Bman's Blues Report

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

New Track by Woodstock and Brooklyn singer Alexis P Suter with the Band's Garth Hudson

New video from Alexis P Suter with Garth Hudson

Enjoy!

Francesca Prihasti - Beneath the Sun - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Beneath The Sun, by Francesca Prihasti and it's clean and flowing. Opening with In Between, Francesca Prihasti on piano sets the framework and melody for the track. With light drums by Mark Ferber the track has an interesting structure and Nic Vardanega's contribution on guitar stretches the track nicely underpinned by Drew Gress on bass. Solid opener. Reason and Will allows Prihasti space to outline the concept without firm boundaries with Gress and Ferber but melds into a more concrete rhythm statement piano lyrics and glistening guitar tones by Vardanega and excellent drum statements by Ferber. Till We Have Faces features Nick Brust on alto sax leading the way with excellent rhythms by Ferber. With a lightly funky rhythm by Gress and Ferber, Prihasti and Brust trade sympathetic solos. Wrapping the release is Fortitude, led off by a melodic statement by Brust on soprano sax and aggressive drum cadence by Ferber. Prihasti takes the lead with seamless piano lines, trading back to Brust who fades into a solid rhythm by Gress and Ferber. Solid closer.

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Monday, January 26, 2026

Out of the Past Music artist: Steve Howell & Fats Kaplin - Know You From Old - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Know You From Old, by Steve Howell & Fats Kaplin and it's a great set of folk and blues tunes. Opening with Black Dog, a Kentucky Rag recorded by Bayless Rose features Steve Howell on vocal and guitar and Fats Kaplin on banjo. Excellent opener. Bugger Burns is a cool track recorded by John Lomax back in 1941. Howell on vocal and guitar with Kaplin on mandolin this is a very spry number. Blue Ridge Mountain Blues, made popular by Doc Watson fits this set nicely with Howell on vocal and guitar and honest fiddle harmony by Kaplin. Burl Ives' The Escape of Old John Webb about a jailbreak in 1730. A great story and some of Howell's vocals paired with Kaplin's fiddle makes for a great add. Shawneetown is a rich, folk track and Howell sings wide open with minimal guitar rhythm and excellent fiddle work by Kaplin. Very nice. Wrapping the release is a solid arrangement of Ellington's Mood Indigo. Handled with finesse and serenity, Kaplin crafts the melody on fiddle as Howell supplements the melodic basics. This is a very nice closer for a solid release.

Friday, January 23, 2026

Bijan Taghavi - Cactus Sessions - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cactus Sessions, by Bijan Taghavi and it's very straight forward and articulate. Opening with Jobim's, Wave, Bijan Taghavi shows poise and sense of space taking this Brazilian super hit, and restructuring it maintaining it's Bossa Nova skeleton but giving it a more classical jazz approach. Very nice. DePaul's, I'll Remember April, on the other hand gets a more aggressive rework with a up tempo rhythm and vibrant lead piano runs. Richard Rogers', Have You Met Miss Jones, gets a solid bop job and Taghavi really knows how to work the melody. His sense of time and rhythm really rock this track. Wrapping the release is another Jobim track, Desafinado, and Taghavi runs the gamut on this track. Opening with a Bossa style over ice, his direction is clear and concise. Warming into the track his approach loosens with a touch of boogie. Returning to a more classical closing, this is a cool journey. Solid release.

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Flying Horse Records artist: The Flying Horse Big Band - Unbridled: The Flying Horse Big Band Meets George Garzone - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Unbridled: The Flying Horse Big Band Meets George Garzone, from The Flying Horse Big Band and it's melodic and fully of power. Opening with John Coltrane's Giant Steps, George Garzone leads the way on vibrant tenor sax, and a Latin beat with Paul Van Wormer of lead alto, Leon Edge on clarinet, Edmund Quint Johnson V on sax, Fortunato Occhino on sax, Colin Urbina on bari sax and Jeff Rupert on sax, Alex Kastner, Joshua mercado, Robert Schmidt and Phebe Rich on trumpets, Daniel Tenbusch on piano, HNoah Charles on guitar, Carlos Barreto on bass, Max Terechenok on drums, Daniel Parrish, Samuel Dufresne, Gabe Funk and Benjamin Fuller on trombone. Solid interpretation and cool opener. Hot potato, Chasin' Tail is really moving with Johnson really kicking it on tenor sax. Full horns and kick ass drums by Jamesly Jean-Mary gives a meaty background making this one of my favorites on the release. It Gets Better is a real swinger with a fine sax solo by Jeff Rupert. This track has a great groove, understated horns, and nicely timed drums by Terechenok. Very nice. Wrapping the release is a pumped up Slide Hampton arranged take on Coltrane's Impressions. Driven by Clarence Penn on drums and a potent piano solo by Richard Drexler and featuring Garzone on sax, going out with blazing trumpet line.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Robert Top Thomas - One Morning Soon - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, One Morning Soon, by Robert Top Thomas and it's the real deal. Opening with Hey Mattie, with it's rockin' blues styling. Robert Top Thomas on lead vocal and guitar is supported by Dan Walters on piano and bass, Stephen Kampa on harmonica, Billy Dean and on percussion. Cool opener. Gator Jig is a cool rag track with strong finger picking by Thomas and Dean on percussion. Traditional Sugarbabe is super with Thomas accompanying his honest vocals with swift guitar finger picking. One of my favorites. Blind Willie McTell's Georgia Rag is another favorite with nicely executed finger picking and vibrant vocals by Thomas. Rev Gary Davis is always a favorite and Thomas' cover of his I Heard The Angels Singing is no exception. With some classic Davis riffs and soulful vocals, I really love this track. Katie McMahon's Take Me Back gets a bluesy cover and with deft finger work and solid vocals a cool addition. Wrapping the release is Mance Lipscomb's Texas Blues with super bass/drum reinforcement under Thomas' clean finger work and authentic singing style. This is a cool, contemporary blues release using original techniques sounding fresh and invigorating.

Tuesday, January 20, 2026

Little Village artist: Sean McDonald - Have Mercy! - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Have Mercy!, from Sean "Mack" McDonald and it's terrific! Opening with Rudy Moore's, My Soul, Sean McDonald really turns out. With smooth vocal lead backed by The Morgan Brothers and Marcel Smith on backing vocals you immediately feel like you're in a club in the 50's. With D'Quantae Johnson on bass, Jim Pugh on piano, June Core on drums and featuring T-Bone Walker like lead guitar by McDonald, this track is rocking. Original McDonald track, Killing Me, is a terrific slow blues with excellent Ronnie Earl/Walker style blues runs that will curl your hair. His vocals are amazing and with Pugh on organ, Eric Spaulding on tenor and Jack Sanford on bari. Wow!! Shuffleboard Swing is another hair raiser bringing to mind the great Clarence Gatemouth Brown. Hot jump track with excellent guitar lead and hot hot sax by Spaulding and sailing organ by Pugh. This guy is amazing! Rev Oris Mays spiritual, Don't Let The Devil Ride, is rich with excellent vocals by McDonald, The Morgan Brothers and Marcel Smith really showing a dimensionality that is rarely seen in blues artists with tasty guitar work that plays under the music. Excellent. Wrapping the release is Henry Glover's Let's Call It A Day, with it's deep R&B feel. McDonald belts out the lead vocal with deep soulful backing vocals by The Morgan Brothers and Lisa Leuschner Andersen and Pugh on piano. Soulful guitar lead by McDonald really digs in giving the track really strong traction. Strong closer for possibly the best thing I've heard this year.

Monday, January 19, 2026

Lucky 13 Records artist: Duwayne Burnside - Red Rooster - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Red Rooster, by Duwayne Burnside and it's terrific! Opening with RL Burnside's, Nightmare, Duwayne Burnside combines his strong vocal power with raw, Buddy Guy like guitar attack over a tight drum rhythm. With North Mississippi styling, this track is off the hook. Somebody Done Stole My Girl is another strong track with a dirty groove and excellent timing. Burnside's vocals are perfect for this and the loose guitar riffs and tight drum rhythm drive it home. I love this shit! Jimbo Mathus' Talk Sweet To Me, gives Burnside and Luther Dickenson a soulful approach with understated guitar riffs and and overdriven guitar wailing amidst rugged vocal harmonies and clean piano backing. I mean, what's not to like. Wrapping the release is laid back, Mississippi Here I Come featuring Dickinson and Burnside in a super cool acoustic guitar jam. Strong closer for a really strong release.

Friday, January 16, 2026

Ross Neilsen - Within Tension - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Within Tension, by Ross Neilson, and it's a blend of contemporary pop, rock and blues. Opening with Rock Ranger, with it's overdriven guitar tones and vocals somewhat formatted like Peter Green's Oh Well. With John C. Stubblefield on bass, Rick Steff on keys and Jay Sheffield II on drums its a powerful opener. Easy shuffle, Road To Memphis, has a poppy radio feel with jangly, guitar work and snappy drums. Pop ballad, Come To Be showcases Neilsen's vocals with light acoustic guitar and keys by Steff. With a blend of country rhythm by Sheffield and Neilsen frame the track and Neilsen's vocals bridge with pop, joined by Steff on keys. Soul track, Good Enough features some of Neilsen's best vocals on the release and a solid sax solo by Art Edmaiston make this my favorite track on the release. Wrapping the release is solid ballad, Bold & Beaten with Neilsen on guitar and Steff on keys making for a warm closer.

Thursday, January 15, 2026

VizzTone artist: Erin Harpe - Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me - A Tribute To Mississippi John Hurt, by Erin Harpe and it's a super tribute to Mississippi John Hurt featuring Jim Countryman. Opening with Candy Man, a classic John Hurt track, and Erin Harpe is enthusiastic about Hurt's music and guitar styling. A modified Piedmont styling requiring a great thumb, she asked Jim Countryman to join on acoustic bass to assist with the sound. With precise finger picking and unique vocal quality, this is solid blues. On title track, Let The Mermaids Flirt With Me, the track has a definite Jimmie Rogers feel and cool guitar vocal exchange. Richland Woman has a cool, laid back feel with understated guitar accompaniment and easy lead vocals. My favorite track on the release is Hurt's classic, Stagolee and Harpe hits the perfect stride with just the right blend of vocal and guitar. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Jimmie Davis' track, You Are My Sunshine. Played with similar Hurt style picking style Harpe

Wednesday, January 14, 2026

OA2 Records artist: Kate Olson - So It Goes - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, So It Goes, by Kate Olson and it's full of life. Opening with energetic, bebop track, Bumbling Thumbs Blues, Kate Olson on soprano sax and Conner Eisenmenger on trombone lay the framework for this ultra cool track with it's eccentric melody. Eisenmenger stretches the melody in a great way, chased by Evan Woodle on drums and Olson follows with concentrated melodic extensions of her own. Tim Carey on bass shows his nimble chops and the 4 some sounds like a morphing big band/ Dixieland quartet wrapping it back down tight. Solid opener. All Pear-Shaped has a searing bottom line and a jagged but coherent melody feeding into Eisenmenger's inciteful trombone solo. Olson on sax lays back in the groove feeding the flames with a solid bottom by Carey and Woodle. Another extended bass solo by Carey and rotating lines by Eisenmenger, Olson and Woodle make for fun work. Soulful ballad, So It Goes, really fills the air with hand in hand dual lead by Olson and Eisenmenger, trading lead lines and followed by bell like piano soloing by Wayne Horvitz. Very sweet track. Another track with a soulful melody is Afterthoughts led off with a beautiful melody forged by Olson on sax and footed by Horvitz on piano. Eisenmenger joins with harmony on trombone elaborating the melody as Olson fades back. This track has a lush exchange between the parties making it one of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is Weigh Out, a super track with muscular efforts by Olson and Eisenmenger. With it's driving bop rhythm and athletic melodic contributions, this is an excellent closer.

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

Overton Music artist: Mike Bourne Band - Kansas City O'clock - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Kansas City O'clock, by Mike Bourne Band, and it's a swift kick in the pants. Opening with Can't Be Anybody But Myself, Mike Bourne is and original on vocal accompanying himself on guitar and backed by Bryan Herrman on drums, Jim Beisman on the hot piano, Patrick Recob on bass and featuring sweet sax work by Dougan Smith on tenor. Excellent opener. Loping boogie, Too Old To Be Young, has a great feel, with Bourne on vocal and tight off beat drumming by Kerry Denton. Mister B.T. adds in the top trumpet and Dan Star on sax is on spot. Bourne's guitar soloing is original and cool and Bob Paige on piano holds tight. Title track, Kansas City O'clock is a cool rock and roller featuring Smith on sax, Beisman on piano, Nick Hmeljak on trumpet, Greg Clinkingbeard on bass and Bourne doing what he does on lead vocal and guitar. Absolutely cool. Three Blind Mice is a wicked little blues with a cool rocking beat. Bourne is having a blast, backed by Herrman on drums, Beisman on piano Recob on bass, and honking sax by Smith. Dive Bar Romance has a 30's blues overtone with Bourne setting the pace with cool guitar under his lead vocal carried by Recon on bass and Herrman on drums. Beisman lays out a real nice piano solo and Hmeljak on trumpet adds super brass complimented by Bourne's jagged guitar styling. Swampy, Truth Dressed Up Like A Lie, had a great groove, with Beisman on piano, Smith adding warm sax soloing, Recob on bass, and Herrman on drums. Wrapping the release is People Not Politics, an easy shuffle with a message. Stephen Dougherty on drums hods down the bottom and my man Johnny Burgin adds some real guitar style to the track with Bourne's vocals and Beisman's bluesy piano work, all backed by Maria Bounds, Stephanie Howle, Stephanie Robertson and Hayley Raxafsky on backing vocals. This is a really cool release and one that's certainly like anything else you've heard this week.

Monday, January 12, 2026

Overton Music artist: Mark Cameron - Blues Factory - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues Factory, from Mark Cameron, and it's got a great feel. Opening with shuffle, The Wrong Thing, Mark Cameron leads the way with fat fat slide guitar and solid vocals. Bill Keyes adds super backing vocals and harmonica, with Sheri Cameron on percussion, Nick Salisbury on bass and Dan Schroeder on drums. Solid opener. Title track, Blues Factory, has a firm bottom courtesy Schroeder and solitary slide work underlining Cameron's vocals with Steve Hansen on bass and Keyes on harmonica. With a Memphis feel, Sugar really features Cameron's vocals backed by Sara Renner and Ionya Hughes and full horns by Shane Cox on trumpet and trombone, Zach Miller on tenor sax, Tommy Barbaretta on keys and Schroeder on drums. Definite radio track. Bluesy ballad, Change Your Ways is sure to be the crowd favorite on the release with soulful guitar lead and solid vocals by Cameron. Very nice. Closing the release is rockin' blues, Below The Bottom with Cameron and Keyes trading riffs and tight drum riffs by Schroeder. Cool closer for a cool release.

Thursday, January 8, 2026

Heather McKay - Life Got In The Way - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Life Got In The Way, by Heather McKay and it's great. Opening with You Make Me Smile, Leonardo Lucini and Leland Nakamura on bass and drums respectively lay down a firm Latin rhythm reinforced by Campbell Charshee on keys, Peter Fraize on sax and Bruno Lucini on percussion. Heather McKay breaks away with a really tasty guitar solo with crisp riffs and plenty of flair. Fraizee really takes advantage of the Latin rhythm with an energetic solo of his own making for a super opener. Narraguagus Bay is an easy, relaxing track with a killer bass solo by Lucini and a wailing guitar solo by McKay. Strong tonal harmonies really blend nicely. Excellent! Run is a cool Latin fusion track with a strong bass line and super keys punctuation. With a ripping guitar lead by McKay and smoking drumming by Nakamura joined by Fraize this track is hot. Wrapping the release is heavy salsa influenced, Lucini in The Park. McKay really mixes it up on this one with jazz and Spanish guitar styling. Bruno on percussion adds super spice and Fraize creates super counter melody. Solid contributions by Fraize, Charshee, Nakamura and Lucini make this a spectacular closer.

Wednesday, January 7, 2026

Jacktown USA - Various artists - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review Jacktown USA, a companion cd that is released along with a new book by the same title, looking at the Mississippi blues and southern soul artists and the state's prolific history of Grammy awards and nominations as released by Republic Books. Opening with Hold Up by Jacktown Sons the cd is off to a soulful pop start. With it's radio styling, upbeat rhythm and nicely blended vocals, a solid hit. Eddie Cotton is up next on Delivered By The Blues, a solid blend of blues, soul and funk. Cotton's vocals are really great and with rich organ backing over a thick bass and drum line and funky harmonica. Very cool. Easy shuffle, Juke Joint Love by Stevie J Blues has great balance with clean lead blues guitar styling, hot piano riffs and great vocals by Steve. Zac Harmon puts up my favorite track on the release, I Still Got The Blues. A super slinky blues number with strong guitar riffs, a funky bass line and super vocals, this track is really strong. Wrapping the release is another lively shuffle, Girl You Got It Going On, by Rashad the Blues Kid featuring a full vocal line, electric guitar and horn exchange and organ backing under melodic harmonica lead. Solid closer.

Tuesday, January 6, 2026

Origin Records artist: Eddie Allen's Push - Rhythm People - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Rhythm People, by Eddie Allen's Push and it's engaging. Opening with title track, Rhythm People, Eddie Allen on trumpet works with Jonathan Beshay on tenor sax, Misha Tsiganov on keys, Tyler Bullock II on piano, Kenny Davis on bass, EJ Strickland on drums and Steve Turre on trombone to create a driving vamp. With solo's by Allen, Turre, and Bullock on piano and critical rhythm by Strickland, this is a terrific opener. Maurice has big band styling with marimba like keyboards by Tsiganov underwriting the track. A grooving solo by Beshay on tenor really opens up the track and a swinging solo by Turre on trombone really hits followed by Allen on trumpet who's crisp attack really snaps and the lush keywork on Tsiganov brings it all back together . Very nice. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Daybreak with a super bop feel. Turre tears it up with a ripping trombone solo and Beshay's sax work is really in the slot. Allen takes it home with a tight solo of his own followed by Davis on bass and Bullock on piano. Super groove. Another favorite, The Journey has a stellar beat and Beshay sets a terrific solo line on tenor. Turre on trombone lays down another super trombone solo followed by Tsiganov on keys. Strong. Wrapping the release is Eve's Deception, a high stepping track with plenty of high sticking by Strickland. With a funky beat and Bullock on piano, holding the bottom, Allen, Turre and Beshay share the lead and then trade center stage for a real horn shoot out. Excellent closer.

Monday, January 5, 2026

APM Records artist: Mississippi MacDonald - Slim Pickin' - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Slim Pickin', from Mississippi MacDonald and it's strong. Opening with Trouble Doing The Right Thing, Mississippi MacDonald shows his ability to deliver in a big way with just a mic and an acoustic guitar. His soulful voice and R&B guitar styling is backed by Brent Cundall on bass and Phil Dearing on percussion. Super opener. My Bad Attitude, another track with a firm R&B feel, gives Mac a great stage for his gritty yet soulful vocals and acoustic guitar backing and light snare work is just the right touch. An interesting take on Blind Willie McTell's Statesboro Blues is fresh with none of the trademark feeling that Taj Mahal or Duane Allman put on the track, propelling it into rock fame. With a more original Piedmont fingerpicking style, this is a terrific addition. St. Louis Jimmy Oden's Going Down Slow really is cool with a slow, easy roll and acoustic style backing. Dearing contributes a real clean, stylized acoustic guitar solo over only the simplest of drum work reviving yet another classic. Sister Rosetta Tharpe's gospel blues, Strange Things Happening Everyday has a smooth almost rocking feel maintaining the gospel feel but highlighting Mac's essential vocal and featuring a cool guitar acoustic solo by Dearing. Keb Mo's You Can Love Yourself is a super closer with Mac's vocals riding on his tight Piedmont style guitar picking. This is a very entertaining release and one that goes way beyond acoustic blues.