Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sunset Blvd 1969 , by Humble Pie and it’ gives a very cool insight into one of the most dynamic blues rockers of the era. Headlined by Peter Frampton , a well known guitar wiz and Steve Marriott , possibly the best blues rock vocalists of our time, this band was spectacular. This is a recording that I have never heard and recorded live at the Whiskey A Go-Go , this catches the band in all of it’ s rawness and very finely recorded on their first US tour. Opening with the Yardbirds ’ For Your Love , this track has a whole new feel. Jerry Shirley sets a cool bongo like rhythm and Peter Frampton plays Flamenco  stylized acoustic guitar, backed by Marriott on acoustic rhythm guitar. Marriott, always soulful wails the lyrics, complimented by Frampton who plays lush acoustic lead throughout. This is a real cool track and not at all what you’d expect from the band who “Rocked the Fillmore” but it’s quite good. Next up i...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, I Need A Star In My Life , from Humble Pie and it's good to hear Mr. Marriott on some new tracks. Opening with Sam Cooke's Shake , Marriott and Clem Clempson lay down a solid rock and roll riff and Marriott has at it vocally with Greg Ridley on bass and Ian Wallace on drums. Lloyd Price's Send Me Some Lovin' features Tim Hinkley on lead vocal who does a really nice job, also contributing piano and organ which really sets it off nicely. Marriott's Street Rat has a real Humble Pie feel with trademark vocals and a driving beat. High and Happy is reminiscent of Hot n Nasty with just a little more R&B groove. Marriott truely has one of the best rock soul vocals of all time. Marriott's Louisiana Blues is really sweet with wild vocals and a potent bottom. Clempson and Marriott get a chance to rip a bit on guitar, complimented by Wallace on drums. Cocaine , a Pie composition, gets that funky, Pie, gr...

Anyone who has been reading my report for any period of time knows that I think Steve was one of the best vocalists of current times. Just came across this video... had to share!! It's later in his career but he could still sing!! Write on our Facebook Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! -  ”LIKE”

Cecil Gant (April 4, 1913 - February 4, 1951) was an American blues singer and pianist. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, Gant worked local clubs through the mid 1930s up until the Second World War, when he enlisted in the United States Army. Though his piano was blues-based, vocally he was a crooner of considerable cross-over appeal. He sang at a War Bond rally in Los Angeles, California, signed with the Gilt Edge record label, and recorded the self-penned ballad "I Wonder" late in 1944, billed as "Pvt. Cecil Gant." "I Wonder" reached number one on the Billboard Harlem Hit Parade (as the R&B chart was called then) and sold impressively nationwide. Gant then went on tour billed as "The G.I. Sing-sation," dressed in Army khaki and breaking attendance records at major venues, attracting both black and white audiences. As well as singing in the dream vein of his hit, Gant could deliver a pleasant blues and energetic boogie-woogie; versatility shared...

Sorry... don't know of a worthwhile version of this with real video but you can see what a change has been made in the interpretation of this song... terrific! Humble Pie!! This band was so under rated!! The little guy has the big voice and plays both rhythm guitar and harmonica. If you don't have this album "Smokin" you owe it to yourself! The studio track of this song is extended and very clean!

Humble Pie with the core unit intact playing Honky Tonk Women. Too bad there isn't more good footage of this great band! This studio album is a must have! This was Humble Pie's first album after the departure of Peter Frampton, which put singer and co-founder Steve Marriott at its artistic centre. Smokin' is the band's best-selling album. It includes dramatically slowed down versions of Eddie Cochran's "C'mon Everybody", Junior Walker's "Road Runner", and the wah-wah laden slow blues "The Fixer". "You're So Good for Me", which begins as a delicate acoustic number, ultimately mutates into a full-bore gospel music rave-up, an element that would later influence bands like The Black Crowes. Alexis Korner guests on the track "Old Time Feelin'", Marriott's vocals take a back seat as the main vocals are provided by Greg Ridley and Korner who also plays a Martin Tipple, mandolin-type guitar. Its s...

Certainly one of my favorites. How can you beat a blues classic sung by possibly one of the best blues voices of the generation and with guitar by Clem Clemson. Although the video is just a collage, and I can't find a terrific substitute, I elected to post this because I believe that it is so significant. Clem Clemson, resident guitar player with Colosseum for a few years was tapped as lead guitar player for this band after their first few albums. Humble Pie was Peter Framptons band and he had asked friend Steve Marriott to leave his own band, Small Faces and join. Steve just has one of the best blues voices of modern times.No need to ramble on about this. Enjoy the tune