Bman's Blues Report

Terence Blanchard is an eight-time Grammy-winning, twice Academy Award-nominated jazz trumpeter, composer, and educator who stands as one of modern jazz’s most influential voices. Born on March 13, 1962, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Blanchard launched his career in 1980 with the Lionel Hampton Orchestra before succeeding Wynton Marsalis as the musical director for Art Blakey's Jazz Messengers . Over a celebrated solo career, he has released more than 20 studio albums and established himself as a giant in the film industry, most notably through a three-decade collaboration with director Spike Lee , which earned Blanchard Oscar nominations for scoring BlacKkKlansman and Da 5 Bloods . In 2021, he made history when his production, Fire Shut Up in My Bones , became the first opera by a Black composer ever performed by the Metropolitan Opera. Currently recognized as an NEA Jazz Master and serving as the Executive Artistic Director of SFJAZZ , Blanchard continues to shatter genr...

Based out of Northwest Ohio, Will Schneider is a horn player, composer, and teacher who has been doing cool things with the French horn , pulling it out of the classical world and dropping it straight into modern jazz and avant-garde music . He started out with a classical degree from Central Michigan before heading over to Bowling Green State University , where he pulled off the impressive feat of grabbing dual master’s degrees in both classical performance and jazz studies. When he isn't out teaching or running clinics, you can usually find him gigging around Midwestern jazz spots like BLU Jazz+ with his chordless trio, making music with the Third Shore Collective quintet, or even backing up legends like Johnny Mathis . Will is all about open spaces, rich textures, and real-time musical conversations, blending his serious academic chops with a totally relaxed, intuitive vibe.   > 🎵 LISTEN & SUPPORT THE ALBUM   Add this Record to Your Collection ...

I was going through some of my old reviews and wondered what happened to Ursula as I have seen anything from her in a long time. I really loved this release. Well, I found out that Ursula is now in a good way and needs our help. HELP IF YOU CAN I just received the newest release (October 15, 2013), My Streets , from Ursula Ricks and it's super! Opening with Tobacco Road , a laid back R&B track with great bones. Harp master Kim Wilson adds some nice riffs blending and nicely complimenting Ricks rich voice. Sweet Tenderness has a really nice flow nicely showcasing Ricks' amazing feel for her music. Backed by strings and Christal Rheams and Caleb Green, this track has a solid radio sound. Mary Jane has an infectious groove and Ricks plants herself firmly in the back beat. Full key work from Kevin Anker and unusually rhythm guitar work from Johnny Moeller add to the interest of this track. Title track, My Street , has a really interesting rhythm led by Robb Stupka o...

Brigitte Purdy returns to center stage with her latest studio release, Mother of the Crossroads , a record that effortlessly bridges the gap between classic soul and hard-hitting blues-rock. Produced alongside multi-instrumentalist Dave Osti via Dirtshack Records , the project introduces listeners to a raw, deeply blues landscape shaped by Purdy's roots as a powerhouse vocalist and seasoned live performer. Backed by vintage keyboard textures, driving rhythm sections, and sharp instrumentation, this introductory chapter sets a strong foundation for an album that honors classic roots traditions while firmly establishing Purdy’s own voice in the contemporary scene.   > 🎵 LISTEN & SUPPORT THE ALBUM   Add this Record to Your Collection Available in Digital Formats. 🛒 Buy Album on Amazon Store As an Amazon Associate, Bman earns from qualifying purchases. The Deep Dive Mother of the Crossroads  fires up with high energy right out ...