Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Diane Durrett & Soul Suga Live from Diane Durrett and it's a funky, soul drenched live outing. Opening with Bright Side , Durrett on vocal and guitar with sassy Billy Preston like organ work by Yoel B'nai Yehuda, with solid trombone work from Wes Funderburke, Gregg Shapiro on bass, Markham on guitar and Melissa Junebug on drums as well as rich backing vocals by Adam McKnight and Debra Reese. It Is What It Is is a cool soul track with a nice melody and gritty, Macy Gray like texture. For me Funderburke's trombone really shines on this track. Excellent! Wish It Would Rain is a really nice soulful ballad and the best showcase for Durrett's voice on the release. Backed by McKnight and Reese, this track is very strong. Smooth soul track, Be Somebody's Angel has super radio potential and with it's warm vocals and organ work. Very nice. Super New Orleans dripping, Sassy Larue has a strong drum ...