Bman's Blues Report

  I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, The Blues Don't Lie, from Buddy Guy and it's full of fire. Opening with I Let My Guitar Do The Talking , Guy shows all of the energy of his youth with terrific vocals and screaming guitar lead. Backed by Tom Hambridge on drums, Reese Wynans on B3, Michael Rhodes on bass, Rob McNelley on electric guitr and Max Abrams and Steve Patrick on horns, this is a terrific opener. Slow blues classic, The World Needs Love really falls into Guy's prime wheelhouse with excellent vocals and his trademark sound on lead guitar. Joined by Hambridge on drums, Glen Worf on bass, Kevin McKendree on piano and McNelley on backing guitar, this track screams. Follow The Money pairs Guy with James Taylor, on lead vocal, Guy on acoustic guitars with Hambridge on drums, Wynans on Wurlitzer, Michael Rhodes on bass and McNelley on electric guitar. With it's JJ Cale approach to the blues, this is a nice juxtaposition for the release. Drivi...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Proper Years , from Bill Kirchen and it's strong. I'm certain that most readers know Bill but if not, he was the guitar fingers of Commander Cody and his Lost Planet Airmen. That being known, you can expect that deep throaty telecaster guitar sound and rich country roots. Opening with Hammer of the Honky-Tonk  Gods , a swangin' country rocker with Kirchen on lead guitar and vocal, backed by Nick Lowe on bass, Geraint Watkins on bass, Austin de Lone on keys, Robert Trehorne on drums, Danny Levin on fiddle and Cindy Cashdoller and David Berzansky on steel guitar. Great opener. Working Man is a cool, country flavored track with solid 2 stepping beat. With great lead vocal and a really great bass background vocal among the others, this track is a standout. Remake of 60's pop hit, Devil In A Blue Dress , has a real bluesy feel with solid backing vocals by Sarah Carroll. Trish Anderson and Suzannah Espie. ...

Ok. Never thought of Elvis Costello as a blues artist I'll bet. Looks like a new waver...or just an old waver. Plays that funky Jazzmaster. I mean...that guitar doesn't even make the blues list. But he is from Britain. Ok, here.s a song to check out that may make you wonder. What is the blues. He's got the hurt, he's got the drama.... even the guitar though short. Check it out...let me know. Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click Here