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I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!


Please email me at Info@Bmansbluesreport.com

Friday, April 18, 2025

Russ Anixter's Hippie Big Band - What Is? - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, What Is? by Russ Anixter's Hippie Big Band and it's energetic and fun. Opening with Tower of Power's, What Is Hip? and it really moves. With aggressive drum work from Scott Neumann and Michael Aarons on guitar the onslaught begins. Jopined by Dan Levine on trombone, Jack Schatz on bass trombone, Matt Hong on alto sax (who plays up a storm), Stan Harrison on tenor sax, Frank Vacin on bari sax, Matt Owens on trumpet and Audrey Flores on French horn and punched up by Steve Count on bass and Bill Hayes on vibes and congas, this track really pumps. The Beatles She Said, She Said has an interesting arrangement like orchestrated Beatles on Zappa. Owens' trumpet work is really solid, Levine gets a real nice opportunity to shine on trombone and Harrison rips a great sax solo of his own, but the excellent drum/Xylophone work of Neumann and Hayes really give the track excellent texture. Saint Stephen/Turn On Your Love Light is a blend of Grateful Dead with again a dash of Zappa. Owens on trumpet shines on Stephen and Vacin honks on Love Light in tandem with Levine and  guest on Uncle John's Band, Oz Noy on guitar and Harrison on soprano sax spice up the mix. Throw a little blues in with Freddie King's Hideaway  giving Aaron's a chance to show his chops and with the deep throated sax work of Vacin and Hayes on vibes adding a bit of swing. Shifting to a meatier mix on Peter Gunn, Harrison really makes his tenor sax sing over the tight drum work of Harrison and Flores plays full on French horn. Wrapping the release is a Latin take on the Green Hornet with Owens really tonguing it out. Precise xylophone work by Hayes and light cymbal work by Neumann with Count on bass hold the bottom and flashy guitar phrasing by Aarons under a clean horn backdrop make this a perfect closer. 


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Thursday, April 17, 2025

Shifting Paradigm Records artist: Jackson Potter - small things - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, small things, from Jackson Potter and it's a groove. Opening with Trams, Jackson Potter on guitar and Hamish Smith on bass set a great riff, joined by Alex Ridout on trumpet and Troy Roberts on sax forming a solid melody and tightened up by Marcello Cardillo on drums. Roberts broadens the track with some real meat on sax and Potter shows excellent fluidity and purpose laying out a really nice guitar lead. Roberts again steps up with some great riffs of his own and Cardillo shows a snappy bottom Excellent opener.  Title track, small things, has a warm melody and Roberts cruises nicely on tenor sax creating  a lush first solo, followed by Potter who's guitar work is clean and has just a slight Latin seasoning, capped by Ridout on trumpet. Very nice. Background Noise opens with Roberts on sax but joining with Ridout and the addition of Cardillo, really winds it up with a more direct Latin rhythm. Potter's guitar solo is more adventuresome in nature  and really flourishes upon the rejoining of trumpet and sax. On Cole Porter's Everything I Love with a tight bottom by Cardillo and Smith. Potter takes the first lead and his fingers fly on the fretboard popping excellent riffs and warm chords. Never missing a beat, Roberts takes the lead and really wailing. Ridout takes his turn laying back but expressively  taking charge. Very strong. Wrapping the release is Sophia's Waltz, a quiet composition framed by Potter and Ridout on trumpet. Smith takes lead on bass really showing his feel, supported but light guitar work by Potter. Ridout and Potter each add lush solos to the composition but this track is all Smith. Very nice closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

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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