Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Lions Roaring in Quicksand , by Paul Reed Smith - Eightlock , and it's rich in funk, rock, and soul. Opening with Sarah , PRS with Bill Nelson and Mike Ault set a rocking progressive pace, fronted by Mia Samone on lead vocal and backed by Gregory Grainger on bass, and Dennis Chambers on drums. Al Green's Love and Happiness really gets in the groove giving Samone a real nice opportunity to lead one of the best R&B tracks of all time. Punched up Benji Perecki on keys and great backing vocals by Grainger and Nelson make this one of my favorites on the release. Bluesy, Drivin' At Night , has a real nice bass line by Grainger and Samone really works the lead vocal. A tasty guitar break doubles the pace on the track giving it a Steely Dan feel, then back to solid soul. Very nice. Echoes has a solid melody giving it a strong radio appeal. Samone's vocals float on a deep bottom and complimentary guitar riffs g...

I just received the newest release from super group HBC and it's really "super". Guitarist Scott Henderson, bassist Jeff Berlin and Drummer Dennis Chambers have put together 9 great tracks, 2 originals and 7 by fusion legends, creating a really notable release. Opening with Herbie Hancock's Actual Proof , the band wastes no time demonstrating both individual talent and the cohesiveness of the band. This 10 plus minute excursion gives each band member the opportunity to shine but the mix is so clean that each player is distinctively apparent even when not soloing. Wayne Shorter's Mysterious Traveller develops a really cool funk groove featuring Henderson's slick soloing efforts. Chambers and Berlin both add substantially to the construction without a wasted note. I particularly like Chambers time change on his own solo with Berlin holding down the original rhythm of the track. Excellent! Joe Zawinul's D Flat Waltz is a perfect choice for this trio provi...

Asheville, NC – Much to the excitement of musicians and jazz aficiondos worldwide, the highly anticipated CD release by jazz-fusion legends Scott Henderson, Jeff Berlin and Dennis Chambers, will be released on Tone Center Records (a division of Shrapnel Records) on October 16, 2012. Considered one of the most phenomenal trios in the history of jazz-fusion, HBC's debut CD delivers a full dose of virtuosic performances guaranteed to thrill and inspire all who listen. “The trio is all about interplay,” explains guitarist Scott Henderson. “Jeff and I have always had a very high level of communication when we play together, and putting Dennis in the mix notches it up even higher. He's an extremely musical drummer, but at the same time has the ability to bring the energy up to scary levels.” Bassist Jeff Berlin adds, “We pretty much have the same vision of how three strong players should sound together. We function well on many levels; we're friends and lo...