Gary Cain - Next Stop - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Next Stop, by Gary Cain and it's a barn burner. Opening with Billionaires In Space, Canadian born, one man show, Gary Cain is a contemporary blues rocker with a lot of oomph. With a driving beat, and distortion saturated guitar riffs, Cain shifts it into overdrive and lets it fly. With a funky guitar rhythm, Gatekeeper has a foot stompin dance rhythm. Using ZZ Top like lead guitar offsets to emphasize the turnarounds,  and a wide open guitar solo, this track is very cool. In the Frank Marino/Jimi Hendrix vein, Keep On Comin has a strong, overdriven guitar riff to play around and his vocals are rock spot on. Precision drum rhythms give Cain firm footing to lay out his guitar wares and paired with himself on guitar 2, this track works well. Laying way back, Gone begins with intimate vocals and focused  quick stinging guitar accents but growing in intensity as the track progresses. With heavy distortion and dark formations, the track shapes up to be a cool, interesting rocker. Wrapping the release is A Short Furious Goodbye, a guitar lead instrumental with clean Knopler/Gilmore style tone and SRV like ferocity. Backed by John Lee on B3, this is a cool closer and a solid demo of Cain's broad talents. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Memphis International Records artist: Ann Peebles & the Hi Rhythm Section - Live In Memphis - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live In Memphis, from Ann Peebles & the Hi Rhythm Section and it's a cool, live, soul packed R&B release. Opening with If I Can't See You, Peebles on lead vocal sets the pace with her smooth delivery and backed by  David J Hudson and Tina Crawford on vocal, John Sangster on sax, Anthony Royal on trumpet, Dennis Bates on trombone, Leroy Hodges on bass, Charles Hodges on keys, Howard Grimes on drums and Thomas Bingham on guitar. Rolling into high stepper, Part Time Love, Peebles really has the groove moving. With a super bass line by Hodges and punchy trumpet by Royal, this is one of my favorite tracks on the release. An excellent cover of I Feel Like Breaking Up Somebody's Home plays right into Peeble's wheelhouse. The horn work by Sangster, Royal and Bates really add balance to Peebles' lead. Wrapping the release is Peebles' bets know track, I Can't Stand The Rain, covered by many many blues and rock artists alike. Peebles of course has that natural feel vocally and particular backing by Royal and Hodges adds nicely to a strong closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

VizzTone Label Group artist: Gina Sicilia - Unchange - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Unchange, from Gina Sicilia and it's a nice blend of soul, R&B, gospel and blues. Opening with Healing Time with all of the richness of sweet soul music, Gina Sicilia on lead vocal sets a great table. Backed by Ann and Regina McCrary wou have the best vocal backing money can buy and Kevin McKendree on organ is a terrific addition as well to the basic band of Colin Linden on guitar, Johnny Dymond on bass and Bryan Owings on drums. Great opener. How Far Am I From Canaan is a light take on a full blown gospel track with Sicilia singing acapella over the electric guitar accompaniment and excellent vocal backing of Linden. This is an impressive showcase for Sicilia's vocal prowess and brilliant contemporary interpretation of a traditional style gospel tune. On Rev Gary Davis' classic track, Death Don't Have No Mercy, Linden really opens nicely with reverb saturated blues guitar riffs. Sicilia takes a more bluesy approach on this one with excellent results. Linden gets a chance to let his blues chops flow and with terrific results. Excellent track. Valentine is a real nice ballad with strong radio structure. The melody is well constructed and Linden's acoustic guitar accompaniment is a perfect foil to Sicilia on vocal. Very nice. Linden's, Don't Be Afraid To Be Wrong has the distinct, Gary Davis style rag feel that immediately perks my ears up. Sicilia's vocals float lightly on Linden's finger work making this one of my favorites. Wrapping the release is traditional ballad, There's A Bright Side Somewhere, and Sicilia handles it with great sensitivity and composure over the acoustic accompaniment and beautiful slide solo of Linden . This is a real nice closer for a strong release. 

   

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Little Village Foundation: The Phantom Blues Band - Blues For Breakfast - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues For Breakfast, by The Phantom Blues Band and it's a solid party. Originally formed as Taj Mahal's backing band, PBB began performing on their own and released their first release back in 2006. With a few changes in the lineup most significantly Les Lovitt replacing Darrell Leonard on trumpet and Jim Pugh replacing the nearly irreplaceable Mike Finnigan after his fight with cancer ending in 2021. This newest rendition of the band opens with a roaring  cover of I Take What I Want with Larry Fulcher on bass and lead vocals paired with Johnny Lee Schell on lead vocal and guitar. Backed by Tony Braunagel on drums, Joe Sublett on sax, Les Lovitt on trumpet and Jim Pugh on piano and organ this track has real juice. New Orleans flavored, She's Into Something has strong percussion by  Braunagel and the horn work of Joe Sublett and Les Lovitt really spices things up. Schell drops into a nice Texas style guitar solo really setting hit one off. Very nice. A reggae style rework of Curtis Mayfield's, Move On Up, is really cool with vocal by Ruthie Foster  and tight rhythm guitar by Tony Chin and the horn work of Subett and Lovett add nice authenticity. Very cool. Mike Finnigan leads the way on organ and vocal on OK, I Admit It with real swing. Punchy horns by Sublett and Lovitt and Finnigan's own organ work make this one of my favorites. Bonnie Raitt joins on laid back shuffle, Country Boy with her distinct vocal work. Very nice. Curtis Salgado adds lead vocal and distinctive solo harmonica on Laughin' and Clowin', a slow blues and one of my favorites on the release. On up tempo, I Know You Don't Love Me, Salgado has the lead vocal again and does a great job. Sublett, on sax lays in a solid solo making it hard to stop your foot stomping. Wrapping the release is boogie track, Stuff You Gotta Watch with a great driving bass line by Fulcher and stellar work by Pugh on piano. Power horn work by Sublett and Lovitt work great with Schell's lead vocal and Sublett finishes the release with a hot sax solo. Very nice. 

This recording is dedicated to the memory of Mike Finnigan. All proceeds from sales are being donated to the scholarship program at The Mike Finnigan School of Music in Salina, Kansas. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Pierce Dipner - Goin' Back - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the first full length release, Goin' Back, from Pierce Dipner, and it's a solid blues entry. Opening with Fool's Gold, with it's classic blues vamp, Pierce Dipner on vocal and guitar leads the way. Backed by Arnold Stagger on bass, Blaise Lanzetta on drums and Joe Munroe on keys, were off to a strong start. Empty Bed Blues has a strong Elmore James feel with his familiar slide riff but Dipner's vocal and instrumentation is all his. On slow blues, Tore Us Apart, Dipner's guitar lead is cradled nicely in the warm keyboard work of Munroe. His vocals are solid and his solo lines are original and set the tone nicely, punched up by Stagger and Lanzetta. On Sean Costello's No Half Steppin', Dipner delivers on vocals with a more R&B feel, dressed nicely by Rick Matt on sax, JD Chaisson on trumpet and Reggie Watkins on trombone. Great radio track. Another R&B style track, Won't You Come Home has a real nice swagger. I particularly like Dipner's vocals on this track. With the thematic vamp by Dipner on guitar, he overdubs a real nice lead solo and really digs in, fired by the organ work of Munroe. Very nice.  Wrapping the release is Justin Townes Earle's Memphis In The Rain. Dipner really feels this style vocally and with horn work by Matt, Chaisson and Watkins and a cool solo of his own, this is a solid closer for a solid new release. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

EW Music artist: Emma Wilson - Wish Her Well - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Wish Her Well, from Emma Wilson and it's a tight blend of blues, rock, soul and pop. Opening with title track,  Wish Her Well, a cool, stripped down blues track, Emma Wilson shows her cool, aloof, singing  style that works nicely with Mat Hector on drums. Contemporary soul infused pop track, Little Love Bite has a cool melody and nicely blended instrumentation by Hector on drums, Mark Neary on bass and keys, Adam Chetwood on guitars making it s solid radio track. Blossom Like Snow is an interesting blend of blues, soul and pop with a really nice melody and light instrumentation with a firm drum rhythm and rhythm guitar supporting the strong vocal of Wilson. Very nice. One of my favorite tracks on the release is slightly funky She Isn't You. Wilson's vocals, and a strong bass line by Neary gives this track a lot of wind in it's sails. Very cool. Driving rocker, Not Paying really stretches with a potent vocal delivery and a pumped drum rhythm and the addition of Alessandro Brunetta on harmonica. Another soulful track, Back On The Road showcases Wilson's vocal warmth and with the addition of some southern soul style guitar riffs by Chetwood puts me in mind of the Muscle Shoals sound. Wrapping the release is Then I'm Gone, a soulful pop track with a heavy kick drum and Neary on bass and keys, supporting Wilson's vocals. This is a cool release with a little bit of everything. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Provogue artist: Robin Trower - No More Worlds To Conquer - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, No More Worlds To Conquer, from Robin Trower and I like it! Opening with Ball of Fire, Trower on guitar (and bass), joined by Richard Watts on vocal and Chris Taggart on drums set a solid foundation. Maintaining a trace of early Trower styling, this music sounds fresh and new with rock roots and blues influence. Trower's riffs show power that I rarely see in contemporary rock or blues and his runs are fluid and firm. Very cool. Title track, No More Worlds To Conquer, has rhythmic roots in that early Trower/Hendrix dialog but the track is all original. I like how Trower takes a basic concept and with only a trace of history makes a new and completely independent new track which has excellent strength. With only a bass line and drums to guide to concept, Trower crafts the new melody and solo line on guitar, giving Watts the pathway for the vocals. Excellent! Birdsong is one of my favorite tracks on the release with what I'd call very Troweresque phrasing. Watts vocals really work nicely in the slot and Trower's soulful guitar lead is nicely executed spelling out the blues in Trower's own language. Very nice! Wither On The Vine is another really strong track delivered in more of a ballad style but of course in a Trower manner. Watts really is an ideal singer for Trower's band with just the right feel and Trower's guitar phrasing on this track works so nicely that it could easily carry the release alone. The most flamboyant track on the release is The Razor's Edge with a slow, strutting rhythm and searing guitar lead. Trading call and response with Watts and with the firm bottom by Taggart, this is an excellent rocker. Wrapping the release is I Will Always Be Your Shelter, a quiet ballad for Trower but a cool showcase for Watts and an opportunity for Trower to play solo guitarist instead of lead guitarist. A nicely composed and executed track, a solid closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Little Village Foundation artist: Mighty Mike Schermer - Just Gettin' Good - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Just Gettin' Good, by Mighty Mike Schermer, and I really like it. Opening with title track, Just Gettin' Good, this release is off to a hot start. With Mighty Mike and Ms. Kimmy Pickens on lead vocal and the stinging guitar work of Mike out front, this track struts. With the fat bari sax work of Aaron Lington, and joined by Dmar on drums, Steve Ehrmann on bass, Tony Snead on organ, Eric Spaulding on tenor, Jeff Lewis on trumpet and Mike Rinta on trombone, this track is smokin'. On slow, soulful This Is Where My Love Is, Schermer sings a solid ballad and keeps the instrumentation to a minimum with Paul Revelli on drums, Steve Ehrmann on bass and Austin DeLone on organ.  On island track, The Hungry Dog, Schermer gets a calypso rhythm and the guys really get into the swing. June Core on drums, Kid Andersen on bass and vocal, Chris Burns on piano, Kimmy on percussion and Wally Pickins on vocal, this track is a lot of fun. Funky blues, Tired of Travellin', is one of my favorite tracks on the release. With Mike throwing down some great riffs, with Revelli on drums, Ehrmann on bass, Tony Snead on organ, Andersen on rhythm guitar and heavy horns by Jack Sanford on sax and John Halbleib on trumpet. Super. Another blues track with a funky bottom is Cook Up A Little Love. With Kimmy and Mike trading off lead vocal, Ehrmann on bass, Tony Snead on keys and D'mar on drums this track and Mikes grip on the guitar, another cool track. Rocker, Kimmy Kimmy Gimmee Gimmee has a early rocking feel with a lot of spunk. Wrapping the release is ska track, It's Not Me, It's You. With Revelli on drums, Ehrmann on bass, Austin DeLone on organ, Andersen on acoustic guitar, John Nemeth on vocal, Uncle Bernie on sax, Mike Kobin on trumpet and James Cody Arnholt on trombone, and with Mike taking a stylized guitar solo this is a fun party closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Gulf Coast Records artist: Bennett Matteo Band - Shake The Roots - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Shake The Roots, by Bennett Matteo Band and it's a funky, blues rocker. Opening with Doesn't Really Matter, a funky rocker, Jade Bennett on lead vocal is in charge. With Gino Matteo and Kid Andersen on guitar they are heavily armed and with Michael Burnham on funky bass, Carson Ford on drums, Jim Pugh and Kid Andersen on keys, Nic Clark on harmonica, Dmar on drums and with Lisa Leuschner, The Sons of the Soul Revivers and Kid Andersen on backing vocals, this is a great opener. Up tempo pop rocker, You're Nothing is a great showcase for Bennett,  Burnham really gets the bottom moving and Matteo's guitar solo is a ripper. Soulful, Paid & Broke is one of my favorites on the release with Bennett digging in deep vocally. With Pugh and Andersen on piano and organ, and perfectly placed guitar accents, this track has that warm Muscle Shoals feel. With it's drone bass line by Burnham and response vocals to Bennett's lead vocal, this track has a lot of grit. Instrumental tension under the vocals really plays nicely on this spiritually blues inspired track and a physical scream accenting the guitar soloing really hits hard. Very cool. Another soul inspired blues, Table For Two is a solid opportunity for Bennett to show her vocal chops. This really is a great demo and with strong vocal backing, hot bass lines by Burnham and excellent drumming by Dmar, the pressure is really mounting. Wrapping the release is pop fused When I Close My Eyes, with a definite radio melody and tight rhythm. Nic Clark on harmonica adds some solid riffs and the keyboard work keeps the pop feel anchored. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Horton Records artist: Brad Absher and the Superials - Tulsa Tea - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tulsa Tea, from Brad Absher and the Superials and it's a blend of R&B, country, rock, and blues giving it familiar feel. Opening with Be The Love, an R&B flavored rocker, Brad Absher on vocal and guitar leads the way with Matt Martin on drums, Dylan Layton on bass, Jake Hemphill on guitar, EZ Mireless on keys, and Danny Timms on Wurlitzer and Hammond. Goodbye for Now has real radio potential with the warm feeling of Dobie Gray's Slip away. Rocker, As Hard As I Can, has a mix of country and R&B giving it a cool flavor. I particularly like the slide guitar solo on this track giving it just a little taste of country over the organ work of  Timms. Funky, Should Be Prayin' is a cool blues with a great beat. Absher's vocals on this track are my favorite on the release, working nicely with Timms on organ and backing vocals by Charlie Redd & Briana Wright. Wrapping the release is another solid radio track, Turn It Up, with solid vocals by Absher with great backing by Wright and Timms' Hammons really pumps up the feel for a solid closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Ryan Lee Crosby - Winter Hill Blues - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Winter Hill Blues, from Ryan Lee Crosby and I like it. Opening with I'm Leaving, Crosby captures the Hill Country sound accompanying himself on guitar and backed by George Sluppick on drums and Mark Edgar Stuart on bass.   Title track, Winter Hill Blues is a really cool track showing Crosby's inclination to sing with a falsetto not unlike Skip James, his own natural voice actually being quite smooth. Crosby accompanies himself on guitar only and his guitar playing shows distinct Mali influence. Very nice. Going To Bentonia is another track that specifically caught my attention with particularly clean guitar playing, harmonic guitar tones and  falsetto vocals over a Hill Country style. Wrapping the release is Rev Robert Wilkins' Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down with Crosby on slide resonator and his natural voice. This is a really clean acoustic blues and a solid closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Endless Blues Records artist: Lew Jetton & 61 South - Deja Hoodoo - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Deja Hoodoo, by Lew Jetton & 61 South and it's a solid blues rocker. Opening with Two Lane Road, band leader Lew Jetton's vocals have grit and swagger and his guitar lead is notable. With another solid guitar player in Sam Moore, Dan Bell on keys, guitar and bass, Erik Eicholtz on drums and Greg Walker on bass this band has a strong flavor of Skynyrd without any of the stale after taste of 1980. Waffle House Woman is a clever rag style blues with an easy delivery. With country blues style picking and light percussion, and the addition of Bob Lohr on keys this is surely a crowd favorite. JD Wilkes on harmonica opens Betcha, a romping boogie with a great driving beat. I can just see my pal Stilladog whistling this one and increasing the tempo as he goes with blazing slide guitar and Fred Hoover on keys. Really nice. Swampy, I Been Cheated, has the great feel of a CCR track and Jetton's vocals hard work on guitar really pay off on this, one of my favorites on the release. Move On Yvonne is another great rocker with the addition of some terrific vocals by Miranda Louise. I love the harmonica work of Wilkes on this track and the overall groove is really strong. Sandy Lee digs in deep with the feeling of old school blues. Jetton's vocals, coupled with Wilkes on harmonica, James Sullivan on bass, and some real nice piano riffs by J Solon Smith on piano give this track a feel of authenticity. Easy shuffle, State Line Blues and a cool swinging pace and Jetton's vocals fall right into the groove. With Hoover on keys, Wilkes on harmonica and cool guitar riffs, this is another memorable track. Slow blues, Drinking Again is sure to hit home with a number of listeners with it's warm guitar chords and some of  Jetton's most soulful vocals on the release. Straight forward, melodic guitar lead, a cool bass line by Walker and tight rhythm by Eicholtz make this track another favorite. Wrapping the release is rocking boogie, Will I Go To Hell, with a simple bass line and drums. Jetton leads the drive on vocal and rhythm guitar and Wilkes adds tension on harmonica. This is a strong endless boogie in the flavor of John Lee Hooker and a great closer for a very enjoyable release. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

LeVee Town - Trying To Keep My Head Above Water - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Trying To Keep My Head Above Water, from Levee Town and it's a lot of fun. Opening with The Music Martyr, Levee Town, led by Brandon Hudspeth on vocal and guitar shows a bit of country influence but still rooted in the blues and rock. With Jacque Garoutte on bass and vocal and Adam Hagerman on drums, this is a solid, energetic opener. Little Milton's Lookin For My Baby has a traditional blues shuffle feel and Hudspeth's guitar work really rolls in the groove. Outside Child is a great blend of Bob Wills, Dan Hicks and Freddie King. With it's up tempo swing feel, lively vocals and fluid guitar riffs, this is one of my favorites on the release. Tarantino is a surf tune giving Hudspeth a wide range to lay in a lot of really nice stylized riffs. His naming the track Tarantino has to be a nod to QT's use of surf tracks in his movies and Levee Town really does an excellent job of spicing up this release. another strong track is She Might Kill You with cool vocal work by Hudspeth and Garoutte and really excellent guitar flash by Hudspeth. Stiff bottom accents by Hagerman and cool bass riffs by Garqotte really carry the track. Wrapping the release is Freddie King's classic The Stumble with unadorned King style riffs. This really is a cool release with a bit for everyone. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Many Hats Records artist: Michael Rubin - I'll Worry If I Wanna - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, I'll Worry If I Wanna, from Michael Rubin and I really like it. Opening with Little Rabbit, a cool shuffle. With an intro that parrots the Bunny Hop, Michael Rubin on lead vocal and harmonica sets a cool stage. Rubin has a great combination with his full harmonica voice and his own voice adds to the texture. Mike Keller on slide really does a great job backed by Michael Archer on bass, Mark Hays on drums and Emily Gimble on keys. Great opener. Go Milk Your Own Cow is a clever track with a zydeco feel. Rubin's vocal and harmonica is front and center but super adds by Dr. Sick on fiddle and Keller on guitar really make this track shine. With a rumba beat, Can We Break Up Again, is a really cool track with cool lyrical twists. Hays' drums pave the way but it's Rubin's wacky vocals and harmonica riffs that set this track out. Very cool. Blues jam and title track, I'll Worry If I Wanna really has a driving shuffle beat, lead by Keller on guitar, a great walking bass line by Archer and leading into a great harmonica blast by Rubin. Excellent! Slow blues, Chain Letter Blues has a much more serious approach, underpinned by Gimble on keys and Hays on drums. Rubin on lead vocal delivers the word and Keller takes a real nice guitar solo, leading into a nicely phrased solo by Rubin as well. Very nice. Wrapping the release is shuffle, Fourth Coast, which gives Rubin one last chance to blow the harmonica out. Rubin has a real nice hand at harmonica with fat tone, great harmonicas and interesting phrasing (and a sense of humor). Loved this release. Check it out! 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Gritbiscuit Records artist: Christopher Lockett - At The Station - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, At The Station, from Christopher Lockett and it's a cool blend of country, folk, rock and blues. Opening with The Reckoning, Christopher Lockett hits square on with military like precision. His vocals are strong and rugged and his electric guitar playing is crisp and bluesy. Joined by Fernando Perdomo on bass and drums and Kitten Kuroi on backing vocals this is a solid opener. Rocker, Bring Your Love On Home To Me is a solid radio style alt rock track. It really puts me in mind of Frank Black with a strong melody, country sensitivity, with Perdomo on keys and drums and understated guitar lead. Very nice. Kicking the country up another notch Wet A Line with Scarlet Rivera on violin and the addition of Kuroi on vocal harmony is a cool, country 2 stepper. Blues For Deford Bailey is a super track with Lockett on harmonica commemorating Bailey, the Grand Old Opry standout harmonica player. With solid train style harmonica playing and loose drumming by Perdomo this track fits perfectly. Country rocker, E Pluribus Unum is as straight forward as it gets with a great rhythm and melody and some flashy country style riffs. Closing with a Bo Diddley beat, Sweat Work features Lockett on vocal and harmonica,  Korey Simone on slide dobro and Perdomo on bass and drums. With a taste of Stones, solid closer for a really interesting release. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Gearbox Records artist: Binker Golding - Dream Like A Dogwood Wild Boy - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (June 17, 2022), Dream Like A Dogwood Wild Boy, from Binker Golding and it's a blend of rural blues and city jazz. Opening with (Take Me To The) Wide Open Lows with it's delta blues national steel guitar sounds by Billy Adamson, moving quickly to contemporary jazz with Sarah Tandy on piano, Sam Jones on drums, Daniel Casimir on bass and featuring Binker Golding on tenor sax. This track has many faces after switching from the purity of the delta to the slickest of the city soft jazz and finally to some really nice improvisational lines by Golding and Tandy. Love Me Like A Woman is a real interesting fusion with blues bones. Although Golding has the framing of contemporary riffs, his sensitivity runs to blues phrasing and terrific sax runs. Adamson steps up with some gritty blues phrasing of his own on guitar and with aggressive drum work by Jones, this is my favorite track on the release.  Some of the titles on this release have quite a bit of thought...take " Howling and drinking in god's own country". With Adamson on slide dobro and snappy New Orleans drumming by Jones this track really takes off. Golding has a real feel for improvisation. I don't always dig his central theme phrasing, but when he breaks away...watch out. Tandy pushes driving phrases on piano making this yet another really fine track. Wrapping the release is a more quiet and deliberate, All out of fairy tales with solid sax and piano melody lines. Cool steel guitar accompaniment work by Adamson and always exceptional drumming by Jones spices the work nicely. Solid closer to a curiously cool release.  

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Stony Plain Records artist: Ronnie Earl & The Broadcasters - Mercy Me - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Mercy Me, from Ronnie Earl & the Broadcasters and it's strong. Opening with Muddy Waters' classic shuffle, Blow Wind Blow in Earl style and it's great. With Diane Blue handling the lead vocals nicely, Dave Limina on B3, Paul Kochanski on bass and Forrest Padgett on drums and Peter Ward sharing the guitar work with Earl, this is a solid opener. Slow blues, Blues For Duke Robillard, is prime Earl. I know that this may sound repetitive, but although Earl is an excellent player across the spectrum, his flow and chops on slow blues instrumentals are really tops in todays market. His feel, phrasing and tone is excellent and this track is an excellent example. With a slight uptick, Anthony Geraci's A Prayer For Tomorrow, is another great jam showing Earl not only with strong lead phrasing but gripping trem bends and lush chords under the beautiful key work of Geraci. Very nice. Another great shuffle, Dave's Groove, has just the right feel with Earl playing just behind the beat adding nice tension. Mario Perrett lets it fly on tenor sax giving the track a fat horn push along with Limina's B3 work. Excellent! Percy Mayfield's Please Send Me Someone To Love features Blue again on lead vocal and powerful horn work by Perrett on tenor and Mark Earley on bari sax adding a real soulful feel. The warm B3 tone by Limina and Padgett's light drum rhythm lends an excellent slate for Earl's clean, complimentary guitar soloing. Clocking in at over 10 minutes, a terrific track. Wrapping the release is Higher and Higher, further reinforcing the R&B influences throughout the release. Blue gets a great groove going, backed by Tess Ferraiolo on backing vocals and with the warm, gospel feel of  Limina on B3 and piano, excellent sax work by Perrett and Earley really sets the stage for Earl's highlighted guitar accents. Very nice closer for a strong release. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE