CLICK ON TITLE BELOW TO GO TO PURCHASE!!!! CD submissions accepted! Guest writers always welcome!!

I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!


Please email me at Info@Bmansbluesreport.com
Showing posts with label Eric Gales. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Eric Gales. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Shakura S'Aida - Hold On To Love - New Release Review


 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Hold On To Love, by Shakura S'Aida and it's a soulful R&B release with style. Opening with title track, Hold On To Love, Shakura S'Aida on lead vocal really hits the groove, with terrific backing vocals and what sounds like (although not noted on the release) Derek Trucks on slide. Excellent opener. With the darkness of a southern spiritual, Clap Yo Hands And Moan, really is a great track. Rick vocal blending, a thumping foot drum and that haunting slide work makes this one of my favorites on the release. You're The One takes more of a no holds attack with full vocal backing and massive drum and guitar attack and a simplified dobro addition, presumed to be by Keb Mo. Funky rocker, Ain't Got Nothin' is a real mover with rich bottom, great lead vocals and flashy lead guitar work by Eric Gales. This track really is strong. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

 “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

Wednesday, December 6, 2023

Guitar One Records artist: Misty Blues - Outside The Lines - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Outside The Lines, by Misty Blues and I really like it. Opening with Where The Blues Come From, MB lays down a heavy bottomed blues rocker with thumping bass lines and vocal by Bill Patriquin, and heavy drum work and vocals by Rob Tatten, and rabble rousing organ by David Vittone with solid contributions by Gina Coleman on cigar box guitar and vocal, Diego Monque on guitar and vocal, Seth Fleischmann on guitar and vocals and  Benny Kohn on keys. On One Of These Days, Matt Cusson on keys and vocals gives the track a cool, Latin feel with Fleischmann soaring on lead guitar, strong sax work by Aaron Dean, and snappy drumming by Tatten. Coleman really shines on lead vocal on funky, Grip Your Soul. Her deep vocal attack, along with excellent guitar work by Fleischmann and screaming sax work by Aaron Dean make this one of my favorites on the release. Kat Riggins and Justin Johnson guest vocal with Coleman on The Hate with excellent deep vocal interplay and strong balance by Mongue on bass and Dean on sax. Wrapping the release is soulful, Been A Long Time Coming with excellent vocal lead by Coleman and a real nice bass line by Patriquin. Eric Gales steps in on lead guitar with Fleischmann and Mongue and vocal blending by Ed Moran, Chantell McFarland and Wanda Houston make this a strong closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

“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

Thursday, November 17, 2022

Kings County Blues artist: Emanual Casablanca - Blood On My Hands - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blood On My Hands, by Emanual Casablanca and it's solid rocker with a blues base. Opening with Afraid of Blood, a dark rocker with heavy overtones, Emanual Casablanca on vocal and guitar sets the tone joined by Paul Howells on guitar, Julian Chobot on bass, Teddy Sideropolous on drums and Paul Gilbert on guitar. Title track, Blood On My Hands is really a cool track with a strong, lumbering blues bottom, emphasized by Maximillian Sebastian on bass, Theodore Augustine on drums, Brother Dave on guitar and some of Casablanca's best vocals on the release. I really like blues based, Bloodshot Eyes with it's relentless thumping bass line by Chobot and solid guitar riffs by Albert Castiglia. Driving boogie, Testify is one of my favorite tracks on the release with a grinding guitar riff by Howells and it's simple blues feel. Wrapping the release is Rottenpockets with a heavily distorted guitar vamp by Sebastian and tight drum pulse by Poyraz Aldemir. This is a metal flavored track with melodic vocals by Casablanca. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

 “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

Monday, November 14, 2022

Provogue Records artist: Supersonic Blues Machine - Voodoo Nation - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Voodoo Nation, from Supersonic Blues Machine and it's a cool blues rocker. Opening with Money, SBM sets up a cool New Orleands flavored funk rocker with a solid drum line by Kenny Aronoff and featuring Kris Barras on lead vocal and guitar, Fabrizio Grossi on bass, Alex Alessandroni Jr on keys and perfect backing vocals by Francis Benitez and Andrea Grossi- Benitez. You and Me is a solid rocker that reminds me of Pink Floyd (and I actually don't know why). I think maybe it has the drive of Roger Waters' The Wall and the guitar attack by King Solomon Hicks  (doesn't sound like Gilmore), but the riffs are cut from the same cloth. Very cool. 8 Ball Lucy is one of my favorites with solid vocals, cool slide by Sonny Landreth and really cool reggae drum work by Aronoff. Title track, Voodoo Nation, has an interesting sound with really potent drum work by Aronoff, wark key addition by Alessandroni Jr. and again very effective vocal backing by Grossi-Benitez. Wrapping the release is radio track, All Our Love with it's catchy tune andlight country influence. With Charlie Starr on slide guitar paired with Barras on lead guitar and lead vocal, and strong piano work by Alessandroni, this is a strong closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

“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

Wednesday, November 9, 2022

Cleopatra Records : A Tribute to Eric Clapton - Various Artists - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review a recent release, A Tribute to Eric Clapton from Cleopatra Records and it covers much of his popular music over his vast career. Opening with JJ Cale's, Cocaine, blues guitar man and vocalist Kirk Fletcher and organ master Brian Auger team up for what may be Clapton's biggest hit. With Clapton like phrasing  Fletcher sets the pace for the balance of the release.  From the Cream era, Jack Bruce and Eric Clapton composition, The Sunshine of Your Love is actually pretty interesting with Eric Gales on vocal and on guitar. Gales vocals are solid and his guitar soloing explosive, balancing out the Baker like powerful drumming by Adam Hamilton. Bob Marley's I Shot The Sherriff, was certainly a cool choice by Clapton for his 461 release and covered here by Pat Travers on vocal and guitar and joined by Artimus Pyle on drums has just a bit more rock that Claptons version with a great cowbell line and excellent riffs by Travers. Certainly his most popular song of recent times is Tears in Heaven given a total rework by Ana Popovic on guitar and lead vocal with Buthel Burns on bass and Jerry Wayne Kelley Jr on drums. Popovic really adds a lot of soul to this track making it the most likely radio track on the release. Snowy White makes a cool appearance with strong, Clapton influenced riffs on another Bruce/Cream composition, White Room. With Graham Bonnet on lead vocal, this track is a true classic. Wrapping the release is Steve Winwood's Blind Faith hit, Can't Find My Way Home featuring Shirley King on vocal and Tull's Martin Barre on guitar. I've always enjoyed Barre's guitar hand and am glad to see him included here on a solid wrapper to one of rock's champions. 



View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

 “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

Monday, March 21, 2022

Gulf Coast Records artist: Mike Zito - Blues For The Southside - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues for the Southside, from Mike Zito and it's really strong! Recorded live at the Old Rock House in St Louis, MO. this band is cranking. Opening with Mississippi Nights, Mike Zito is up front on lead vocal and guitar. Mike has great a super grinding tone and his slide work is great. Backed by Matthew Johnson on drums, Lewis Stephens on piano, Doug Byrkit on bass, this band is smoking. Larry Davis' Texas Flood really gives Zito a chance to put his foot to the floor and he doesn't hesitate a bit. His vocals are firm and his guitar work inspired and scorching! Hell On Me is a great, rolling blues with a solid walking bass line from Byrkit opening up a super land for Zito to wind it up and he's on it. Building a lot tension with his vocals and nice use of a chorus pedal, Zito sets it up nicely. Stephens' organ work adds a lot of lather setting the lob up for a slam by Zito to close. Very nice. Opening side two of this concert is Highway Mama, and adding Tony Campanella on guitar. I really like this track... a perfect example of blues rock at it's best along the lines of Frank Marino's Mahogany Rush. Excellent! Hendrix's Voodoo Chile finds Eric Gales on stage with Zito and a real shootout. This is a 12 minute duel and lots of smoke. Very nice! On Life Is Hard Zito really take his time and works his solo. His chops are excellent and clocking in at over eight and a half minute, it really makes you sad that you  missed this show in person. Wow! Wrapping the release is Chuck Berry's Johnny B. Goode. With nothing left on the table, this is an excellent closer keeping the energy up and Zito keeps the riffs flying. This is a really strong closer for a really potent double live concert. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

Monday, January 31, 2022

Provogue artist: Eric Gales - Crown - New release review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Crown, from Eric Gales and it's powerful. Opening with Death of Me, a solid blues rocker with metal overtones. With a heavy drum stamped bottom by Greg Morrow and Lemar Carter this track has real swagger. Gales has never been bashful about throwing heavy guitar riffs out there and this track is no exception. His Jimi influence is ever present but not overtelling, backed by Joe Bonamassa on rhythm guitar, Josh Smith on rhythm guitar and Michael Rhodes on bass and backing vocals by LaDonna Gales. Very cool. I really like soul track, Stand Up with it's radio quality. Gales really shines on vocals on this track with it's super melody and with it's rich bass work and backing vocals by Jade McCrae, this track is strong. Another track with a heavy bottom is Survivor and it's lumbering feel lays open a grand floor for ultra fluid soloing by Gales. A lush guitar chord laden intro on Too Close To The Fire really puts you in mind of SRV's style but Gales music is always Gales music. There is a definite maturity in his newer music with more structure and focused guitar attack. Holding back throughout the track and allowing it to develop, he opens the floodgates and unleashes the beast for a high energy crescendo ala Pink Floyd with female backing vocal by Ladonna. Very nice. I really like Take Me Just As I Am and it's tribute to the super funky Curtis Mayfield like sound. With it's thumping bass and lead vocal by LaDonna and horn backing, this track is terrific! Funky, Let Me Start With This has a great feel with synthesized guitar riffs with great feel. Gales' vocals are strong ... this track could easily be the radio track for this release. I Found Her is a strong ballad with a gentle approach and sensitive delivery but watch when Gales drops the hammer on guitar...dynamite! Wrapping the release is I Gotta Go, a high energy R&B style track that would be a strong closer for a live show. With introductions, and a power punch, this is a hot closer leaving you wanting more. This is my favorite Eric Gales release to date.


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

Friday, July 31, 2020

Cleopatra Blues artist: Joe Louis Walker - Blues Comin' On - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues Comin' On from Joe Louis Walker and it's a fireplug. Opening with rocker, Feed The Poor, a funky blues rocker, Walker on lead vocal and Jorma on lead guitar, John Bradford on bass, Dorian Randolph on drums, Juma Sultan on percussion and Bruce Katz. This track is heavy. Super backing vocals by Bradford, and Randolph almost give it a Daryl Hall edge. Cool opener. R&B track, Someday, Someway is certainly one of my favorites on the release with Carla Cooke at the mic. Her vocals are terrific and with Walker on backing vocal and guitar and joined by Lee Oskar and his classic harp tone, Eric Finland on keys, Bradford on bass and Randolph on drums. Excellent! Easy shuffle, Old Time Used To Be has Walker on 12 string and vocal, with Joh Sebastian on harp and  Keb Mo on slide. Katz has a real nice piano solo on this one and adds an overall bright feel to the track. Swampy Bowlegged Woman, Knock-Kneed Man has a real nice groove with Walker on super lead vocal and guitar with Rick Estrin on harp and Waddy Wachtel on lead guitar. Funky, Uptown to Harlem is a cool James Brown boogaloo style track  with Jellybean Johnson on lead guitar and Eric Finland on organ. Wrapping the release is Arthur Lee's rad rocker, 7&7 is with Arlen Roth on lead guitar. With full reverb and sixties style guitar lead over some ferocious drumming by Randolph, this is a solid closer for a totally enjoyable release.


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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



Thursday, July 2, 2020

Cleopatra Records artist: Joe louis Walker - Blues Comin' On - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues Comin' On, by Joe Louis Walker, and it's a great blend of Blues, Soul, R&B and Rock musical styles. Opening with Feed The Poor, a funky blues rocker, Walker joins with legendary Jorma Kaukonen on lead guitar who brings a ragged edge to this otherwise soulful track. With John Bradford on bass, Dorian Randolph on bass, Juma Sultan on percussion and Bruce Katz on organ this is a strong opener. Carla Cooke contributes lead vocal on Someday, Someway, a real nice soulful blues ballad. Her vocals, backed by Walker, on guitar and vocal, and with Lee Oskar on harmonica, Eric Finland on piano, Randolph on drums and John Bradford, this is definitely one of my favorites on the release. Keb' Mo on slide guitar and John Sebastian on harp join Walker on 12 string laying down a real nice shuffle, Old Time Used To Be. Backed by Katz on piano, Scott Petito on bass, Randolph on drums and Sultan on percussion this track has a great feel. I love the heavy bottom funk on Bowlegged Woman, Knock-Kneed Man featuring Bradford on bass and Randolph on drums. Walker has the lead vocal on this one and does a great job with Waddy Wachtel on guitar, Rick Estrin on harp and Katz on organ. Nice and funky. Another soulful ballad, Awake Me, Shake Me,  featuring Cooke and Walker on lead vocal has real power with Walker really digging in on guitar. Very nice. With a real James Brown "boogaloo" beat, Uptown In Harlem features solid drumming by Byron Case and Jellybean Johnson winding it out on lead guitar under Walkers lead vocal. Cool. Wrapping the release is 7&7 Is, an Arthur Lee track with an early rock feel, featuring Charlie Harper on lead vocal and Arlen Roth on lead guitar. Roth slows this hypnotic pace down with some of the nicest blues riffs on the release, making is a solid closer.


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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


Thursday, February 27, 2020

Hipsterdumpster Records artist: Matty T Wall - Transpacific Blues Vol. 1 - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Transpacific Blues Vol. 1, from Matty T Wall and it's quite entertaining. Opening with John Lee Hooker's Boom Boom, Matty T Wall picks up Hookers classic and moves it forward. With toasty guitar riffs, solid vocals, the firm brush work of Ric Whittle on drums and Stephen Walker on bass, and the addition of great slide work of Dave Hole, this is a real cool opener. Hi Heel Sneakers gets a cool, funky treatment, with terrific lead by Wall and Eric Gales. Very nice. On Albert Collins' Quicksand, Kid Ramos steps up with Walls on lead guitar and with a rolling pace, quick shuffle keeps you bopping in your seat. Excellent! T Bone Walker's Stormy Monday take a different turn altogether with a great slow pace but with a different (than the original) melody. This adds tension and with hard grabbed, stinging, guitar riffs Wall keeps you plastered to your seat and listening close. Very cool. Kirk Fletcher sits in on Albert King's Born Under A Bad Sign and again, Wall uses the melody loosely with cues to the original track, especially Walkers spot on bass lines. This freedom to let it all hang out gives the track a definite freshness. Wrapping the release is Robert Johnson's Crossroads, turned rock classic by The Cream and now reworked with a military like drum beat and a Hill Country feel. I like this release. Not only does it have a all-star cast of guitar slingers, it's got a different story to tell. Very cool. 

View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

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

Tuesday, June 11, 2019

Provogue Records artist: Gary Hoey - Neon Highway Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Neon Highway Blues, from Gary Hoey and it's a solid blues rocker with lots of heat. Opening with, Under The Rug, a funky blues rocker with a definite Eric Gales added guitar flavor. Hoey's style is easily discernable from Gales and they work together nicely. With Matt Scurfield on drums, Sandy MacDonald on organ and AJ Pappas on bass, a solid opener. Slowing it down to a cool blues pace, Mercy of Love is up next with Josh Smith joining Hoey for some real blues fireworks. Excellent! One of my favorite tracks on the release is shuffle track, Your Kind Of Love with an super shuffle feel and slick slide guitar work. Very nice. Don't Come Crying is a solid 8 bar number featuring Hoey's son Ian laying down some serious riffs with the old man. This is a cool track and showcases what's coming up for the blues world. For those seeking the blues ballad style with lead guitar a la Gary Moore, Almost Heaven is sure to scratch your itch. Lance Lopez is certainly a force to be reckoned with and add him to the mix with Gary Hoey, you've got white heat. That's exactly what you have on Damned If I Do, a pyrotechnic guitar shuffle. Trading solos over a solid rhythm line gets it done. A flashy, run heavy blues rocker, Living The Highlife really shows Hoey's agile finger work over a solid rock line. Very cool. Wrapping the release is title track, Neon Highway Blues, a melodic guitar ballad which has all the right stuff. Clean, articulate slide work over lush chords...a perfect way to end a really solid release.



View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

 

Wednesday, May 1, 2019

Queen of Blues/Rock Guitar Joanna Connor Performing At The Dallas Guitar Show


Queen of Blues/Rock Guitar Joanna Connor
Performing At The Dallas Guitar Show

New Album Coming This Summer & Lots of Festival Dates 
Northport NY - M.C. Records is proud to announce that the Queen of Blues/Rock Guitar, Joanna Connor will be performing at The Dallas International Guitar Festival this Friday. Other legendary guitarists performing at the weekend long event include Sonny Landreth, Paul Reed Smith, Larry Mitchell, Eric Gales and many more. Click the photo of Joanna to get the complete schedule for all three days.
                                                         Screen Shot 2019-05-01 at 11.25.36 AM.png
Joanna Connor might be the best—or most original—blues-based slide guitar player you're likely to come across today. Or tomorrow.  Guitar World  - https://www.guitarworld.com/artists/joanna-connor-shreds-slide-guitar-video 
If you’re seeking amazing guitar talent, you need to check out the string-bending, mind-blowing Joanna Connor.  Elmore Magazine                                                 
Joanna Connor is currently working in the studio working on her follow up to 2016's "Six String Stories." The new, untitled release will be coming out later in the summer and will be available on vinyl on M.C. Records. Joanna has had several videos that have been viewed millions of time on You Tube. You can find out more about Joanna here, http://joannaconnor.com/bio/
    IMG_8703.jpg   Screen Shot 2019-05-01 at 11.43.06 AM.png
Joanna Connor on Tour  - Contact: Crystal Crawford Talent- 615.206.4428 crystal@crawfordtalentgroup.com 

Selected tour dates - Her complete list of dates can be found here, including all her shows in Chicago. http://joannaconnor.com/shows/
FRI. 7 JUNE - Chicago Blues Festival 2019 - Chicago IL 
FRI. 21 JUNE - Northwoods Blues Festival - Chippewa Falls, WI

SAT. 22 JUNE - Winnetka Music Festival - Winnetka, IL

MON. 8 JULY– TUE. 9 JULY - Tremblant International Blues Festival - Mont-Tremblant, QC, Canada

SAT.  13 JULY - Lighthouse Blues Festival - Kincardine, ON, Canada

THUR. Aug. 1 - City Winery - Chicago IL - Opening for John Mayall

FRI. 9 AUGUST– SAT. 10 AUGUST - Knuckleheads Kansas City, MO

FRI. 16 AUGUST - Chenango Blues Festival  - Norwich, NY

SAT. 17 AUGUST - White Mountain Boogie n' Blues Festival - Thornton, NH

SUN. 18 AUGUST - McHenry Rotary Blues, Brews & BBQ - Mchenry, IL 

SAT. 24 AUGUST - Kenlake Hot August Blues - Murray, KY,

SAT. 31 AUGUST - Lefty's Live MusicDes Moines, IA
 
SUN.  8 SEPTEMBER - Big Blues Bender @ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino - Las Vegas, NV
 
SUN. 15 SEPTEMBER - Joanna Connor @ Telluride Blues & Brews Festival - Telluride, CO
                                                              
  ***

Friday, April 26, 2019

Ruf Records artist: Ally Venable - Texas Honey - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Texas Honey, from Ally Venable and it's a fine blend of power pop and blues. Opening with rocker, Nowhere To Hide, Venable is on top with super vocals and fresh guitar riffs over a solid bass line by Bobby Wallace and the tight rhythm of Elijah Owings. Great opener. Title track, Texas Honey shows real grit with fat guitar tones and Gibbons like snarl. Excellent track. Blind To Bad Love has dark overtones, deep backing vocals and cool backing guitar work by Mike Zito. Come And Take It is a heavier track with real teeth. Eric Gales adds vocal and real snarling guitar riffs giving the band more intensity and more balance. Very cool. You knew it was going to happen... a young female guitar slinger taking on SRV. Love Struck Baby has lots of snap and Venable's guitar riffs aren't SRV but it's still hot and fun. Another track with vicious guitar riffs is White Flag. Venable turns up the grit up to Z (for ZZ Top) and really gets greasy. This track has a lot of flavor with heavy drums, a lumbering bottom and ripping guitars...very cool! Wrapping the release is another gritty blues rocker, Careless Love, with a thumping bass line and tight drum riffs. Venable's vocals are solid and her country flavored rock riffs are tasty and wet. Nice closer for a really cool release.


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Supersonic Blues Machine Return with CALIFORNISOUL on October 20 - Featuring Special Guests Billy Gibbons, Steve Lukather, Eric Gales, Walter Trout and Robben Ford


SUPERSONIC BLUES MACHINE ANNOUNCE THE GLOBAL RELEASE OF 
CALIFORNISOUL ON OCTOBER 20 VIA MASCOT LABEL GROUP / PROVOGUE

ALL-STAR CAST INCLUDES BILLY GIBBONS, STEVE LUKATHER, ERIC GALES,
WALTER TROUT AND ROBBEN FORD

Los Angeles, CA – Supersonic Blues Machine, featuring Fabrizio Grossi (bass / producer), Lance Lopez (guitar / vocals) and Kenny Aronoff (drums) has announced the global release of CALIFORNISOUL! On October 20 via Mascot Label Group / Provogue Records.  The title, available on CD, double vinyl, download and streaming, presents the sound the band spent much of 2017 sharing with audiences from Texas to Holland and India to St. Petersburg, Russia, picking up right where the they left off on their well-received debut record, West of Flushing, South of Frisco. Grossi shares, ““CALIFORNISOUL! That’s exactly what it is. It’s the missing soundtrack to a summertime drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco in 1971!”

Recorded at Fab’s Lab in North Hollywood, California, the repertoire is all about great songs.  “Cry” is a soul searching, simmering piece of poetry and Lance Lopez preaches it in the most righteous way. “I Am Done Missing You” is another number that reaches down deep with a message that will resonate with both spurned lovers and those who have left their bad habits and ways in the past. Californisoul is a study and celebration of the human condition, and “This Is Love” could be the lovechild of Bob Marley and War with some stinging guitar action spread on top. We’re living in times in which it’s hard to keep on keeping on, and it’s easy to fall prey to habits, vices, and distractions - “Elevate” takes a close look at the “high” life, and how one must raise above the temptations and tribulations if the music is to be made.

Fabrizio Grossi talks about a soundtrack for an imaginary road trip up the California coastline in the heady, halcyon days of the early 70s, and that really captures the vibe and mojo that is Californisoul. The songs Grossi has written for this album are as top notch as they are diverse. This machine covers a lot of ground. As the ever-tighter core of Lopez, Grossi, and Aronoff comes together with the elite of the modern-day blues rock community, this is much closer to Woodstock and Watkins Glen than it is to a cut and paste A-list vanity session. This is about friendship, the brotherhood of the blues, and bringing the blues up to this moment in time.

Lance Lopez is once again at the front and center.  His guitar work is as hot and gritty as anything ever cooked up down in Texas, and his singing evokes memories of the great soul, blues, and rock vocalists. You’ll hear the influence and heritage of Bobby “Blue” Bland, the funk of Sly Stone, and the world-weary rumination of the late, great Gregg Allman, but Lopez never really sounds like anything but himself. Kenny Aronoff is truly one of the most in-demand drummers on the planet, and his work on the album is one of the ingredients that make the record so special. Aronoff has also brought along his substantial arranging and compositional skills to great effect.   Whether performing with John Fogerty, BoDeans, Sir Paul McCartney, John Cougar Mellencamp, The Smashing Pumpkins or Supersonic Blues Machine, he is simply one of the best players on the planet.

Guests on the album include Billy Gibbons, who returns with pen and guitar (“Broken Heart”), Steve Lukather (Toto / Ringo’s All-Starr Band) throws down some stunning licks (“Hard Times”), Eric Gales is back in the fold (“Elevate”), Robben Ford brings his bag of soulfully sophisticated chops (“Somebody’s Fool”), Walter Trout brings some silky slow blues (“What’s Wrong”), and the party is rounded out with Alessandro Alessandroni Jr. on keyboards, Serge Simic (co-writer and background vocals on “Love” and “Hard Times”), and Andrea and Francis Benitez Grossi (background vocals). You may come for the stars, but you’ll stay for the whole show.

Fabrizio Grossi adds, “Lots of people have been saying to me ‘why does Supersonic Blues Machine always bring guests around? You guys can stand your own ground’, and there are three answers to that – first, we’re all super friends and we're having a blast; second, most of them don't give lessons and for us it's only way to learn their secret "ways"; and thirdly, because the inspiration and the challenge they bring to the table!”  Supersonic Blues Machine is truly a family as well as a band, and these guests don’t mail it in, they stay for dinner. The community aspect is very real, and one of the band’s great treasures.


The complete track listing features: “I Am Done Missing You,” “Somebody’s Fool” (featuring Robben Ford). “Love,” “Broken Heart” (featuring Billy Gibbons), “Bad Boys,” “Elevate” (featuring Eric Gales), “The One,” “Hard Times” (featuring Steve Lukather), “Cry.” “The Stranger,” “What’s Wrong” (featuring Walter Trout), “Thank You,” “This Is Love.”

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

Big Blues Bender Announces Fabulous Lineup for Sept!

The Bender is Sept 7.8.9.10, 2017

Big Blues Bender Announces Fabulous Lineup for Sept!

LAS VEGAS, NV. – The Big Blues Bender, one of the most talked about Blues events in the country, has announced an impressive 2017 lineup. The Big Blues Bender offers what could be their best artist lineup to date, offering a wide variety of first-class music and entertainment including, Mavis Staples, Dr. John, Tab Benoit, Walter Trout, and many more. This four-night all-inclusive music experience delivers eighteen hours of live music, daily, on three indoor stages and a fabulous pool stage all under one roof, featuring the most talented and sought after Blues artists touring today.




The 4th annual Big Blues Bender will take place Sept. 7.8.9.10, 2017 at the legendary Plaza Hotel & Casino at the top of the world famous “Fremont Street Experience” in the heart of Downtown Las Vegas. The Big Blues Bender has quickly become a festival favorite among Blues fans and artists alike – a bucket-list event for all, selling out far in advance last year. “The Big Blues Bender is more than just a Blues festival, it’s an experience,” said AJ Gross, the event’s founder, and President. “Four days and nights of music and accommodations, with Everything, An Elevator Ride Away!”
Wanna see the full lineup? Here ya go –> Bender Lineup Ready to Attend? Big Blues Bender is sold as "Packages" that include your accommodations as well as your event pass or as a four-day event pass that's good for all events and activities but does not include your hotel accommodations. Pick the option that's best for you! Have you booked yet?  Book  Now:
BigBluesBender.com September 7.8.9.10, check out is Monday, Sept 11th at 11 am.




The 2017 Big Blues Bender Lineup!


It's all about the music... It's ALWAYS about the music! We're proud to have this fine roster of amazing artists joining us for the 4th Big Blues Bender! Click on their names below for more details.
 






















2017 Bender Packages

Look over your options and find the best place to lay your head at the Bender!

Four Day Music Only Wristband
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
Not Applicable
$499 per person
Rollin’ Stone Run of House
Randomly Assigned
Randomly Assigned
Randomly Assigned
Single Occupancy
$1049 per person

Boogie Chillen Run of House
Randomly Assigned
Randomly Assigned
Randomly Assigned
Double Occupancy
$674 per person
Boom Boom Room
North Tower
Choose King or 2 Queens
Non-smoking ONLY
Double Occupancy
$724 per person

Hoochie Coochie
South Tower
Choose King or 2 Queens
Choose smoking or non
Double Occupancy
$774 per person
Baller On A Budget Junior Suite
North Tower
1 King Bed
Non-smoking ONLY
Double Occupancy
$1599 per person

Big Daddy Baller 5th Floor Pool Level
South Tower
Choose King or 2 Queens
Non-smoking ONLY
Double Occupancy
$1649 per person
Big Daddy Baller Mini Suite

South Tower
1 King Bed
Choose smoking or non
Double Occupancy
$1699 per person

Big Daddy Baller 1 Bedroom Suite
South Tower
1 King Bed
Choose smoking or non
Double Occupancy
$1899 per person
Big Daddy Baller Pool Patio Room
South Tower
2 Queens ONLY
Non-smoking only
Double Occupancy
$2099 per person

Big Daddy Baller Penthouse Suite

South Tower
1 King Bed
Smoking allowed
Double Occupancy
$2099 per person
Big Daddy Baller 2 Bedroom Suite (4 people)
South Tower
1 King & 2 Queens
Smoking allowed
Quad Occupancy
$1749 per person

Big Daddy Baller Derby Suite (4 people)
South Tower
1 King & 2 Kings
Smoking allowed
Quad Occupancy
$1999 per person

Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
YouTube