Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Hold On , by Shari Puorto , and it's a a solid blues rocker. Opening with title track, Hold On , Puorto hits the road running with powerful vocals , backed by Ryan Ball on guitars, Scott Chasolen on keys, Doug Woolverton on backing vocal, Byron Isaacs on bass and Randy Schrager on drums. Potent opener. Cyclone is another track with real grit driven by a vibrant guitar riff by Ball and a tight bottom by Schrager and Puorto on clean lead vocal. Bluesy, Why Not Me? , showcases some of Puorto's best vocals over a bed of piano and organ by Chasolen and grinding guitar riffs by Ball. Adding a bit of funk on You're Right, I'm Wrong for You , Puorto sings playfully with snappy drumming by Schrager and bouncy keys by by Chasolen and reinforcing guitar riffs by Ball. Wrapping the release is a strong radio effort, Home Bound H with a subtle background by Ball and Chasolen and driven vocals by Puorto and a tight bottom...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Hold On , from Kirk Fletcher and it's quite good. Opening with R&B style track, Two Steps Forward , Fletcher shows his power as both a soulful lead singer and excellent lead guitar player. His guitar style is warm like cray, fluid like Clapton and funky like Hendrix but all original. Super opener. Sad Sad Way has a Jimmy Reed style with plenty of enthusiasm, hot guitar riffs, and super backing by Matt Brown on drums and Jonny Henderson on keys. One of my favorite tracks on the release is soulful ballad, The Answer with warm, rich guitar accompaniment over a soft bed of organ and Fletcher's solid vocals. Fletcher really knows how to milk the blues from his guitar and this track is an excellent example of his chops. Really nice. Time's Ticking is a great slower blues/rock number with clever drumming which, with organ tension sets a terrific stage for Fletcher to unleash the fury...and unleash he does. T...