Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Gallery of Echoes , from Steve Howell and it's a traditional look at traditional blues. Opening with Blind Lemon Jefferson's Stocking Feet Blues , with Howell on vocal and guitar. Howell's vocal style is ideal for this music and his picking style, steady and clean. On Blind Willie McTell's Statesboro Blues , only true blues aficionados are likely to have heard this highly popularized track, stripped down to this acoustic version. Very nice.  All My Friends Are Gone is a somber track and a strong addition to this release. Howell's vocals are sincere and his playing sensitive. Gary Davis', Sit Down On The Banks Of The River is one of my favorite tracks on the release with a great vocal delivery and fluid guitar work. Wrapping the release is Dallas Rag , a cool little guitar ditty giving Howell a cool closer for a solid acoustic blues release.    If you support live Blues acts, up and coming...