CLICK ON TITLE BELOW TO GO TO PURCHASE!!!! CD submissions accepted! Guest writers always welcome!!

I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!


Please email me at Info@Bmansbluesreport.com
Showing posts with label Blues review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blues review. Show all posts

Monday, June 5, 2023

Kurt Allen - Live From The Red Shed - New Release Review

 


I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live From The Red Shed, by Kurt Allen and it's a solid blues rocker. Opening with Graveyard Blues, Kurt Allen on lead vocal and guitar, Gregory Schaberg on drums and Bill Morlan on bass have plenty of swagger and sting. Strong opener. Slow blues, How Long, really has the perfect crowd  components with tension, soulful vocals, a solid melody and solo guitar. Shuffle, Watch Yo Step has a real nice feel with a classic blues vamp and British blues feel. Allen rips it loose on slide for a rowdy conclusion. Wrapping the release is Better Think Twice, a cool blues jam with a great bass line giving Allen plenty of space to solo over the melody. This may be my favorite track on the release... a solid closer for a solid release.


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

 For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Thursday, May 25, 2023

Big Jake Records artist: Paul Filipowicz - Pier 43 - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Pier 43, by Paul Filipowicz and it's solid Filipowicz if you know his style. Opening with Old Time Superstition and Paul on slide guitar and vocal, this set is off to a good start. With it's blues rocky feel, Al Dorn on harp, Steve Lewis on bass and Brian Tito Howard on drums, this is a solid opener. Lewis opens title track, Pier 43 with a cool, sauntering bass vamp. Paul gets into a really nice groove with long flowing guitar lead and twisted blues riffs. Paul is no Clapton or Bonamassa but his notes are heartfelt and piercing. Talk about 9 plus minutes going fast...really! I particularly like When I Get To Town with a droning bass line by Lewis and jangly drum rhythms spurring on Paul and his RL Burnside like chanting. He is relentless on guitar always looking for that punctuation. Very cool. Paul digs up Slim Harpo's Hip Shake and with his unmistakable guitar/amp sound, this track really boogies. Sit still during this track you need to switch over to Brittany Spears. Another romping boogie, Cut You Loose - Texas Out is bound to get all the bodies out on the floor in the club and Paul brings the real feel of a juke joint. Love it. Wrapping the release a 1979 WIBA radio concert cut of Barry Goldberg's, Use My Imagination. Paul 's vocals are tame and melodic with Clyde Stubblefield on drums, Fat Richard Drake on sax, Will Smokey Logg on guitar, Gary Zappa on bass and John Chimes on piano. This is a cool closer to a real cool release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Tuesday, May 23, 2023

Landslide Records artist: Damon Fowler & Friends - Live At The Palladium - New Relase Review

 


I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live At The Palladium, by Damon Fowler & Friends and it's a smoking release. Opening with It Came Out Of Nowhere, a cool R&B infused blues track, Fowler on lead vocal and guitar is hot and heavy. I like his style and his voice. Joined by Dan Signor on keys, Justin Headley on drums, and Chuck Riley on bass, Fowler sets this one and lays his solo on the end like a pro. This is a fine opener. On Somethings Change, one of hte best Harmonica players on the planet, Jasson Ricci joins Fowler with some excellent riffs and both contributing to a energetic instrumental frenzy. Breaking into a a stretched reggae beat on Don't Feel Like Going There Today, Ricci, Fowler and Signor each have a turn at the wheel. Very nice. My favorite on the release, Tax Man, has a great blues structure ala Jeff Beck's Blues Deluxe. Fowler's vocals are excellent, coaxed along by Ricci who really lays it out there on harmonica. Fowler picks it up with tight low volume riffs but really knows how to work it, coming back with his soulful vocals. OI really like the swampy funk on Fruit Stand Lady. Fowler with Eddie Wright on guitar really sqeeze the juice out of this one. With it's double stop sound, this track is great! Wrapping the release is Sugar Shack with Fowler really laying the slide out there. After a chot solo by Signor, Fowler and Wright trade riffs, Fowler really leaning into the slide for an excellent closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Greenwave Music artist: Douglas Avery - Take My Rider - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Take My Rider, by Douglas Avery and it's jam packed with raw blues tracks. Opening with Kokomo Arnold's Bad Luck Blues, Avery on vocal and harmonica slips into a fine shuffle. Backed by Carl Sonny Leyland on piano, Franck Goldwasser spinning some real nice guitar riffs, Ralph Carter on bass and organ and Johnny Morgan on drums this is a solid opener. Original track, Malibu Burnin' opens with some really tasty slide work, a droning drum beat and thumping bass, providing a great backdrop for Avery on lead vocal. I like it raw and this is it. Little Walter's Just Keep Lovin' Her is a real nice showcase for Avery on harp. With a nice walking bass line, one of  my favorites on the release. Delta style Jelly Jelly is strong with slide resonator and Avery on harmonica. This is blues, man. Blind Owl Boogie has great tempo reinforced by Morgan and Carter. Avery's vocals are great and Goldwasser's guitar boogie is terrific with Avery on harmonica. Terrific. How about a little funk to get you up... Yup...we got it. Good To Me has a great funky guitar rhythm, a reinforcing bass line and Avery on harmonica riding the wave. Punched up by Aaron Liddard on sax, Jerome Harper on trombone and Simon Finch on trumpet, James Brown is smiling. Wrapping the release is radio trrack, Looking Over A Rainbow featuring Avery on vocal, accompanied by Leyland on piano. I really like this release. It really has some raw energy and pure blues. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Wednesday, May 17, 2023

WildRoots Records artist Dyer Davis - Dog Bites Back - New release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Dog Bites Back, from Dyer Davis and I just gotta say, anyone who opens an album with a first class cover of a Jeff Beck rocker gets a free pass in my book and hearing Let Me Love You blowing out of my speakers with raw vocals and electrofired guitar riffs is great. Backed by Billy Dean on drums, Victor Wainwright on piano, Stephen Dees on bass, this track is excellent! Cryin' Shame has a bit of a R&B feel but is strong rock blues with clean guitar riffs and strong vocals by Davis. With David Weatherspoon on drums , Jacob Barone on bass, Billy Chapin on rhythm guitar and excellent trumpet punctuation and accents by Joe Young, Davis squeezes out for fine blues on buitar. Very nice. I really like the R&B feel of Lifting Up My Soul which makes a nice radio track. It's melody is strong and with melodic lead guitar and powerful horn work by Mark Earley and Patricia Ann Dees, this is strong. Title track, Dog Bites Back really has a nice bluesy rock groove and a strong guitar hook. Davis' lead vocals are really great and his command of the style of rock really is commendable. Great track. Wrapping the release is AKA which is consistant with the release and overall great writing. I really like Davis' vocals and his understated overall guitar attack is really nice. He can step on the gas at any time and pull the horses. The band is solid, tight and well presented. Looking forward to hearing more of this.


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Monday, May 15, 2023

Cornelius Chapel Records artist: Ernie Vincent Original Dap King - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Original Dap King, by Ernie Vincent and it's great mix of R&B, blues, soul and funk. Opening with Body Shop, with it's funky feel, Ernie Vincent on lead vocal and guitar really gets it going. Jimbo Mathus drive the train on piano with Taylor Hollingsworth on guitar, Hank West on horns, Matt Patton on bass, Bronson Tew on drums and with wicked backing vocals by AJ Haynes, Schaefer Llana and Matt Patton. Blues rocker, Jealousy, is a cool, laid back track with super vocals and nicely stylized guitar work. Blues Filler is a funky groove with Vincent singing in what I'd call a Jimi Hendrix style and distorted, blues based rock guitar riffs. Very cool. On Seven Sisters, Vincent really does a nice job of singing and trading vocal lead with his blues rock guitar lead. Mathus' percussive piano rhythm adds nicely to the well poised bass lines of Patton and Tew's excellent drum work. With it's James Brown rhythm, emphasized by Hollingsworth's guitar and West on horns, Guilty as Funk has a real nice pop funk feel and lead/backing vocals by Haynes, Llana and Patton give the track a 70's R&B feel. West lays in a sassy sax solo really giving this track a kick. Wrapping the release is piano shuffle, Early Times with Vincent on lead vocal and hot rockabilly style riffs on guitar and West on sax. Solid closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Tuesday, May 9, 2023

Endless Blues Records artist: Mick Kolassa - For The Feral Heart - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, For The Feral Heart, by Mick Kolassa, and it's got a solid mix of blues, Latin and pop track. Opening with Running To You, Kolassa on vocal and guitar leads the way with a galloping rhythm by Andrew McNeil on drums and Bill Ruffino on bass. Jeff Jensen on guitar, and Rick Steff on keys round out the mix for this solid opener.  A redo of Dave Mason's Feeling Alright really has a great feel with it's creeping "Season of the Witch" sensability. Steff's key work is spot on and Jensen's guitar work hypnotic with key backing vocals by Tullie Brae. Very nice. Easy flowing, Love Ain't Supposed To Make You Cry is another track to watch with really sumptuous guitar lead by Jensen, reminicent of the late Peter Green early in his career. Very nice. Love In My Size is a strong acoust ballad with a grat melody. Kolassa on acoustic guitar and vocal is nicely highlighted by Jensen on slide guitar really making this track stand out. Wrapping the release is classic pop track, As Time Goes By, with a traditional arrangement. Accompanied by Ruffino on bass, Steff on piano, Tom Leonardo on drums, a simple finish. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Monday, May 8, 2023

Regina Royale Records artist: Diane Blue All-Star Band - Live! At The Fallout Shelter - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live! At The Fallout Shelter, by  Diane Blue All-Star Band and it's a funky blues party. Opening with I Got A Good Thing and a cool R&B feel, Diane Blue on vocal gets things rolling with Lorne Entress on drums, Dave Limina on Hammond and Chris Vitarello on guitar. Reggae infused blues track, I Cry has a real nice feel with Limina setting up a cool bass line  (on keys) under Diane's solid vocal phrasing. Vitarello lays in a real nice guitar solo with fluid runs and gripping punctuation. Guitar virtuoso, Ronnie Earl takes center stage on slow blues, Leave Me Alone and of course he has some of the sweetest blues phrasing on the planet. Frequently paired with Diane, I think that he brings out the best in her. This is a deeply soulful track with warm Hammond work by Limina and of course an excellent solo by Earl and Vitarello. My favorite track on the release. Blues rocker, Take A Look is a strong radio contender with a great melody, really nice vocals by Diane, a slick solo by Vitarello and great balance overfall. Shuffle, I'm Gonna Get You Back, really is a great track with Diane hitting the groove. Vitarello and Limina both lay down some somking riffs making this a real great track. Wrapping the release is high strung, Push On Through, with Diane really swinging. Vitarello shows excellent dexterity and chops on guitar and Limina turns up the heat on Hammond making this an excellent closer. 



View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Friday, May 5, 2023

Ruf Records artist: Eddie 9V - Capricorn - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Capricorn, by Eddie 9V and it follows his earlier releases chocked full of excellent blues guitar work, soul, R&B and blues. Opening with Beg Borrow and Steal, this track reall has the sound of the soulful south and Muscle Shoals and Capricorn Studios where this release was recorded. With Eddie on lead vocal, drums, bass and guitar,  Chad Mason on keys, Noah Sills on sax, Cody Matlock on rhythm guitar,  and Dusty Mccook Guitars. Solid opener. Slow blues, Are We Through has a real soulful feel with excellent vocals by Eddie. This is certainly one of my favorite tracks on the release with the addition of Spencer Pope on organ and some really tasty guitar riffs by Eddie. Excellent! Another cool, R&B track, It's Going Down has great radio appeal with Hoah Sills on alto sax and Chad Mason on keys. Very nice. Surprise track, Bob Dylan's, Down Along the Cove brings back rich memories of one of my own blues mentors, Duane Allman and his session work on Johnny Jenkins Muscle Shoals release. This arrangement is sweet, Eddie's vocals are great and the slide work excellent with top notch piano work by Mason! Another excellent cover is Mary Don't You Weep with lead vocal by Khristie French with full vocal gospel backing. Rich. Wrapping the release is I'm Lonely, and its Al Green feel. Eddie's vocals are really nice and the punchy horn work of Daniel Wytanis and with Tony Erice on percussion makes this a strong closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Seth Rosenbloom - As The Crow Flies - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, As The Crow Flies, from Seth Rosenbloom and it's reall good. Opening with title track, As The Crow Flies, Seth Rosenbloom shows excellent vocal skills and plays lead guitar, paired with Ryan Taylor on slide guitar and backed by Jesse Williams on bass, Bruce Bears on organ, and Mark Teixeira on drums. Taylor on rhythm and slide really works nicely to give Rosenbloom plenty of active guitar work to solo over with really strong results. Nice opener. Poised vocal phrasing over a really nice bass line makes Set Me Free a prominant leader for the radio track on the release. With full backing vocals by Sonya Rae Taylor and Erica Van Pelt, this is a real cool track. Slow blues, Can't Trust Your Neighbor, not only gives Rosenbloom a great opening to demonstrate his vocal skills, but show his excellent blues guitar phrasing and dexterity. My favorite track on the release. Excellent! Shuffle track, Ain't Nothing Wrong, with it's snare reinforced lope really hits the spot and gived Rosenbloom a great opening to lay down some Texas style riffs. Wrapping the release is slow blues, Give Me The Ring Back with it's BB King style phrasing is a really great closer. Rosenbloom is a great vocal front man and his call and response phrasing is strong. This track will have you sitting back and nodding your head. Great closer for a really strong release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Tuesday, May 2, 2023

Big Blue Records artist: Barbara Blue - From The Shoals - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, From The Shoals, by Barbara Blue, and it's some funky, R&B blues. Opening with The Shoals, Barbara Blue on lead vocal leads way with a stellar backing band featuring  Bernard Purdie on drums, David Hood on bass, Clayton Ivey on keys and Will McFarlane on guitar. On Clarence Carter's Tell Mama, Blue adds a nice compliment of Marc Franklin on trumpet, and Brad Guin on sax plus Davor Hacic- Hutch on guitar for a solid rendition of the classic track. Shuffle track, Slide Man is a cool track featuring Blue on vocal and McFarlane on slide guitar. With it's catchy melody and smooth guitar work, this is a cool number. Too Far is my favorite track on the release with it's arpeggiated guitar submelody and excellent guitar lead by McFarlane and strong sax work by Guin. Wrapping the release is slow boogie, Trail of Tears with it's drone bass line by Hood and strong vocal lead by Blue, nicely accented by McFarlane and Hacic-Hutch. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Monday, May 1, 2023

Subcat Records artist: Tas Cru - Riffin' The Blue - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Riffin' The Blue, by Tas Cru and it's got a little bit of everything. Opening with title track, Riffin' The Blue, an easy shuffle with Cru on vocal and featuring Mike Zito on lead guitar, backed by Bill Barry on organ, Ron Keck on percussion, Lenny Milano on drums. With a rich piano intro by Katz on One More Time, Cru on guitar sets the stage with lush phrasing and his own soulful singing, cradled by Katz on organ. Backed by Andy Hearn on drums and Bob Purdy, this is a cool track. My favorite track on the release is House of the Blues, with it's slow, deep bluesy feel and Katz's fat organ bottom. Mary Ann Casale adds some really nice backing vocals and this may be Cru's best vocal effort on the release. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Memphis Gone with Cru on vocal, paired with Zito on slide guitar and only the minimal piano by Katz. With the addition of Casale, Keck, Hearn and Purdy, this is a solid closer for an enjoyable release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Friday, April 28, 2023

Phenix Fire Records artist: Vanessa Collier - Live at Power Station - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live at Power Station, from Vanessa Collier and it's energetic. Opening with The Run Around, Collier has the mic vocally and on sax on a driving rocker. With the incredible Laura Chavez on guitar, William Gorman on keys, Andrew Crane on bass, and Byron Cage on drums, this is a bright opener. Rolling, Whiskey and Women has a really nice feel and is a grat showcase for Collier's voice. Chavez lays in a solid solo and Collier caps on the track with a nasty solo of her own. Sweatin' Like A Pig, Singin'' Like An Angel has a cool, swampy New Orleans styling and I really like the interplay between Chavez and Collier instrumentall over the tight bottom provided by Cage and Crane. Excellent track. On Chris Smither's, Love Me Like A Man  Chavez really shines and Collier not only really rips it vocally but gets a great groove going on her sax. Excellent track. Pulling out her James Brown funkiness on Tongue Tied and Chavez pulling  a strong grinding rhythm on guitar, Coolier shows great vocal feel. Gorman solos on electric keys and Collier expands on Maceo's lineage. Wrapping the release is rock and roller, Two Parts Sugar, One Part Lime and Chavez shows her rocking style. Collier solos in her best R&B style and the track is a runaway train. With boogie piano by Gorman and a tight bottom by Crane and Cage, this is an excellent closer for a really enjoyable release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Thursday, April 27, 2023

Origin Records artist: Rodney Whitaker - Oasis: The Music of Gregg Hill - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Oasis: The Music of Gregg Hill, from Rodney Whitaker and it's a strong outing. Opening with bass driven, Betty's Tune featuring Rockelle Fortin on lead vocal. Bruce Barth on piano, Whitaker on bass and Dana Hall on drums really cement this piece together and excellent top work by Terell Stafford on trumpet and Tim Warfield really highlight the track. Excellent opener. Next up is Puppets with it's quiet piano/drum/bass bottom and Stafford with his muted trumpet laying out the melody. As the tune lays back into a more bop feel, Warfield on soprano sax really sings. Barth kicks it to double time on piano with a exciting piano solo and Whitaker stands out with the standup. Very cool. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Minorabilia with it's traditional bop feel. Stafford on trumpet and Warfield on tenor sax hold the melody, reinforced by Barth on piano. This track really hits a great groove featuring first Barth on piano. His phrasing is tight and lush, expanded by Whitaker and Hall who double time the rhythm. Stafford really sits down in the groove and kicks it before handing if off to Warfield on tenor reminding me of the Miles/Cannonball exchanges of the 50's. An energetic bass solo by Whitaker with only punctuation by Barth and snappy drum rhythm by Hall ...Really terrific. With it's walking bass line, Blues For Gregg, Whitaker wastes no time stepping front and center laying down the first solo, punctuated by Barth on piano. Taking the reins, Barth really gets things moving with great movement, followed by Warfield on sax. Stafford's trumpet work on this track is really strong with perfect tone and heat and Hall's footwork works nicely with his snare attack. Great tune. Wrapping the release is title track, Oasis, the most radio like track on the release featuring Fortin on vocal over a primarily spartan backing. A tasty trumpet solo by Stafford, a stylish soprano sax solo by Warfield, and a particularly groovy piano solo by Barth, folllowed by a funky bass solo by Whitaker make this i solid closer for a reall cool release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Trabants - Lockdown - New Release Review

 


I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Lockdown, by Trabants and I really like it. Opening with Freddy King flavored, Detour, Eric Penna has the lead (melody) on guitar, joined by Pete Curry on bass and drums. Penna has his own sound, but the influence is definitely King and a great opener. Title track, Lockdown was inspired by the Covid pandemic and it's obvious that these musicians didn't let the time go to waste. Influenced by the likes of British blues masters like Rory Gallagher and Peter Green title track, Lockdown is a solid slower blues featuring Penna laying down clean lead guitar phrasing over simple drum / bass backing. Quarantine is a cool improvisational blues that has thematic influence by Peter Green's Fleetwood Mac to my ear. With Penna on acoustic guitars, Glenn Brigman on Farfisa, and Curry on drums, this is an interesting venue. Tears In Rain is a strong soulful ballad with Penna on lead guitar and Hammond Organ, Anthony Brisson on drums. This may be my favorite track on the release with Penna's solid melodic soloing. Wrapping the release is Mudlark with some wide open acoustic picking and acoustic slide guitar. With a bright backing ambience this is a smart closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Tuesday, April 25, 2023

Ella & The Bossa Beat - In The Moment - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, In The Moment, from Ella & The Bossa Beat and I really like it. Opening with Speak From The Heart, Ella Borges on all vocals, piano and bass really create a lush sound supported by her father Magrus Borges on drums. The Latin rhythm is captivating and Ella's vocals intoxicating. On Dreamer, Kim Freitas on acoustic guitar provides a clean rhythm base for Ella's vocal and Jonathan Dills on cello adds a deep richness under Ella's piano and layered vocals, supported nicely by Magrus' percussion. Excellent! I love the neo soul feel on O Tempo Traz and Ella's Portuguese vocals really add a special feel. Wrapping the release is What Happened To Our Love, a straignt up pop track with it's straight forward radio appeal. A sweet melody, lush vocal, and nicely accompanied keyboard work, held tight by Magrus is a solid closer for a really nice release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Monday, April 24, 2023

Eastlawn Records artist: Planet D Nonet - Blues To Be There - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues To Be There, by Planet D Nonet and it's strong! Opening with Spacemen, a high energy romp, With excellent trumpet lead by James O'Donnell and Michael Zaporski on piano, this track is hot. Alex Harding on bari sax, and Christopher Tabaczynski on tenor sax,  and Tbone Paxton on trombone really sail with Charlie Miller on trumpet, Alex Colista on alto sax, Trevor Lamb on string bass and Sean Perlmutter on drums. Title track, Blues To Be There finds Zaporski laying down the melody on piano with Colista, Tabacynski, Wyche, O'Donnell, Miller Paxton, Lamb and Perlmutter joining in. O'Donnell blows some really soulful work on trumpet giving this track a great feel. Purple Gazelle is one of my favorite tracks on the release with it's Latin rhythm, powerful bari sax work by Harding, hot clarinet by Tabaczynski, and brass highlights by O'Donnell, Miller and Paxton. Wrapping the release is VIP's Boogie / Jam with Sam. This is a smoking number with O'Donnell crusin on trumpet. Paxton takes an excellent solo on trombone followed by Wyche bari on sax, Bills on tenor sax and Zaporski on piano. Excellent closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening