Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Hidden Gems, by Brent Laidler , and it has a cool, yet sophisticated approach. Opening with Latin influenced, Haba Verde , Ned Boyd on sax  and Brent Laidler on guitar set the theme working with Richard Sleepy Floyd on drums, Jamie Newman on organ and Scott Pazara on bass to create a very pleasant theme. Flute solo by Boyd, Buselli on trumpet and a rich guitar solo by Laidler really make this a bright opener. Led by Boyd on sax, Gemani has a cool island feel and with Newman holding the bar and Floyd on rimshot, Boyd really gives it a ride. An exuberant solo by Newman on organ and a lively soli by Laidler really takes the track to another level. Very nice. Another track with a bright, Latin bottom, Riff Business gives Newman the first pass and his chops shine bright with just the right zing. I really like Buselli's approach on trumpet with a tight yet laid back attack and Laidler's mellow guitar tone really polis...

  I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Wouldn't Be Here Without You , from Bret Laidler and it's a cool eclectic mix of tunes with different yet interesting approaches. Opening with Keeping It Simple , a bossa soaked track, Brent Laidler on guitar is joined by Mark Buselli on trumpet, Ned Boyd on sax and flute, Jaime Newman on organ, Scott Pazera on bass and Richard Floyd on drums. Sunday Mood is a really cool boogie with a walking bass line and outstanding solos by Boyd on sax and Buselli on trumpet as well as a cool swinging guitar solo by Laidler. Very nice. Another Latin flavored track, City By The Bay , gives Boyd a nice opportunity to play a lush flute solo, followed by a lush organ solo by Newman and a nicely styled trumpet solo by Buselli before turning the mic over to Laidler who's warm, clear guitar tone and fluid runs ties back to the melody. Very cool. Laidler has the melody on Wouldn't Be Here Without You with Buselli on trumpet ...