Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review Jacktown USA , a companion cd that is released along with a new book by the same title, looking at the Mississippi blues and southern soul artists and the state's prolific history of Grammy awards and nominations as released by Republic Books . Opening with Hold Up by Jacktown Sons the cd is off to a soulful pop start. With it's radio styling, upbeat rhythm and nicely blended vocals, a solid hit. Eddie Cotton is up next on Delivered By The Blues , a solid blend of blues, soul and funk. Cotton's vocals are really great and with rich organ backing over a thick bass and drum line and funky harmonica. Very cool. Easy shuffle, Juke Joint Love by Stevie J Blues has great balance with clean lead blues guitar styling, hot piano riffs and great vocals by Steve. Zac Harmon puts up my favorite track on the release, I Still Got The Blues . A super slinky blues number with strong guitar riffs, a funky bass line and super vocals, this track ...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Classy Woman , from Mizz Lowe and it's a funky, R&B blue party. Opening with Honey Tree , Mizz Lowe on lead vocal is joined by Bobby Rush on vocal, guitar and harmonica, Brother Paul Brown on Hammond, bass and drums and Paul Black on slide. Slinky, Easy Baby , has a soft approach with Lowe on vocal, Brown on bass, guitar and drums and Black wailing on slide. Very cool. Drink Drink is a cool shuffle with Lowe on vocal and Dexter Allen on guitar and bass. 4 Leaf Clover is the radio ballad for the track showcasing Lowe's vocals backed by Rush on harmonica and Brown on bass, drums and Fender Rhodes. This is a cool track with a solid melody. Wrapping the release is Christmas Tears , a nice seasonal track with warm vocals, bass, drums, Rhodes and percussion by Brown and Rush on harp. A solid closer.    If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Moe Betta Blues , from Miss Lady Blues and it blends blues, soul, R&B and funk for a solid sound. Opening with Back It Up With That Lip , Dexter Allen lays down a droning bass line, for the strong lead vocal of MLB, with Joey Robinson on drums and organ. Solid opener. Hi stepping, She Ain't Me has a real moving bottom with cool electric lead by Allen and contributions by Robinson on drums and keys. Addicted is a smooth soul track with warm backing vocals by Allen. This is a strong radio track with a smooth melody and perfect balance. Another R&B track, Loving You will also play strong to the radio audience with super vocals and a great feel. Wrapping the release is Can't Be Love with a muted arpeggiated guitar line and hot lead guitar work under the melody giving the track a real smoldering feel. Excellent closer.    If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to l...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Keep Moving On , from Dexter Allen and it's a solid mix of soul, R&B and blues. Opening with title track, Keep Moving On , Dexter Allen sets up a high stepper on lead vocal and guitar, backed by Christopher Minter on drums and Joey Robinson on keys. Solid opener. Shuffle Blues Eyed Girl has a a cool swing and fluid lead guitar under Allen's vocal. One of my favorite tracks on the release is slow blues track, F.A.B.U.L.I.S.T. Woman with it's BB King like call and response style guitar riffs and some of Allen's best vocal on the release. Lightly funky, If I Ain't Got You is a real cool track giving you a strong urge to get up and move. Very cool. Soul track, Can't Live Without You , is another of my favorites on the release with gospel like bones and great vocals by Allen. Wrapping the release is R&B influenced blues track, My Cup Of Tea , with a rolling beat and strong vocal lead by Allen...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Loved, Blessed & Blues from Lady "A" and it's quite good! Opening with the title track, Loved, Blessed & Blues Lady "A" (Anita White) is joined by Dexter Allen on guitar, bass and piano and Joey Robinson on keys and drums for a cool bluesy swing with nice harmonies. With a bit of James Brown push on guitar, Honey Hush (A Tribute to Elnora) has a real nice groove with a strong bass line. On blues ballad, Don't Let Your Blues Become A Crime , Lady "A" really steps up with a lot of tension. Warm organ work really coaxes Lady "A" out and her lead vocals paired with Allen's vocals are super. Excellent! Another of my favorite tracks on the release is Love Calling with a strong radio hook. It's lyrics are clever and it's melody and harmonies are smooth. Allen's guitar work is clean and inciting. Getting down in the Texas style blues, Happy, is a cool t...

I just received the newest release, Bluez Of My Soul , from Dexter Allen and it's hot! Opening with southern country blues funky track, Coming From Mississippi , Allen has you squirming in your seat leading the way with his own solid vocals and joined by Bobby Rush on harp. Joey Robinson lays down a snappy drum rhythm and Allen compliments himself nicely on lead guitar. Ride This Train , pushed along by Rush on harp, has a spiritual feel... you can almost feel the tent rising with excitement. Allen breaks loose with a few tight guitar riffs but this track is all about lifting the spirit with music. Still Called The Bluez has a real nice slow blues slide to it. A R&B style track with beautiful vocal work and hot guitar chaser makes this definitely one of the best tracks on the release. With the feel of BB King and the funky chop style of WWW this track is way cool. Monk Donky has a fast funk sound not unlike Robert Parker. letting the guitar out for a walk on this track, Al...

Dexter Allen born in Crystal Springs Mississippi, started out playing guitar at the church where his father was pastor. Traveling and performing with Bobby Rush to France, Japan, Germany, Spain, China, Finland, Iraq, Kuwait, Sweden and all over the United States, was the vehicle that headed Dexter down the road of Blues. After the Rush experience, Dexter decided to form his own band and began playing clubs and venues all over the southeast and southwest. This has proven to be successful in spreading his unique style of guitar playing, and vocal ability. His unique style landed the 2008 Jackson Music Award for Male Vocalist. His current album titled Bluezin My Way,tells stories of Love, Lust, Lies, and Allibites, which landed him the Jackson Music awards 2009 Entertainer of the Year. For Christmas of 2009 Dexter also released “Hello Ms Santa Claus” which D.J.’s predict to be a holiday standard. Dexter also lends his time and talents for blues workshops in area schools. His music and ent...