Ruf Records artist: Mitch Ryder - Songs From The Road - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Songs From The Road, by Mitch Ryder and it's a solid rocker. Opening with Lilli May, Mitch Ryder fronts the band on vocal with Laura Chavez and Sean Athens on guitars, Tomek Germann on bass, Denis Palatin on drums and Lea Worms on keys. On bluesy, All The Fools It Sees, Ryder digs deep with nicely phrased soul vocals with glistening keyboards by Worms and Athens on acoustic guitar lays in some real tasty riffs. Latin flavored, Oh What A Night has really great movement focused by Palatin and Germann and a sweet piano solo by Worms really works nicely. Chavez dishes up a blistering guitar solo and Worms' backing vocals with Ryder make this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Chavez and Athens pair up nicely for dual guitar leads on War and the texture of this track really suits Ryder's vocal style. Athens steps up with a real nice guitar solo on this one and Worms ramps up the heat on organ. Country flavored, It Wasn't Me, features Athens on slide guitar. Ryder crafts the tale with stinging guitar lead by Chavez and Worms on organ and the tight drum rhythm of Palatin. Wrong Hands is another solid rocker with quite a bit of swagger. Chavez and Athens dish on the Richards style rocker with mean intent and Worms on electric piano adds real brightness. A jam on The Doors', Soul Kitchen really is pretty strong giving Chavez a wide berth to lay down some soulful riffs and showing her chops. Worms creates a Manzarek feel on keys and Ryder does a real nice job on the Lizard Kings' lyrics. Very cool. Wrapping the release is ballad, The Artist featuring Ryder singing with Worms on electric piano and keys. Solid closer for a cool concert.

  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 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

Murali Coryell - Soul Of A Nation - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Soul Of A Nation, from Murali Coryell and it's a driving blues rocker. Murali Coryell, son of famed fusion guitar wizard, Larry Coryell is ready with his 10th studio album. Opening with blues rocker, Pardon Me, Coryell on guitar and vocal is joined by Bill Foster on bass, and Peter O'Brien on drums. A straight up track with a solid groove and interesting phrasing is a solid opener. Rocker, Severe Anxiety, is one of my favorites on the release with a strong melody and relentless guitar work. Very cool. Title track, Soul Of A Nation, has a R&B feel and strong radio opportunity with a great melody and an almost Darryl Hall vibe. Coryell really digs in on Ukraine War Cries with it's blues basis and gripping vocals, really giving Coryell the platform to make his guitar scream. Very nice. Wrapping the release is laid back soul track, Eyes Wide Open with a smooth melody and Mayfield like melody. With Ernie Durawa on drums, Lannie Hilboldt on bass, Will Owens Gage on guitar and Joe Morales on sax, this is 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 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

Pour Soul Records artist: Johnny Max and His So Called Friends - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Johnny Max and His So Called Friends and it's a great blend of NO blues, country, rock and a big pot of fun. Opening with You Can Do Better Than Him, Johnny Max on vocal leads the way with Jim Casson laying down a great NO style drum rhythm and Bill Evans on piano. Mitch Lewis and Dylan Wickens, and Wayne DeAdder add real nice guitar riffs and with Steve Goldberger on bass this is a fun opener. Another track with a bit of attitude and with an easy country beat, I've Said All The Sorrys I'm Gonna Say, should get some good airplay with super lyrics and vocals. Max on vocal is joined by DeAdder who also does some cool guitar work and Casson on drums keeps a steady keel. One of my favorite tracks on the release is I've Never Met A Bridge, with it's country blues feel. N. Jay Burr on tuba adds great bass lines and Max's vocal delivery is perfect over a basic guitar rhythm by Lewis. Another favorite is Memphis Women & Fried Chicken with Wickens playing some wicked guitar lead and Max really grinding in the soul music with backing vocals by Suzie Vinnick, and Quisha Wint and warm organ work by Evans. Excellent. Kiss From Joanne really has a Lowell George flavor with Casson really keeping it tight under Max, Vinnick and Wint on backing vocals. DeAdder's slide work really adds the right spice and with Russ Boswell on bass and Casson on piano. Really nice. Wrapping the release is s cover of The Goldcoast Singers' Plastic Jesus. Max singing this clever track along with Lewis on acoustic guitar is a perfect closer for a truly 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 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

Maremil Music artist: Alex Lopez - Retro Revival - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Retro Revival, from Alex Lopez and it's a solid blues rocker. Opening with One More Time, Alex Lopez on guitar and vocal leads an updated blues number with acoustic rhythm and fiery electric lead by Lightning of Memphis Lightning. Vocal harmonies and with the backing of Steve Roberts on bass and Kana Leimbach on drums make this a solid opener. Soulful vocals by Lopez make When I Sing The Blues a standout track with simple arpeggiated rhythm guitar and basic drum and bass backing. R&B track, What The World Needs Now has a super beat and Lopez's vocals saturated with keyboard backing and an electrifying guitar solo by Lopez works great. Cranking up the rock edge a bit with a solid rock riff and heavy bottom and kick drum, Angry has real attitude. Wrapping the release is Keep On Living with ringing acoustic guitar and subtle vocals. Settling into an easy rock rhythm George Harris adds to B Bender guitar work giving the track a nice balance. 

  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 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

Charles Tiner - Good Soul - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Good Soul, from Charles Tiner, and it's a solid mix or soul, rock and blues. Opening with Be A Man, Charles Tiner on keys and John Virgin develop the intro. Tiner with rich lead vocal leads the way and fluid guitar riffs by Virgin backed by Jamahi Patterson on drums and Charles Fox on bass for a deluxe opener. Easy blues, Blue Moon really showcases Tiner's soulful vocal work joined by Regina Stewart-Byrd and strong guitar lead by Travis Aldridge. Very cool. Theo Fisher lays in some real nice sax work on Peace By The River, a powerful vocal track featuring Tiner really digging in on enveloping keys. Solid radio track. R&B track, She Made A Move On Me is one of my favorite tracks on the release with a lightly funky rhythm by Tiner on keys, Virgin on guitar and William Bryant on bass. A strong radio track is Don't Be A Fool Too Long with Tiner on lead vocal and keys, backing vocals by Johnetta Jay Williams and Conrad Lee on lead, rhythm and bass guitar. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Put Your Money On Me, an easy shuffle pairing Tiner's vocal and keys with Chris Camp on harmonica, Fox on bass and backing vocals by Sandra Chappel, and Stewart-Byrd. Very nice 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 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

Reckless and Blue - Seven Deadly Gins - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Seven Deadly Gins, by Reckless and Blue and it's  solid blues rocker. Opening with Come Back, Shaunda Fry on lead vocals sets the charge with George Williams on slide guitar, Tom Dillard on bass and Steve Gaskin on drums. Pounding opener. Slow blues track, Triftin' Blues is a nice showcase for Williams who has the mic and shines on lead guitar.  With Allen Anderson on keys providing a firm rhythm and a solid bass line by Dillard, this track has strong footing and Fry's lead vocals on the second phrase is powerful. Burnin' Daylight is another track featuring Williams on lead vocal and guitar. Fry's vocal work adds nice depth and Anderson's key solo is solid. If The Blues Was Whiskey is my favorite track on the release with nicely blended backing vocals by Annie Phillips and Ernie Martinez and just the right amount of edge. I also like Williams' saturated tone on guitar adding richness. Wrapping the release is cool blues, Stormy Night in Denver. With solid lead work by Williams and added horn work by Jeff Miguel and Derek Banach on trumpet, this is a strong closer for the set. 

 

  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 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

Corey Ledet Zydeco & Black Magic - Live In Alaska - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live In Alaska by Corey Ledet Zydeco & Black Magic and it's a super party. Opening with This is All I Want, Corey Ledet  starts the party with rowdy vocals and accordion with Jean-Paul Jolivette on drums. Soulful, I Just Wanna Be Your Loving Man, keeps the sprit with the addition of solid backing vocals by Cecil Green, James Adams, and Julian Primeaux who also adds some tasty guitar riffs. Creole Cruising is one of my favorite tracks on the release with a great Isley Brothers feel. Ledet creates the melody with accordion and tight drum rhythm by Jolivette on drums. Soaring guitar lead by Lucien Hayes really elevates the track and tasty piano work by Cecil Green adds the perfect depth. M'Ape Gonn A Dauphine is a solid blues great vocals and accordion by Ledet and featuring a super guitar solo by Primeaux and soulful keyboards by Green. Wrapping the release is a Zydeco rocker with a driving beat. Hayes and Primeaux really get the guitar riffs flowing and Green on keys really amps things up. This is a super closer for a super party cd. 

  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 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

MoMojo Records artist: Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps - Bad At Being Good - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Bad At Being Good, by Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps and it's solid. Opening with upbeat, Love's A Full Time Job, Teresa James on lead vocal and piano sets the pace with Terry Wilson on bass, Billy Watts on guitar, Tony Braunagel on drums, Darrell Leonard on trumpet and Paulie Cerra on sax, this is a hot opener. With a real sway, I Got This Thing has a nice groove. Wilson sets a super bass line and James really digs in with sassy vocals and Watts guitar work add some real sting. Trouble In Paradise is one of my favorite tracks on the release with a lightly funky beat and excellent vocals by James. Dean Parks sits in on lead guitar and his and Kevin McKendree on Wurlitzer gives the track a real mellow feel. Very nice.  Bluesy, Treat Her Like You Want Her To Treat You is an excellent showcase for James and soulful horn work by Leonard and Cerra adds real nice depth. The addition of McKendree on B3 and Bennett Salvay on piano add nicely to Wilson's guitar lead. Braunagel's drum line on We Came To Rock and Watts' lead guitar work really shine and James continues to demonstrate that she can sing any style. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Close Down The Blues Bar has a great lope courtesy of Braunagel and James on piano. James vocals are so thick and tasty and Watts' guitar work so spot on, this is an excellent closer for a really tight 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 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

Far-Tone Records artist: Ryan Hartt - Be About It! - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Be About It! from Ryan Hartt and it's quite good! Opening with blues rocker, Breakin' Even, Ryan Hartt is great on lead vocals and his harmonica tone if full and his riffs crisp. I particularly love Jad Tariq's guitar tone and he lead soloing is really strong. Backed by Nick Toscano on drums and Jeffrey Berg on bass, I love this opener. Harmonica jam, All Night Long, has a great driving rhythm with Hartt punching the single note melody on harmonica and a dimensionality added by Tariq on guitar. With a chorus of All Night Long and drums and bass, this is one of the best mostly one note tracks I've ever heard. Really! Mel London's I Wonder Why is a terrific showcase for Nick Adams on lead guitar and Hartt's vocals are smooth as silk leading into warm harmonica soloing. Hartt's phrasing is soulful and fresh.  Very nice. Chicago styling really carries That's Right You're Wrong, a great blend of Hartt on vocal and lush harmonica chops, Adams' sure handed guitar lead and a tight rhythm section. Excellent track. Slow blues, Lonely Hour is really nice featuring Hartt on harmonica and lead vocal, Brooks Milgate on piano and Tom Ferraro on guitar. Milgate lays down a really nice solo leading to a deep throated harmonica exploration by Hartt. Wrapping the release is Pee Wee King's classic ballad, You Belong To Me, with Hartt articulating the melody on Harmonica. Playing it somewhat straight with stylistic variations, this is a solid 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 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

Little Village artist: Kyle Rowland - Not Holding Back! - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Not Holding Back!, from Kyle Rowland and it's super. Opening with funky blues, Convict No. 1, Kyle Roland on lead vocal and harmonica shows real feel, with blues master Johnny Burgin and his trademark style giving the track real spunk. Jim Pugh on clavinet, Ronnie James Weber on bass, June Core on drums round out the band for a solid opener. Rick Estrin's  I'll Take You Back, is up next and I really like Rowland's vocal style. Burgin is front and center again on guitar and Kid Andersen on guitar adds nicely as well. Pugh on piano, Weber on bass and Core drums set the stage but it's Rowland's harmonica that really tells the story on this one. Excellent! Burgin opens blues rocker, You Got The Nerve Of A Brass Monkey, and Pugh on piano and Mr Anson Funderburgh adds real guitar flair on this track with Weber and Core rounding out the troops. Original track, Gamblin' Blues, is one of my favorite tracks on the release with excellent vocals and with Rowland accompanying himself on raggedy ass, JL Hooker style, guitar and harmonica...this is real blues! St. Louis Jimmy Oden's Complete This Order, is terrific with Burgin and Bob Welsh adding tight guitar work and Rowland really blows it out on harmonica adding to his strong vocals. Stockton Boulevard is a cool instrumental shuffle featuring Rowland on harmonica with some stellar riffs and Justin MacCarthy on guitar. With Andersen on B3, Randy Bermudes on bass, and Myles Silveira on drums. Another favorite on the release is Junior Parker's Backtracking with it's soulful pace. Rowland was made to sing this track and his harmonica wails. Trademark guitar fanning by Burgin and Welsh on piano really kicks up the fire. Wrapping the release is a remake of traditional, This Train, and Rowland really adds the rocking blues. His harmonica work is tight as is MacCarthy's guitar work and his vocals soulful and juicy. Excellent closer for a really terrific 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 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

Seismic Blues Music artist: Grant Lyle - And Now - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, And Now, from Grant Lyle, and it's bluesy, stylish and catchy. Opening with Won't Let You Go, Grant Lyle on vocal and guitar crafts a solid radio style with smooth vocals, active lead work and strong support from Scott Brammer on bass and Michael Sloski on drums. Another radio ready track, Lose It, has a slight country twist with super vocals and a mix of cool double stopped and bent lead work reinforced by Brammer on drums. Asylum features Roly Platt on harmonica and soulful vocals, give this track an interesting twist and Lyle's clean, straightforward guitar lead adds a gritty texture. Lyle's solid vocals are the key to title track, And Now with stylized guitar lead adorning the track nicely. Wrapping the release is Steve Winwood's classic rocker, Gimme Some Lovin' with Sloski really cranking up the drums, the addition of Rob Gusevs on keys, Jenna Harding and Pat Dickinson on backing vocals and real nice slide work by Lyle. Powerful 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 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

Greg Nagy - Just A Little More Time - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Just A Little More Time, by Greg Nagy and it's straight up R&B flavored blues. Opening with title track, Just A Little More Time, Greg Nagy on lead vocal and guitar sets the pace with a solid radio track. With a strong melody, and nicely crafted backing this track is very nice. Featuring Josh Ford on rhythm guitar, John Barron on bass, Todd Glass on drums, Jim Alfredson on keys, Keith Kaminski on sax and Charlie Miller on trumpet, this is a solid opener. Breaking Me (but making me a better man) really has that blues telling feel but with R&B underpinnings, the track sounds very fresh. A clean guitar solo by Nagy over warm organ by Alfredson cements the deal. Bobby Murray's soulful track, Love Letter, really works nicely in the set with it's warm vocals by Nagy and clever guitar work by Bobby Murray and with James Hughes on sax, Jimmy Smith on trumpet and Matt Martinez on trombone. Tony Joe White's classic, Rainy Night In Georgia, is a terrific track and a great selection for Nagy with his rich vocals, backed by Miller, Kaminski, Alfredson, Glass and Barron. Very nice. Wrapping the release is John Lee Hooker's, I'm In The Mood, with a tempered attack. Nagy on vocal and guitar keeps the pace understated and Alfredson stretches nicely on organ. Nagy plays a tasty guitar solo of his own with Donny Brown on drums and Rocco Popielarski on bass closing out the set.

  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 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

Big Jake Records artist: Paul Filipowicz - Breakwater - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Breakwater, from Paul Filipowicz and it's consistently strong. Opening with Tuff Girl, a driving blues number, Paul Filipowicz on vocal and lead guitar always comes at you guns blazing. His vocals are raw and real and his guitar playing is authentic and explosive. Backed by Steven Dougherty on drums and E.G. McDaniel on bass, this is a potent opener. Title track,  Breakwater, has a lot of traits that I love about Mississippi Hill Country music with heavy drum beats by Dougherty, Jimmy Voegeli on organ and wailing, Buddy Guy like guitar wailing. Excellent! Another great track, Lefty Philips, is built around an old Sonny Boy Williamson riff with Martin Lang on harp. Filipowicz grinds out a great jam and with his trademark vibrato and backing from McDaniel and Dougherty. Ashes In The Wind has that great Hill Country drum rhythm emphasized by  Dougherty and grinding guitar lead with vocal by Filipowicz. You want that honest, bone shaking, guttural blues...here you go! On Magic Sam's That's Why I'm Crying, Maggie Aliotta is featured on lead vocal giving Filipowicz plenty of space to focus on his riffs. With Voegeli on organ, Dougherty on drums and McDaniel on bass, Filipowicz plays some of his most refined guitar lead on the release. Wrapping the release is Rollcage, a real rocking romper featuring Filipowicz one last chance to show what makes him so great. I can't say enough how much pleasure it gives me when I see another of this guy's cd's come through the door. Real, honest, authentic.... terrific!

  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 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

Delmark artist: Jimmy Burns & Soul Message Band - Full Circle - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Full Circle, from Jimmy Burns & Soul Message Band, and it's chocked full of funky soul music. Opening with Express Yourself, written and made huge by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band back in the 70's, Jimmy Burns steps up and delivers the funk. Backed by Chris Foreman on B3, Greg Rockingham on drums, Lee Rothenberg on guitar, and featuring Steve Eisen on bari and Tenor saxes this is a red hot smoking opener. Jazz track, Ain't That Funk For You, a super groove by Albert Grey really gets that hard bop feel going with Featuring Greg Jung on sax and Foreman on B3 backed by Rockingham on drums. Excellent! Jimmy Burns had a hit in 65 with Chuck Colbert's Give Her To Me and he traces his steps with a soulful rendition here with super sax work by Eisen, warm B3 backing by Foreman and solid vocal backing by Typhanie Monique. Soul classic, Since I Fell For You, penned by Buddy Johnson in the 40's and making a big splash by Lenny Welch in the 60's , gets the full treatment here featuring Bradfield and Jung on saxes and Foreman on B3. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Where Does That Leave Me?, a smooth, R&B track with Foreman on organ and featuring Burns on lead vocal. Rothenberg adds nice rhythm guitar and Rockingham on drums keeps it tight for a solid closer. Very 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 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

Delmark artist: Pierre Lacocque's Mississippi Heat - Don't Look Back - New Release Review

F

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Don't Look Back, from Pierre Lacocque's Mississippi Heat, and it's one of his best. Opening with You Ain't The Only One, Sheryl Youngblood really gets things going with powerful vocals, joined by Pierre Lacocque on harp, Giles Corey on lead guitar, Johnny Iguana on piano, John Kattke on keys, Brian Quinn on bass, Jason Edwards on drums, Marc Franklin on trumpet, Kirk Smothers on sax and Nanette Frank, Diane Madison and Mae Korn on backing vocals. Solid opener. On Chicago blues, Stepped Out Of Line, Inetta Vison and Daneshia Hamilton have the lead vocals and Lacocque really works the harp. Great piano work by Iguana, Corey on guitar, Kattke on keys, Big Mike Perez on bass, Edwards on drums, and Billy Flynn on guitar. This is a super entry. Youngblood is back up front on Can't Take It and with a great rumbling tempo and Fylnn and Corey ripping the lead guitar riffs Lacocque really get down on harp. Great track. Lacocque leads off shuffle, Champin' At The Bit  and Youngblood vocals are rich and full. Lacocque shares the spotlight with Iguana and Flynn sets a real nice guitar solo anchored by Kenny Beedy Eyes Smith. Corey steps up with some really tasty slide work on Shiverin' Blues with excellent soulful vocals by Danielle Nicole. Warm B3 underlayment by Kattke and really nice harp work by Lacocque makes this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Hot rhythm on I Ain't Evil really sets the track off nicely for Youngblood on lead vocal with snappy drums by Tony Alexander on percussion and sweet stylized guitar riffs by Corey , super B3 work by Kattke and Quinn on bass. Wrapping the release is rocker, Four Steel Walls featuring Omar Coleman on lead vocal and harp and stinging guitar lead by Flynn and Corey, Smothers on sax, Alexander on percussion, Perez on bass, Iguanna on piano, and Marc Franklin on trumpet. Hot 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 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

Out of the Past Music artist: Steve Howell & Fats Kaplin - Know You From Old - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Know You From Old, by Steve Howell & Fats Kaplin and it's a great set of folk and blues tunes. Opening with Black Dog, a Kentucky Rag recorded by Bayless Rose features Steve Howell on vocal and guitar and Fats Kaplin on banjo. Excellent opener. Bugger Burns is a cool track recorded by John Lomax back in 1941. Howell on vocal and guitar with Kaplin on mandolin this is a very spry number. Blue Ridge Mountain Blues, made popular by Doc Watson fits this set nicely with Howell on vocal and guitar and honest fiddle harmony by Kaplin. Burl Ives' The Escape of Old John Webb about a jailbreak in 1730. A great story and some of Howell's vocals paired with Kaplin's fiddle makes for a great add. Shawneetown is a rich, folk track and Howell sings wide open with minimal guitar rhythm and excellent fiddle work by Kaplin. Very nice. Wrapping the release is a solid arrangement of Ellington's Mood Indigo. Handled with finesse and serenity,  Kaplin crafts the melody on fiddle as Howell supplements the melodic basics. This is a very nice closer for a solid 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 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

Robert Top Thomas - One Morning Soon - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, One Morning Soon, by Robert Top Thomas and it's the real deal. Opening with Hey Mattie, with it's rockin' blues styling. Robert Top Thomas on lead vocal and guitar is supported by Dan Walters on piano and bass, Stephen Kampa on harmonica, Billy Dean and on percussion. Cool opener. Gator Jig is a cool rag track with strong finger picking by Thomas and Dean on percussion. Traditional Sugarbabe is super with Thomas accompanying his honest vocals with swift guitar finger picking. One of my favorites.  Blind Willie McTell's Georgia Rag is another favorite with nicely executed finger picking and vibrant vocals by Thomas. Rev Gary Davis is always a favorite and Thomas' cover of his I Heard The Angels Singing is no exception. With some classic Davis riffs and soulful vocals, I really love this track. Katie McMahon's Take Me Back gets a bluesy cover and with deft finger work and solid vocals a cool addition. Wrapping the release is Mance Lipscomb's Texas Blues with super bass/drum reinforcement under Thomas' clean finger work and authentic singing style. This is a cool, contemporary blues release using original techniques sounding fresh and invigorating. 

  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 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