Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Beatles Blues Blast , from Gaetano Letizia & The Underworld Blues Band and it's a different look at the Beatles. This release covers 17 of the Fab Four's top hits with lots of twists and turns. Opening with Come Together , Gaetano Letizia on guitar and vocal, Mike D'Elia on drums and vocals and Lenny Gray on vocal and bass give the Beatles active guitar and a funky edge they never had. Beatles classic rocker Money gets a good workout with bluesy guitar riffs and even a visit to Surfaris land. Tax Man gets a shuffle beat, extended guitar lines and a fresh sound. While My Guitar Gently Weeps has a stately sound with solid guitar work, a snappier drum beat and "Vanilla Fudge" like vocal harmonies. One of my favorite remakes on the release is Latin flavored instrumental cover of And I Love Her . The band is well balanced with just the right amount of bass and drum under an expressive lead guitar ...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Resurrection , from Gaetano Letizia & The Underworld Blues Band and it's quite interesting. Opening with title track, Resurrection , Gaetano Letizia shows you right up front that you are in for something special. Gaetano, who plays guitar and sings, is joined by Larry Keller on bass, Steve Renko on drums, Bill Ransom on percussion, Bob Esterle on sax, Mike Fisher on trumpet, Tim Keehn on trombone and Robin Stratton on vocal. A dynamic guitar intro unfolds into a jazzy, laid back shuffle with Letizia twisting the blues on his guitar as only he can do. Very nice. Old Guitar Player has a really nice drum line compliments Renko and Keller's bass work sets the tempo. Letizia's vocals are straightforward and his guitar playing fleet and stylistic. Very nice! Latin infused, Hot and Cold Woman , really moves and with Mike Fisher popping up the top on trumpet. Letizia's vocals are crisp and his rhythm guitar ...

Blind Raccoon Showcases Roots & Blues Artists Blind Raccoon is delighted to announce the line-up for its showcases happening during the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. On January 21, 22 and 23, from 11:30am to 5pm, artists from Norway, Canada, California, Ohio, Illinois, Connecticut, and New York, a smorgasbord of roots and blues talent, will grace the stage. We have two 2015 Blues Music Award nominees - Vaneese Thomas & Missy Andersen, one 2015 IBC participant – Gaetano Letizia and the Underworld Blues Band, as well as several former IBC contestants performing over the three days. Net proceeds from the showcases will benefit The Blues Foundation’s HART Fund, which provides assistance to blues musicians and their families in times of great financial need due to medical emergencies. Emcees are Peter "Blewzzman” Lauro of Mary4Music.com on Wednesday, Brett Fleming, host of Soul Stew, WEVL /Memphis, o...

I just received the newest release, Voodoo Doll & Other Blues Sessions , from Gaetano Letizia and the Underground Blues Band and it is really quite interesting and different. Opening with Big Foot , a fine jazzy instrumental romp featuring Letizia on guitar, Larry Keller on bass, Jake Tijerina on keys and Steve Renko on drums Letizia establishes a pretty high watermark for the rest of the release. Keller lays down a really nice bass solo on this track and overdriven guitar work from Letizia is way cool.Title track, Voodoo Doll , maintains the funky jazz rhythm with cool slap and pop bass work from Keller. More of a pop (Steely Dan) style track, Letizia adds some warm vocal work but it's his tasty guitar overlays that makes this a super track. Kill My Conscience continues along the pop jazz track with more of a BST kind of attack but without horns. The Devil Is A Nice Guy is funky pop track with a bit of sarcasm. Blending vocals with Ro Brown and popping with his jazzy gu...