Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Blue Skies , by Matty T. Wall and it takes the best from rock, pop and blues and blends it together for a crisp new sound. Opening with blues rocker, Burnin' Up Burnin' Down , Matty T. Wall grinds out a great rhythm guitar sound with a thick cut of sound. His vocals are solid and with strong support from bassist Stephen Walker, Gordon Cant on organ and Jasper Miller on drums, these guys rock the house. On Keb Mo's, Am I Wrong , Wall puts up a high energy level, rocking with a smoking bottom and rhythmic top. Original blues ballad, Love Gone Away , is a sweet Gary Moore style track with soulful vocals and high reaching ruitar lead. Bound to be a crowd favorite, this track is hot! Scorcher is a runaway train with machine gun picking, super harmonic bends and snappy country style drums work. Excellent! Title track, Blue Skies , has a catchy melody and nice harmonies with Deli Rowe making an ideal radio track. This I...

I just received the newest release, Blue Skies , from Jordan Officer and it's actually quite amazing. I recall being quite taken by Officer's earlier release, I'm Free and this album, totally different, shows what a complete artist Officer is. Opening with the title track, Blue Skies , penned by Tom Waits, Officer slips right into a gypsy jazz mode blowing out absolutely incredibly beautiful riffs on his guitar in a very subdued studio like setting, backed by Alain Berge' on drums and Sage Reynolds on bass. Big Three Trio's Got You On My Mind has an easy blues feel. Officers guitar riffs are tight and spectacular. Fats Domino's It's You Love has trace New Orleans rhythms but subdued with light vocals over sparkling guitar riffs. Arthur Alexander's Shot Of Rhythm and Blues has a pure 60's beat feel and Officer really revs up the playful nature of the rhythm. Clever double stops, vocal harmonies and slick runs give this track a unique feel....