Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Every Rome Needs A Nero , and it's rich in folk blues artistry. Opening with title track, Every Rome Needs A Nero , a cool folk blues track with a Latin rhythm, Alfie Smith on lead vocal and guitar captures center stage, with only the minimum of percussion by Dave Gould and bass by Justine Fischer. Troy Dowding on trumpet really adds great highlights with super trumpet phrases. Excellent opener. A fluid rag, All The Blues I Need , features Smith on vocal and excellent trumpet lead by Dowding over solid piano structure by Jesse O'Brian. Very nice. Elizabeth Cotten's classic, Shake Sugaree , is really nicely redone with Smith's deep warm vocals and understated guitar accompaniment. A nice acoustic guitar/trumpet duet really is a nice compliment on this track. Wrapping the release is Leonard Cohen's Bird On A Wire , featuring Smith singing this notable ballad accompanied by guitar, and O'Brien on piano ...