Delta Roots Records artist: Gerald McClendon - Down At The Juke Joint - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Down At The Juke Joint from Gerald McClendon and it's a solid soulful R&B release. Opening with soul track, Back  Where You Belong, drips with soul with Gerald McClendon on lead vocal joined by Tony Llorens on Fender Rhodes, Joe Burba on guitar, Mike Jackson on sax, David Forte on bass, and Twist Turner on drums and Hammond. Title track, Down At The Juke Joint has a real Sam Cooke feel showing McClendon's voice and backed by Mary Lane. Harlan Terson hods it tight on bass and Turner adds melodic faux harmonica. My favorite track on the release is House Ain't A Home featuring Maurice John Vaughn working guitar solo work with McClendon's lead. Forte lays down a firm bass line and The Delta Roots Horns add nice depth. Very cool. I really like Cryin' Time Again with it's  super vocals by McClendon, riding on piano by Llorens, Gurba on guitar, Forte on bass and Turner handling strings and drums. Wrapping the release is top radio track, You're So Fine with is warm melody and backing vocals. Forte's bass line is solid and the Rhodes work by Llorens anchors the track. A nice sax solo by Mike Jackson gives the track a real nice shine. 

  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”

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Little Village artist: Jubu Smith - Jubu - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Jubu, by Jubu Smith and it's a super blend of soul, funk, jazz and blues. Opening with super funky, Hamster Wheel, Jubu Smith on lead guitar pairs with guitar master Charlie Hunter on his hybrid guitar and tight drum work by Calvin Napper on drums. Spinning the top on guitar and with Hunter really working a hot bass line, this is an energetic opener. Kwik-Way Nostalgia is a cool, laid back track with Hunter working the rhythm from the bottom and Smith and Napper playing it straight with it's easy melody and clean, bluesy, articulation. Organizations Sake has a great funky bottom with Napper and Hunter really spanking it along. Smith takes a WW Washington blues (or JG Watson if you prefer) approach with poised phrasing giving the track real spark. EG Is Here is a really cool merger between funk and soul giving it a funky turn on BB King. Hunter and Smith, joined by Eric Gales, really craft a great track here with Napper anchoring the beat. Very cool. One of my favorite tracks on the release is At Long Last is a real piece of art featuring nicely presented melody on electric guitar, clearly articulated and blended with volume swells. Really nice. Wrapping the release is Totally Convicted, a straight up slow blues with Hunter and Napper holding the bottom as Smith lays it all out there. Mixing slide techniques, synthesized guitar, straight up picking and jazz and blues phrasing this is a super 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”

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“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening