Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Underground Blues , from Breezy Rodio and like every previous release, the music sails. Opening with Half Way in the Devil's Gate , Rodio lays down some real tension on lead vocal and sharing the guitar work with ace, Anson Funderburgh. Backed by Johnny Bradley on bass, Daniel C. Tabion on piano and organ, and Lorenzo Francocci on drums, I immediately know this release is going to be hot. Texas style blues, Playing My Game Too , has a really nice drum lead by Francocci and Funderburgh's guitar riffs against Rodio's vocals really set the trigger. Funderburgh always shows impeccable phrasing and Rodio's soulful vocals are spot on. Blues shuffle, The Murder is a real nice showcase for Josh Fulero on harmonica and Tabion's piano work balanced with Rodio on vocal and guitar gives the track real grip. Very nice. Slower blues, Lightning Strikes , is a nice stage for Rodio, on vocal and clean guitar lead. Stro...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It , by Breezy Rodio and it's solid fun. Opening with title track, If It Ain't Broke Don't Fix It , Breezy Rodio on lead vocal and guitar first shows a Latin rhythm which moves to a cool shuffle. Backed by Ariyo Ariyoshi on piano, Dan tabion on organ, Light Palone on bass and Lorenzo Francocci on drums and nicely complimented by Constantine Alexander on trumpet, Ian Letts on tenor sax, Ian "The Chief" McGarrie on bari sax and Simone Nobile on harmonica. On A Woman Don't Care , Rodio digs in nicely with excellent blues vocals, punctuated by McGarrie and Alexander. His guitar phrasing, supported nicely by the piano of Ariyo gives the track a real cool feel. A real nice slower blues, Los Christianos , showcases Rodio's soulful vocal styling and solid blues guitar chops. Very nice. With it's 60's rock feel, instrumental, The Breeze has Rodio on solo g...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sometimes The Blues Got Me , from Breezy Rodio and it's quite good. Opening with Lee Hazelwood's, Don't Look Now, But I've Got the Blues , Breezy Rodio on lead vocal and guitar sets off on the right foot, with a power play, backed by Ariyo Ariyoshi on piano, Ian Letts on sax, Chief McGarrie on sax, Constantine Alexander and Art Davis on trumpet, Chris Foreman on organ, Greg Essig  on drums,  and John Lauler on bass. Shuffle track, Change Your Ways exhibits a particularly nice blend of Rodio's vocals and Ariyo's piano work, complimented by Simon Noble on harp. With Rodio's stinging guitar styling in the style of the great Albert King and even a bit of funk, Albert King's Wrapped Up In Love Again has a great feel with tight trumpet punctuation by Davis and Alexander. Jump track, I Walked Away has a great T-Bone Walker feel with over a smooth horn saturated bottom and featuring a super so...

I just received the newest release, So Close To It , from Breezy Rodio and it's terrific! Opening with a track made popular by BB King, When My Heart Beats Like A Hammer , Rodio leaves no question if he can sing emulating one of the greatest in BB King. The totally surprising thing to me is his Mike Bloomfield like guitar phrasing. Wonderful! Backed by Ariyo Sumito on piano, Light Palone on bass and Lorenzo Francocci on drums, this first track is a knockout! Quique Gomez opens title track, So Close To It , on harp and Jen Williams with rich, gospel like backing vocals makes this track really special. Rodio's crisp vocals and tight gripped guitar solos make this another must hear. Latin rhythm and a Ray Charles feel fuses Just About To Lose Your Clown , and Rodio throws down some really sweet Spanish jazz guitar riffs. Backed by Chris Foreman on organ and Art Davis on trumpet this track is hot! 12 bar Chicago style W alking With My Baby (She's So Fine) features master h...