Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, This Idea Of Humanity , from Ed Alstrom and it has blues and gospel influences. Opening with Put You First , Ed Alstrom shows his R&B influences with a Ray Charles feel. Playing piano, organ and singing, backed by Suzuki Andes on drums, Ula Hedwig on vocals, this track swings. Funky, Humans , features Alstrom on lead vocal and keys. Hedwig on backing vocals and Andes on drum give the track a cool texture. Soulful, Understanding , really is a nice showcase for Alstrom's soul shouting style and R&B piano. One of my favorites on the release. Another R&B style track, Go Ahead , has a great feel and Alstrom's vocals, backed by piano and melodica and Andes on drums keeps it light. Straight down the middle, The Way Back , is pure blues with Jimmy Vivino on guitar and Alstrom on vocal and piano. Vivino really digs in on slide giving this track real grit. Very nice. Wrapping the release is jazzy, Worry , wi...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Flee Though None Pursue , by Ed Alstrom and it's a juicy bity of soulful blues. Opening with Be Nice! Ed Alstrom on lead vocal and keys we're greeted with a sound that could be The Impressions. With Ula Hedwig on backing vocals and Don Guinta on drums, this is a fine opener. Slow Blues , features Robert Hill on guitars supporting Alstrom on keys and vocals. Slide guitar really gives the track a bluesy sound and Alstrom's organ is great support for his own rich vocals. New Orleans flavored, The Truth features Alstrom and Hedwig on vocals and Jerry Vivino on sax and Frank Pagano on drums. Great track.  Screwed is a cool, funky blues with solid vocals and a nice ripping guitar solo by Alstrom and Pagano on drums. Very cool. Great Notch is another track with a funky New Orleans feel. Don Guinta on drums and Hedwig and Alstrom's vocals add nicely to the piano work of Alstrom and cool harmonica work of Rob Pa...