Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Just Stay Live Recorded Live At The Falcon by The Alexis P Suter Band , and it's terrific! Alexis P. Suter is one of those vocalists that come along once in a lifetime and her take on Blind Willie Johnson 's John The Revelator is powerful .With her deep rich vocals backed by Vicki Bell, and pushed by the stirring slide work of  Jimmy Bennett, this track is off the hook. Joining Suter on the set is The Band's Garth Hudson who lays out an epic piano improvisation. One of Gregg Allman 's best tracks, It's Not My Cross To Bear , really works nicely with this set. Suter's deep, rich voice is perfect for this track with Benny Harrison on organ and Bennett really laying down the blues on guitar and Hudson on piano. A monumental blues by a monumental vocalist.  Hole That I'm In has a super Latin rhythm and the band is really moving. Bennett gets a Santana-esque guitar solo going and Harrison's o...

New video from Alexis P Suter with Garth Hudson Enjoy!

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Alabama Town , from Peter Karp and it's rich with texture. Opening with title track, Alabama Town , Peter Karp takes the lead on vocal and guitar, joined by Daniel Pagdon on bass, Mike Catapano on drums, and John Zarra on mandolin. A solid rocker and opener. With a driving swing, Till You Get Home , has great feel. Karp's vocals are crisp and Mike Latrell's piano work is smart. On That's How I Like It , a modern blueser the guitar tones are fat and rich joined by Dennis Gruenling on harp. Very cool. Shuffle track, Blues In Mind features real cool piano work and key backing vocals by Dae Bennett, Joanie Coleman, Kesha Love, Toni Summler and Elliot. On bluesy ballad, I'm Not Giving Up , Karp sings soulfully over arpeggiated guitar chords. Warm gospel like choral backing and stinging guitar soloing by Mick Taylor makes this one of my favorites on the release. The Prophet has a stripped down blues form...

GARTH HUDSON was born August 2nd, 1937 in Windsor, Ontario, Canada to Fred James Hudson and Olive Louella Pentland. His mother played piano, accordion and sang; his father played drums, C melody saxophone, clarinet and flute, and would play piano on Christmas Eve. Garth’s family moved to London, Ontario around 1940. He grew up there and received his education at Broughdale Public School, Medway High School, and the University of Western Ontario. Garth studied piano with Miss Nellie Milligan and Clifford Von Custer while learning theory, harmony, and counterpoint with Thomas Chattoe. He also played organ for services at St. Luke’s Anglican Church. Garth then performed with dance bands and joined a rock and roll group, the Capers, from 1958 through 1961, before becoming the music consultant, organist and saxophonist for Ronnie Hawkins and the Hawks, the ace Arkansas-based rhythm and blues band, from 1961 to 1963. After leaving Hawkins, Levon and the Hawks toured on their own. Albert Gro...