Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Shine , from Ghost Town Blues Band and it's a funky, bluesy, rock mix. Opening with rocker, Running Out Of Time , Matt Isbell on lead vocal and slide guitar sets up a radio ready track, backed by Taylor Orr on guitar and vocal, Kevin Houston on sax and vocal, Suavo Jones on trombone, trumpet and vocal, Matt Kramer on bass and vocal, Andrew Mc Neill on drums and vocals and Cedric Taylor on B3, piano and vocal. Title track, Shine , is a horn saturated soul flavored rocker with excellent drum accent and super guitar riffs.  My favorite track on the release is slinky, soul track, Lyin' To Yourself   with Isbell's strongest vocals on the release, warm B3 reinforcement and solid horn work by Jones. I particularly like Isbell's guitar lead on this track giving it a southern sparkle. Another of my favorites is High Again with it's straight forward melody, funky rhythm and "Allman signature twin lead...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent live release, Backstage Pass , from Ghost Town Blues Band and it's a good party. Opening with the Beatles, Come Together , Matt Isbell leads this hill-country take of the British pop classic which is more morphed with the addition of Suavo Jones on trombone and Kevin Houston on sax. With it's driving beat by Preston McEwen on drums, romping bass line compliments Matt Karner, Tim Stanek on keys and Taylor Orr and Isbell on guitars, this track which weaves through Norwegian Wood and Whole Lotta Love is a great opener. new Orleans flavored, Tip Of My Hat has a great feel and Stanek's piano work is tops. A salty sax solo by Houston is up first and I'm always a sucker for trombone work and Jones lays it all out. Givin' It All Awa y is a funky horn heavy track with solid sax work and Betts like guitar riffs giving the track an Allman like feel. A well developed trombone solo by Jones really sets this track apart. ...

I just received the newest release, Hard Road To Hoe from Ghost Town Blues Band and I really like it. Opening with title track, Hard Road To Hoe , lead singer and guitar player sets up the track. With a loose slide vamp on cigar box he is backed by Preston Ewing on drums, Jeremy Powell on piano and Alex Piazza. Unexpected texture added by Suavo Jones on trombone and Richie Hale on tenor sax tips a great opener. Up next is boogie track Big Shirley with all of the fire of Jerry Lee Lewis from Powell on piano. A real rowdy rocker, this track cooks with a nice flash of electric guitar from Isbell to boot! Tip Of My Hat has a Rumba rhythm with Isbell, McEwen and Vicki Loveland on vocal. Super showman Brandon Santini steps up his crankin harp adding a nice bite to this track. Very cool! Santini takes the one leads on vocal on My Doggy , an easy walker with a clever story. Marry Dog Isbell adds an authentic howl to the track and Santini is also in on harp but the horns on this track shin...

Ghost Town Blues Band is a 6-piece Memphis-based group with an intimate knowledge of blues and improvisational jams. This energetic band can turn on a dime from hill country stomp to New Orleans-inspired funk. These Beale St. regulars feature the tastefully gritty, Matt Isbell, on guitar/lead vocals, and a funky, rock solid rhythm section made up of Preston McEwen (drums) and Colton Parker (bass). The recent additions of Suavo "Silky Smooth" Jones (trombone), Coleman "The Professor" Garrett (saxophone), and Jeremy "Mr. 88" Powell (keyboards) has risen GTBB's energy level to new heights. 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 favorite band!