Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Blues From Another Planet , from Jim Zeller and it's cool. Opening with blues rocker, I Grew Up In Black And White , Jim Zeller is back with his latest and most interesting release. With it's slightly funky, almost David Bowie like feel, the track has a great rhythm and Zeller's harp playing is very cool. Backed by Jimmy James on guitar, Carl Dutremble on guitar, Marc Deschenes on bass and Bernard Deslauriers on drums, solid opener. On shuffle, Life is Good , Zeller is solid on vocal and harmonica with cool guitar riffs by James and Dutremble and Zeller's harp work is hot. Very nice. Slower blues number, Violins Began to Play , is one of my favorites on the release with some of Zeller's best vocals and nice piano work by Larry Cohen. Featuring tasteful harmonica playing by Paqquale Cerascuolo, a real nice track. The man With The Harmonica is a real nice ballad with harmonica lead. A smooth, movie theme ...

I just received the newest release, Circus , from Jim Zeller , and it's a rock stew. Opening with Down To The River , a kind of bolero rocker with a taste of Midnight Rider and French Cafe twist on Old Man River, this release will keep you guessing. Wild Life has a more metal feel with vocal echo but with synthesized accordion sounds giving it a more euro sound. With Freddy Freedom and Jean Millaire on guitar, David Devine on drums and Marc Deschenes on bass, a nice harp solo sets it off. A light rocker, Bad Girl , has an interesting sound with harp and a jazzy beat. Possibly my favorite track on the release, overdriven guitar rhythm is very cool as is the howl of the harp and Richard Beamder on sax. Ballad, Ain't So Bad has a solid melody with traces of the Kinks and smooth harp work. Driving rocker with traces of All Along The Watchtower, Halloween in Hollywood With Johnny Depp is a cool track with some hints of Spanish guitar and cool guitar riffs. One Step Closer To Ve...