Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Holla & Moan , from The McMaMarr Project and it's dripping in soul. Opening with title track, Holla and Moan , a romping R&B track John McNamara and Andrea Marr team up vocally making a really cool team. McNamara handles lead guitar backed by Bobby Manuel on guitar, Ray Griffin on bass, Willie Hall on drums, Lester Snell on keys, Scott Thompson on trumpet, Lannie McMillan on tenor sax, and Jim Spake on bari sax. With a solid bass line by Griffin, Throwing Down a Little Love has a real firm beat and great vocal blending highlighted by great blues guitar riffs by McNamara. Soul ballad, History has a taste of country and a nice dash of blues with warm vocals and melody. Definitely the top radio track on the release. Another easy floating vocal track, Something That's Real , blends the honesty of early country music with R&B for a unique soulful blend. Wrapping the release is Blues Brought Me Here , a ...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Rollin' With It , from John McNamara and it's smooth. Opening with R&B flavored One, Two of a Kind , John McNamara on lead vocal and guitar sets a terrific stage. Backed by Steve Potts on drums, Michael Toles on guitar, James "Jimi" Kinard on bass, Lester Snell on keys, Marc Franklin on trumpet, Lannie McMillan on tenor sax and Jim Spake on bari sax, these guy have a great mix of rock and blues. With a feel of Little Willie John Bad Reputation swings. Franklin really adds a nice punch and McMillan and Spake bottom. Steve Cropper like guitar riffs adds that gritty feel that makes the track great. Soul track, Ask Me Nothing (But about the Blues) really showcases McNamara's voice nicely and the sax work of Spake adds a nice heft. I really like the guitar work of McNamara on this track in particular making it one of my favorites on the release. Slinky, Under The Weight Of The Moon , weaves nicely...