Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Whatever You Need , from Johnny Ray Daniels , and it's solid blues, R&B, soul and gospel. Opening with title track, Whatever You Need , Johnny Ray Daniels' silky smooth voice leads the way. With potent backing vocals by Anthony "Amp" Daniels and Keamber Daniels, Johnny Ray on guitar, Will Sexton on guitar and piano, Matt Ross-Spang on guitar, Mark Edgar Stuart on bass, Will McCarley on drums and Rick Steff on Hammond, this is a great opener. With a driving strut, God Is Able , is up next and Johnny Ray has just the perfect feel to deliver the song. Often I feel it isn't just melodic strength but timing and feel that makes or breaks a track and Johnny Ray has it. Lord You've Been Good To Me has a grat call and response between Johnny Ray, Amp and Keamber, Their vocal blending is solid and the feel of the track is warm and inviting. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Church Get Ready w...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sacred Soul of North Carolina from the Bible and Tire Recording Company and it's uplifting. Opening with Can't Turn Me Around from the Dedicated Men of Zion this release is on fire. This is a tight group of vocalists and potent singers. With all of the pageantry of gospel music and  all the soul of in old school soul music this is a terrific opener. With a cool R&B rhythm, they continue on It's A Shame and they really are electrifying. Johnny Ray Daniels winds out Somewhere In My Head and with a pace that's bound to get your bead bouncing. Big James Barrett & The Golden Jubilees really blend nicely on Tell It . Big James up front leads the chase and with just the right amount of electric guitar and drums. Hi stepping Use Me Lord by The Golden Jubilees really stands out with it's contemporary funky sound. Big Walt and The Faithful Jordanaires have a big sound, Big Walt having some of the riche...

  I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release September 25, 2020, Hanging Tree Guitars , from Music Makers Relief Foundation and it's the real deal, accompanying the release of the book of the same name. Opening with Rufus McKenzie singing Slavery Time Blues , over a wailing harmonica. Very authentic blues. Bishop Dready Manning sings Hard Luck and Troubles with only acoustic guitar and hand claps. His vocals are terrific and the accompaniment solid. Guitar Gabriel is as smooth as they come on Southland Blues , a strong delta style blues. His vocal and guitar work is tight yet not over produced. Excellent. John Lee Zeigler has a really cool voice approaching the falsetto of Skip James. Worked nicely with acoustic slide, John Henry is a really strong track. Spiritual track, Get Ready is potent with The Glory Vine Sisters . Powerful voices and R&B style format makes this one of my favorites on the release. Elder Anderson Johnson does a strong spiritual ...