Valcour Records artist: Johnny Nicholas - Mistaken Identity - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Mistaken Identity, by Johnny Nicholas and I really like it. With it's kooky lyrics, blues overtones and country western flavor, it's packing. Opening with, She Stole My Mojo, Johnny Nicholas on vocal, guitars, piano, and harmonica tells a wild tale with a loose riff, joined by Scrappy Jud Newcomb on guitars and vocals, John Chipman on drums, percussion and vocals and Chris Maresh on bass and vocals. This is a wacky track but a memorable one. Nice opener. With it's country strut, Mule and the Devil is a cool track with Newcomb on mandolin and the addition of Chris Stafford on organ. With a funky New Orleans feel, title track, Mistaken Identity is not only a clever story but has nicely blended backing vocals and cool Clavinet work by Eric Adcock. Tight Pants is a super rocker with a high octane rhythm. With it's rock n roll feel and free wheelin' vocals, it's hard not to bop. One of my favorite tracks on the release is She Didn't Think Of Me That Way with it's Tex-Mex feel and soulful guitar lead, featuring Max Baca on Bajo Sexto and Josh Baca on accordion. Excellent! Another cool rocker is Highway 190 with it's laid back rockabilly feel. Nicholas lays down a cool piano solo and some cool guitar riffs but it's his vocals that carry the tune. Very cool. Wrapping the release is River Runs Deep, a ballad that blends all of the music on the release into one. With solid vocals, a strong melody and warm organ under the melodic guitar lead, this is an excellent closer. 

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Reference Recordings artist: Doug MacLeod - Brand New Eyes - New Release Review

 

I just  had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Brand New Eyes, from Doug MacLeod and it's super. This release on Reference Recordings, Fresh label captures MacLeod alone on acoustic guitar and resonator in a pristine setting. Opening with title track, Brand New Eyes, MacLeod uses his vocal and finger picking pace to stimulate the track and a foot tap to stabilize the pace. Easing into a John Lee Hooker like trance with resonator and a solid foot stomp, MacLeod really captures the feel of Delta Blues on Something Dark Is Walking. An obvious student of the old masters, this track is spot on. With a traditional rag style and strong finger picking, Zu-Zu Woman is a terrific track and one of my favorites on the release. With raw emotion, I Rolled A Nickel feels delta authentic with the jangle of the resonator and slide, foot stomp and wailing like vocal. Very nice. Story telling country blues, The Nature of the Man has a great tempo and solid vocals making it the most radio friendly track. Wrapping the release is Welcome In Your Home with it's contemporary, folk blues feel. MacLeod maintains a strong pace and his energy is vibrant.

  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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