Bman's Blues Report

  I just  had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Brand New Eyes , from Doug MacLeod and it's super. This release on Reference Recordings, Fresh label captures MacLeod alone on acoustic guitar and resonator in a pristine setting. Opening with title track,  Brand New Eyes , MacLeod uses his vocal and finger picking pace to stimulate the track and a foot tap to stabilize the pace. Easing into a John Lee Hooker like trance with resonator and a solid foot stomp, MacLeod really captures the feel of Delta Blues on Something Dark Is Walking . An obvious student of the old masters, this track is spot on. With a traditional rag style and strong finger picking, Zu-Zu Woman is a terrific track and one of my favorites on the release. With raw emotion, I Rolled A Nickel feels delta authentic with the jangle of the resonator and slide, foot stomp and wailing like vocal. Very nice. Story telling country blues, The Nature of the Man has a great tempo and solid vocals ma...