Bman's Blues Report

Friday, October 31, 2025

Ruf Records artist: Pavlov's Dog - Wonderlust - New Release Review

p> I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Wonderlust, from rocker, Pavlov's Dog. Originally formed in 1974 in St Louis, Pavlov' Dog now regrouped by founder, lead singer, guitarist and songwriter David Surkamp with singer Sara Surkamp, Abbie Steiling on violin, Rick Steiling on bass, Mark Maher on keys, Steve Bunck on drums and Phil Ring on guitar. Opening with rocker, Anyway There's Snow, David Surkamp has the lead vocal and guitar lead with Abbie adding prominent violin work and Bunck's tight drum rhythm. Mona has a distinct pop rock feel with a strong melody and firm guitar chords by David, reinforcing his vocal work and nicely executed violin lead by Abbie. Solid Water, Liquid Sky is an interesting track with shout like lead vocals and and a warm, mellow backing by Abbie, Rick on bass, Mark on piano, Phil on drums and Steve on drums. Instrumental, Calling Sigfried has a sprite, European folk/rock feel with nicely presented violin lead by Abbie and crisp drumming by Steve over the masterful piano work of Mark. Very nice. Wrapping the release is I Wait For You, featuring David's trademark vocals, accompanied by Mark on piano and Abbie on violin in clean, folk/pop like form. Solid closer.

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Thursday, October 30, 2025

John Christopher Morgan - Right On Time - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Right On Time, from John Christopher Morgan and it's a solid blend of rock, blues, county and pop. Opening with rocker, Vidalia, John Christopher Morgan leads the way with solid vocals and drums, and Albert Lee sits in with he country flavored guitar lead and full backing vocals by Jamie Wood, Viva Vinson and Marcella Detroit. With a strong "Bo Diddley" beat by Morgan, Trouble Is My Business is a cool track adding flavor to the set. San Buenaventura has a cool, surf/spaghetti western feel. Zach Zunis is featured on guitar dripping with reverb, with the tasty drumming of Morgan. Very cool. Shuffle, Black Bag Blues, features RJ Mischo on harp and some real nice guitar lead by Franck Goldwasser with Morgan holding it tight on drums. Excellent guitar phrasing is the ticket on The Jeweler's Daughter with soulful vocals and featuring Martin Nutty Brown Gagnon on piano. Very nice. Goldwasser leads the way on jump track, Jumpin' With Leon. Excellent guitar phrasing and feel, rockin' piano by Gagnon and solid horn backing makes this a top take away on the set. Wrapping the release is country rocker, Right On Time, with it's solid radio melody and beat. With a tasty country style lead guitar break and blended vocals, this is a solid closer.

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Origin Records artist: Affinity Trio - New Outlook - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, New Outlook, from Affinity Trio and it's really cool. Opening with Onward, a solid bop Eric Jacobson on trumpet carves a strong melody. Joined by Pamela York on piano who not only holds a firm rhythm but plays strong, inciteful phrasing, together with Clay Schaub on bass makes for a perfect trio. York penned, title track, New Outlook, has a simple solitude, pairing Jacobson with York on melody, anchored by Schaub creating a nicely flowing track. Larry Willis', To Wisdom, has a beautiful balance with Jacobson creating the primary melody, handing to York for a playful piano exploration. Jacobson returning with a floating trumpet solo solo and handing to the richness of Schaub on bass really gives the track a special delivery. Wrapping the release is Kenny Dorham's Una Mas framed by the percussive piano attack of York. Jacobson fleshes out the melody on trumpet with York and Schaub creating a solid bottom. The groove really develops a great groove with York and Jacobson playing call and response to great resolve. I've seen plenty of trios and often to disappointing results, typically sax or piano lead with drums or bass. But with 3 strong players, all covering rhythm this is a very satisfying release.

Tuesday, October 28, 2025

VizzTone Label Group artist: Kirk Fletcher - Keep On Pushing - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Keep On Pushing, by Kirk Fletcher and it's rich. Opening with It's Love Baby, Kirk Fletcher leads off this new release with super vocals and excellent phrasing. JD Simo on guitar, Jason Smay on drums and Ron Eoff on bass round out the band for an excellent opener. Big Boy Crudup's I'm Gonna Dig Myself A Hole's got super Chicago styling with Fletcher on lead vocal and fleet fingered lead guitar that will have your head bobbing big time (if not your foot stomping). Percy Mayfield's classic, Lost Love, which really folds nicely into this set. With heartfelt guitar lead, this track will likely have you closing your eyes and nodding your head. Very very nice. Original shuffle, Keep On Pushing has a real Freddie King feel. Fletcher's fleshy vocals adds real emotion to the track and his guitar a woody crispness over the the solid bass lines of Eoff. Super. Bernard Anders' Here In The Dark is a great track and further developed from T Bone Walker's take on it. I really love Fletcher's had and this track is a perfect demonstration of exactly why. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Blues For Robert Nighthawk, an excellent sometimes forgotten player. Featuring Simo on slide and Fletcher on six string electric, This is an excellent closer for a really outstanding release.

Monday, October 27, 2025

Monster Mike Welch - Keep Living Til I Die - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Keep Living Til I Die, from Monster Mike Welch and it's terrific. I see Mike's clips on Facebook and I have really been looking forward to this and it was worth it... believe me! Opening with title track, Keep Living Til I Die, Welch is really hitting hard with super vocals and stinging guitar riffs. Brad Hellen on bass lays down a solid line, pumped up by Brooks Milgate on keys and heavy drum riffs by Fabrice Bessouat on drums. Excellent opener. On Love Me Baby with it's N.O. style rhythm reinforced by Milgate on piano and Hallen on bass Welch really drives this thing. I mean Welch is choking the crap out of the neck, ringing out every drop on blues and Bessouat anchors the track like lead. Wow! Resurrecting Aretha's, Good To Me As I Am To You as an instrumental, Welch has the lead on guitar and his guitar is just oozing soul. Rich organ and piano by Milgate gives the track serious gospel overtones. Sit back and enjoy. You'll soon get the feeling that Welch never lets up. On Rick Estrin's, I Finally Hit The Bottom, has a great R&B feel and Welch's vocals are stylin'. Let him step up with that guitar swagger that will part you hair. You know what I'm talking about. Lieber and Stroller's rockin', Some Other Guy, is bound to get your feet movin, with a strong piano rhythm and solo. Welch slashes in with a lower octave attack and driving phrasing with Ray Davies like vocal attack. Wrapping the release is Mudcat Ward's deep, Burial Season. This is absolutely Welch's best vocal effort with haunting vocal phrasing and "vocal like" guitar phrasing. I really love this release... possibly my favorite of the year.

Friday, October 24, 2025

Hard Times Records artist: Piper & The Hard Times - Good Company - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Good Company, from Piper & The Hard Times and it's a high energy blues rocker. Opening with title track, Good Company, Piper Green on vocals is smooth as silk leading the way with grinding guitar lead by Steve Eagon, strong piano rhythm by Amy Frederick, Dave Colella on drums and Parker Hawkins on bass. Solid opener. Tear It Down has a strutting R&B feel with Green digging in with a gritty attack and Eddie Meyer on sax adds real warmth with Frederick on organ and featuring Lisa Oliver-Gray and Etta Britt on backing vocals. Eagon sets a perfect stage with beautiful tone on guitar for Turn The Tables, a slower blues with soulful vocals by Green. My favorite track on the release. Cheatin's Gotta End is another favorite of mine on the release with it's power bottom by Hawkins and Colella, fiery guitar work by Eagon and heavy organ by Frederick giving Green a wide berth to sing the blues. Very nice. Shuffle, Keep It To Yourself has a great feel with Frederick and Eagon giving the train and Green really belting it out. Eagon has great overdriven tone and super phrasing and Colella's drumming is spot on. Very cool. Wrapping the release is R&B track, Those Days with great soul shouting by Green, and nicely interwoven sax and guitar lead by Meyer and Eagon. Solid closer.

Thursday, October 23, 2025

Jalopy Records artist: Jackson and the Janks - Write It Down - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Write It Down, from Jackson and the Janks, and it's bluesy N.O. garage rock at it's best. Opening with laid back, rhythm rocker, The Kick, Jackson Lynch on lead vocal and guitar sets a loose feel backed by Sam Doores setting a tight bottom on drums and brilliant bass sax adds by Craig Flory. Cool opener. Windowsill is a real cool R&B track which drips in soul thanks to Flory's sax work and top notch vocals by Lynch, adding just the right amount of juice on slide. Very cool. Bo Diddley rhythm is alive on I Don't Give Any, with a firm bottom thanks to Doores and Flory. Lynch makes great use of echo to slightly distort his primal vocals and his guitar work is rudimental and tight. One of my favorites on the release is instrumental, Riding On A Smile, featuring Lynch using a guitar with plenty of jangle and an amp with plenty of reverb. A simple melody presented and enhanced only by some essential percussive hits and tinks by Doores. Swing track, Let's Leave Here, could be right off a Bob Wills release with super vocals and terrific lap steel work by Matt Bell. Flory's bass sax is a strong addition on this track giving it a different dimension and plenty of release. Wrapping the release is Do What You Want To Do has the bones of a 50's-60's operatic ballad in the vein of Roy Orbison. With deep sax by Flory, drums by Doores and Lynch on vocal and guitar, this closer makes a statement.

Wednesday, October 22, 2025

Momojo Records artist: Dave Keyes - Two Trains - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (10.24.25), Two Trains, from Dave Keyes and it's loaded. Opening with shuffle, Blues Ain't Looking for You, Dave Keyes on vocal and piano set the pace, backed by Bernard Purdie on drums, Jeff Anderson on bass, Rob Paparozzi on harmonica and featuring John Putnam with some wicked slide and Alexis P. Sutter and Vicki Bell on backing vocals. Title track, Two Trains has a swampy rhythm with Keyes on piano and lead vocal, Paparozzi on harmonica, and solid backing vocals by Suter, Bell and Frank Pagano. Slow blues, A Long Way From Right Right Now features some of Keyes best vocals and sweet harmonica work by Paparozzi. Keyes really shines on instrumental, Boogie For Patty, with excellent piano phrasing and rhythm. Another favorite on the release is Worried in Mind Blues featuring Woody Mann on guitar and vocal with Keyes on piano and vocal. A simple, laid back acoustic blues with great feel. Wrapping the release is ballad, Rest In Peace, featuring Keyes on lead vocal and piano. Solid closer for a solid release.

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

Origin Records artist: Maja Jaku - Blessed & Bewitched - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blessed & Bewitched, by Maja Jaku, and its quiet and dynamic. Opening with The Witch, Maja Jaku applies her vocals like drops of silver on the lush piano chords by Alan Bartus. Michael Rodriguez on trumpet really adorns the track nicely with well conceived lines making for a solid opener. Another quiet track, Lonely Little Fox, has Jaku's vocal, working nicely on Bartus's piano and accented by Rodriquez on trumpet, with Dezron Douglas on bass and Johnathan Blake on drums. I love the richness of Bartus' piano intro on Never Let Me Go and Jaku's vocals really work nicely with this standard and Rodriguez's sensuous trumpet work is really outstanding with choice bottom work by Douglas and Blake. Wrapping the release is Everything Must Change, an easy paced ballad with solid balance between Jaku and Bartus on piano. Solid phrasing and choice instrumentation give this release the right balance.

Monday, October 20, 2025

Horizon Music Group artist: The Name Droppers - Cool Blue Shoes - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cool Blue Shoes, by The Name Droppers and it's a solid blues rocker. Opening with a rocking take on Howling Wolf's, Killing Floor Rafe Klein leads the way on vocal and guitar with full piano and organ support by Ron Rifkin, Scott Spray on bass and Bobby T. Torello. Title track, Cool Blue Shoes is a cool track with a bit of a funky swagger. Klein on lead vocal is joined by Rifkin and Carole Sylvan on backing vocals and with a tight drum rhythm by Torello and a rich key work by Rifkin. Torello has the mic on Willie Dixon's, I Cry For You making a great connection between drums and Rifkin on keys. Cool shuffle, Yes I Will, blends Rifkin on lead vocal and Torello, Rifkin and Klein on backing gospel like vocals giving the track a rocking gospel feel. Wrapping the release is Out Of The Blue with a doo wop flavor. Klein leads the way on lead vocal and Simone Brown handles the backing vocals nicely with the addition of horns and featuring Rifkin on organ and Bill Holloman on sax. Solid closer.

Friday, October 17, 2025

D'Angelo has passed

Michael Eugene Archer (February 11, 1974 – October 14, 2025)

I'm not going to write a lot about this because if you know you already know. I want to acknowledge this guy because he was super talented and I had a lot of respect for what he did with his talent. It is unfortunate that he was sick for a significant time substantially limiting his musical output. If you don't know him check him out. All cancer is bad but Pancreatic Cancer is one of the worst.

This is the video that was most played on the media at the time. If this ain't the blues... there isn't any...

Sweetspot Records artist: Al Basile - Blues In Hand - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues In Hand, by Al Basile and I really like it. Opening with All of Your Lies, Al Basile on lead vocal and cornet create a real funky groove backed by Mark Teixeira on drums, Brad Hallen on bass, Bruce Bears on keys, Jeff "Doc" Chanonhouse on trumpet, Doug James on tenor sax and a stellar guitar solo by Kid Anderson. Excellent opener. Blues After Blues is another really strong track with a deeper feel and a soulful Albert King kind of vibe. Basile plays a soulful cornet solo and his vocals, along with Anderson's sweltering guitar work and Bears' organ solo give this track real traction. Up tempo soul track, Thank You Fool has a real radio appeal with it's solid melody and smooth organ solo by Bears. Good Rhythm is an easy paced blues track featuring Basile's vocals and a real nice piano solo by Bears. A lower octave, stylized, guitar solo by Andersen adds to the dark feel of the track. My Dearest Dream has a reaal nice bluesy feel with Basile on vocal and cool laid back trumpet work by Chanonhouse and smooth piano work by Bears. Wrapping the release is funky, When You Lose Your Money, has just a hint of BB King with accents by Chanonhouse and a firm bass line by Hallen giving the track a distinct feel. A simple, soulful cornet solo by Basile and his own distinct vocal style and a stylized guitar solo by Andersen makes this a solid closer for an enjoyable release.

Thursday, October 16, 2025

Sleeping Dog Records artist: Mother Blues with Gerald McClendon - Sleeping While The River Runs - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sleeping While The River Runs, by Mother Blues with Gerald McClendon and it's really strong. Opening with powerful R&B track, Pass You By features Gerald McClendon on lead vocal with Steve Bramer strumming rhythm guitar, Jerry Soto on keys, Gordon Patriarcha on bass and Jim Barklay on drums. A solid ballad with a bluesy feel, super opener. Soulful, Keep You From Harm, has an easy pace and tasty guitar guitar soloing nicely complimenting McClendon's sure vocals. Funk rocker, Common Ground, is another show of McClendon's vocal styling with a chukka rhythm accentuated by Soto on organ and Bramer throwing down on guitar. Bramer lays down a real nice intro on shuffle, Come To Me, and McClendon's vocal phrasing is super. Me & Ian is a real cool instrumental with jazzy textures and full surf like chords for drum and guitar. Habit of The Heart is a straight up rocker with flashy guitar riffs and an aggressive bass drum rhythm. McClendon leads the way on vocal and Bramer shows his chops. Very cool. Another cool rocker is Where's The Fire with fanning guitar rhythm by Bramer and Hurtin' Burt on harp with some funky bottom by Partiarcha on bass and Gikas Marks on drums. Really nice. Wrapping the release is a reprise of Sleeping featuring saturated organ work by Soto and lush vocals by Carole Baskin, Lara Jenkins and LaShann McNicholas. Strong closer.

Wednesday, October 15, 2025

ZYX Music artist: Raphael Wressnig - Committed - New release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Committed, by Raphael Wressnig and it's romping good fun. Opening with Duffin' Around, Wressnig really works it on B3 paired with Enrico Crivellaro on guitar and the funky drumming of Hans-Jurgen Bart. Strong opener. Up tempo shuffle, Southern Fried Chicken is really hot with Wressnig setting the scene on B3 with Bart and Crivellaro tears it up on guitar making this one of my favorites on the release. Shrimp Daddy has a cool, boogaloo rhythm set by Wressnig and Bart. Wressnig really winds it out on B3 and Crivellaro's solo is understanded, yet extremely tasty. Lonnie Smith's Pilgrimage is really nicely covered by Wressnig with rich B3 tones and a tight bottom by Bart. Wrapping the release is traditional song, I Shall Not Be Moved with a really bluesy overtone. Wressnig lays down the melody and Crivellaro really digs in on guitar followed again by Wressnig. Excellent closer.

Tuesday, October 14, 2025

Origin Records artist: Milan Verbist Trio - Time Change - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Time Change, from the Milan Verbist Trio and it's a solid set of tracks from introspect to lively. Opening with title track, Time Change, a somber yet insightful composition with Milan Verbist creating a calming presentation, adorned by Jens Meijer's light drum work. Toon Rumen takes the lead on bass with a standout melodic solo adding strong contrast to the track. Bop track, No, I Haven't has a strong groove with a driving bottom courtesy of Rumen and Meijer and a strong yet off jagged melody by Verbist. Rumen again steps up with a strong bass solo that really adds to the composition. Very cool. Brigitte's Waltz is a lovely composition which slowly unfolds and develops very nicely, starting first with mostly Verbist but blooming with the progressive introduction of Rumen and Meijer. Rumen again adds a powerful bass solo, accented nicely by Verbist's percussive piano. Bach's Sarabande is a terrific addition to the set allowing Verbist to illustrate one of his early passions for classical music. Very very nice. Wrapping the release is Gary Peacock's Flutter Step. Originally performed by Peacock and Ralph Towner, this track is rearranged to fit and a terrific closer for this strong set.

Monday, October 13, 2025

Strolling Bones Records artist: Garry Burnside - It's My Time Now - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, It's My Time Now, from Garry Burnside, and it's a cool contemporary blues rocker. Opening with High, Garry Burnside (RL's son) sets up a real nice rhythm on guitar joined by Andrea Stanton with a fanning technique somewhat like SRV or KWS. Pinky Pulliam on bass holds the funk and Avery Dilworth on drums hits it stiff. This is a hot opener that bound to pick up your ears (if not your feet). Title track, It's My Time Now, features Stanton and Pulliam creating a lumbering theme and Burnside plays melodic lead guitar in harmony with his vocal. Fluid guitar soloing has real grit creating powerful contrast on this track. Very cool. Bad Luck City is certainly one of my favorite tracks on the release with a thunderous drum beat by Dilworth and soulful, melodic lead guitar by Burnside who creatively uses his overdrive and wah pedals for a thick creamy sound. I Been Looking has a real swampy feel with Burnside on vocal and guitar. Hill Country style single swat snare work by Dilworth gives the track a great anchor and loose guitar rhythm by Stanton and Burnside create a laid back sense. AGF Out is a strong blues rocker with a firm bottom and really nice blues rock lead by Burnside and a showy drum solo by Dilworth. Super. Wrapping the release is Garry's Night Out, has a Morganfield like feel but really swampy. Burnside on vocal and guitar creates a unique swampy Hill Country funk that will keep you wanting more.