Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Long Ago, from Steve Howell, Dan Sumner & Jason Weinheimer and the title aptly describes the musical journey. Opening with 20's song, Singin' The Blues, Howell on lead vocal and guitar, backed by bassist Jason Weinheimer and with the addition on lush jazz chords and runs by Dan Sumner sets the stage for this easy paced release. Jobim's Dindi has a real nice arrangement with Howell and Sumner playing guitar runs over a Bossa Nova backing. Very nice. Johnny Mercer's ballad, I Thought About You, gets a finger picked overlay by Howell giving it a bit of a country styling but the warm chords of Sumner maintains the jazz richness under Howell's understated vocals. Another jazz standard with  Bossa beat is I'll Remember April and the beauty of the melody is enhanced by the poise of Howell, Weinheimer and Sumner on this instrumental remake. Horace Silver's Song For My Father is another jazz track ...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, History Rhymes , from Steve Howell & Jason Weinheimer and it a cool acoustic blues feast. Opening with There'll Be Some Changes Made . an early jazz (blues) style with excellent finger picking by Howell who also sings, with Wenheimer on bass. Very cool. On Blind Lemon Jefferson's Shuckin' Sugar , Howell lays down a basic boogie guitar line with Weinheimer and sets it afloat. Jack Of Diamonds , a traditional folk tune has a really great feel and with the addition of David Dodson on mandolin is a terrific song a features some of Howell's best vocals on the release.  Another terrific track and a known fiddle tune, Frosty Morn , has terrific instrumental traction with Howell, Weinheimenr, and Dodson. Excellent. The richness of Don Sumner's archtop shines through on I Got A Right To Sing The Blues , as he plays a nice guitar duet with Howell, backed by  Weinheimer on bass. Howell's vocals are sol...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release,  A Hundred Years From Today , by Steve Howell & Jason Weinheimer , and it's quiet and soothing. Opening with Fats Waller's Lulu's back In Town , Howell shows his clean acoustic finger work and holds down lead vocal while Weinheimer is on bass. Rag style Kansas City Blues has smooth flow and nice tempo. Lightning Hopkins' Going Back To Florida is somber and bluesy with solid vocal emphasis staid guitar accompaniment. Mississippi John Hurt's Louis Collins has super tempo and tight guitar riffs. Blues standard, Basin Street Blues , has an easy pace and nicely articulated guitar lead. Limehouse Blues / After You're Gone has a 20's sound with springy pace and light vocals. Wrapping the release is Hoagy Carmichael's Rocking Chair with a light jazzy sound. Nicely presented chords and lightly peppered fingering by both men make this a cool closer for this release.    If you suppor...