Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the ost recent release, In The Boys Club , from Kat Riggins , and its a dark, R&B soaked rocker. Opening with Try Try Again , Riggins blends a high stepping rhythm with repeating vocal theme to create a cool opener with slick guitar riffs by Josh Bowand. Traditional delta style blues, Troubles Away features some of the best vocals on the release complimented with solid slide resonator work by Bowand. Soul track, Hear Me is a smooth track with warm keyboard work by Darrell Raines, bass by George Caldwell and drums by Johnnie Hicks. I like the tension of this track and Haines' guitar solo is solid. Uptempo 2 stepper, Kitty Won't Scratch features vocal pairing with Albert Castiglia who also contributes a fleet fingered guitar solo. Very nice. Riggins and Hicks team up with Clay Goldstein on harp on rocker, Johnnie Walker creating a modern day Led Zep sound. Cool rocker. Funky, Live On , has a nice R&B flavor and solid vocal blen...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, ... to the Edge , from 61 Ghosts and I quite like it. Opening with Heartbeat , a forward rocker, Joe Mazzari on lead vocal and guitar, Dixie Deadwood on drums and J.D. Sipe on bass have it going on. With Bob Seger like vocals and raw, jangly guitar work, this is a solid opener. No One At Your Door has the drive and sound of a solid raw rocker. Mazzari has the vocals and the style. Right on! My favorite track on the release is World Gone Crazy with flamboyant guitar work, raw vocals and abundant energy (with a blues twist). Excellent! If Tears Were Dirt continues the onslaught with White Stripes like attack. Crisp, focused drumming and flailing guitar riffs give this track great edge without losing it's way. Very nice.  Wrapping the release is acoustic number, Passion Tipped Arrow with a light, Roger Waters like touch. A solid track to close a really cool release.   If you support live Blues acts, ...

I just received the newest release, Blues Revival , from Kat Riggins and she has pure soul. Opening with Now I See (Ooh Wee) , a R&B number with a bit of a James Brown feel, Riggins balances nicely on vocals with Darrell Raines on keys and guitar, some really sweet bass lines from George Caldwell and Doc Allison on drums. Soulful, Good Girl Blue s, has a swampy, lumbering feel with a sensitive bass line and expressive guitar riffs. Riggins' vocal pharsing is smooth and rich. Slow blues number, Wail Away , opens with a nice guitar intro by Raines and Riggins really opens up vocally encouraging Raines to lay it out. Very nice. Shuffle track, Queen Bee , is a solid blues with a cool, low key solo by Raines on guitar. R&B track, Murphy's Law has the hook and melody to be a pop or blues radio track. With it's walking bass line, Music Fiend , has a real nice pace. With just a touch of jazz, this track kicks a groove. After the traditional Let It Shine in simple verse...