Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Supernatural Soul , by Ben E. King and it's solid. Opening with classic, Stand By Me , King on lead vocal is joined by Bette Smith on vocal and Ronnie Earl adding his clean virtuosity on guitar. Bassmaster, Bootsy Collins fires up a strong riff on Supernatural Thing, Part I under soulful vocals by King. Spanish guitar master, Rafael Riqueni joins King adding an authentic flavor to another classic hit. I really like King's cover of Ashford and Simpson's, I Had A Love . Kings vocals are full and soulful, floating on a bed of guitar, synthesizer and warm backing vocals. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Drifters Medley featuring This Magic Moment/Dance With Me//There Goes My Baby/Save The Last Dance For Me. Kings vocals are smooth and fresh with tight instrumental backing. Solid closer for a solid release.    If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues ne...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Counterfeited Soulstice Vol 1 by Fabrizio Grossi & Soul Garage Experience and it's a cool, funky R&B and soul party. Opening with Slave To My Rhythm , a wildly woven musical fabric with rock and soul roots. With Grossi on lead vocal and bass, Diimond Meeks on lead vocal, Kenny Aronoff on drums, Alex Alessandroni JR on piano, Derek Day on guitar, Francis Benttez and Andrea Grossi-Benitez on backing vocals, Chris Hansen on harp and Garrett Holbrook on lap steel, this track is full out. Adding in a funky bass line on Right Down Below , Grossi sets up a real nice groove and Day and Hansen roll in and out with terrific riffs, supported by the rich backing vocals of  Benitez and Grossi-Benitez. Very cool. Bette Smith has the lead vocal on With or Without You and I really dig her voice. With Fabio Drusin sailing on harp, a pounding bass line by Grossi, Stephen Perkins on drums, Dylan Meek on Hammond and Benitez...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (September 29, 2017), Jetlagger , by Bette Smith and I really like it. Opening with original track, I Will Feed You , a dynamic "Macy Gray" styled ballad with a really strong melody, Smith lays out what I think it a sure fire radio track. With Jimbo Mathus on guitar and keys, Bronson Tew on drums, Matt Patton on bass, Scott Goolsby on guitar, Jamison Hollister on violin, Marc Franklin & Kirk Smothers on horns, and Susan Marshall on backing vocals, the music is thick. Excellent! R&B track, Flying Sweet Angel of Joy has rich gospel like backing vocals giving this track a super richness. Jimbo Mathus' Dirty Hustlin' gets a super funk treatment and it really is strong. This track is perfect for Smith and deep backing vocals, paired with the bass/drum work and a clever guitar solo by Mathus makes it one of my favorites as well. Another Mathus penned track, Moaning Bench , has strong R&B drive w...