Bman's Blues Report

  I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Buckle Up , from Brad "Guitar" Wilson and it's a solid blues rocker. Opening with rock n roller, Lucille , with it's Chuck Berry overtones, driven by the bass lines of Hal Cragin on bass, Adam Gust on drums, Chris Rhyne on piano and Wilson on lead vocal and lead guitar. Solid opener. Boogie rockin, Hoodoo Party , really has a great feel and Wilson gets a chance to walk his guitar up and down the fretboard with plenty of rocking style. Very cool. Title track, Buckle Up , really has a bit of Lynyrd Skynyrd swagger. With backing vocal by Su Isaac and Galen Keith and cool rhythm guitar riffs putting you in mind of Keith Richards, this is a cool radio track. Cast Your Shade is a cool, blues rocker with a strong bottom. Wilson's vocals nicely compliment the strong guitar phrasing and excellent drum rhythm on this track. A guitar ballad, Sky Full Of Rain should really attract crowd appeal with a strong me...

I just received the newest release, Buckle Up , from Steve Krase and it really cooks! Opening with a fast paced 50's style rocker, Jolene , piano man Randy Wall hits the floor running and sets a healthy pace for Krase on harp and vocals. James Henry lays out the slide and this track is on fire! Cherae Lerie adds rockin background vocals with Terry Dry on bass and Michael Morris on drums. Daddy's Got A Cadillac has an eclectic blues rock feel with steady slide work and nice harp riffs. With just a pinch of country, this track reminds me a bit of early ZZ Top. Blues classic, I Just Want to Make Love To You takes on the characteristics of the remake by blues rocker Foghat but with a flavor all it's own. Featuring round harp riffs from Krase and deliberate vocal style of Krase ad Trudy Lynn, this keeps more of the ruggedness of the original with an updated rhythm. Very cool. Misery is a smooth 12 bar with really nice harp work from Krase. With a solid groove this is a grea...