Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release from Texas Scratch and it's a strong blues rocker. Opening with Texas Trio , TS finds a great groove. Featuring Jim Suhler (Thorogood), Buddy Wittington (Mayall) and Vince Converse (Sunset Heights) on guitars, these guys know how to cut a groove. With the drums of Jeff Simon (Thorogood) and Nathaniel Peterson (Savoy Brown) and Kirk Yano (Miles Davis, Savoy Brown) on bass, this is a strong opener. Led footed, What The Devil Loves , really has a snarling guitar lead and excellent lead vocal. John Nitzinger's (Texas Jellyroll Blues)  Louisiana Cock Fight makes a cool appearance here with blazing guitars and well blended vocals. Thumping drum work by Simon, this track is a solid addition. Do  Right By You is a cool, somewhat funky track with rugged lead vocals and some real nice slide by Suhler. Wrapping the release is Showdown , a light jazzy, boogie with fluid guitar runs and driving rhythm guitar. Solid closer...

I just received the newest release, Live at the Kessler , from Jim Suhler and Monkey Beat and it's really fun. Opening with I Declare , Suhler gets the crowd warmed up on lead vocal with excellent piano support from Shawn Phares, Chris Alexander on bass and Beau Chadwell on drums. Suhler has a great voice and great tone. On swampy, Across the Brazos , Chadwell's snappy drum beat and accordion like key work by Phares add extra flavor. Rock n' Roller, Doin' The Best I Can , is a hard driver with Suhler showing his super slide technique. This is a great cranker and Suhler presses on with strong support by Phares on keys. Excellent! Tijuana Bible has a real nice thumping bass line and grinding guitar riffs. With it's memorable melody and ZZ Top like feel, this track is hot! Deja Blue has a cool tandem vocal/lead guitar melody with accordion keys giving it a cajun feel. Single note bass line and steady drum lines gives the track a simple structure accenting Suhler...

I just received the newest release (February 18, 2014), Panther Burn, from Jim Suhler and it's a keeper. Opening with title track, Panther Burn , Suhler blends that rare swamp sound with rock and blues to create his own unique sound. With Tim Alexander on organ and Beau Chadwell on drums, Shuler creates a really cool story line and super guitar riffs. I Declare is more of an uptempo shuffle with Kim Wilson backing Suhlers vocals on harp. Alexander plays nice piano riffs over a basic shuffle rhythm, Wilson get a nice opportunity to stretch out and does so nicely. Across The Brazo s is one of my favorite tracks on the release with a modified blues vamp. Understated guitar riffs going on throughout the track as well as nicely developed piano riffs make this one a definite listen. Leave My Blues Behind is a quick paced jazz/blues style track. A lot of swing is included in the DNA of this track and Suhler really rips some tasty guitar work on this track. Shawn Phares joins on org...

Jim Suhler and Monkey Beat have been on the music scene now for over twelve years, and have built a fan base worldwide. They are well known for their "no-holds-barred" approach to blues-inspired rock and roll. Their three Lucky Seven releases have shown an amazing depth of songwriting and playing, and their constant touring in both the USA and Europe has garnered many admirers. Jim is also well known as the lead guitarist for George Thorogood and The Destroyers, and has often been included in "Top Ten Guitarists" lists of various music publications.