Bman's Blues Report

  I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues Calling , from Rene' Huard and it's a contemporary blues rocker. Opening with Hard Times , an up tempo rocker, Rene' Huard on lead vocal and harmonica sets a strong pace. HIs vocals are clear and his harmonica rich and melodic. Joined by Jack de Keyzer on guitars, Alec Frazer Jr. on bass, Al Cross on drums, Eric Lambier on keys and Richard Thornton on percussion, this is a cool opener. Blues based rocker, Demolition Man , has a real nice feel with a great rhythm. Huard's vocals are really strong and his harmonica work pure. With a fluid yet understated guitar solo by de Keyzer, a perfect radio track. With it's traditional blues groove, I really like I Do , featuring Huard's vocal and super harp work over a grinding rhythm and flaming lead guitar by de Keyzer. With it's seductive guitar intro by de Keyzer and smooth melody, Sharp Curves is another track with strong radio appeal. Wrapping ...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tribute , from Jack De Keyser and it's  straight up rocker. Opening with the driving, Are You Ready? , De keyser on lead vocal and guitar is joined by Alan Duffy on bass, Nick Succi in piano and organ and Peter Grimmer on drums. De Keyser has a distinctive and particularly active guitar style and this is a solid opener. With the addition of Richard Thornton on sax, On the Money has a funky sound along the lines of Stax but with great blues guitar soloing. Very cool. Coming Up has a definite driving rock beat with traces of Don Nix and Jeff Beck. Duffy's romping bass line accented by Succi on piano and de keyser's scorching guitar soloing makes this my favorite on the release. Supernatural has a Spanish flavor and with it's smooth melody, works nicely with Carlos Santana like guitar riffs. Blues ballad, You Turned My World to Blue , will be my choice for radio track on this release with it's catchy mel...