Busted Flat Records artist: Elliott and the Audio Kings - Self Titled - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release from Elliott and the Audio Kings and its a smoker! Opening with What they say about you..., Mike Elliott leads the way on guitar, vocal and harp. Backed by Jonny Sauder on drums and Scott Fitzpatrick on bass and these guy have the place really hopping. Elliott has terrific boogie woogie rock guitar styling and is not bashful to throw down some riffs. Excellent! On One Of A Kind I really groove on Elliott's guitar tone with is warm and fat. With double stop rhythm/lead, this track is super. The recording quality of the track is really clean, allowing the tone of Fitzpatrick's stand up bass to come through. With a rockabilly strut, What Tomorrow Brings, slinks along like an alley cat. Come On Home has a really cool drum beat with a central American rhythm. With creamy guitar rhythm tone and backing vocals by Sauder and Fitzpatrick and fanned guitar riffs, this track gets down. Easier Said Than Done is low slung and the saturation on the guitar amp is great. With a cool boogie rocking feel, this cut cruises. Elliott's harp opens No Need To be Alone and the band is tight. Snappy drums, thumping bass, fat guitar and bluesy harp... oh yeah. Toe tapper, Another Day, Another Dollar has a great feel. With an extended guitar solo and that thumping bass, this track rules. Jealous Kind has a really cool lope, Texas style. The closest thing to SRV that you would find on this release has it's own style but in Stevie's neighborhood. Excellent! Down and dirty, Friday Night, plays it low and slow but digs in for some electrifying guitar riffs. Very nice! With a New Orleans stumble, I Don't Want To Work has a snappy military style drum beat and Bo Diddley guitar. Elliott winds the guitar out on this one and these guys are really rockin! Wrapping the release is I Know with a cool Latin beat. With it's rock edge, this is a terrific track to wrap a really super release.

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John Richard - Lost In Dublin - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Lost In Dublin, from John Richard and it is quite uniquely cool! Opening with country flavored rocker, I Fall Apart, John Richard steps up to the mic and belts out vocals that sound amazingly like Jack Bruce. Backed by Jordan Murphy on drums, Charlie Phillips on bass, and Christien Belliveau on steel and acoustic guitars, this vocalist really hits it square. I also gotta say, Carter Chaplin on lead vocal does a terrific job with stellar lead work with unique phrasing and hints of Jimmy Page. Excellent! On Some Things Never Get Paid, Richard's vocals are somewhat distorted creating a cool aesthetic. A very simple rhythm pattern is laid out by Mike Trask on drums, Mark Doucet on bass and Belliveau on keys and a frantic guitar solo by Trask sets this track apart. Soulful ballad, Volumes of Beautiful Words, has a really nice melody and cool sonic pedal guitar effects by Belliveau. R&B track, Can't Help It is the tallest track for radio play. With it's catchy melody and simple instrumentation, it's sure fire. R&B style track, I Wish You'd Come With Me, is a real nice showcase for Richard's voice. Tight instrumentation and solid melody, this could be a 60's hit. Very nice. Black Church is an interesting track with traces of 60's detective/surf soundtracks with cool tom tom work by Colby Jardine and cool guitar work by Keith Hallett. Wrapping the release is soulful ballad, All The Proof I Need, featuring Richard accompanying himself on highly reverbed guitar with only Belliveau on bass as backup. A nice closer for a strong release.

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Rose Cottage Records artist: Peter Karp - Alabama Town - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Alabama Town, from Peter Karp and it's rich with texture. Opening with title track, Alabama Town, Peter Karp takes the lead on vocal and guitar, joined by Daniel Pagdon on bass, Mike Catapano on drums, and John Zarra on mandolin. A solid rocker and opener. With a driving swing, Till You Get Home, has great feel. Karp's vocals are crisp and Mike Latrell's piano work is smart. On That's How I Like It, a modern blueser the guitar tones are fat and rich joined by Dennis Gruenling on harp. Very cool. Shuffle track, Blues In Mind features real cool piano work and key backing vocals by Dae Bennett, Joanie Coleman, Kesha Love, Toni Summler and Elliot. On bluesy ballad, I'm Not Giving Up, Karp sings soulfully over arpeggiated guitar chords. Warm gospel like choral backing and stinging guitar soloing by Mick Taylor makes this one of my favorites on the release. The Prophet has a stripped down blues form featuring Karp on resonator, James Karp on guitar, Gruenling on harp and cool stagger drumming making this another of the standout tracks on the release. Leanne Westover sits in on Kiss The Bride performing a duet with Karp for a track with real country flavor, highlighted by Zarra's mandolin work. Very nice. Lost Highway has a real nice New Orleans rhythm with smooth vocal blending. Y'All Be Lookin' has a cool boogie beat and karp's vocal phrasing is spot on. Aggressive guitar tone on this track and a cool walking bass line makes this another of my favorites. Garth Hudson adds his distinctive accordion styling to cool, acoustic ballad, I Walk Alone. Wrapping the release is Beautiful Girl, an easy going acoustic blues featuring sweet harp lines by Gruenling and Karp accompanying himself on guitar. Very nice closer for a solid new release.



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The Lucas Haneman Express - Tearing Up The Rails - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tearing Up The Rails, from The Lucas Haneman Express, and I quite like it. Opening with The Verdict, a poppy track with blues roots, Lucas Haneman fronts the band on lead vocal and guitar. He is firmly supported by Jeff Asselin on drums, Megan Laurence on backing vocal and Martin Newman on bass. Guest artist, Steve Marriner rips loose with a nice harp solo leading into a double time rip by Haneman on guitar and close. Give Me Life is a quick paced radio track with a snappy beat, vocal harmonies and some real nice guitar riffs. Calling the Blame has a real catchy melody and an infectious rhythm. Haneman shows his more jazzy side with some real nice guitar riffs on this track. Marriner is back on Run To You blowing some particularly bluesy harp riffs. With it's Howlin' Wolf basis, stinging guitar riffs and a dramatic delivery, this is one of my favorites on the release. Blind Man's Blues has the structure of a Blind Willie McTell or Elmore James tune but written in modern style. It's interesting to hear a totally modern interpretation of delta blues. Very cool. That's The Truth is a soulful ballad with strong blues overtones. Megan shines on lead vocal on this track and in duet with Lucas who takes a smoking guitar solo on this track punctuating it nicely. An unexpected cover of Steppenwolf's Magic Carpet Ride takes away the 70's edgy back beat and instead replaces it with a power pop rock beat but not without Haneman ripping a real nice guitar solo. Interesting. Wrapping the release is Working Band, a driving rocker with Newman on bass and Haneman on electric guitar trading riffs. Creating quite a bit of steam, Jesse Whiteley steps in on organ fanning the flames for a real nice close of a strong release.

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Ollie Vee - Into The Dark New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Into The Dark, by Ollie Vee and it's quite outstanding! Opening with To Hell With Your Grey Eyes, lead singer and guitarist, Jesse Adamson leads you on a  euphoric journey. Joined by lead guitarist and backing vocalist, Johnny Vassos who's work is impeccable, Howard Linscott on bass and backing vocals and Adam Perzia on drums, these guys really have it going with a retro country western feel. Excellent opener! Feeling Bad continues in the same vein but with a light taste that reminds me of Frank Black and the Catholics. Very nice. The Filthy Streets has a Bo Diddley beat enhanced by strong bass work by Linscott and cool slide work by Vassos. It's Hot is a great title for this track which runs like it's tail is on fire. With a country western flair and a train feel, this track hits it rocking. Stinging guitar riffs by Vassos and stomping drum work by Perzia is tight. Into The Dark is a beautiful track with nicely blended vocals and lush guitar work giving you the sense of a Roy Orbison but with vocals more to my personal taste. Atmospheric guitar work under straight forward and simple lead work sets a really nice pace. Excellent! Isabel (The Mexican) falls back into a more traditional country western format. I love the rugged guitar undertone and the simple lead melody. Very nice! With a conventional country western beat On A Town Called Low, Adamson takes this band to cool retro country western place and I really like it. Solid vocals, a super melody and tight rhythm give this song radio charisma.  Double step One Track Mind is a great country rocker with a super bass/drum bottom. Adamson delivers nicely on vocal and backing vocals are clean giving this track just the right touch. Baby Blue is a tight little country rocker with a definite 50's early rockabilly feel. Wrapping the release is a different take on the Talking Heads, Psycho Killer. Keeping the vocal inflections of David Byrne is the most obvious hints to the tracks origins with it's country western handling. This is a really nice set and gets a mighty yahoo! Check it out!

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QUEBEC BLUES ARTISTS SWEEP MAPLE BLUES AWARDS

QUEBEC BLUES ARTISTS SWEEP MAPLE BLUES AWARDS The Paul DesLauriers Band and Angel Forrest win multiple awards The fast-paced performance rich gala featured a moving memorial tribute to the late John Mays (Fathead), Brian Cober and past Blues With A Feeling Award Winner Bob Walsh (January 23, 2017) Toronto, ON – Canadian blues artists from coast-to-coast were honoured by their peers at the 20th Annual Maple Blues Awards gala in Toronto last night as a crowd of blues lovers gathered to celebrate Canadian blues at Koerner Hall.   Quebec blues artists swept the awards with honours going to trio The Paul DesLauriers Band who won Entertainer of the Year, Electric Act of the Year, Drummer of the Year for Sam Harrisson, and Bassist of the Year for Greg Morency. Blues belter Angel Forrest took home three awards including Female Vocalist of the Year, Recording/Producer of the Year and Songwriter of the Year. The Blues With A Feeling Award for lifetime achievement was awarded to Stephen Barry, who has been a fixture on the Quebec blues scene for over 40 years. Montreal-based Frankie Thiffault of Ben Racine Band took home the hardware for Horn Player of the Year.   British Columbia blues artists were well recognized with awards going to David Gogo for Guitarist of the Year, Harpdog Brown for Harmonica Player of the Year and Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne for Piano or Keyboard Player of the Year. Other winners at the sold-out gala event were Manitoba’s Big Dave McLean for Acoustic Act of the Year, Ontario’s 17-year old newcomer Spencer MacKenzie for New Artist or Group of the Year, New Brunswick’s Matt Andersen for Male Vocalist of the Year, and Joe Bonamassa for International Artist of the Year. Edmonton’s Cam Hayden, a long-time broadcaster on CKUA and co-founder of the Edmonton Blues Festival was presented with the Blues Booster of the Year award, a very special Maple Blues Award honouring outstanding contribution to the Canadian blues music industry.   In addition to the Maple Blues Awards, the third annual Cobalt Prize Contemporary Blues Composition Award was handed out last night to Ann Vriend for her song “All That I Can”, with runners up Michael Kaeshammer for his song “Sweet Grace" and The Harpoonist And The Axe Murderer for their song "Father's Son”. A cash prize of $1000 was presented to Vriend with second and third place winners each receiving $250, courtesy of the benefactor The Unicorn Project.   Hosted by Steve Marriner of MonkeyJunk, the 20th annual Maple Blues Awards included outstanding performances from nominees past and present, including Calgary’s Tim Williams, Toronto’s Sugar Brown and Shakura S’Aida, British Columbia’s Michael Kaeshammer and the evening’s big winners, The Paul DesLauriers Band along with the awards gala house band, The Maple Blues Band.   Winners of the 20th Annual Maple Blues Awards     ENTERTAINER OF THE YEAR The Paul DesLauriers Band   ELECTRIC ACT OF THE YEAR The Paul DesLauriers Band   ACOUSTIC ACT OF THE YEAR Big Dave McLean   MALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Matt Andersen FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR Angel Forrest   NEW ARTIST OR GROUP OF THE YEAR Spencer MacKenzie RECORDING/PRODUCER OF THE YEAR Angel's 11 (Morningstar) Artist: Angel Forrest. Producers: Angel Forrest and Denis Coulombe BLUES WITH A FEELING (Lifetime Achievement) Stephen Barry   B.B. KING INTERNATIONAL ARTIST OF THE YEAR Joe Bonamassa   GUITARIST OF THE YEAR   David Gogo   HARMONICA PLAYER OF THE YEAR Harpdog Brown   PIANO/KEYBOARD PLAYER OF THE YEAR Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne   HORN PLAYER OF THE YEAR Frankie Thiffault   DRUMMER OF THE YEAR Sam Harrisson    BASSIST OF THE YEARGreg Morency   SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR Angel Forrest & Denis Coulombe   BLUES BOOSTER OF THE YEAR Cam Hayden

Solid Blues Records artist: JW - Jones - High Temperature - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, High Temperature, from JW - Jones and it may be his best yet. Opening with rocker, Price You Pay, JW-Jones seems to have taken a new direction with tighter riffs and more relaxed vocals. Joined by Colin Linden on guitar, Kevin McKendree on keys, Dominic John Davis on bass and Bryan Owings on drums this is a solid opener. On How Many Hearts, Jones is joined by Jaida Dreyer on second lead guitar and in addition to slick lead guitar riffs and a nice groove, I really like the over saturated tones on the rhythm guitar. Title track, High Temperature is a great blues shuffle and that over driven guitar tone is through the roof. Along with McKendree's key work, Jones lets the guitar off the leash with some real string lashing making this one of the best tracks on the release. Excellent! Who I Am is a really cool track with an almost Robert Cray feel. With it's heavy bass and tight drums, Jones is way out front on vocal and his guitar seems to be a mad dog held back by a string. Very nice. Loping, Away Too Long has a bit of that familiar country blues rumble and McKendree's organ work is real nice. Harmony vocals by Liam Russell give this track yet another dimension and pure radio appeal. Midnight Blues is a swinging rocker with a snappy rhythm. Jones does some of his best vocal work on this track with Russell and McKendree's keys are sweet. He steps up with really a nice guitar solo making this one of my favorites on the release. Leon Russell's Out In The Woods, is up next and with some of the coolest drum work you're likely to hear. Keeping that swampy feel that Leon conjured and with bluesy riffs, this track floats. The releases closes with Lonnie Mack's Wham. A terrific guitar twister, this track gives Jones the opportunity to really turn it loose and away he goes. This is an excellent closer for a really strong release.



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The Smoke Wagon Blues Band - Cigar Store - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cigar Store, by The Smoke Wagon Blues Band and got a bit of everything. Opening with Walking Cane, a funky blues rocker, Corey Lueck has the lead on vocal and Jason Colavecchia on bass and Tibor Lukacs add the hot bottom. Nick Succi brings it on piano and Gordon Aeichele lays down a cool sax solo. Must've Read It Wrong is a driving blues rocker with a solid bass line by Colavecchia. Succi and Aeichele each lay in nice solos and Mike Stubbs' on guitar and Lueck on harp add the dressing. On R&B style track, I Tried, Stubbs lays in a nice intro and Aeichele plays warm sax lines complimenting Lueck's soulful lead vocals. Hoodoo Woman has a real interesting contemporary blues sound, stripped down and basic. With cool raspy vocals and a simple melody line and guitar riff, reinforced by Lueck's harp work. Put The Quilt Out To Dry has a cool percussive feel over a basic, Sonny Boy Williamson feel. With it's dual rhythms, it really digs in, making it one of my favorites on the release. Rock n' roller, Directly Under Her Thumb, has a cool boogie rhythm dressed perfectly by Succi's piano work and the walking bass line of Colavecchia. Stubbs stretches out a little on guitar and Aeichele's sax work is cool. Title track, Cigar Store has a cool walking bass line and with a taste of New Orleans, has a cool horn solo, slide solo and of course boogie piano. Lueck's intro on resonator on White Mule is way cool. The track reminds me quite a bit of Neil Young's Are You Ready For The Country but with an Allman Brother's guitar riff. Interesting. King Biscuit Boy's Mean Old Lady has a cool hi stepping feel with nice slide work by Lueck, a prominent bass line and a real nice piano solo by Succi. Following a smooth R&B hit format, I Can't Change is the most certain radio track on the release with sure footed lead vocals by Lueck and a soulful sax solo by Aeichele. Steve Sherman's organ opener on Quarter Mile really sets the pace for a rolling rocker with a driving drum beat by Lukacs and Stubbs slide work nicely pushing Lueck's lead vocals. Aeichele's aggressive sax solo really gives the track pop and Lueck hit's it hard on harp giving this track real starch. Wrapping the release is a casual, rag style track, You've Been a Good Old Wagon. It has just the right feel with sassy New Orleans style sax work, piano and harp... it's a great closer for a solid release by Smoke Wagon.


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True North Records artist: Colin James - Blue Highways - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blue Highway, from Colin James and it's super! Opening with Freddie King's Boogie Funk, James is really ripping with excellent guitar tone and pace. Craig Northey is on rhythm guitar, with Norm Fisher on bass and Pat Steward on drums. Simon Kendall's organ work is tops and Steve Marriner's harp is vital. On Peter Green's Watch Out, James steps up on lead vocal and the pace is just right. Jesse O'Brien is up or organ with Steve Pelletier on bass and Geoff Hicks on drums. James lays down a solid guitar solo and Simon Kendall lays in a nice organ solo as well. Tommy Johnson's Big Road Blues gets a more modern rocking beat with James on vocal and slide. With an almost JJ Cale feel, this track could see a multi channel radio play. Made famous by Freddie King and Jeff Beck, Don Nix's Going Down is up next with a solid blues rocking drive. O'Brien's piano work is tight and James' vocals are clear, paving a broad street for some lightning guitar riffs. Very cool! Retreating into the basics of the blues, Muddy Waters' Gypsy Woman is up next and James shows his basis understanding of the blues on both guitar and vocal holding his own...old style. I particularly like O'Brien's piano riffs on this track as well as Marriner's harp work. Very cool. On Jimmy Rogers, Goin Away, James takes a little bit of an Eric Clapton approach to the track with nice slide work and backing vocals by Chris Caddell and Coleen Rennison. Memphis Slim's Lonesome gets a big swing and James steps up with monster guitar riffs. His vocals are smooth, nicely complimented by O'Brien's piano. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Junior Wells' Hoodoo Man Blues. This track is really tight to the original and James vocals and guitar riffs work nicely, highlighted by the masterful harp work by Marriner. Setting a cool acoustic blues set is Willie Dixon/ Jimmy Reed, Riding in The Moonlight / Mr. Luck. Light and snappy, James holds down acoustic guitar and vocal balanced with Marriner's harp. Very nice. Soulful William Bell track, Don't Miss Your Water gives James a chance to really show off his vocal chords and smooth they are. With simple arpeggiated chords and with horn backing by Jerry Cook and Derry Byrne this track has a super sound. Blind Willie McTell's Ain't Long For Day is up next and of course drawing out a really nice slide solo by James. It is more soulful than bluesy but heartfelt had solid. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Robert Johnson's Last Fair Deal done in standard Piedmont style. With James only on guitar and vocal, he gives the track some acoustic flair but holding true to the blues. A nice little closer to a really nice release.




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Mark Crissinger - Night Light - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Night Light, from Mark Crissinger and it spans the blues country rock spectrum. Opening with light blues rocker, Holding My Heart, Crissinger leads the way on guitar and vocal. Joined by Dan Dube on piano, Marty Howe on harp, Jay Stevens on bass and Bill Hicks on drums this is a crisp entry. A soft edged country rocker, Poor Boy Blues, has traces of Skynyrd and Allmans for a certain popular hook. Pat Hook adds some tasty slide guitar work to Crissinger's fluid finger work and Jeff Heisholt warms it up with organ. Title track, Night Light, has an easy shuffle feel with some real nice harp work from Jerome Godboo. Boogie track, Defeated, has a cool edge and some cool flashy guitar work over solid tom tom work for a driving rocker. Rock and roller, The Sunday Blues, really digs in with a solid bottom and cool piano work from Dube. Crissinger pulls out the stops with a real nice Chuck Berry like guitar riff of his own. Very cool. Instrumental, Cedar Shuffle, flies low with Dube, Howe, Stevens, Hicks and Crissinger hitting a smooth groove and a particularly cool steel guitar solo. Wrapping the release is Run, a nicely written ballad with cool bass riffs and some of Crissinger's best vocals on the release, juxtaposed against acoustic and electric soloing.



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Black Hen Music artist: Big Dave McLean - Better The Devil You Know - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Better The Devil You Know, from Big Dave McLean and it's quite good! Opening with Life On The Road, Big Dave McLean has a casual, JJ Cale meets "Little Feat" easy blues feel joined by Steve Dawson on lead guitar, Gary Craig on drums, Jon Dymond on bass, and Kevin McKendree with cleverly stylistic piano. On Muddy Waters' You Can't Lose What You Never Had, McLean opens with fiery slide riffs and his vocals are raw. McKendree's piano really gives the track a Chicago sound with his piano work and acoustic guitar work by McLean and Dawson's eccentric slide work carries the track nicely. The traditional, You'll Need Somebody On Your Bond, gets a country two step remake with a warm intro by Ann and Regina McCrary. Dawson's dobro work and Fats Kaplin on fiddle add even further to the country / bluegrass edge. Uptempo, I Need You, is a cool country blues number and McClean pulls out the harp adding a more bluesy flavor to Dawson's dobro slide work. One of my favorites on the release is a remake of Old Time Religion which has a cool dark western sound. With Dawson on pedal steel and also contributing a sweet electric guitar solo, along with the McCrary sisters warm backing vocals, this track is way cool. With a country waltz sound, Swingin On Heaven's Gate is another real nice track with Dawson on mandolin and particularly nice vocal blending. Deliver Me has a really nice "Little Feat" funk. With the McCrarys on backing vocal and Dawson on slide, this track is really excellent. Wrapping the release is is a stripped down blues, Pet Rabbit, with McLean on vocal and and resonator. The track is raw and alive and a real cool closer for a cool release.



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Outside Music Label artist: Tami Neilson - Don't Be Afraid - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Don't Be Afraid, from Tami Neilson and it's got bite. Opening with Don't Be Afraid, the last song written by her father, Ron Neilson, this album is off on a great foot. A powerful, gospel blues style number, shows the absolute power of Tami Neilson's vocals accompanied by the wildly cool guitar work of Dave Khan and Delaney Davidson, bass by Ben Woolley and drums of Joe McCallum. WOW! With a blend of punk, pop, gospel and country, Holy Moses is a mover. Lonely is a solid country pop track in the vein of Patsy Cline. No questions that Neilson has the pipes to pull it off. One of my favorite tracks on the release, Bury My Body, has a dark, southern gospel blues feel. With only basic instrumentation of drum and rim shot, slide guitar and vocals, this track is hot! Latin influenced, Loco Mama really shows the flexibility of the band with it's Rhumba beat, flashy guitar and sassy vocal style of Neilson. Very cool. Another of the top radio tracks on the release, Only Tears, pairs Neilson with Woolley for a terrific country pop duet and features Red McKelvie on pedal steel. Wrapping the release is a raw demo by Ron singing Don't Be Afraid. A very cool conclusion to a strong release.



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Ross Neilsen - Elemental - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Elemental, from Ross Neilsen. The release opens with It's Time You Made Up Your Mind, a dark spiritual kind of sound with warm, soulful vocals. Primal tom tom work by Matt Sobb give this track a cool vibe. Black Coffee is a modern take on the blues with harp by Steve Marriner. His vibrant harp work coupled with stylistic drums and loose guitar riffs give this track bite. Woman's Name is a cool track with solid drum work by Sobb, reminiscent of John Bonham and with Jack Bruce like vocals by Neilsen, and searing slide work by Jim Boskill, one of my favorite tracks on the release. Country flavored, Devil Made You shows strong radio characteristics highlighted by Boskill on pedal steel. Aided by the sounds of the fiddle, Ash Fault has the sentimental sounds of rural America. Another track with a country twist, Nobody Gets Lonely shows some of Neilsen's best vocals, backed by Boskill on mandolin and featuring a solid bass line by Darcy Yates. R&B track, The Race has just a pinch of country, punched up by the horn work of Ed Lister on trumpet and Brian Asselin on sax. Wrapping the release is a nicely written country ballad, Step Into the Light. With warm keyboards by Steve Marriner and nicely styles pedal steel work by Boskill, Neilsen accompanies himself on acoustic guitar for a nice conclusion to a solid release.




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Busted Flat records artist: The Vaudevillian - Bringing Satan Down - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Bringing Down Satan, from The Vaudevillian and it's quite interesting and enjoyable. Opening with blues infused, Broom Shooter, Jitterbug James on vocal and guitar, Piedmont Johnson on vocal and bull fiddle and Norah Spades on vocal, kazoo and washboard this band lays it down. Rag time, James Street Turnaround is a quick paced great animated track with a great beat. Sweet Honey Thighs is bound to be a crowd favorite with it's suggestive nature and cool beat. Johnson's bass lines and random punctuation makes this track sing. Country style blues, Sail Away, with it's authentic period vocals is driven by James' guitar rhythm and Johnson's bass solo is really cool. Dry Bone Shuffle is a fast paced blues number, think Blind Blake, with hot bass riffs. One of my favorite tracks on the release this track cooks. Cool blues track, Goin' To German features some real interesting whistling techniques with a solid guitar rhythm. Grind So Fine is another real nice rag with a super lead and backing vocals. With banter between James and Spades, and cool banjo/guitar work, as well as keyboard work makes this another of the top tracks. Easy stepper, The Duck's Yas Yas Yas has a really nice nice keyboard work and lead kazoo and again, nice bass work by Johnson. Bootlegger's Blues is a real nice Piedmont style number showings James' fluid finger work. I particularly like the vocal blending on the chorus of this track. Wrapping the release is title track, Bringing Satan Down, with it's sultry, kazoo lead intro. Unusual vocal techniques serve to even more date the style of the music. The band really has it rocking on this one with super guitar riffs, bass lines and of course kazoo. This is a really cool release with unusual sounds and nice grooves. Give it a shot. It isn't for everyone...but it is cool.



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Al Lerman - Slow Burn - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the latest release, Slow Burn, from Al Lerman and it's quite entertaining. Opening with a modern shuffle, Don't Push Your Mess On Me, Al Lerman takes the lead on vocal, guitar and harp backed by Omar Tunnoch on bass, Bucky Berger on drums and Jana Reid on vocals. A cool track with a memorable melody, nice opener. On It Takes Me All Night Long, Lerman backs it off a bit with an easy pace. His harp work is smooth and soulful complimenting his vocals nicely. With a light Latin flair, Bad Luck Blues, has a pop sound with Lance Anderson on piano. Lerman steps up with a harp solo with crisp tones giving the track a shot of blues. Gonna Have To Wait is a definite radio track with a catchy hook and solid bones. Rocker, Now That Your Man's Gone, has a real nice southern kind of R&B feel with a guitar hook. This is one of my favorites on the release with just the right groove. With a New Orleans kind of feel and a stumble rhythm, Totally Out Of Whack, is really tight. Lerman's vocals are point on and his harp work works really nicely with Anderson's piano, Fraser's bass and particularly clever drum work by Al Cross. Easy flowing, Younger Than Me, is one of the bluesiest tracks on the release. With sparkling piano work by Anderson, soulful harp by Lerman and warm guitar chords, this track is the spot. On rocker, Any Way You Want, Lerner steps out a bit on guitar with some cool double stop licks and duet vocals give it a cool feel. Country blues style, Better Off Taking Chances, has a Randy Newman sound with it's dusty drums, lyrical delivery and casual delivery. Very cool. Kokomo Arnold track Kokomo is a solid blues driver with a super Chicago style. Lerman sits in the groove with his vocals and tops it off with some real nice harp playing. Wrapping the release is instrumental title track, Slow Burn with a more delta style... tasty guitar and harp. Very nice conclusion to a cool release.



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Provogue Records artist: No Sinner - Old Habits Die Hard - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Old Habits Die Hard, from No Sinner and it's a solid rocker. Opening with All Woman, Colleen Rennison, lead vocalist takes the reins and never looks back. With a lot of attitude, modern day female Jim Morrison, Rennison, backed by guitarists, Eric Campbell, Adam Sabla and Scott Smith, Matt Camirand on bass and exceptional drumming by Ian Browne sets the pace. On Leadfoot, a driving track with roots in English metal and blues, this track is heavy footed with Browne stomping it and interesting guitar riffs floating. Very cool. Tryin' has a lighter, more pop kind of feel. Rennison's vocals are clear and this track has all of the characteristics of a radio hit. Saturday Night is a hard rocker with plenty of kick drum and rock and roll guitar riffs. Shifting gears a few times, this track melds the Ramones with Joan Jett. Bluesy ballad, Hollow, really gives Rennison a wide open road to show off her vocal strength. Rich tones and a solid melody enriched by Campbell on guitar and piano shows that this lady can do whatever she wants at a drop of a hat. Very nice. Get It Up is another track that should have solid radio appeal with nicely blended vocal harmonies, a strong melody and a kicking kick drum. There is an enchanting richness to Rennison's vocals on Friend Of Mine, and Campbell.s guitar riffs add just the right texture to the track making it one of my favorites. Unusual track, Fading Away, has a real interesting blend of sounds and concepts with driving drum work and jittery guitar riffs. Blending this with more pop style vocal lines gives this track a pop edge and a rock undertone. Very nice. quiet and light, Lines On The Highway, sits alone among the rest of the tracks as a direct pop track with a simple melody and unadorned vocals. One More Time kicks in the door with it's direct frontal attack by Campbell and Browne. Backing off to a more experimental segue, there is echo and environmental sounds concluding in a strong bolero rock. Interesting. Wrapping the release is Mandy Lyn with slide guitar, kick drum and a more southern rock approach. This track is packed with attitude and with it's rugged vocals and instrumentation, a super closer for a solid rockin release.



  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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Bill Johnson - Cold Outside - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Cold Outside, from Bill Johnson and it's got real style! Opening with Baggage Blues, Johnson jumps on it with a cool loping blues. His own vocals are as smooth as silk and David Vest's piano work is excellent, backed by Rick Erickson on bass and Ross Hall on drums. On boogie track, Nine Dollar Bill, I really like Johnson's vocals and his guitar riffs are fluid and sprite. Darcy Phillips' piano work dresses the track nicely making this a really cool one. Night Train has a definite cowboy sound with train rhythm drums and low octave guitar. Johnson's guitar soloing has a trace of Mark Knopler and his accent guitar work is cleverly woven into the track. Title track, Cold Outside, again has a bit of a cowboy feel with western style slide guitar over ringing cowboy chords. Delivered work vocals, not unlike Johnny Cash, gives this track a humble feel. True Love has an almost 40's sound but definite blues framework. Blues slide gives the track a warmer feel and Vest's piano work is real nice. Slower blues number, My Natural Ability, has a really terrific piano/organ intro by Darcy Phillips leading into a New Orleans style vocal blues by Johnson. His own melodic guitar lead is clean and soulful along the lines of the great BB King. Excellent! Two stepper, Makes A Fella Nervous, has more of a country twang with cool guitar riffs, country vocals and and piano style. This is bound to be a radio favorite. One of my personal favorites on the release is Angry Guitar with it's funky beat. Joby Baker's bass work really gets you moving and Johnson really gets into the swing. His vocals are spot on and shows his guitar versatility with clever and nicely executed guitar soloing. Very nice! On Driftin' and Driftin' Johnson has a real somber country sound not unlike some of Elvin Bishop's work. His slide work is really nice and his vocals smooth and supple. Wrapping the release is a modern country style ballad, Angeleen with cleanly articulated guitar work and vocals (think John Hiatt). This is actually a very pleasing release and one you should check out.



  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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Tracy K - What's The Rush? - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (September 30, 2016), What's The Rush?, from Tracy K and it has a strong radio slant. Opening with Latin influenced, Everybody Wants, with it's cool beat, features Tracy K on harp and lead vocals, Leonard Shaw on keys and horns with exceptional rhythm by Vaughan Poyser on bass and George Demeduk on drums. Jason Nowicki really tears it up on guitar giving the track an extra zing. Nice opener. Stripped down blues track, I Got The Honey, features Jamie Steinhoff on dobro and Tracy on vocal and harp. With it's true to the form nature, it should appeal to true blues lovers for sure. What Tomorrow Brings follows the blues formula with solid chord changes but integrates country harmonies and modern blues guitar runs. Very nice. Heartstrung has thick flavor of New Orleans with Shaw providing a super piano drive and Ty Rogers on drums and Nenad Zdjelar on bass pushing the beat. Tracy tells the story vocally with clever innuendo and Terry Bennett's guitar work as icing. On soulful ballad, Done Gone Wrong, Shaw's organ work and Nowicki's guitar work support Tracy's vocals nicely on what is a primarily a solid radio track. Pop track, Indigo Heart, is strongly written and possibly the best matched to Tracy's vocal style. With a slight raspiness to her vocals and a cool melodic guitar solo by Bennett, this could be the best track on the release. Time Machine is an laid, jazz style track with only Tony Demmarteau on guitar and Tracy on vocal. Showing yet another side of her work, it is a nice change of pace. Wrapping the release is I'm Guilty, is a pleasant acoustic ballad with Steinhoff on guitar in front with Tracy on vocal and harp. I nicely written and delivered track based on arppegiated chords, this is a cool closer.



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Hwy11 Records artist: Sunday Wilde - Blueberries and Grits - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Blueberries and Grits, from Sunday Wilde and it's sassy. Opening with New Orleans flavored, Show Me A Man, Wilde's trademark vocal style and piano finesse blends nicely with the trumpet work of Roger Reupert and backed by Sturgis Nikides on dobro, Reno Jack on bass, Rickey "Quicksand" Martin on drums. Latin spiced, Early In The Morning, a Louis Jordan track, is one of my favorite tracks with April Mae on washboard and Dave Fecca on acoustic guitar. Momma's Drinkin's Done has traditional boogie lines featuring strong vocals blanketed in Reupert's trumpet and Wilde's own piano work. Simple rocker, That Man Drives Me Mad, has primitive roots with Mandy Lemons on backing vocals. Billy Earheart's Cottage Pump Organ teamed with Wilde's piano work gives it an interesting sound blended with pop punk phrasing. Radio style track, Too Many Troubles, has a catchy melody and features some nice acoustic guitar work from Johnny Cass. Willie Dixon's John The Conquer Root, has a swampy feel with really bluesy vocals and piano work by Wilde and again featuring Nikides on dobro and Reupert on trumpet. Another Latin number, Daddy Daddy, keeps the accompaniment light with April Mae on washboard and Gary Vincent and Cass on acoustic guitar. Wilde really squeezes it on this one giving it an extra boost. Bessie Smith's Sorrowful Blues is up next and Wilde's piano work with Nikides' slide work highlights Wilde's vocal work nicely. One Of These Days is a cool duet with Reno Jack. This is a quiet little calliope kind of songs with Nikides on dobro and Earheart on Cottage Pump Organ. This track has a simple beauty setting it apart from the rest. Wrapping the release is Come On In, a spiritual track, done with full vocal backing by Watermelon Slim, Lemons, and Gary Vincent. With Earheart on organ and Robert Hughes on an old Stella, this is a super closer for a unique release.



  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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