Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the debut release, Field Guide , by the Andy Ostwald Trio , and it's light and springy but with some tasty meat too. Opening with Sonar with it's bright melody, led by Ostwald on piano joined by Ravi Abcarian on bass and Bryan Bowman on drums. Abcarian and Bowman each get a chance to stretch on this solid opener. Nat Adderley's Sweet Emma is up next with it's soulful feel and great bluesy cadence. I particularly like Abcarian's bass solo on this number. Very nice. Forties pop, I Hear A Rhapsody has become a jazz standard and Ostwald has done a real nice job on interpretation on this one with an excellent bass solo by Abcarian and tight drum highlights by Bowman giving this track sparkle. Van Heusen's Like Someone in Love , is nicely presented with a 3/4 prime tempo driven by Ostwald, over crisp contrast by Bowman on brushes. Abcarian takes a real nice lead solo on bass, followed by Ostwald making this one of my favorite t...

  I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Parish Blues , from Josh Hyde and it presents a cool interpretation of modern blues. Opening with Where To Start , Josh Hyde on vocal and guitar shows his natural writing abilities with a strong melody and cool blues guitar riffs. Joined by  Jamey Bell on drums, Jimmy Wallace on keys, Rockin Jake on harmonica, Shawn Stroope on bass and Derrek Phillips on percussion, this is a great opener. In a more traditional delta style, I Can't Leave The Night is very cool with a John Lee Hooker like approach to the blues. I really like this track. With a James Brown rhythm, Stuck In A Rut really shows ingenuity, blending that trademark sound with blues underpinnings. With keyboards, bass and drums under the vocal and tight guitar riffs, this is a very solid track. Wrapping the release is easy, radio track, So Sweet , with Hyde on lead vocal and guitar over light drums, bass and keys. This is a cool release with a taste of ...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Black Tie & Tales , from Star People and it's an adventurous project. Opening with I, Starman , William Olland, Paul Gifford and Lorenza Ponce blend soft vocals over a predominantly keyboard backing by Scott Treibitz, creating a progressive kind of mix with solid violin contributions by Ponce, and with Randy Pratt on bass and Phil Weiss on drums. Pretty cool. Funky, "Queen of Space" has the melody and rhythm of a radio track with wide open guitar sound by Robert Dean and a jazzy piano solo by Treibitz. Electronic based. A Trillion Miles To Hollywood changes up the pace with electronic rhythms, synthesizers and vocals. Hot Blue Star rolls further into a rock genre with theatrical vocal presentation, and instrumentation. Hot guitar riffs by Dean and Jesse Berlin. A comprehensive theme running throughout this 2 cd set extends the aggressive soundtrack like nature of the release with solid  drum rhythms b...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, They Called It Rhythm & Blues , by The Duke Robillard Band ,  and it's another stellar performance by the Duke and his crew. Opening with swing blues, Here I'm Is , Chris Cote on lead vocal really does a nice job with excellent fluid guitar lead by Robillard, and solid backing by Bruce Bears on keys, Marty Ballou on bass, Mark Teixeira on drums and Doug James on sax. Fools Are Getting Scarcer , James really does a great job stepping out on bari and tenor sax solos over a hot R&B feel. Excellent! Kim Wilson takes the lead on Tell Me Why with his trademark vocals and solid harmonica work. Robillard's guitar lead is impeccable and the band is solid. John Hammond is up front on Homeless Blues with his delta based vocal and playing style. I really like Hammond and am glad to see him on this release. With distinctive drum work by Teixeira and piano by Bears, this track is one of my favorites. Freddy King...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Madeleine , from Mississippi Heat and it a packed solid with blues and blues drenched music. Opening with driving blues rocker, Silent Too Long , Brian Quinn on bass and Terrence Williams set the pace, with Giles Corey laying down some hot guitar riffs and great lead vocals by Carl Weathersby, B3 by Chris Cameron and excellent harmonica riffs by Pierre Lacocque. Solid opener. On Chicago style blues, Uninvited Guest , guitar master Lurrie Bell has the mic and lead guitar duties. With Kenny Smith on drums, this track sets up nicely to showcase Lacocque's harmonica mastery. Daneshia Hamilton really takes charge with excellent vocals on Ridin' On A Hit with backing vocals by Nanette Frank, Diane Madison and Mae Koen. With a super bass line by Quinn and strong harmonica work by Lacocque, this is one of my favorite tracks on the release. Michael Dotson gets the spotlight on Everybody Do Something with excellent vocals a...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Gentilo , from Bobby Gentilo , and it's a solid blend of blues, rock, pop, soul and blues. Opening with Disease , a pop rocker this release is off to a good start with a great melody and rhythm along the lines of Eagles of Death Metal. With Bobby on lead vocal on vocal, bass, keys and guitar, and Jason Hoffheins on drums this is a cool opener. Soul soaked, Tell Me is another track with real commercial potential. Rich vocals by Bobby, B3 by Benjie Porecki, Hoffheins on drums, and Logan Kurtek on sax makes for one of those that sticks in your brain. Hoffheins lays down a snappy drum rhythm on Ghost and with Bobby on guitar and Porecki on keys, this track has the feel of an updated Hill Country blues. Very nice. Shifting gears, The Greatest , has a real R&B feel with smooth vocals and strong bass by Bobby and tight drum rhythms by Hoffheins. Slow blues, Treat Me So Mean is a nice track with blues roots. Bobby on guit...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Badder To The Bone , from Eliza Neals and its a power blues rocker. Opening with United We Stand   with heavy tom tom's on a Bo Diddley beat by Jeffrey Fowlkes and slide guitar by Michel Puwal, Neals is on a roll. On slow blues, Queen of the Nil e, Neals shows real soul on vocals, playing piano and taking names. Backed by Jason Kott on bass and Tim Grogan on drums, and featuring Lance Lopez laying down some excellent blues riffs on guitar and Peter Keys on B3, this is an excellent track. With a tango rhythm and nicely blended vocals, the stylistic guitar work of Puwal makes Bucket of Tears a real standout. Soulful, Heathen , drips with southern soul under the vocal control of Neals and with the thick B3 and piano work of John Gavin. Steve Winwood's Can't Find My Way Home is always great to hear and Neals puts her special touch on it with firm vocal lead and nice backing, topped with strong guitar lead work by...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Heart Wants , from Jo Harrop , and it's a really nice jazz/blues release. Opening with title track, The Heart Wants What The Heart Wants , British vocalist, Jo Harrop shows incredible poise, as she sings this blues filled track with crystal clarity. Her phrasing is remarkable, teamed up with the piano work of Hannah Vasanth and with cool trumpet highlights by Andy Davies, backed by Tony Kofi on sax, John Spanyol on trombone, Troy Miller on drums and Christian McBride on bass. Very nice. All Too Soon is a cool, easy pop track in jazz and carried only by the bass work of McBride, Harrop shows just how easily her vocals float effortlessly on air. Really nice. Another showcase for Harrop is soulful jazz tune, I Think You'd Better Go with only light acoustic guitar by Jamie McCredie. Brilliant! Jason Rebello on piano joins Harrop on blues number, Red May Janes & A Brand New Hat with Troy Miller on drums, Jihad...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, I Got Love , from Albert Castiglia and it's a strong blues rocker. Opening with title track, I Got Love , Castiglia is upfront with solid vocals and his aggressive guitar style, backed by Justine Tompkins on bass, Lewis Stephens on keys and with power drumming from Ephraim Lowell. Sanctuary seems a natural for the radio track with it's memorable melody and restrained feel. Castiglia's vocals are real nice and his guitar riffs just right. Double Down is a really cool blues rocker with a James Brown beat and some really tasty guitar riffs. Whew! Pulling out the slide on shuffle, Long Haul Daddy , Castiglia really rips it. This is definitely one of my favorite tracks on the release and one that will leave you wanting more. Funky, Depression Blues will make you sweat with it's aggressive bass line and bottom and full out soloing by Castiglia. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Take My Name Out Of Your Mouth ...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Golden Girl , from Trudy Lynn and I really like it. Opening with Tell Me and it's cool rhythm, Trudy Lynn really hits the road running lending no clues that she's reached that golden 75 mile marker. With the tasty guitar soloing of Yates McKendree, backing vocals of Teresa James, Brannen Temple on drums, Kevin McKendree on drums and Terry Wilson on bass this is a solid opener. Heavy footed If Your Phone Don't Ring , will have you slinking around in your seat and Lynn's vocals are really strong. Adding to the mix is Steve Krase on harmonica and real nice slide work by Yates. Boogie track, Trouble With Love is a grate addition featuring Anson Funderburgh on guitar, Krase on harmonica and strong low vocal backing by Wilson. Super. Funky, R&B style blues, Live With Yourself plays really well in Lynn's vocal wheelhouse and she drains every drop of soul out of this track. With horn backing by Darrell Le...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, It's All Right With Me , from Liz Terrell and it's solid and enjoyable. Opening with the Stylistics' People Make The World Go Round , vocalist Liz Terrell makes it her own with a certain richness. Breaking to a cool, Latin rhythm by Emre Kartari on drums and Chris Brydge on bass, this track sails. Eddie Williams on sax adds beautiful riffs over the piano work of Daniel Clarke on piano and Alan Parker on guitar. Very nice. The radiance of Terrell's voice is evident on Cole Porter's standard, Night and Day starting out in relative a capella style but breaking into a club style swing. Parker takes the lead and lays in really nice, fluid riffs on guitar over the tight drum work of Kartari before Terrell bursts back with powerful but understated vocal. Very cool. Monk's classic, Blue Monk is an excellent choice for this band with inventive soloing by Brydge, Parker, Williams, Clarke and of course lush ...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Feels Like Freedom, from Sandy Haley , and it's a cool blend of blues, pop and rock. Opening with title track, Feels Like Freedom , vocalist, Sandy Haley gets into a contemporary pop rock groove, with the wailing sax work of Joe Sublett and Teddy Andreadis on keys, backed by pat McClure on guitar, Reggie mcBride on bass and Tony Brunagel on drums.  Bluesy ballad, Love Me Right gives Haley the opportunity to dig in vocally, with tasty guitar riffs by McClure cool trumpet work by Les Lovitt with Nick Lane on trombone and piano by Jeff Paris. Funky, Run For Shelter adds another dimension with Cortes laying in a solid bottom, Andreadis on keys and Braunagel on drums.  Wrapping the release is up tempo shuffle/boogie, Dirty Dog with the band really hitting the groove. With a snappy drum line by Braunagel, rock guitar riffs from McClure and Andreadis on harmonica, and backing vocals by Maxayn Lewis  and Kudi...

  I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Wouldn't Be Here Without You , from Bret Laidler and it's a cool eclectic mix of tunes with different yet interesting approaches. Opening with Keeping It Simple , a bossa soaked track, Brent Laidler on guitar is joined by Mark Buselli on trumpet, Ned Boyd on sax and flute, Jaime Newman on organ, Scott Pazera on bass and Richard Floyd on drums. Sunday Mood is a really cool boogie with a walking bass line and outstanding solos by Boyd on sax and Buselli on trumpet as well as a cool swinging guitar solo by Laidler. Very nice. Another Latin flavored track, City By The Bay , gives Boyd a nice opportunity to play a lush flute solo, followed by a lush organ solo by Newman and a nicely styled trumpet solo by Buselli before turning the mic over to Laidler who's warm, clear guitar tone and fluid runs ties back to the melody. Very cool. Laidler has the melody on Wouldn't Be Here Without You with Buselli on trumpet ...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release,  Tumblin' , by Mike Guldin and it's a cool mix of blues boogie and country. Opening with title track, Tumblin' , Mike Guldin on lead guitar, backed by Billy Ware on drums, CJ Clark on bass and with some great organ by Tim Hooper these guys are jammin. Taj Mahal's She Caught The Katy really sounds great with Guldin on lead vocal and guitar with Hooper on piano and organ, with a great bass line by Bill Sharrow and featuring some real nice slide by Bill Thatcher. Very nice. Two stepping, Raise a Ruckus is a cool country rocker and features James Pennebaker on slide guitar and Kevin McKendree on B3 and Tim Hooper on piano. Another country flavored rocker, You Just Can't Lose , has solid radio appeal with a stomping rhythm and a strong hook. With Guldin on lead vocal and guitar, backed by Sharrow on bass, Hooper on piano and Wear on drums, this is a strong track. Wrapping the release is Waterfall , a quiet ...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Drifting , by Bubba and The Big Bad Blues and it's a great blues rocker. Opening with shuffle, I Want To Make Love To You Baby , Christopher Clerc on lead vocal and guitar has really nicely blended the styles of BB King and SRV to create his own soulful groove. Joined by Mike Barry on bass, Mike Finnigan on organ, Rick Solem on piano, Tony Braunagel on drums, Richard Rosenberg on trombone,  Joe Sublett on sax and Les Lovitt on trumpet, this is a full orchestral rocking sound. Title track, Drifting , is a strong, soulful ballad with excellent vocals and beautiful, shimmering guitar riffs, interwoven into a field of rich horn and key saturated music. Brilliant. Rocking boogie track, She's Your Problem Now , gets a super groove moving with excellent vocal and guitar by Clerc super organ work by Finnigan and tight work by Jason Lozano on drums and Johnny Bazz on bass. I Own The Road has a driving rock and roll beat ...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Constellation , from Mercedes Nicole , one of Seattle top performers. Opening with Ellington's I Ain't Got Nothing But The Blues , Nicole on lead vocal shows her own styling on the cover, with a real nice piano solo by Jake Sele and backed by Kevin McCarthy who put up a solid bass solo, D'Vonne Lewis on drums and a cool trumpet solo by Jay Thomas. On lively shuffle, Your Love , Nicole really seems to float on the music Evan Flory-Barnes on bass, Sele on organ, Lewis on drums and Jerry Wirkkala on guitar. An interesting take on BB King's The Thrill Is Gone is my favorite track on the release with a sway rhythm with strong solos from Sele on organ, Craig Hoyer on piano, and Flory-Barnes on bass and Lewis on drums. Ballad, This Bitter End is Nicole's best vocal showcase on the release, also being the track with the most commercial potential with the addition of Yun-En Liu on violin and cool piano backing ...

  I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, It's A Mad Mad Bad Dad World , by Bad Daddy and it has a cool approach. Opening with Blues At Home , Paul Waring and Pete Galanis join again for a new release. Blues At Home is an adventurous blues rocker with signature vocals by Waring (in the vein of Warren Haynes or Jim Dewar) and a great jamming sound. With backing by Elton Jaan on Hammond, Ari Seder on bass and Jason Edwards on drums this is a solid opener. Just My Luck is one of my favorite tracks on the release with stinging guitar work, a lulling Hammond, bass, guitar vamp and super vocals. Very nice. Pork Pie Hat is a cool, Boogaloo rocker with tight drum rhythms and organ saturated backing under the funky vocals of Waring and backing vocals by Andrea Miologos and Bree Gordon. This Mother's A Miracle is another of my favorites on the release with it's lightly salted funk rocker beat and shimmery guitar riffs. Interwoven guitar, drum, bass and organ...