Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, At The Blue Front , from Ryan Lee Crosby , and it's an interesting mix of pure stripped down American blues and African blues. Opening with Going Away , Ryan Lee Crosby on vocal and 12 string lays down a solid blues, backed by Grant Smith on percussion, and Jay Scheffler on harmonica. I've Been Worried maintains an American, earthy, primitive sound but with distinct, African guitar styling not unlike Ali Farka Toure'. This is a cool, interesting track with American meter and a solid melody. Catfish , features Jimmy "Duck' Holmes joining Crosby on vocal and guitar with a Mali flavored take on the traditional blues. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Tell Me features Holmes on lead vocal and guitar with Crosby on guitar with cool percussion and Calabash by Smith. This is an interesting blues fusion release. Where musicologist and guitar player extraordinaire, Ry Cooder did a really strong work with...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cypress Grove , from Jimmy "Duck" Holmes and it's a excellent slice or real delta blues. Opening with Skip James' Hard Times , Holmes is right there, front and center playing guitar and singing the blues just like God planned it. I mean it doesn't come much fresher than this. Get it while you can! Title track, another Skip James composition, Cypress Grove , has great feel and pace with Holmes joined by Eric Deaton on bass and Sam Bacco on drums and percussion. Don't be expecting a trap set... were talking basic...  Very nice! Muddy Waters' Rock Me has a super grinding bass line and with the addition of Marcus King on guitar and Dan Auerbach on lush slide, has strong texture. Another James track, Devil Got My Woman , is a super showcase for Holmes vocal styling and guitar work. I mean this track hurts it's so good. Excellent! All Night Long is really a short jam track which features ...