Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, What We Did , from C hris Daniels, Hazel Miller, Dana Marsh & Friends and its shows what musicians will do in the face of adversity to help others. This was a virtual concert for Inner City Health who's mission is to reduce the inequity of health and wellness access and delivery in the underserved populations of Denver. Opening with The Doobie's, Takin' It To The Streets , Freddi Gowdy has the mic, backed by Chris Daniels on vocal and guitar, Victor Wooten on bass, Dana Marsh on B3 and Christian Teele on drums. On Albert King's, Born Under A Bad Sign , Gowdy leads the way with a much more soulful approach with Todd Parker Mohr on guitar, Marsh on keys and Teele on drums. Hazel Miller has the mic on soul drenched, Could You Believe . Played with a lot of gospel influence, I like Miller's delivery and the piano/organ backing. Possibly my favorite track on the release. Very nice. Another nice take is Dan...

In dedication to Pinetop Perkins and Hubert Sumlin, both who played on this recording, a second volume of The Bluesmasters has been released. Featured are Mickey Thomas (vocals), Cassie Taylor (vocal and bass), hazel Miller (vocal),Eric Gakes (guitar) Rusty Anderson (guitar), Tim Tucker (guitar), Doug Lynn (harmonica), Aynsley Dunbar (drums), Larry Thompson (drums)and Ric Ulsky (Hammond B-3). First up is Sam Cooke's Bring It On Home To Me done jumps style with Taylor on vocals and Tucker kicking out a hot riff on guitar. Elmore James tune Talk To Me Baby gone swing shuffle again finds Taylor and Tucker rocking the joint with a cool harp riff from Lynn pushing Tucker on guitar. Johnnie Johnson standard Tanqueray gets a shuffle feel and Miller leads the way for a totally different feel altogether. Willie Dixon's I Just Want To Make Love To You gets a slinky feel. Don Nix ballad Same Old Blues features Taylor at her best and Tucker lays down a real strong guitar solo. I'...