Collinsville, CT

April 13, 2019   Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River, MA  

April 14, 2019   City Winery, The Haymarket Lounge, Boston, MA      

April 16, 2019   Iron Horse Music Hall, Northampton, MA           

April 18, 2019   Sellersville Theater, Sellersville, PA

April 19, 2019   Pearl Street Warehouse, Washington, DC           

April 20, 2019   Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD 

April 26, 2019   Callahan’s Music Hall, Auburn Hills, MI           

April 27, 2019   Franke Center for the Arts, Marshall, MI    

April 28, 2019   Natalie's, Worthington OH

April 30, 2019   The Southgate House Revival, Newport, KY    

May 01, 2019   Lincoln Theatre, Belleville, IL     

May 03, 2019   Rose Music Hall, Columbia, MO  

May 04, 2019   Knuckleheads Saloon, Kansas City, MO
May 05, 2019   Zoo Bar, Lincoln NE        

Canadian Blues & Roots Artist Michael Jerome Browne Announces New Album and Tour Dates

Canadian Blues & Roots Artist Michael Jerome Browne Announces New Album and Tour Dates

That's Where It's At! to be released on Borealis Records February 8, 2019

Michael Jerome Browne is a three-time Canadian Folk Music Award winner (Traditional Singer, 2015; Solo Artist, 2012 & 2008), Maple Blues Award winner (with 32 nominations since 1999), Kerrville (Texas) New Folk Finalist, four-time Juno Award Nominee in both the Roots/Traditional and Blues categories. He is a multi-instrumentalist, a songwriter, and a living encyclopedia of American Roots music. That’s Where It’s At! is Michael Jerome Browne’s latest collection, focusing on soul music through the lens of a traditional blues player. Recorded largely live off the floor in Sherbrooke and Montréal (Québec) and Hamilton (Ontario), Michael’s fingerstyle guitar and warm, unaffected vocals are front and centre, accompanied only by John McColgan’s funky drumming on five songs. That’s Where It’s At! is the new album on Borealis Records, available February 8, 2019. This album focuses on the connection between blues and soul, the stripped-down accompaniment consisting only of Michael’s guitar, with drummer John McColgan on five tracks. Vocal guests include Harrison Kennedy, Roxanne Potvin and Eric Bibb. Five originals are mixed in with songs from Sam Cooke, Bobby “Blue” Bland, Al Green, and Stevie Wonder, as well as two spirituals from way back- the roots of gospel and soul. To celebrate and share this outstanding new recording, Michael Jerome Browne will be on tour throughout Canada in the coming months, starting with industry showcases at both Blues Summit Nine in Toronto and Folk Alliance International in Montreal. Upcoming Tour Dates Feb. 1 - 4 - Blues Summit Nine, Toronto, ON Feb. 13 - 17 - Folk Alliance International, Montreal, QC Feb. 21 - Mississippi Queen Foods, Hamilton, ON (w/special guest Harrison Kennedy) Feb. 22 - Hugh’s Room Live, Toronto, ON (w/special guest Harrison Kennedy, Michelle Josef on drums) Feb. 23 - Greenbank Folk Society, Greenbank, ON March 9 - La Vitrola, Montréal QC (w/John McColgan, drums) March 13 - Irene’s Pub, Ottawa, ON (w/special guest Harrison Kennedy, John McColgan on drums) May 3 - Rogue Folk Club, Vancouver, BC (w/Tim Williams, Cecile Doo-Kingue, Paul Pigat) May 4 - House Concert, White Rock, BC May 5 - 11- Hornby Island Blues Workshop May 12 - Duncan Garage Showroom, Duncan, BC May 13 - Ground Zero Acoustic Lounge, Parksville, BC

Reaction Records artist: Randy McAllister - Triggers Be Trippin - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Triggers Be Trippin, by Randy McAllister and the Scrappiest Band In The Motherland and it's smokin' good blues rockin'! Opening with In A Flick of a Bic, a driving rocker with solid vocals and harp by McAllister, and exceptional slide phrasing by Brandon Hudspeth this track is really cooking. Patrick Smith is tight on bass and Danny Cochran adds excellent bottom on drums. Super opener. Beauty and Ugly Upside Down (Ode to Lizzie Velasquez) is a natural radio rocker with a good melody, backing vocals by Andrea Wallace, cool  lyrics and classic slide work. Very nice. Add in just the right amount of dirty funk and you got Bring It On Backbreaker with gritty harp work, a great bass line by Jacque Garoutte, stinging guitar soloing by Hudspeth, with and drums by Cochran. Wrapping the release is We Can't Be Friends (If You Don't Like Jimmy Reed) with it's R&B feel, hot slide, catchy lyrics and solid vocals by McAllister and Wallace. This is a really solid release with some scorching highlights. Check it out. 

  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

Planned Obsolescencee Recording & Novelty artist: Rich Hope - I'm All Yours - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, I'm All Yours, from Rich Hope and it's quite interesting. Opening with It Comes Alive which reminds me of the Chambers Brothers, Rich Hope on vocal and guitar shows real rock drive backed by Adrian Mack on drums and vocals, Erik PH Nielsen on bass and vocals and Matt Kelly on keys. This track is a real throw back and a good one. Creepstone is a cool driving rocker with snappy drum work and a solid bass line. Hope has a cool guitar hand which lays down glistening riffs without the pyrotechnics. Very refreshing. La Iguana is a slower darker track with a wailing vocal, great bass line, rumbling organ and grinding guitar. This is really cool. 5 Cents A Dance is a solid rocker with an English feel from say the 60's (Manfred Mann/Kinks/ with a edgy punky feel). Excellent! Juke Boy Bonner's Runnin Shoes is up next with a definite edgy, rocky feel. I really like Hope's approach on this traditional blues number. Excellent rework with riding keys and driving rhythm. Wrapping the release is Heartbreaker, a laid back blues rocker with some stylized guitar riffs and Hope's loose, effective vocal style. I wasn't familiar with Hope prior to this review, but I really like his approach.

  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

Endless Blues Records artists: In Layman Terms - Strong Roots - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Strong Roots, from In Layman Terms, and it's funky, soulful, rocking blues. Opening with title track, Strong Roots, Cole (guitar and vocal) and Logan Layman (bass and vocal) lead this funky track with Hamed Barbarji on trumpet and Nick Davidson on drums. It really has a super feel and show some of Logan's best vocals on the release. I'm Somebody, with a happy go lucky sense and just a twist of country, Cole really lays into his cigar box guitar and Davidson's percussion is zany and tight. One of my favorite tracks on the release is straight up slow blues, Ain't Gonna Fake It No More, with T-Bone Walker like chords, supple vocals by Logan and laid back trumpet work by Barbarji and firm blues guitar riffs by Cole. Very nice. With it's walking bass line, Notice Me, really struts with solid vocals, swinging trumpet solo and crisp guitar work.  Wrapping the release is Way Too Far a rocking blues number with warm guitar rhythm, wah wah and trumpet accents under Logan's cool vocals. 

  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

Popa Chubby Productions artist: Popa Chubby - Prime Cuts: The Very Best of the Beast From The East - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Prime Cuts: The Very Best of the Beast From The East, by Popa Chubby and it's a broad representation of Chuby's work. Opening with Life Is A Beatdown, a contemporary hip hop style track from from Peace, Love & Respect, seemingly directed at airplay featuring solid guitar work and backed by Steve Holley on drums and Nicholas Damato on bass. Jimi's Hey Joe, Flashed Back, is always a great track and Chubby is all over the guitar with fiery riffs backed by Larry Crockett on super drums and Kris Jefferson on bass. Very cool.  Hi stepping, Stoop Down Baby from It's Chubby Time, has a great funky beat by Don Castagno and Seth Farber on Hammond. One of my favorites on the release is instrumental track, San Catri, from the Gas Money release. Chubby's melody is solid and his solo melody lines are smooth and moving. Jazz based Caffeine and Nicotine, from Hit The High Hard One, is another of my favorites with a great walking bass line by Dean Zucchero and flashy, country jazz fused guitar riffs. Excellent! Contemporary slow blues number, Grown Man Crying Blues from Deliveries After Dark is another top track with some of Chubby's best vocals and extra bluesy riffs giving you plenty to chew on for over 8 minutes. Nice. Country based ballad, I Can't See The Light of Day from the Good, The Bad and the Chubby shows yet another side of Chubby with a with a R&B flavor stirred in and featuring Holley and Jefferson as well as Mike Latrell on keys. Very cool. With a release during the season, the release is wrapped with There On Christmas, an unreleased track with definite Phil Spector influences. This release has 15 tracks, a few unreleased and unleashed. Enjoy!

  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

Peter V Blues Train - Shaken But Not Deterred - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Shaken But Not Deterred, from Peter V Blues Train and it has great spirit. Opening with shuffle,  I Don't Want To Leave Memphis, led by Peter V. on vocal and guitar is backed by Alex D'Agnese on drums, Sean Graverson on bass, Aron Gornish on keys, with Jeff Levine on B3 and Danny Walsh wailin' on sax. By The River has a slinky rhythm with Coo Moe Jhee on bass, Levine on B3 and cool funky guitar rhythm and solo riffs by Bob DelRosso. T Bone Shuffle opens with rich sax work by Walsh who shares the solo spotlight with Peter and Levine. I particularly like the funky attitude of Alibi with tight drums, cool vocals and stinging guitar lead. Getting Closer Now has a funky Latin fused rhythm and joining Peter on vocal is Vaness Vause with Gary Neuwirth on harp. Very cool. Continuing with the contagious, funky rhythm on Been So Long, Peter lays out some of his best vocals on the release with Paul Livinsky on drums, Bill Cherensky on bass and DelRosso laying down some really funky guitar riffs. Very nice. If the title track, Shaken But Not Deterred doesn't get you head bobbing and maybe even you squirming in your seat, you are probably not breathing. The B3 reinforcement by Levine and Peter's guitar lead is tight! Wrapping the release is a live cover of Big Maceo's Worried Life Blues with acoustic guitar soulful vocal and solid sax work, making is a solid 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

Letizia Records artist: Gaetano Letizia & The Underworld Blues Band - Beatles Blues Blast - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Beatles Blues Blast, from Gaetano Letizia & The Underworld Blues Band and it's a different look at the Beatles. This release covers 17 of the Fab Four's top hits with lots of twists and turns. Opening with Come Together, Gaetano Letizia on guitar and vocal, Mike D'Elia on drums and vocals and Lenny Gray on vocal and bass give the Beatles active guitar and a funky edge they never had. Beatles classic rocker Money gets a good workout with bluesy guitar riffs and even a visit to Surfaris land. Tax Man gets a shuffle beat, extended guitar lines and a fresh sound. While My Guitar Gently Weeps has a stately sound with solid guitar work, a snappier drum beat and "Vanilla Fudge" like vocal harmonies. One of my favorite remakes on the release is Latin flavored instrumental cover of And I Love Her. The band is well balanced with just the right amount of bass and drum under an expressive lead guitar melody. Very nice. Always a favorite, Blackbird as an instrumental maintains the beautiful melodic guitar work with more lively drum brushes and articulate guitar lead. Wrapping the release is A Day In The Life with a fairly straight forward cover of the original.

  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

Jim Dan Dee - Self Titled - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent self titled release from Jim Dan Dee and I like it quite well. Opening with rocker, Save My Soul I can't not draw comparisons to Roger Waters with it's bottom driven rhythm, raucous vocal delivery by James Stefanuk and female backing vocals by Jules Cordosa, with drums by Shawn Royal and sax by Jason Sewerynek. Although I really don't think that this band sounds like Pink Floyd, a lot of the things that I like about it have a similar construction. Payday has powerful keyboard work by Jesse Karwat and solid guitar soloing by Stefanuk. Very nice! I love the soulful vocal lead on Just Cuz which just oozes richness and just the right about of backing vocal with deep sax work by Sewerynek and clean guitar solo lines by Stefanuk. Excellent! With it's John Lee Hooker romp, When You Move Like That There, is my favorite on the release with it's heavy handed drum and bass lines and all out feel. Excellent! Who doesn't love fat, distorted slide guitar and that's what you get on Killer with it's heavy tension. R&B track, Stand By My Woman is a solid radio track with a memorable melody and sultry sax lines by Sewerynek and and strong vocals by Stefanuk. Wrapping the release is blues rocker, Walkin Shoes with a heavy bottom and coolly distorted guitar lead.  Again, backing vocals by Cordosa and fluid finger work by Stefanuk play strongly in this power closer. Very nice. 

  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

Down In The Alley Records artist: Laurie Jane & The 45's - Late Last Night - Elixir of Sara Martin - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Late Last Night - Elixir of Sara Martin, by Laurie Jane & The 45's and it has a vintage sound and some down right rockin'. Opening with title track, Late Last Night, the band tries to capture the spirit of Louisville's prohibition era's Sara Martin with contemporary twists and execution. Laurie Jane Duggins has the vocal lead with Cort Duggins on guitar and piano, Scott Dugdale on drums, Jason Embry on bass and Brian Hogg on sax. Blind Man Blues has a staid Basin Street pace showing cool trumpet work by Eric Snyder and guitar soloing by Screamin' John Hawkins. maintaining much of it's original patina, Strange Lovin' Blues is raw with cool slide and some of my favorite vocals on the release. Sugar Blues is a solid blues rocker with a strong vocal line and rocking guitar riffs. Very cool. Atlanta keeps much of the early blues house feel with the jangling piano and modest fidelity. Wrapping the release is T'aint Nobody's Business with great swing and clean modern vocals by Laurie Janie and nice horn backing by Snyder and Hogg over the crisp piano work of Cort, winding out with a super New Orleans style jam with all instruments blazing. Nice closer for 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

Midnite Johnny back in USA with at show @ Crazy Uncle Mike's in Boca Raton this Saturday 1/05/2019

Mosher St. Records Presents   MIDNITE JOHNNY

/ Saturday, January 5th www.crazyunclemikes.com 6450 N Federal Hwy, Boca Raton, 9 PM-10 PM -SOLO,  10:30 PM -1:30 PM -BAND

Midnite Johnny review…October 3, 2018…. Posted October 4, 2018 by dvcrow56 in Uncategorized. MIDNITE JOHNNY LONG ROAD HOME MOSHER STREET RECORDS PLP 1850 YOUR NEW OCCUPATION–SLOW BURN INSIDE–CRAZY MAMA–LONG ROAD HOME–LOOKIN GOOD–TIRED OF FOOLIN AROUND–ALL THE BLUES–MOTELS, WHISKEY, AND ME–BETCHA BY NOW–BABY BATTER–HEARD THAT ONE BEFORE–KEY TO THE HIGHWAY–OUTTA TIME–THAT’S ALL YOU GONNA GET–LONG ROAD HOME (ACOUSTIC) Guitarist Midnite Johnny (Morana) was long a mainstay of the south Florida blues scene, and, since his relocation to the UK, virtually the whole round blues world knows he’s here! His latest set is the aptly-titled “Long Road Home,” thirteen originals and one cover that shows his penchant for blues, rock, and roots music. With a style of playing rooted in that of the masters, he opens the set with a favorite, the infectious boogie of his lover’s “New Occupation–makin’ a fool outta me!” A fine, jazzy, slow-blues cut might well play out Johnny’s life as a road-warrior bluesman, for, sometimes, all that’s left is “Motels, Whiskey,And Me!” Johnny hits a strong Clapton-inspired vibe on a tune to which we can all relate, as Steve Zoyes’ acoustic piano rides over Johnny’s shout-out to all his debtors, “I can’t give what I ain’t got, and that’s All You’re Gonna Get!” Johnny covers two standards in his own inimitable way, too. His slide guitar is the catalyst on an uptempo read of J. J. Cale’s “Crazy Mama,” while Big Bill’s “Key To The Highway” is presented in the spirit in which it was written–Johnny’s vocal and guitar only. We had two other favorites, too. “Long Road Home” digs on a Muddy groove, with a rollin’, tumblin slide, as our hero proclaims he “coulda had religion, but bad luck and whiskey would not let me pray!” The set closes with this song presented in an entirely different light–it is done in an acoustic setting complete with a string section, and becomes an ethereal, almost reverential, beautiful ending to this album. Midnite Johnny has won over legions of fans “on both sides of the Pond!” His may have been a “Long Road Home,” but, we believe he’d say it’s all been worth the ride! Until next time…Sheryl and Don Crow, The Nashville Blues Society.   Midnite Johnny Band! Congratulations, Your songs in Hot 1000 N1M Chart! Share a song to help it move up in the charts!

Midnite Johnny home . . . . . . Midnite Johnny has worked extensively throughout his native USA and has established a reputation as one of South Florida’s most powerful Blues and Rock guitarists. A lead/slide guitarist and vocalist specialising in Blues, Blues Rock, Classic Rock, and R & B, Guitar style reminiscent of Eric Clapton, Carlos Santana, Freddie King and Buddy Guy. One of South Florida’s hottest musicians whose resume includes work with Bo Diddley, Harvey Mandel (Canned Heat),Warren Ceaser and many more. This veteran of the South Florida Blues scene employs a library of riffs from Freddy King to Otis Rush and Eric Clapton to Stevie Ray Vaughn along with his own original material. Since relocating to the UK Midnite Johnny has fast built a dedicated following throughout Europe. With his band they offer a wide ranging and varied array of Blues, R&B and Roots Rock. The bands vast influences and experiences take them to a place where "The Roots Of Blues Meet The Hard Edge Of Classic Rock & Roll".

Listen or Purchase CD Baby Reverbnation       Spotify "Spy Boy" on You Tube NumberOneMusic.com URL: http://www.numberonemusic.com/midnitejohnnyband N1M Short URL: http://n1m.co/midnitejohnnyband NumberOneMusic Charts | week 10, 2018 Hi Midnite Johnny Band! Congratulations, Your songs hit 21 in Hot 1000 N1M Chart! True Blues Club Video 1  True Blues Club Video 2 "So Complicated" on Mosher Street Records Songs went up to#21 for Blues in United Kingdom Johnny's 2nd CD Johnny's first release "LYIN' EYES"

Guitarists Colin Linden and Luther Dickinson Join Forces on "Amour," a New Roots CD Featuring Songs of Sentimental, Romantic Love, Due February 8 on Stony Plain Records

Guitarists Colin Linden and Luther Dickinson Join Forces on Amour, a New Roots CD Featuring Songs of Sentimental, Romantic Love, Due February 8 on Stony Plain Records

WATERDOWN, ON - Stony Plain Records announces a February 8 release date for Amour, a new CD teaming the roots music guitar talents of Colin Linden and Luther Dickinson. The CD was produced by Colin Linden, recorded at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, and features a backing band dubbed “The Tennessee Valentines:” Dominic Davis – bass; Bryan Owings – drums; Fats Kaplin – violin and accordion; and Kevin McKendree – keyboards.

Linden and Dickinson recruited a host of Nashville talent as guest vocalists on the new disc, including the legendary Billy Swan, who sings lead on “Lover Please” (a song he wrote, which   was recorded and became a classic hit for Clyde McPhatter); as well as songbirds Rachael Davis and Ruby Amanfu; plus two of Linden’s “Nashville” TV series buddies - Sam Palladio (“Crazy Arms”) and Jonathan Jackson (“I Forgot to Remember to Forget”). 

Hear “Don’t Let Go” from the album:  Don’t Let Go Pak Shot Video 

“These are songs of sentimental, romantic love,” says Colin Linden about the music on the new disc. “They come from country (“Crazy Arms”), blues (“Honest I Do”), rock ‘n’ roll (“Lover Please”), rhythm and blues (“What Am I Living For”) and folk music (“Careless Love”). I think that is a pretty good read on what Americana really is. ‘Careless Love’ is the ‘id’ of the record—a traditional song of love, longing and regret. I view the entire album as a soundtrack for romance and romantics everywhere, bound together by melody and atmosphere.”

Amour is the first collaboration between Colin Linden (Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, ABC-TV show “Nashville)” and Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars, Black Crowes) and consists of classic love songs from the Americana world. Both Linden and Dickinson are true veterans of roots music, having played with and produced some of the biggest names in the business, while displaying the mantle of countless awards and accolades to reflect that.

“Most of these songs I have known my whole life, and they reached me in the same way,” says Colin Linden about the album’s origin. “I mentioned the idea of recording them as a collection to my friend Luther Dickinson, who said it was a good idea—and that it would be cool to work on it together. Luther is not only a master musician, but also an artist with a great vision and a soulful, wonderful human being.”

“Colin and I are fellow guitar-slinging, peace-loving, freedom-fighting romantics who jump at any and every opportunity to play guitars together,” adds Luther Dickinson. “Our only problem is not erupting into joyous laughter as the music unfolds. In the spirit of brotherly love and old-school ancient sonic explorations, Colin and I both plugged into a shared guitar amp that you can hear in the middle. Our individual amps are spread out, and though you can hear the different guitars popping thru here and there, it's hard to tell who is playing what, and that only adds to Colin and my Amour fest.” 

“As time and fate would have it, all of the mighty folks who joined us were also moved by these songs,” explains Linden. Blessed by one of our heroes—and the composer of one of these songs—Billy Swan, we felt like we were on the right road in doing this album. It was a band of angels we were joined by; Luther suggested we call it ‘The Tennessee Valentines,’ based on the beautiful song and these glorious spirits. But the real story is the love story in the songs.” 

Amour is Linden’s second album for the label since Stony Plain re-signed the nine-time Juno Award-winning singer/guitarist in 2015 and released his acclaimed Rich in Love CD that same year. Stony Plain was also the home of Colin’s first studio album, The Immortals, in 1986.

Colin Linden continues to be a very much in-demand musician, having played on Gregg Allman’s 2011 Grammy-nominated Low Country Blues, as well as Grammy-winner Rhiannon Giddens’ album, Tomorrow Is My Turn, and Diana Krall’s Glad Rag Doll. He’s also produced 125 albums, was the musical director on the hit TV show, “Nashville” and toured as guitarist for Bob Dylan, Bruce Cockburn, Emmylou Harris, Robert Plant and, among many others.

In addition, he was the featured guitar player on the PBS-TV special saluting gospel music, “In Performance at the White House,” backing such stars as Emmylou Harris, Rodney Crowell, Lyle Lovett and Shirley Caesar. In recent years, he’s also played on the soundtracks for a number of feature films, including Inside Llewyn Davis, The Hunger Games, R.I.P.D. and the acclaimed documentary, A Place at the Table, and in 2015 he was the music director for the special tribute to legendary Sun Records founder Sam Phillips at the Country Music Hall of Fame.

A genuine renaissance man of roots music, Colin is also a member of the highly successful trio, Blackie and the Rodeo Kings, who released the highly acclaimed album, Kings & Queens, in 2011, which teamed the band up with such guests as Emmylou Harris, Rosanne Cash, Lucinda Williams, Cassandra Wilson, Patti Scialfa and Holly Cole. That disc was followed by the Kings and Kings album in 2016.