Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, I Dream of Water , from Katy Hobgood Ray featuring Dave Ray and it's a interesting set of blues and country blended tracks. Opening with Lollie Bottoms , a simple, pop country style track singer songwriter, Katy Hobgood Ray conjures up the feeling of the early days of country rock and the likes of Bobbie Gentry and her story telling songs. Supported by Chuck Dodson on piano, Dave Hoffpauir on drums, Jason Weinheimer on bass and Greg Spradlin on guitars a solid opener. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Washed Away with it's strong, gospel style melody and warm vocal backing by Dave Ray, and Vikki McGee and the addition of nicely complimenting guitar work by Spradlin and the key organ and piano work of Dodson. With a Latin beat, House Divided features Dave Ray on lead vocal, blended nicely with Katy and clean piano lines by Dodson. Very nice. My favorite vocals by Katy on the release are in the lead of ...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Good As I Been To You , from Steve Howell & The Mighty Men featuring Katy Hobgood Ray and it's freshly familiar. Opening with 50's blues rocker, Bacon Fat, Howell leads on vocal and guitar with Chris Michaels on guitar, Dave Hoffpauir on drums, and Jason Weinheimer on bass and setting a strong groove. On Memphis Minnie's New Dirty Dozen , Katy Hobgood Ray takes the mic and her vocals blend nicely with the throaty guitar work of Howell. Walter Davis' Come Back Baby has a smooth approach, along the lines of Eric Clapton and Howell's vocals are perfect with just the touch of guitar. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Blues In The Bottle with it's ideal symmetry. Howell's vocals are smooth and the backing guitar, bass and drums are spot on. A lightly salted guitar solo by Howell tops off the track nicely. Wrapping the release is Blind Blakes You Gonna Quit Me played in easy shuff...