Endless Blues Records artist: Mick Kolassa - Wooden Music - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Wooden Music, from Mick Kolassa and it's chocked full of of blues talent. Opening with shuffle, Educated By The Blues, Mick Kolassa on vocal and guitar lays down a cool melody, with Doug MacLeod and Jeff Jensen on guitar, Carl Casperson on bass, Tom Lonardo on drums, Rick Steff on piano and featuring Eric Hughes on harmonica. Up-tempo, If I Told You, has a swampy rhythm with Jensen on guitar, Casperson on bass, Lonardo on drums and Vince Johnson on harmonica. Very nice. Over My Shoulder is a cool little tune with a saunter. With solid vocals by Kolassa and tight guitar melody by Jensen, this track has a great feel. Wrapping the release is country flavored, Gas Station Sushi, with Kolassa on vocal, kazoo and guitar, with straight up slide from Jensen and Lonardo on drums. This is a cool closer for a characteristic Kolassa 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Blue Heart Records artist: Dave Keyes - Rhythm Blues & Boogie - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Rhythm Blues & Boogie by Dave Keyes and it's name says it all. Opening with Memphis flavored R&B on Shake Shake Shake on piano and lead vocal backed by Bernard Purdie on drums, Jeff Anderson on bass, and the power of Chris Eminizer on sax and Tim Quimette on trumpet. Solid opener. Another big swinger, Blues and Boogie has a little New Orleans spice and Keyes piano work shines again with power horns by Eminizer and Quimette and a real nice guitar solo by Early Times. Takin it to the street New Orleans style, Ain't Doing That No More has a great drum beat by Purdie and Eminizer and Quimette punch up the back. John Putnam on slide guitar really nails it and of course Keyes vocal and piano lead is terrific. Not Fighting Anymore is spiced up even more with a Latin beat by Pagano on drums and percussion adds backing vocals, with firm horn backing by Quimette and Eminizer and strong lead vocal by Keyes. David J Keyes has bass on this number and Popa Chubby guests on guitar. Doug MacLeod adds spoken word and lays in a cool acoustic guitar solo on Invisible Man and Keyes on vocal and straight up boogie piano sets the tempo for this one. Wrapping the release is 7 O'clock Somewhere, a rockin boogie with a cool piano lead and Wurlitzer by Keyes, Putnam ripping on guitar and Pagano on drums. This is a strong closer for a very enjoyable 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Reference Recordings artist: Doug MacLeod - Brand New Eyes - New Release Review

 

I just  had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Brand New Eyes, from Doug MacLeod and it's super. This release on Reference Recordings, Fresh label captures MacLeod alone on acoustic guitar and resonator in a pristine setting. Opening with title track, Brand New Eyes, MacLeod uses his vocal and finger picking pace to stimulate the track and a foot tap to stabilize the pace. Easing into a John Lee Hooker like trance with resonator and a solid foot stomp, MacLeod really captures the feel of Delta Blues on Something Dark Is Walking. An obvious student of the old masters, this track is spot on. With a traditional rag style and strong finger picking, Zu-Zu Woman is a terrific track and one of my favorites on the release. With raw emotion, I Rolled A Nickel feels delta authentic with the jangle of the resonator and slide, foot stomp and wailing like vocal. Very nice. Story telling country blues, The Nature of the Man has a great tempo and solid vocals making it the most radio friendly track. Wrapping the release is Welcome In Your Home with it's contemporary, folk blues feel. MacLeod maintains a strong pace and his energy is vibrant.

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE 

Reference Recordings artist: Doug MacLeod -Break The Chain - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Break The Chain, from Doug MacLeod and it's a cool, textural documentary of contemporary observations. Opening with boogie rocker, Goin' Down To The Roadhouse, Doug gets into a real nice groove with slide on resonator joined by Denny Croy on bass and Jimi Bott on drums. On Lonesome Feeling, Doug really gives his National steel body a rough workout. His wailing and slide work nicely together creating a feeling of solitude and emptiness. Very nice. Another stand out track is One For Tampa Red featuring a solid walking bass line by Croy and Doug sliding out the melody on his National "O". Boogie track, Who's Driving This Bus is another stand out track with a great driving rhythm and clever lyrics. A very nice track, Church Street Serenade has a really sweet melody and strong guitar articulation. One of my favorites. Wrapping the release is title track, Break The Chain, a simple stripped down rocker with Jesse Macleod on guitar, Doug on vocal and slide, Oliver Brown on percussion and Denny or bass. Cool closer to a simply cool 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Under The Radar music group artist: Doug Macleod - Live In Europe - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live In Europe, from Doug Macleod and it's a quiet, up close and personal concert with a super performer. Opening with acoustic boogie, I Want You, Macleod hammers on his resonator and belts out the blues. If you don't know Macloud, this is it man. On Black Magic, we hear more of a modern delta style with acoustic slide. More dramatic, Ain't The Blues Evil, has a modern feel but dark delta roots. With understated vocals and Muddy Waters like guitar riffs, this is one of my favorites on the release. The New Panama Ltd. is a cool folk blues track with great train guitar action and over 14 minutes of spoken story lines. Very cool. Home Cookin' is a really cool blues rumble along the lines of Sweet Home Chicago. With Macleod's witty delivery and gritty guitar work, this is a crowd favorite. Cold Rain is a real nice blues number with traditional resonator blues riffs. Macleod's slide playing and vocals are true to history and heartfelt. Long Time Road is a strong blues driver with free wheeling guitar and vocals. A prime blues number, it is lively and raw. Turkey Leg Woman has a distinct sound of Mississippi country blues with a lot of rhythm. Energetic finger picking and fan strumming brings this track to life. Wrapping the release is Masters Plan, a simple ballad. Solid vocals and rudimentary rhythm guitar makes this a concrete closer for a solid 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

Reference Recordings artist: Doug MacLeod - Exactly Like This - New Release review

I just received the newest release (March 10, 2015), Exactly Like This, from Doug MacLeod and it's quite good. Opening with piano boogie, Rock It Til The Cows Come Home, MacLeod on guitar and vocal is joined by Mike Thompson on piano, Jimi Bott on drums and Denny Croy on bass. This track has an acoustic basis but it really does rock. With a solid piano groove and acoustic guitar instrumentation MacLeod's vocals push the track. Too Many Misses For Me has more of a jazzy feel and an acoustic guitar lead. A strong track with nice articulation. Find Your Right Mind has more of a quiet Johnson ballad (Come Into My Kitchen) style but with a more urban twist. MacLeod plays the slide resonator sweetly on this track. Ain't It Rough? has a rag feel but is really more of a story telling track with rhythmic accompaniment. Vaneta, a cool guitar boogie is lead by MacLeod on acoustic guitar and with a real nice blues Hooker like guitar riff. The spirit of John lee lingers in this track with his basic attack and feel. Excellent! Serious Doin' Woman has a real cool swampy feel (think Poke Salad Annie) with tall tales and a simple beat. Ridge Runner opens with a march like drum beat and continues into train land. With finger chicken pickin and light snare work, this track has the feel of Orange Blossom Special or another similar bluegrass track but brought up to a more sophisticated level of execution (no fiddle). New Morning Road is the purest delta style blues track, vocal and acoustic guitar and possibly my favorite track on the release. Think early Skip James or Hooker, Muddy Waters. Very cool! Raylene is an easy flowing blues track with slide resonator backing MacLeod singing a basic 12 bar. In Johnson style but with a more modern flair, this track transcends the decades. Skillful slide techniques shine on this track. Heaven's The Only Place is a somber bluesy ballad with quiet instrumental accompaniment under MacLeod's soulful vocals. Again a strong sense of slide resonator use really makes this track shine. Wrapping the release is You Got It Good (And That Ain't Bad), a swing track with crisp piano drive. Thompson, Croy and Bott are really tight on this track making this a super final track on a strong 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”

 

Western Maryland Blues Fest in Hagerstown, MD

May 29–June 1 17 bands, 4 big days, $50 Fri/Sat Combo Tickets* — Best Value!  Get your tickets now! The Western Maryland Blues Fest roars into its 19th big year in Hagerstown, MD! Come celebrate with four jam-packed, jumpin’ days filled with music from national, regional & local performers! These are just some of the great artists you’ll hear throughout the festival… Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters Legendary blues guitarist Ronnie Earl brings his celebrated band back to Hagerstown for a special show. Having played alongside such greats as B. B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Carlos Santana, Eric Clapton, Muddy Waters, and Otis Rush, Ronnie’s guitar speaks with an authoritative blues voice that only a veteran player can summon! Ian Siegal & Band Be part of one of the first American audiences to hear this multiple British Blues Awards winner! Ian’s May 31 Hagerstown performance culminates his first-ever U.S. tour! Don’t miss this songwriter’s exciting new blues, conveyed in the traditional Delta blues style, all the way from across the pond! Eric Steckel Band A young blues veteran, a powerful player with an authentic blues soul, Eric is already hailed by many as one of the next big things in bluesrock! Eric Steckel is a must see and must hear for fans of SRV, Jimi Hendrix and Joe Bonamassa. Doug Macleod Performing in the tradition of the blues as a story-telling medium, acoustic guitarist, Doug MacLeod, has been nominated for THREE (3) 2014 Blues Music Awards, including Acoustic Artist of the Year, Acoustic Album of the Year and Blues Song of the Year. Giving a FREE Sunday performance in City Park, come see what all the fuss is about! Mingo Fishtrap WOW! What’s in a name? Well, this Texas-based large ensemble will give you a sweet soulful style of rhythm and blues, including plenty of horns. Describing its sound as “the space where melodic pop meets gritty Memphis soul, with a twist of N’awlins funk,” Mingo Fishtrap’s tenacious groove is central to its sanctified mission to shake your soul. 19th Annual Western Maryland Blues Fest Schedule View the full schedule here. Thursday, May 29—Blues Prelude 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. University Plaza, 50 West Washington Street, Downtown. Free admission. Lawn chairs and blankets encouraged! Gates open at 4:00 p.m. ID required. No smoking venue. Don’t miss the Blues Fest Poster Art Exhibit opening, featuring this year’s artist, Matt Long! The exhibit will be held at the Washington County Arts Council at 36 South Potomac Street from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Friday, May 30—Lotta Blues Kickoff 4:30 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. City Center Lot, North Potomac Street. $20 in advance* and $30 at the gate. Children 12 and under free with paying adult. Gates open at 4:00 p.m. ID required. Saturday, May 31—Downtown House Party Noon to 9:30 p.m. City Center Lot, North Potomac Street. $35 in advance* and $45 at the gate. Children 12 and under free with paying adult. Gates open at 11:00 a.m. ID required. Sunday, June 1—Family Blues Picnic Noon to 5:00 p.m. City Park Bandshell. Free admission. Lawn chairs and blankets encouraged. No smoking venue. While you’re at Blues Fest…  Visit the Maxwell Street Market area of the festival for plenty of food, drink and specialty vendors.  Kids Jam, Too in the HUGE children’s area design just for them! It’s their very own playground filled with music, crafts, activities and more on Sunday.  Grab a limited 19th anniversary edition t-shirt, hat, or other Festival gear from the Blues Boutique. *Transaction fee of $5.00 per ticket applies in advance sale tickets. Schedule and artists subject to change. No chairs, coolers, food or beverages may be brought into the festival area Friday or Saturday. No animals (except service animals) and no audio/video recording permitted at any time during the festival. All packs, parcels and bags subject to inspection. Supported in part by: City of Hagerstown, Maryland State Arts Council and Washington County Arts Council.