Bman's Blues Report

Friday, March 27, 2026

Origin Records artist: Chenxi Pan - This Very Moment - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, This Very Moment, from Chenxi Pan, and it's quite good. Opening with Hymn for the Spring, vocalist and composer, Chenxi Pan opens with a light and beautiful voice accompanied by Shaonan So on piano and Anders Julsgaard on drums who create a misty atmosphere for her brilliant vocals. Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee on sax and clarinet, creates a more obtuse, yet lush melody joined by Julsgaard and Su handing off to George Grydkovets who elaborates nicely on guitar. Crisp opener. With a light poppy melody and N-Lee on clarinet, Little Bells is a easy flowing song with brilliant guitar work by Grydkovets on guitar, Nicolas Bond on bass and Julsgaard on drums, adorned with cleverly interwoven clarinet and vocals. Very nice. Endless Summer is another standout track with improvisational vocals by Pan with Julie Kim on cello, Peyton Cook on violin, joined by Bond, Julsgaard and Su. Possibly my favorite track on the release. Parachute is rich with full vocals, glistening piano, driving cello, and explosive drums creating a vibrant reflection on an otherwise subdued yet enticing release. Wrapping the release is Endless Summer (reprise) with warm guitar work by Grydkovets and the light, bright vocals of Pan. This is a cleanly executed and nicely composed release with plenty to experience.

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Thursday, March 26, 2026

Ruf Records artist: Matthew Curry - One For The Ride - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, One For The Ride, from Matthew Curry and it's a solid rocker with a lot of flavor. Opening with high energy, Rum Stumblin', Matthew Curry is back with great vocals and stinging guitars. With Francis Valentine on drums, Tim Brickner on bass, Mark Masefield on keys, Marc Russo on sax, Mike Olmos on trumpet and Mika Rinta on trombone this track has the intensity of Steve Gaines' tracks penned with Skynyrd and all of the commercial polish of Glenn Frey. Top opener. Laid back, Dancing In The Kitchen, is a real nice track with what I consider the kind of writing sure to get Curry real attention as a song writer, I love his articulate guitar work on the track and his vocal are perfect, with the added backing of Rob Archer on B3. I can definitely see other artists covering this track. Very nice. Another favorite track on the release is rock funky, Ballad Of Jesse Ed Davis. It's good to see acknowledgement of this unsung guitar slinger who I enjoyed seeing with the Shelter People and I listened to with everyone from Clapton and Taj Mahal to Bob Dylan. A wicked slide player, this is a strong tribute encouraging Curry to cut loose on slide as well. Excellent! Don't Be A Stranger has that JJ Cale, Oklahoma style guitar picking and swamp funky bottom by Brickner and Valentino with great vocal and slide by Curry, complimented by Mark Masefield on keys. Attacking the Van Zant sound straight on, Curry covers Whiskey Rock A Roller, a great southern rocker adding horns by Russo, Olmos and Rinta but holding to the soulful vocals and guitar snarl. Nice job. Wrapping the release is mostly acoustic entry, The Rambling Kind, a warm ballad with a screaming electric solo and fitting track to wind down an excellent release.

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

SRI Music artist: L. Shankar - Answers - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Answers, from L. Shankar and it's a cool fusion of jazz, rock, pop and prog. Opening with title track, Answers, L. Shankar on vocal and double violin leads the way with Tony Levin on bass, Scott Seiver on drums and Dave Palmer on keys. On Innocent, Juliette Rose joins on vocals creating a nice pop rocker balance with Shankar vocally with Palmer creating a sea of keys. Keeping it light, Shankar mixes melody with guitar texture and solid drumming from Seiver for a definite radio standout. My favorite track on the release is To Live featuring Levin on bass, Stephen Perkins on drums, and Zac Baird on keys. Wrapping the release is pop rocker, Thinking with blended vocals by Shankar and tight drum rhythms by Perkins, Levin on bass and Palmer on keys. This release is quite pop oriented with strong instrumental backing.

Tuesday, March 24, 2026

Deko Entertainment artist: Shouse - Jaded - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Jaded, by Shouse and it's a substantial display of metal guitar prowess. Opening with a Synthesizer and electric guitar display by Mike Shouse on Romeo and Juliet theme it wets your appetite for what is to come. On A Bitter Cold, Shouse uses a solid hammer on technique running melodic rudiments on electric guitar. Very cool. On rocker, Smiley Faced Emoji, James Pulli on bass and Charlie Zeleny on drums lay a firm foundation and Shouse shows lightning fast shredding, wide vibrato and wild bends giving the track real commercial appeal. Title track, Jaded, has a real led footed drum kick and a moving bass line providing a firm bottom for Shouse to sculpt a scorching melody, with excellent phrasing, and solid suspended notes, hammering home his thematic concept. Wrapping the release is Upon Looking Back with a traditional rock rhythm and featuring Tony MacAlpine. A concrete bottom courtesy of Pulli and Zeleny really anchors the track and MacAlpine and Shouse take turns leading and the playing dual lead. This is a solid release for those interested in soaring electric guitar.

Monday, March 23, 2026

Charlie Barath - Issaquena Getaway - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Issaquena Getaway, from Charlie Barath and it's a lot of fun. Opening with cool strut, I Gets Around, Charlie Barath on vocal and harmonica leads the way with the confident riffs of Andrew Sherer on guitar and Johnny Burgin on with solid lead guitar, Mark Yacovine on piano, Mike Law on bass and Danny Banks on drums. Cool opener. Slinky, Waitin' For The Queen, featuring a cool story by Barath a signature guitar solo by Burgin and soulful harmonica solo by Barath. Cool interlude. Shuffle, I Might Fall In Love, has a real nice lazy lope with an harmonica and guitar trades. A cool radio track with an easy melody, just perfect for kicking back. I really like Brass Monkey with Banks riding the up beat on drums, Yacavone on organ, and a jangly loose guitar solo by Burgin. On low slung, That Wasn't Me, Barath digs in on vocals and Burgin's guitar work is understated but it scratches the itch and a soulful duet between Barath and Burgin works really nicely. Latin flavored, Can I Have This Dance really has a great rhythm by Law and Banks and Barath really works the vocals on this one. Yacovone's piano work dances and Barath's harmonica is peerfect. One of my favorite tracks on the release is funky, I'm Gonna Let You with perfect interweaving of Burgin, Sherer, Yacovone on organ, Law and Banks and the soulful vocals on Barath. Strong. Sugar is a real nice shuffle featuring Barath on chromatic harmonica. With a great melody, Yacavone on electric piano, jazzy guitar work by Sherer, this is a super change of pace. Wrapping the release is Honey I Got No Money featuring Shari Richards on lead vocal. Burgin torches up some real nice phrasing on guitar, followed by Barath on harmonica. A cool, updated rag style, This is a tight closer.

Friday, March 20, 2026

James JB Barnes - My Mississippi Roots - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, My Mississippi Roots, by James "JB" Barnes and it's a solid set of blues, rock and soul. Opening with blues rocker, Get Up & Go Blues, Steven Braxton on lead vocals sets the pace with thumping bass by JB Barnes, Anthony Krizan on screaming guitar and drums, Jarred Barnes on keys. A driving ricker this is a solid opener. Brown Eyed Blues Man features Krizan on lead vocal and Steely Dan like guitars. A shuffle style laid back track has strong radio appeal with Barnes on bass and backing vocals, Carmine Diorio on drums, Will Wilde on harp, and Chip Degaard on on keys. Hot footed blues number, The JB Shuffle features Wilde, leading the way on harp and Krizan on guitars. With JB winding in out on bass with Barnes on keys, a smoking solo by Krizan and Dave Moore on drums, this is a ripping track. A bluesy take on Hall and Oates', Sara Smile, featuring excellent vocals by Braxton and excellent vocal backing by Krizan, and JB. Add in Joey Stan on horns, JB on bass and Diorio on drums and soulful, overdriven guitar work by Krizan and this is a real showpiece. Another solid cover is the Stones', Wild Horses also featuring Braxton's silky vocals and lush backing vocals by Oria Aspen, Krizan and JB. Very nice. A super add is Jeff Beck's, Brush With The Blues featuring Krizan on guitar, JB on bass and Diorio on drums. Wrapping the release is R&B track, Stand Up, featuring Kevin Goings and Karen Braxton on lead vocals, Krizan on guitars, Barnes on keys, Stan on horns, Diorio on drums and JB on lead and backing vocals. Solid closer.

Thursday, March 19, 2026

James Buddy Rogers - Covered In Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Covered In Blues, by James Buddy Rogers and it's straight forward solid blues. Opening with Bad Boy, James Buddy Rogers lays down a solid 8 bar track with confident vocals and and full strat tone through his own BTone hand crafted pickups. His style has cool swagger and occasional delayed attack adding texture, joined by Kevin Belzner on drums and Bill Price on bass. Solid opener. On I Lied, a potent lope, reinforced by Belzner on drums on the upbeat and stinging guitar riffs by Rogers make this one of my favorites on the release. A cover of Nix's Goin' Down, is a cool change up with it's bluesy edge but a solid rocker. Using a driving "Jeff Beck" approach Price anchors the bottom and Rogers' works between the SVR and the Beck attack with his own blues stew to kick out a real nice track. Another cover is Taj Mahal's She Caught The Katy with a nice laid back feel but featuring a rockier blues approach than the low slung island feel of Mahal. Rogers smooth vocals paired with his comfortable guitar attack gives the track real grip. Wrapping the release is Keb Mo's, Dirty, Low Down & Bad with a rocking guitar rhythm and includes a Texas style guitar solo showing Rogers' tasty riffs. Solid closer.

Wednesday, March 18, 2026

7D Media artist: Deep Energy Orchestra - The Science Of Sound - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Science of Sound, by Deep Energy Orchestra and it's really strong. Opening with Morning Over Madrid, Gary Husband on keys creates a thought provoking intro invoking mystery, developing into a solid theme with powerful rhythmic basis. Reinforced by Jason Everett on seven string fretless bass and further expanded by Ann Lindquist on flute and firmly anchored by Don Gunn, this is a super opener. Captain Quirk has a terrific progressive feel led by Don on drums and Everett on bass. Adam Holzman on keys, fleshes out the field with melodic electric violin by Joe Deninzon and Mark Lettieri on guitar really rips it paired with Holzman. Another track I really like is The Secrets of Subtraction with it's funky rhythm and power bass lines / drum bottom by Everett and Don. Husband on keys paired with Jimmy Thomas on guitar really sails creating synergy that makes them seem as one. Very nice. Trey Gunn on Warr guitar joins Deninzon on violin and Holzman on keys, Don on drums and Everett on bass for the more aggressive, Solar Playground. This is a real romp and one that will get you working up a sweat. Wrapping the release is Stargazing with Deninzon on electric violin joined by Rachel Nesvig on violin, Brianna Atwell on viola and Phil Hirschi on cello, joined by Everett on bass and Don on drums, creating an eastern flavored anthem... a summary closing theme. Very nice.

Tuesday, March 17, 2026

Origin Records artist: Anthony Branker & Other Ways of Knowing - Manifestations of a Diasporic Groove & Spirit - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (March 20, 2026), Manifestations of a Diasporic Groove & Spirit, by Anthony Branker & Other Ways of Knowing, and it's complex and intriguing. Opening with The Children of Lyles Station, Anthony Branker is once again creating highly intelligent music with exceptional musicians. Simona Premazzi opens with an interesting piano line, reinforced by Steve Wilson on sax. Premazzi further develops the theme with Rudy Royston on drums and John Hebert lays out an excellent bass solo anchored by the piano vamp and Royston really punching high. Strong opener. Freedom Water March has a real lyrical theme that develops between Wilson and Premazzi. Wilson, on soprano sax, creates a jagged melody, reinforced and elaborated by Premazzi on piano with only light but authoritative support by Hebert and Royston. Aimee Allen sings the intro on Stolen Sisters, and a floating flute melody by Wilson sets the intro. Breaking into a rhythmic, far more structured melody led by Pete McCann on guitar and then Wilson on flute, Premazzi on piano, Hebert on bass and Royston on drums, this track really moves. Allen's "Brazilian style vocals, and a strong solo by Hebert make this one of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is Afro Mosaic Soul Babies with it's monster bass line by Hebert and tight drum work by Royston. I really like the delivery by Wilson on sax, contrasting with Premazzi's piano. McCann breaks loose with some exceptional guitar lead really kicking this track. Developing an excellent groove with Wilson, Hebert and Royston, this is a very solid closer.

Monday, March 16, 2026

Ruf Records artist: Mitch Ryder - Songs From The Road - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Songs From The Road, by Mitch Ryder and it's a solid rocker. Opening with Lilli May, Mitch Ryder fronts the band on vocal with Laura Chavez and Sean Athens on guitars, Tomek Germann on bass, Denis Palatin on drums and Lea Worms on keys. On bluesy, All The Fools It Sees, Ryder digs deep with nicely phrased soul vocals with glistening keyboards by Worms and Athens on acoustic guitar lays in some real tasty riffs. Latin flavored, Oh What A Night has really great movement focused by Palatin and Germann and a sweet piano solo by Worms really works nicely. Chavez dishes up a blistering guitar solo and Worms' backing vocals with Ryder make this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Chavez and Athens pair up nicely for dual guitar leads on War and the texture of this track really suits Ryder's vocal style. Athens steps up with a real nice guitar solo on this one and Worms ramps up the heat on organ. Country flavored, It Wasn't Me, features Athens on slide guitar. Ryder crafts the tale with stinging guitar lead by Chavez and Worms on organ and the tight drum rhythm of Palatin. Wrong Hands is another solid rocker with quite a bit of swagger. Chavez and Athens dish on the Richards style rocker with mean intent and Worms on electric piano adds real brightness. A jam on The Doors', Soul Kitchen really is pretty strong giving Chavez a wide berth to lay down some soulful riffs and showing her chops. Worms creates a Manzarek feel on keys and Ryder does a real nice job on the Lizard Kings' lyrics. Very cool. Wrapping the release is ballad, The Artist featuring Ryder singing with Worms on electric piano and keys. Solid closer for a cool concert.

Friday, March 13, 2026

Murali Coryell - Soul Of A Nation - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Soul Of A Nation, from Murali Coryell and it's a driving blues rocker. Murali Coryell, son of famed fusion guitar wizard, Larry Coryell is ready with his 10th studio album. Opening with blues rocker, Pardon Me, Coryell on guitar and vocal is joined by Bill Foster on bass, and Peter O'Brien on drums. A straight up track with a solid groove and interesting phrasing is a solid opener. Rocker, Severe Anxiety, is one of my favorites on the release with a strong melody and relentless guitar work. Very cool. Title track, Soul Of A Nation, has a R&B feel and strong radio opportunity with a great melody and an almost Darryl Hall vibe. Coryell really digs in on Ukraine War Cries with it's blues basis and gripping vocals, really giving Coryell the platform to make his guitar scream. Very nice. Wrapping the release is laid back soul track, Eyes Wide Open with a smooth melody and Mayfield like melody. With Ernie Durawa on drums, Lannie Hilboldt on bass, Will Owens Gage on guitar and Joe Morales on sax, this is a solid closer.

Thursday, March 12, 2026

Michael Vincent - Sky Blue - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sky Blue, from Michael Vincent and it's a cool, edgy, rocker. Opening with C'mon C'mon, Michael Vincent isn't reinventing the wheel but he does have a solid grasp of the sound that permeated the early 2000's. Chord driven rhythm and lead vocals by Vincent with lead guitar by Scott Warren, Dave Mendoza on bass and Anthony Fulgar on drums makes for a cool opener. Pop track, Rain Downtown is a solid radio track with solid vocal blending from Vincent and Mendoza. Nightlights is solid ballad featuring Vincent up front on vocal and Fulgar pushing the track with a solid foot drum and Jeff Jacoby on keys. Wrapping the release is another solid rocker, The Longest Time with a straight up rock beat and a super melody featuring Vincent and Mendoza on vocals.

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

OA2 Records artist: Steve Kovalcheck - Buckshot Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (April 3, 2026), Buckshot Blues, from Steve Kovalcheck and it's a lively set. Opening with Happy Train, Steve Kovalcheck on guitar outlines the melody with chords and runs the fretboard with confident phrasing. Backed by Jon Hamar and Jeff Hamilton on drums (with exceptional foot work), this is a spring opener. I particularly like the remake of Haggart's, What's New, with it's low slung swing, anchored by Hamar's bass line and excellent guitar lead by Kovalcheck. Check out that funky back beat on Donald's Juke Joint. With snappy cymbal work by Hamilton, bluesy lead by Kovalcheck with an occasional stinger and rich bass lead by Hamar, a definite standout. Latin rhythm on Daydance gives Kovalcheck a great showcase for his guitar work and another exceptional bass lead by Hamar driven by Hamilton on cymbal and rimshots. Laid back. Fast Eddie is one of my favorites o the release with clean, tight guitar lead by Kovalcheck. Hamilton on ride cymbal and an understated by steady bass lead by Hamar makes this my favorite on the release. Another standout is Crab Lantern Blues with Kovalcheck really rocking the blues. Hamar on bass pushes it over the top making this another of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is a updated take on Hank Snow's (Geoff Mack's) I've Been Everywhere with Kovalcheck taking the high lead and Hamilton really splashing the cymbals over Hamar's bass line. Hot closer.

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

Pour Soul Records artist: Johnny Max and His So Called Friends - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Johnny Max and His So Called Friends and it's a great blend of NO blues, country, rock and a big pot of fun. Opening with You Can Do Better Than Him, Johnny Max on vocal leads the way with Jim Casson laying down a great NO style drum rhythm and Bill Evans on piano. Mitch Lewis and Dylan Wickens, and Wayne DeAdder add real nice guitar riffs and with Steve Goldberger on bass this is a fun opener. Another track with a bit of attitude and with an easy country beat, I've Said All The Sorrys I'm Gonna Say, should get some good airplay with super lyrics and vocals. Max on vocal is joined by DeAdder who also does some cool guitar work and Casson on drums keeps a steady keel. One of my favorite tracks on the release is I've Never Met A Bridge, with it's country blues feel. N. Jay Burr on tuba adds great bass lines and Max's vocal delivery is perfect over a basic guitar rhythm by Lewis. Another favorite is Memphis Women & Fried Chicken with Wickens playing some wicked guitar lead and Max really grinding in the soul music with backing vocals by Suzie Vinnick, and Quisha Wint and warm organ work by Evans. Excellent. Kiss From Joanne really has a Lowell George flavor with Casson really keeping it tight under Max, Vinnick and Wint on backing vocals. DeAdder's slide work really adds the right spice and with Russ Boswell on bass and Casson on piano. Really nice. Wrapping the release is s cover of The Goldcoast Singers' Plastic Jesus. Max singing this clever track along with Lewis on acoustic guitar is a perfect closer for a truly enjoyable release.

Monday, March 9, 2026

Origin Records artist: Carl Schultz - The Road To Trantor - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Road To Trantor, by Carl Schultz and it's described as the soundtrack to a science fiction movie that only exists in his head. Opening with Journey, Carl Schultz on sax lays out the theme with Adam Benjamin on keys creating an environment. With light cymbal text and a tight snare rhythm by Alwyn Robinson, Zack Teran on bass, Tim Wendel on guitar creates rhythmic dialog joined back by Schultz to conclude. Interesting opener. Uneven time signature on the intro of Caves of Steel gives Schultz a wide land for his sax work and super tight drum work by Robinson a strong passage to Benjamin on keys. A cool guitar improvisational passage by Wendel is some of my favorite work on the release. Gladia is a strong composition with Schultz on flute paired with his own sax work in call and response on melody over a super guitar rhythm by Wendel. Extending further on sax with Benjamin on piano, and Schultz again on flute... very nice. Wrapping the release is upbeat, The Spirit of Adventure, with a poppy sax lead by Schultz. The definite radio work of the release, Teran's bass work shines nicely with Benjamin's rhythmic piano work throughout and exceptional drum work by Robinson.

Friday, March 6, 2026

7 dmedia artist: Trey Gunn & David Forlano - Select Habits of Invertebrates - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Select Habits of Invertebrates, by Trey Gunn & David Forlano and it's mind expanding. Opening with title track, Select Habits of Invertebrates the duo creates a flexible electronic soundscape anchored by percussive lead and intriguing sonic phrases. With the addition of electronic expressions and glitches. This is really a strong opener. Litigation of the Monkey features Forlano on alto sax forging the primary theme and Gunn's unworldly guitar explorations. This is really quite interesting and spatial. Wrapping the release is The Wind That Ended History with an interesting rhythmic tonal vamp, overlaid by flowing soundscape. Cavernous electronics, looped rhythms and abstruse themes give this track a confident footing. This is a complex recording and one that is best listened to in entirety for best possible digestion.

Thursday, March 5, 2026

Origin Records artist: Michael Dease with the MSU Jazz Trombones - Spartan Strong - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Spartan Strong, from Michael Dease (with the MSU Jazz Trombones) and it's super. Opening with Huesos Con Clave this set is off to a hot start. This track features over the top trombone solos by Aidan Clark, Dan Parrish, Altin Sencalar, Drew Kilpela, a strong bass trombone solo by Chris Glassman, and a hot piano solo by Xavier Davis and well as hot rhythm by Keith Hall on drums. Excellent opener. Randy Brecker's Some Skunk Funk provides a great platform for some outrageous trombone work by Sencalar, Kilpela, Glassman and Parrish with Davis on piano and Hall on drums. A Latin spin on Carmichael's The Nearness of You has a light and aiery feel. Nanami Haruta blows an exceptional trombone solo on this one with full trombone backing. Really nice. Sharel Cassity original Composition, Song of Those Who Seek, features a strong trombone solos by Eli Howell and Charles Scanlon, alto sax solo by Cassity and with Ethan Frank on piano, Reuben Stump on bass and Brian Allen really tight on drums. Steve Turre's Groove Blues really lays in the slot with Pablo Muller-Santiago, Hannah Davies and Michael Dease really grooving on trombone with Frank's perfect phrasing on piano. Their trio lead really does sound great. Benny Golson's Blues After Dark, follows an easy shuffle and showcases (in order) Daniel Bear on trombone, Charles Grace Jr. and Gina Benalcazar-Lopez on bass trombone, Davis on piano, Andrew Kim on trombone, Kyle Quick on bass trombone, Keith Hall on drums and Ken Tompkins on trombone. Wrapping the release is Pettiford's spirited, Blues In The Closet with Bridgette Setters, Kilppela, Parrish, and Sencalar, on trombone and Glassman on on bass trombone followed by Dease. Excellent closer.