Get ready to groove with Dr. Leigh Pilzer , the Washington, D.C. baritone sax powerhouse who proves that jazz is meant to be a living, breathing party, not a dusty museum piece. Described as a pure force of nature with a gruff, punchy, and assertive sound, Leigh brings a heavy dose of soulful grit to the stage. She has traded licks with the legendary Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and even arranged horns for local legends like Chuck Brown and Eva Cassidy , and now she is bringing that deep, soulful swagger front and center with her vibrant new album, Keep Holding On. This record is a masterclass in pure, undeniable groove, packed with plenty of attitude, low-end bark, and raw energy that blues fans will instantly appreciate. Keep Holding On strikes the perfect balance between paying respect to the jazz heritage and absolutely cutting loose, making it an essential, high-energy addition to your playlist. 🎵 LISTEN & SUPPORT THE ALBUM Keep Holding On by Leigh ...
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 Tom Mineo 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”
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
Thanks for the great review! The solo on "Blood Alley" was actually Tom Mineo (Sal Mineo's cousin!) I told him to pretend someone was chasing him with a chain saw, screaming "I'm going to cut your balls off!" and his saxophone was stuck to his mouth. The only way he could express himself screaming was through the sax. I think it worked...
Thanks for the great review! The solo on "Blood Alley" was actually Tom Mineo (Sal Mineo's cousin!) I told him to pretend someone was chasing him with a chain saw, screaming "I'm going to cut your balls off!" and his saxophone was stuck to his mouth. The only way he could express himself screaming was through the sax.
ReplyDeleteI think it worked...