Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Full Circle , from Jimmy Burns & Soul Message Band , and it's chocked full of funky soul music. Opening with Express Yourself , written and made huge by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band back in the 70's, Jimmy Burns steps up and delivers the funk. Backed by Chris Foreman on B3 , Greg Rockingham on drums, Lee Rothenberg on guitar, and featuring Steve Eisen on bari and Tenor saxes this is a red hot smoking opener. Jazz track, Ain't That Funk For You , a super groove by Albert Grey really gets that hard bop feel going with Featuring Greg Jung on sax and Foreman on B3 backed by Rockingham on drums. Excellent! Jimmy Burns had a hit in 65 with Chuck Colbert's Give Her To Me and he traces his steps with a soulful rendition here with super sax work by Eisen, warm B3 backing by Foreman and solid vocal backing by Typhanie Monique. Soul classic, Since I Fell For You , penned by Buddy Johns...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Full Circle , from Rev. Billy C. Wirtz and it's a blast. Opening with a Rock n Roller, Too Old , Wirtz takes the lead on piano and vocal with great flair. Joined by Mark Wenner on smoking harp, Mark Stutso on drums, Johnny Castle on bass, and with Paul Bell ripping some hot riffs, this is a great opener. On Smokie, Part 2 , a swinging boogie, Wirtz and Bob Driver on guitar lays down some really nice instrumental lines. One Point Five is a clever track about not being number one in someone's life but the alternatives that aren't all bad. With it's country flavor and some cool country riffs, this is funny. With it's stripped down piano accompaniment, Mama Was A Deadhead , Wirtz tells a clever story of the live of Dead fan's children. Another rock n roller, Rockin' Up To Gloryland has a great feel with a tight bottom and cool lead soloing by Bell and Wenner. With it's somber, ballad pace, ...

CD Release Show Set for March 1 at Thousand Oaks Library Live Concert Series LOS ANGELES, CA – Singer-songwriter John Zipperer announces a February 25, 2014, release date for his new CD, Full Circle , on his Ziptunes imprint. Distribution is through CDBaby and the album will be available at Amazon, iTunes and other quality outlets. He’ll celebrate the release of Full Circle with a special show on March 1st at the Thousand Oaks Library as part of their “Live at the Library” concert series, along with an additional artist performance from Ernest Troost. For more information about the show, visit http://liveatthelibrary.org . The 13 tracks on Full Circle include a dozen originals, as well as his unique take on the Van Morrison classic, “Brown-Eyed Girl,” slowing down the tempo to create an even higher focus on the lyrics, which have special relevance to Zipperer. “This recording is a reflection of the love I lost due to my own failings,” he says. “It’s a look bac...