Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Keith Stone with Red Gravy : Blues with a Taste of New Orleans , from Keith Stone and it's quite good. Opening with jazz blueser, Ain't That The Blues , Stone is up front on lead vocal and guitar spiced up by Brent Johnson on slide and backed by Tom Worell on keys, Kennan Shaw on bass, and Eddie Christmas on drums. Digging in the funk on Love Don't Put Me Down , Shaw really sets a super groove. This is one of those tracks that really makes you wanna move and Worell's keys matched with Shaw and Christmas on drums is hot. New Orleans saucy title track, Red Sauce has a super piano line and that perfect rhythm. Soloing by Worell and strong vocals by Stone give this track solid footing. Ballad, Crazy In Love With You , has a warm mix of organ and electric piano behind some of Stone's best vocals on the release, topped off by a soulful sax solo by Jimmy carpenter. Don't Count Me Out is a solid shuffl...

I just received the newest release, The Prodigal Returns , by Keith Stone and it's a healthy slice of New Orleans. Opening with Prelude (Just A Closer Walk With The) featuring the incomparable Dr John on piano, Tim Stambaugh on sax, Kevin Clark on trumpet, David Phy on Trombone and Cale Pellick on alto sax. This is the unmistakable sound of New Orleans. Better Things To Do is a funk infused rocker with hi steppin horns and tweaking guitars.Featuring Stone on vocal and guitar, David Hyde on bass, Nelson Blanchard on drums and organ, Lacy Blackledge on trumpet and Mike Broussard on sax. First Love digs down for a smooth blues number and Stone rips some really gripping riffs on this one. With Blackledge and Broussard on horns, Hyde's guiding bass riffs and Blanchard's drum and key contributions, this one's hot! Cindi Leigh has a cool bass rhythm and flavorful accordion work from Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes. With some of the best vocals on the release this track...