Nerus Records artist: The Hitman Blues Band - Calling Long Distance - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Calling Long Distance, from The Hitman Blues Band, and it's a good mix of contemporary blues. Opening with title track, Calling Long Distance, "Hitman" Alexander on lead guitar and vocal sets the pace with solid slide, driven by Bob Stander on bass and backing vocal and Guy LaFountaine on drums. With Mike Katzman on keys and a full compliment of horns like John Kelly on alto sax, Tom Mineo on tenor sax, Eric Altarac on trumpet and Al Alpert on trombone and Joanna Alexander and Nancy Hampton on backing vocals, this is a cool opener. Blood Alley is a cool driver with a taste of 60's surf music featuring keys by Katzman, and Kelly wailing on sax while swimming in the sea of reverb soaked guitar by Hitman. Very cool. Low slung shuffle, Side Pocket For A Toad, has a great feel with sweet blues riffs by Hitman and punchy horn work by Kelly, Mineo, Altarac and Alpert. Foolish Pride is one of my favorites on the release with strong guitar phrasing by Hitman, reminiscent of BB King on Thrill Is Gone. His vocals are soulful and work really well with his fluid playing style. Bluesy ballad, Back To The Blues, puts me in mind of Gary Moore but more from a feel and phrasing styling than anything else. A real nice sax solo by Kelly balances nicely with Hitman's vocal/guitar work making this the most likely radio track on the release. Another favorite track on the release is jump track, Watch That Thing with a great off lead drum accent, lively vocals and a slick guitar riff by Hitman and excellent trombone solo by Alpert. Wrapping the release is Wide Old River with heavy tom tom work by LaFountaine setting the pace. With deep vocals by Hitman and Porter and nicely stylized key work by Katzman, rich horns and slide by Hitman, this is a strong closer. 

  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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Blue Canoe Records artist: Neff Irizarry - Cambio (Change) - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cambio, from Neff Irizarry, and it's vibrant guitar with hot Latin rhythms. Opening with Adelante, composer and guitar lead, Neff Irizarry leads the way with excellent fluid melody paired with Martin Fabricius on vibraphone, with the rhythmic support of Jimmy Haslip on bass and Picardo Padilla on percussion. Strong opener. Cabo Rojo in 6/8 gives Irizarry plenty of room to breathe with both extended phrases and shorter punctuation, over Fabricius' well placed accents. A steady rhythm by Padilla anchors the piece giving it a nice flow. Led Zep's, The Rain Song is a nice diversion handled by lush melodic phrasing by Irizarry over the simple Latin rhythm of Padilla. El Swing De La Finca really does move with the melody laid down by Fabricius and Irizarry in tandem. Irizarry takes the first line solo and Irizarry the second over the punchy bottom by Haslip and Padilla. My favorite track on the release. Another nicely flowing track is San Miguel De Los Acordes. With Fabricius and Irizarry blending nicely on the initial melody line and then each taking turns at the interpretation with bright strikes and lush chords, this is another really nice track. Wrapping the release is Todo Lo que Fuiste. In full samba style Padilla owns this track, providing a rich foundation for Irizarry and Fabricius to build on. This is a really cool release and enjoyable start to finish. 

  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 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