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This Week's Reader Favorite Post

Zac Harmon & The Drive - Live - New Release Review

By Bman -
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 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live , from Zac Harmon & The Drive and it's super! Opening with soulful, NTRO , Nate Robinson on bass and Gino Iglehart on drums set a solid foundation, with Corey Lacy building on keys and lush guitar work by Zac Harmon and Kingston Livingston really setting the bar. Terrific opener. Blue Pill Thrill has super movement and soulful vocals by Harmon. Lacy on keys works the rhythm with Robinson and Iglehart and Livingston and and Harmon play stinging riffs on guitar really giving this track some kick. Deep blues track, Feet Back On The Ground features Albert King like stinging riffs and super soulful vocals by Harmon. Keeping the music floor low allows Harmon plenty of space to go dynamically from soft to wow quickly adding real emotion to the track. Excellent! Boogie Down is a strong jam with a firm piano base by Lacy giving Harmon plenty of headroom for vocal corralling. Lacy lays in some real tasty keyboar...
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CD submissions accepted! Guest writers always welcome!!

I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!


Please email me at Info@Bmansbluesreport.com

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Royal Garden Blues - Bix Beiderbecke

By Bman -
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Leon Bismark "Bix" Beiderbecke (March 10, 1903 – August 6, 1931) was an American jazz cornetist, jazz pianist, and composer. With Louis Armstrong and Muggsy Spanier, Beiderbecke was one of the most influential jazz soloists of the 1920s. His turns on "Singin' the Blues" (1927) and "I'm Coming, Virginia" (1927), in particular, demonstrated an unusual purity of tone and a gift for improvisation. With these two recordings, especially, he helped to invent the jazz ballad style and hinted at what, in the 1950s, would become cool jazz. "In a Mist" (1927), one of a handful of his piano compositions but the only one he recorded, mixed classical influences with jazz syncopation. Beiderbecke also has been credited for his influence, directly, on Bing Crosby and, indirectly, via saxophonist Frank Trumbauer, on Lester Young. A native of Davenport, Iowa, Beiderbecke taught himself to play cornet largely by ear, leading him to adopt a non-standard fi...
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Mason-Dixon Blues - Birleanna Blanks and Fletcher Henderson

By Bman -
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Birleanna Blanks was born February 18, 1889 in Iowa and died August 12, 1968 in New York. She was one of the first African Americans to star in musical comedy theater. In the 1920s, she toured vaudeville in a singing and dancing act with her sister. In 1919, she was in "Over the Top" at Harlem's Lafayette Theater, the beginning of her musical comedy career. She also sang with The Fletcher Henderson Orchestra.   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 favorites band! -  ”LIKE”  
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Nobody Knows You When You're Down And Out - Hawkeye Herman

By Bman -
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With over 40 years of performing experience, Michael "Hawkeye" Herman exemplifies the range of possibilities in acoustic blues, and personifies versatile musicianship, originality, and compelling artistry as a blues storyteller. His dynamic performances have won him a faithful following, and he leads a very active touring schedule of performances at festivals, concerts, school programs, and workshops. Hawkeye performs a wide variety of traditional blues, ballads, swing, and original tunes, on six-string and twelve-string guitar, and is an adept and exciting practitioner of slide guitar and slide mandolin. His music has been included in video documentaries and in three hit theatrical productions, and his solo CD, Blues Alive!, released in 1998, was greeted by rave reviews and greatly increased the demand for his live performances at major blues and folk festivals. His newest CD, It's All Blues To Me!, was released in May of 2005. Hawkeye was born in Davenport, IA, on J...
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AFTER HOURS - Eddie Barefield

By Bman -
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Eddie Barefield (December 12, 1909, Iowa – January 4, 1991, New York City) was an American jazz saxophonist, clarinetist and arranger most noteworthy for his work with Bennie Moten, Fletcher Henderson, Don Redman, Coleman Hawkins, Sammy Price, Bernie Young, and Ben Webster. Barefield's musical career also included work with ABC and WOR radio as well as appearances in several films. Barefeld died of a heart attack at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York on January 4, 1991 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 favorites band! -  ”LIKE”
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Down Home Blues - Bryce Janey

By Bman -
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Bryce Janey began his career at the age of 13 in his hometown of Marion, IA in a blues-rock trio called The Janey’s. With his mother on drums and his father BillyLee on guitar, The Janey’s played regionally and nationally from Chicago to Los Angeles. They shared the stage with over 50 national acts, including Buddy Guy, Delbert McClinton, Blues Traveler, Johnny Winter, Elvin Bishop and the late great "Queen of the blues" Koko Taylor!! While still in The Janey’s, Bryce began a solo career and released his first CD, Practice What You Preach in 1995. Since then, he has released 7 more CDs. These early CD's have gained national attention, five stars from Blues Access magazine and great reviews from Blues Revue and Living Blues, among others. Bryce's new Electric CD's "Blues In My Soul" and "Game of Life"(8th solo disc) by this outstanding blues/rock axe slinger from Iowa feature his phenomenal, top-shelf, world-class, soul-powered, retro-70s bl...
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Cell Phone Blues - James Kinds & The All-Night Riders

By Bman -
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James Kinds has always possessed a powerful voice, cutting his teeth on southern gospel and developing his own distinctive style as a young man. Inspired by juke-joint blues and early rock n roll, he left Mississippi for Chicago where he became a fixture on the local music scene mixing blues with soul and awing audiences with his explosive delivery and intense platform shoe high step routine. James performs with the All-Night Riders, a hard hitting and versitile group of rock n' rollers with a no nonsense and fresh approach to the blues. Taking inspiration from a number of sources, they provide a unique balance between now and then, tradition and vision. **************************** James is author to over two hundred songs including "BodySlam", "Crack-Head Woman" "Love You From the Top" and the soul wrenching show stopper "Ada" . In 2008, James was inducted into The Iowa Blues Hall of Fame. ...
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Take a Swig - The Pumpers

By Bman -
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The Pumpers are a blues band based out of Eastern Iowa and includes multiple members of the Iowa Rock N Roll Hall of Fame and the Iowa Blues Hall of Fame. Collectively the Pumpers have over 170 years of professional experience, most of that playing the blues the right way - classic Chicago, Memphis and New Orleans blues and rock n roll. The Pumpers feature Perry Welsh on Harp and vocals, Bryce Janey on guitar and vocals, T-bone Giblin ..boards - each of these have released many solo records and been part of other national bands. The rhythm section features Troy Harper on drums and Dave Bader on bass. Collectively, the members of the Pumpers have appeared over 50 CDs. If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
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Instrumental - Matt Woods and The Thunderbolts

By Bman -
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Since their formation in 2005, singer-guitarist Matt Woods, bassist Scott Cochran and drummer Michael Swanger have carved a niche for themselves as uncompromis ing purveyors of traditional blues. However, their admiration for the blues masters goes beyond mere imitation as they have created their own timeless sound and songs. Like my Facebook Page, Post your video on my Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! Share your favorite posting and get more exposure for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”
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My Dog - Elvin Bishop

By Bman -
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One of the coolest guitar players on the planet...you gotta listen...and by far one of the coolest guitars... I've heard some great guitars but Red Dog is one of the best guitars on the planet... and Elvin has a great time!! Love this guy!! Write on our Facebook Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! -  Here
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New Release :Going To The West Side - Jackie and The Housewreckers - Review

By Bman -
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I just received the newest recording, Going To The Westside , by Jackie Scott & The Housewreckers. This recording is a lot of fun. Jackie has a really solid voice and the band is cookin' funky! Don't look at the cover and say... "Oh yeah...I got it" . You don't! This is something special and you need to take the time to check it out. I'm on my 4th time through and it's really enjoyable. My favorite tracks are Pink Cadillac, I'm Tired and Been Trying To Figure Out but I found every track on the recording enjoyable. Often when I need to listen to a cd over and over it's because I am trying to find something to say. In this case, it's because I was trying to find words to describe how much I like it...in case you haven't noticed...unless I get on a rant...I haven't a lot to say. Oh, and Eddie Shaw is featured as well! If you like your blues funky with a lot of soul....this is your ticket. I'm keeping mine so don't ask me for ...
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Bman's Exclusive Interview: Joe and Vicki Price

By Bman -
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Bman: It's a real privilege to have the chance to talk with you. So you're on your way up to Eugene Oregon for the Far West Alliance Conference. Have you played that gig before? Joe: This is our first visit to Far West, but it won't be our last. We had a wonderful time. Attended a lot of workshops on topics like BMI and ASCAP, where to find gigs, and what promoters of venues are looking for. Then we had the opportunity to perform for the folks in this business that do concerts, festivals and book various venues. The best part though was meeting and getting to hear a lot of great musicians. Bman: I hear a lot of Hound Dog Taylor and Earl Hooker in your style. Who were your early influences? Joe: You have a good ear because when I was a teenager I saw Earl Hooker play in my home-town of Waterloo, IA. Waterloo was his home at the time. In the 1970's I was in a band called Mother Blues that warmed up Hound Dog Taylor and his band. Both Earl and Hound Dog had an incr...
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You Better Think - Elvin Bishop and friends

By Bman -
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Relaxed accoustic set of "Think" with Elvin, Kid Andersen, John Nemeth and Finis Tasby Saturday afternoon Notodden Blues festival 2011 Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
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Casual Talk between Buddies - Little Smokey Smothers - Pinetop Perkins - Elvin Bishop

By Bman -
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Joseph William Perkins (July 7, 1913 – March 21, 2011), known by the stage name Pinetop Perkins, was an American blues musician, specializing in piano music. He played with some of the most influential blues and rock and roll performers in American history, and received numerous honors during his lifetime including the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and induction into the Blues Hall of Fame. Little Smokey Smothers (January 2, 1939 – November 20, 2010) Albert Abraham "Abe" Smothers was born in Tchula, Mississippi, learned guitar at the age of 15, and relocated to Chicago two years later. He soon appeared on stage playing alongside Arthur “Big Boy” Spires, Magic Sam, Otis Rush and Lazy Bill Lucas. In 1958 he joined up with Howlin' Wolf, and played on Wolf's recording session for Chess Records the following year. Tracks Smothers contributed to included "I've Been Abused," "Howlin' for My Darling," and "Mr. Airplane Man." In 1961...
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Little Brown Bird - Elvin Bishop

By Bman -
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Bishop was born in Glendale, California, and grew up on a farm near Elliott, Iowa. His family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, when he was ten years old. There he attended Will Rogers High School, winning a full scholarship to the University of Chicago as a National Merit Scholar finalist. Upon graduation, he moved to Chicago in 1960 to attend school, where he majored in physics. In 1963, he met harmonica player Paul Butterfield in the neighborhood of Hyde Park and joined Butterfield's blues band, with whom he remained for five years. Their third album, The Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw, takes its name from Bishop's nickname. In 1968 he went solo and formed the Elvin Bishop Group, also performing with Bloomfield and Al Kooper on their album titled The Live Adventures of Mike Bloomfield and Al Kooper. In March 1971, The Elvin Bishop Group and The Allman Brothers Band co-billed a series of concerts at the Fillmore East. Bishop joined The Allman Brothers Band onstage for a rendition of...
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Is You Is Or Is You Ain't My Baby - Elvin Bishop

By Bman -
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Elvin Bishop (born October 21, 1942) is an American blues and rock and roll musician and guitarist.Bishop was born in Glendale, California, and grew up on a farm near Elliott, Iowa. His family moved to Tulsa, Oklahoma, when he was ten years old. There he attended Will Rogers High School, winning a full scholarship to the University of Chicago as a National Merit Scholar finalist. Upon graduation, he moved to Chicago in 1960 to attend school, where he majored in physics. In 1963, he met harmonica player Paul Butterfield in the neighborhood of Hyde Park and joined Butterfield's blues band, with whom he remained for five years. Their third album, The Resurrection of Pigboy Crabshaw, takes its name from Bishop's nickname. In 1968 he went solo and formed the Elvin Bishop Group, also performing with Bloomfield and Al Kooper on their album titled The Live Adventures of Mike Bloomfield and Al Kooper. In March 1971, The Elvin Bishop Group and The Allman Brothers Band co-billed a series ...
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Raisin' Hell Review - Elvin Bishop

By Bman -
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Now here's a cd that I have been waiting for for quite some time. Elvin Bishop has been one of my favorite performers for as long as I can remember. He's a stellar guitar player with huge chops! He's seen it all, He's done it all! This cd is his first live cd in a while and was recorded on last years Legendary Rhythm and Blues Cruise. If you haven't done this, it's a must for blues fans. The party never stops and that's why Elvin "Crabshaw" Bishop is perfect for this type of venue. When I first heard Elvin he was playing with Paul Butterfield and I was blown away. Skinny tie and Black suit. Some quick research told the story of the white kid genius who left left Oklahoma to study physics at University of Chicago but really went there under the guise of being close to the heart of the blues he was hearing on his radio at home. He met Paul Butterfield and joined forces playing traditional blues music. If you haven't caught my earlier post of Bish...
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Raisin' Hell Review - Elvin Bishop

By Bman -
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Well, He's done it again. Elvins got a new cd coming out. Blues legend Elvin Bishop follows up on his acclaimed 2010 album Red Dog Speaks when Delta Groove Records releases the guitarist's live Raisin' Hell Revue on May 17, 2011. Recorded live on board last fall's Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise, the new collection takes on a truly raucous party atmosphere. Bishop is assisted by veteran blues vocalist Finis Tasby, singer and harp slinger John Nemeth, guitarist Kid Anderson, and saxophonist Terry Hanck. The album's song selection runs the gamut from smoky blues and roots-rock to up-tempo R&B and even a little gospel. Nemeth fronts the vocals on Bishop's classic "Fooled Around And Fell In Love," adding his soulful flourishes to Mickey Thomas's original twangy delivery. Gonna have to wait till I get my copy to get a review! Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
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Little Brown Bird - Elvin Bishop

By Bman -
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I think I warned you I love Elvin Bishop. If you haven't had the chance...see him! Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
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The Sky Is Crying - Elvin Bishop

By Bman -
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Can't say it too many times... Elvin Bishop is amazing. Here is some early footage of Elvin playing his old beat up 345 and crankin out the Chicago blues. Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
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Small Town Boy Makes Good- Elvin Bishop

By Bman -
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Another player who is only loosely associated with the blues primarily because he was once in the Paul Butterfield Blues Band is Elvin Bishop. Now Elvin is the real deal. He prefers to stick to his old country roots but the boy can play and he knows the blues like nobody's business. If you haven't had the chance to check out this stellar album... there's the tip. He does a great version of Things That I used to Do by Guitar Slim as well and it smokes. Get Facebook support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
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