Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Bootstraps and Other American Fables , from Jangling Sparrows and it's really cool. Opening with Estuaries , a rocker with a contemporary beat, rowdy vocals and a wide open guitar rhythm, this is a solid opener. All That I Was Never Afraid has a great "Frank Black" like feel with dynamic vocals and open jangling electric guitars by Paul Edelman and a strong melody, wrapped by stern lead guitar, firm bass work by Louis Stein and drums by Joe Grey. Highway Jawn is a really cool track with fleet fingered picking by Edelman and snappy snare work by Grey. This track has a definite country flair and brings to mind old Charlie Daniels. Boogie track, Label's All Mine has a great feel, formed by a walking bass line by Stein. Edelman story telling lyrics are accentuated by his dramatic delivery and loose guitar work making this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Wrapping the release is Bootstraps , an ...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, 140 Nickels , from Jangling Sparrows and it's a country pop flavored release. Opening with Party Ain't Over , singer, songwriter, guitarist, poet, performer delivers an American flavored Harry Nielsen style track. Pretty nice. One of my favorite tracks on the release, Burnin' A Hole has a great hook and solid melody. Joined by Todd Omley/Edwin Mericle on drums, Robert Lovejoy on bass, and Eric Ciborski on keys, this is a super radio track. Forward soulful vocals and echoing guitars on Take Home Your Coat make it another of my favorites with real feeling. Cheaper Down The Road is a great country style rocker with snappy drums and hot guitar riffs. Another standout track. Wrapping the release is Pops Is Coming Up , an easy going acoustic number. A cool story teller, this track is a mellow but potent closer for a cool release.    If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want ...