Taste Good Music artist: Tim Gartland - Satisfied - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Satisfied, from Tim Gartland, and its well balanced and cool. Opening with blues rocker, Drinking For Two, Tim Gartland's vocals are casual but authentic and the spanking drum work of Jack Bruno really hits the spot. Wendy Moten's backing vocals give the track a nice additional dimension and solid piano work by Kevin Mc Kendree, slide work by Tom Britt, Steve Mackey on bass and Gartland's own harp work make this a real nice opener. There is something about the vocal delivery on Don't Make More Trouble that almost makes you think it's asking for trouble with it's cool arrogance. I mean I really like it and lead guitar soloing by Robert Frahm it strong. One of my favorite tracks on the release is honky tonker, Can't Paint A Prettier Picture, with a great rolling rhythm, firm piano by Tom West. Excellent! The vocal interplay between Gartland and Ray Disilvis, the guitar discord by Frahm, the drum spank by Bruno and Gartland make this another contender for top track. Reggae flavored Why Does The Room Begin to Sway? has great darkness and depth. Gartland's unadorned vocals, surrounded by the lush backing vocals of Moten and Frahm's guitar accents really set this track apart. Wrapping the release is easy swinging shuffle, Don't Judge Me. Gartland is a master of cool with his laid back vocal delivery. McKendree's organ work lathers it up, Gartland's harp work adds the mustard and slick guitar riffs from Frahm knocks it down. This is a cool, unpretentious release with a lot of swagger.

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Stony Plain Records artist: Colin Linden & Luther Dickinson - Amour - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Amour, from Colin Linden & Luther Dickinson with the Tennessee Valentines and it's not only musically cool but a lot of fun. Opening with traditional instrumental, Careless Love, Linden on electric dobro and Dickinson on electric guitar, and only a minimal amount of percussion, a beautiful sound emerges with the thickness of a Mississippi swamp and the depth of morning fog. Excellent! On Jesse Stone's Don't Let Go, Rachael Davis and Ruby Amanfu join on vocal giving this popular track real spunk. Jimmy Reed's Honest I Do features Davis again on vocals, has a super blues swagger and reverb saturated guitar. Very cool. I really like the Sam Palladio lead/ Rachael Davis harmony on Ralph Mooney's Crazy Arms and Linden and Dickinson' guitar mix over Dominic Davis on bass, Bryan Owings on drums and Kevin McKendree on piano is pure gold. Billy Swan original, Lover Please, features Swan on lead vocal coupled with Davis making for a super country rocker with nice accordion work by Fats Kaplin. Ruby Amanfu takes center stage on Chuck Willis' What Am I Living For giving it a powerful rework. Luther and Colin add authentic country riffs and a tight structure over McKendree's organ work. Wrapping the release is  I Forgot To Remember To Forget featuring Jonathan Jackson on lead vocal and Luther and Colin playing ethereal electric guitar parts floating to the end of the release. Very nice.

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Severn Records artist: Big Joe and the Dynaflows - Rockhouse Party - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Rockhouse Party, from Big Joe and the Dynaflows and it's super. Opening with super shuffle, Driving Wheel, Big Joe Maher on lead vocal and drums sets the pace with Tom Mookie Brill on bass, Kevin McKendree on keys, and Yates McKendree and Robert Frahm on guitars. A low slung blues rocker, this track is an excellent opener. Excellent guitar phrasing, coupled with powerful lead vocals on So Mean To Me makes it a real standout. Brill takes the lead vocal on slot on Eight Men and Four Women and his vocals are out of sight. This track, with warm key backing by Kevin, and vocal backing by Erin Coburn is excellent! Guitar shuffle, Overdrive is an excellent showcase for the McKendrees with nice phrasing and great pace. Uptempo Go With The Flow, is a real toe tapper with hot riffs and solid vocals. On Vibrate, a rockabilly romp, guitar flurry and stylized  vocals give this track high power. Wrapping the release is easy flowing, slow blues, Two Years of Torture. Big Joe's vocals are sweet and Kevin's piano work super. Rich lead guitar lines and chords give the track nice depth. This is a real nice closer for a surprisingly good release.

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Superstar Records artist: Tom Hambridge - The Nola Sessions - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The NOLA Sessions from Tom Hambridge and it's got real feel. Opening with Easy flowing, Blues Been Mighty Good To Me, Hambridge has lead vocal and of course drums backed by superstar Allen Toussaint on piano, max Moran on bass and Wendy Molten on backing vocal. Smooth opener. On Bluz Crazy, Hambridge has a distinctive slap on the snare that I really like and the lope of the track is further enhanced by John Fohl on guitar with Tommy MacDonald on bass and Kevin McKendree on piano. Very nice. Sonny Landreth's Slydeco guitar on This End Of The Road gives the track a real nice edge on a John Hiatt style track. Great two stepper. With real New Orleans style, I Love Everything has a great melody and sense of rhythm. With Shance Theriot on guitar, Calvin Turner Jr. on bass, David Torkanowsky on piano, McKendree on B3, SaRachael on backing vocals and The Naughty Horns this track rocks! Landreth is back again on Little Things, funky New Orleans style blues rocker. Gotta love his slide work and Hambridge really works the skins over. Very nice! Save Me has a cool country rock flavor and strong melody with outstanding backing vocals by The McCrary Sisters and super punchy horn work by The Naughty Horns. Wrapping the release is Faith, a quiet acoustic track featuring Hambridge on vocal, with Fohl on guitar, macDonald on bass and Nathaniel Smith on cello. This is a really nice closer to a very enjoyable release.

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Silvertone/RCA Records artist: Buddy Guy - The Blues Is Alive And Well - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Blues Is Alive and Well, from Buddy Guy and it's strong. Opening with A Few Good Years, Buddy Guy pleads in song for continued good years to remain but his vocals are smooth and his guitar as vibrant as ever. Joined by Tom Hambridge on drums, Rob McNelley on guitar, Kevin McKendree on B3 and Willie Weeks on bass, this hits home. Shuffle track, Guilty As Charged shows a strong romp attitude and you can see that gold tooth glistening as Buddy shouts out guilty and fans his guitar wildly in one of his frantic guitar explosions. Very nice. Cognac, is a real nice 12 bar number featuring not one but two legendary guest guitar players, Keith Richards and Jeff Beck who along with Guy give this track real teeth. Richards' riffs are always standout and Beck's style is remarkable and an absolute signature. Excellent! Title track, The Blues Is Alive And Well is a great R&B fused track with Weeks' instinctual bass work leading the way. Guys' vocals are rich and pure and the backing by the Muscle Shoals Horns (Charles Rose on trombone, Steve Herrman on trumpet, Doug Moffet on tenor sax and Jim Hoke on bari sax really add depth to Guys personal guitar style. Very solid. Soul ballad, Blue No More features James Bay and Guy trading vocal and guitar lead. Smooth as silk and blue as can be, this track is a great radio track. Digging in the funk, Whiskey For Sale shows a side you don't often see but a great side it is. With McNelley on slide, Guy tearing up the lead and the McCrary Sisters on backing vocals this track may be one of my favorites on the release. Slow blues, You Did The Crime is classic Buddy Guy with terrific vocals and guitar, fat slide from McNelley and Mick Jagger on harp. With that rumbling bass line that I like to think as classic Buddy, Old Fashioned, is a great track with Guy conjuring up the notorious Buddy Guy guitar tone and riffs. The Muscle Shoals horns really pump up the volume and McKendree's B3 fills out the sound. Excellent! When My Day Comes is still another great track with Buddy on full throttle with expressive vocals and lead vocal and tight pointed drumming by Hambridge. Sonny Boy Williamson's Nine Below Zero sits solid in the Chicago sound with classic lines and riffs. Guy grew up in this stuff and knows just how to dress it right. His soloing is fresh, expressive and meaningful. Excellent! Boogie track, Ooh Daddy is a hard driver with Weeks leading the way and Buddy shows nothing but vitality with youthful yelps and pounding riffs. Super. Wrapping the release is End Of The Line and Milking Muther For Ya. Guy does it big time smooth band with horns honking and great guitar tone. Continuing his theme of nearing the end of his time, Guy shows no signs here to slowing or losing his fine talents as some of his predecessors have done. He ties into this last track his little ditty that he often sings in concert about the girl who tries to milk the bull. I've seen Buddy many times and he's always a great performer. My hopes are that he still has many more years to come. Excellent release!

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Casey James: Strip It Down - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Strip It Down, by Casey James and it's quite good. Opening with blues rocker, All I Need, Tommy MacDonald sets a Ray Manzarek style bass groove and Casey James on lead vocal and guitar takes the bait. His vocals are gritty and his guitar tone is warm and rich. Backed by Kevin McKendree on Wurlitzer, Tom Hambridge on drums and Ron McNelley on rhythm guitars, this is a band made in heaven. Two stepper, Bulletproof, has a great feel and Delbert McClinton joins on vocal giving it great style and screaming harp work gives it great edge. Hurt Me More has a real nice Texas lope where McKendree's dancing key work nicely compliments James' vocals and guitar riffs. Very nice. Pat Buchanan's harp work sets the tone for Latin flavored blues number, I Got To Go with a great sound. Hambridge's tight rhythm patterns drive this track, McKendree's B3 solo adds color and James guitar soloing and vocals are top notch. Little Willie John's, Need Your Love So Bad, is one of my definite favorites on the release showcasing James' vocal style and providing just that right forum for an expressive guitar solo. Excellent! With a taste of R&B, James steps forward on strong radio track, Different Kind Of Love with a solid melody, joined by Wendy Molten on backing vocals and potent horn work by the Muscle Shoals Horns. Very nice. McKendree opens Makin' Up, a potent rocker, with a rolling piano riff and they're off to the races. A definite foot stomper, and excellent piano/guitar exchange make this another of the favorite tracks on the release. Wrapping the release is Fight You For The Blues, a raw blues number with James on lead guitar and McNelley on slide giving the track real grit. McDonald's bass lines and McKendree's B3 work add to the tension and Hambridge's perfect accent drumming really kick it. Super closer.

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Vector Recordings artist: Lee Roy Parnell - Midnight Believer - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (August 11, 2017), Midnight Believer, by Lee Roy Parnell and it's smooth. Opening with Hours In Between, a rich, pop driven track, Lee Roy Parnell shows why he's known for his soulful voice and solid songwriting. With bluesy guitar riffs, a thumping bass line courtesy of Steve Mackey, Kevin McKendree on keys and Lynn Williams on drums, this is a great opener. Title track, Midnight Believer, really has that Muscle Shoals, Pete Carr/Boz Scaggs sound. Parnell clearly has a super feel and for this Blue Eyed Soul. A definite radio track, Ponchatrain, is as solid a ballad as you're likely to find with a warm melody, nicely blended vocals and subdued instrumentation. Too Far Gone is another terrific soul track with warm vocals and cool keyboard work by McKendree. Sunny Days, a quiet acoustic based ballad features Parnell way out front singing lead vocal with only minimal backing, and nice slide guitar and backed by the Fairfield Four, an American Institution known for Gospel vocals. Very nice. Want Watcha' Have kicks it up a few notches with a high stepping rocker and giving Parnell a chance to present not only a funkier side but to lay in some real rocking guitar riffs. His guitar voice is warm and clean. Funky, New Orleans flavored Going Uptown has a super marching drum rhythm and cool female backing vocals but my favorite part of this track is the fluid slide work of Parnell. Very nice! A little dab of country on Tied Up And Tangled gives it a bit of a Bonnie Raitt/Little Feat feel. Soaring guitar in the style of David Lindley and a cool vocal duet with Etta Britt give this track real air. Wrapping the release is soft country rock ballad, Some Time Ago, a track that among 10 other solid tracks could easily be a big seller. I love Parnell's guitar tone on the slide solo of this track adding real heat to his soulful composition. This is a super closer to a special release.

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 This track isn't on the release but thought it deserved a listen:

VizzTone Records artist: Tim Gartland - If You Want A Good Woman - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, If You Want A Good Woman, from Tim Gartland and it's quite good! Opening with shuffle track, What The Blues Look Like, Tim Gartland establishes a solid foundation as lead singer and harp man with strong slide work from Tom Brett and nice backing vocals by Wendy Moten. Kevin McKendree adds cool keys and Steve Mackey on bass and Lynn William on drums fill out the band. Latin salted R&B track, I Had It All, has a smooth feel and a nice showcase for Gartland on vocal and harp as well as Brett on slide. Bluesy ballad, I Come When You Call, has a real nice pace with nice solos by Tom West, McKendree, and Gartland on harp. I really like the shimmery guitar work of Brett on this track giving it an iridescence. Funky instrumental, Eight Ball, is a really cool jam with lead harp on the melody, nice bass work under the track and cool solo lines by West, Brett and McKendree. Another track with a funky rhythm, If That's What You Call Love, is one of my favorites with cool vocals by Gartland and Moten and super slide work by Brett over the keys of West and McKendree and tight harp work by Gartland. Very nice! Too Many Groceries is a bouncy little track with warm backing vocals by Molten and really tasty slide guitar work by Brett over a tight bass line by Mackey. With a Willie Dixon approach, Willie That's Who is a real cool track. Mackey sets the pace with a solid bass line and McKendree and West set down nice keys. William's drum work on this one is the coolest on the release and again I really like the slide work of Brett. Wrapping the release is Go West, a two step NO flavored track with lead harp and a rock guitar rhythm. Lighting up the slide again, Brett really hits it fueling a nice close by Gartland. Really nice closer for a really nice release.


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Ruf Records artist: Mike Zito - Make Blues Not War - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Make Blues Not War, from Mike Zito and it's crazy good! Opening with blues rocker, Highway Mama, this track gives you that take no prisoners attitude with a driving beat courtesy of Tom Hambridge who absolutely blows it up on drums and Tommy MacDonald on bass, Mike Zito on lead vocal and guitar, Rob McNelley on guitar and Water Trout on guitar. Trout plays some really hot riffs and Zito absolutely scorches the strings. Excellent opener. Wasted Time is up next with a great lumbering Texas lope, Zito lays down stuff that would make SRV proud, with intensity and feel. Very nice! Redbird is a heavy footed, rocker with strong vocals. Solid bass lines from MacDonald positively drive this bus and it's rolling hard. Talk about intensity, Crazy Legs has it x 10. This track is on fire and running hard with excellent drum work by Hambridge and super guitar tone. Zito really turns on the heat on this one literally setting the thing on fire. Wow! Slowing it way down, title track, Make Blues Not War has the characteristics of delta blues and early electric Muddy Waters. Jason Ricci is down on this track and he and Zito really dig in on this one with harp and slide fanning the flames. Very nice. On The Road has some funk with really sweet organ work from Kevin McKendree and stirring some of the funkiest guitar riffs that I've heard since David Spinozza hit "Right Place Wrong Time". Sure to be an instant favorite on the release is Bad News Is Coming, a slow, low down blues with excellent guitar phrasing and hard luck soulful vocals. Excellent!! Detroit style rocker, One More Train, has a really nice feel with excellent vocals, super slide work from Ricci and great piano work from McKendree making it my pick for radio track that should hit hard. Girl Back Home is a quiet ballad with rich slide work making it a standout on feel alone. Chip Off The Old Block features Mike's son, Zach on guitar over a basic 12 bar setup. Zach shows his stuff which is quite cool and with McKendree on piano and Mike on vocal and guitar, a real solid track. Ballad, Road Dog is another sure radio track with a super melody and strong construction. McKendree's organ, Hambridge's tight drum work and Zito's vocals and somber guitar work, ala BB King give this track excellent grip. Love it! Wrapping the release is Route 90, a Chuck Berry style track featuring an excellent piano solo by McKendree over a great bass line by MacDonald. Zito digs in at the bottom of the fretboard and with his own super vocals and southern style make this track a great closer. I don't think I'm going out on a limb very far saying that this will be one of the top 10 releases I'll hear this year and moving Zito to the top of the list of bands I hope to see this year. Excellent!!




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Plowboy Records artists: The Kentucky Headhunters - On Safari - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, On Safari, from The Kentucky Headhunters and it's a real ass kicker. The release opens with Beaver Creek Mansion, a contemporary country rocker with fat slide work by Greg Martin with healthy rhythm guitar from Richard Young, bass by Doug Phelps and drums by Fred K. Young. Deep South Blues Again is a sweaty blues rocker with a driving bass line and great lead vocals. These guys know good guitar tone and use it to their advantage, getting their guitars singing like chainsaws. Very cool. I Am The Hunter has great swagger and sting with powerful riffs and beefy drums. Caught In A Dream is a straight up rocker which should capture a bit of airplay. With warm harmonies and super key work from Kevin McKendree, this track is tight. One of my personal favorites on the release, Crazy Jim, has a taste of Curtis Mayfield which is really nice. Delivered as a country ballad, this soul based track is really solid and nicely elevated by the raw vocals, power bass riffs and organ work by McKendree. Solid radio track, Lowdown Memphis Town Blues, hits it square up the middle with a catchy melody, nice harmonies and crisp guitar overtones. Another powerhouse, Way Down Yonder, has a a heavy foot print and soaring guitar riffs. With the passion of the original southern rockers, this track grinds. Changing over to New Orleans style blues, Jukebox Full Of Blues, Greg Martin really hits the slide and McKendree's piano work is excellent! Rock on! Wrapping the release is Governor's Cup, a strolling instrumental in what I'd call Chet Atkins style. Clean, cool and articulate, a swell closer.



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Black Hen Music artist: Big Dave McLean - Better The Devil You Know - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Better The Devil You Know, from Big Dave McLean and it's quite good! Opening with Life On The Road, Big Dave McLean has a casual, JJ Cale meets "Little Feat" easy blues feel joined by Steve Dawson on lead guitar, Gary Craig on drums, Jon Dymond on bass, and Kevin McKendree with cleverly stylistic piano. On Muddy Waters' You Can't Lose What You Never Had, McLean opens with fiery slide riffs and his vocals are raw. McKendree's piano really gives the track a Chicago sound with his piano work and acoustic guitar work by McLean and Dawson's eccentric slide work carries the track nicely. The traditional, You'll Need Somebody On Your Bond, gets a country two step remake with a warm intro by Ann and Regina McCrary. Dawson's dobro work and Fats Kaplin on fiddle add even further to the country / bluegrass edge. Uptempo, I Need You, is a cool country blues number and McClean pulls out the harp adding a more bluesy flavor to Dawson's dobro slide work. One of my favorites on the release is a remake of Old Time Religion which has a cool dark western sound. With Dawson on pedal steel and also contributing a sweet electric guitar solo, along with the McCrary sisters warm backing vocals, this track is way cool. With a country waltz sound, Swingin On Heaven's Gate is another real nice track with Dawson on mandolin and particularly nice vocal blending. Deliver Me has a really nice "Little Feat" funk. With the McCrarys on backing vocal and Dawson on slide, this track is really excellent. Wrapping the release is is a stripped down blues, Pet Rabbit, with McLean on vocal and and resonator. The track is raw and alive and a real cool closer for a cool release.



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Wendy Rich - It's All Nothing - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, It's All Nothing from Wendy Rich and it's a fine blend of rock, funk and country. Opening with Back To Zero, a cool funky rocker, Wendy Rich sets a strong pace with funky bass lines from Mark Andes, stinging guitar riffs from Kenny Cordray, Tyson Sheth on drums, Paul English on keys and sassy sax work by Eric Demmer. On ballad, Love and Happiness, Rich digs deep in a country/gospel style with warm key work by English. A really tasty guitar solo by Cordray sets the track off nicely. With even more country in the mix, Welcome Home is set for strong radio presence. Nicely mixed vocals really cement the deal on this one. Ballad, Losin' You has a country ballad feel with a bluesy taste. Amping up her vocals with contrasting guitar work by Rob McNelley and Kevin McKendree on organ gives this track nice oomph. Song About Nothing has a real cool swampy feel featuring Cordray on slide and with a cool bass line by Andes and tight drums by Sheth, this is likely my favorite track. Off The Deep End has a Rolling Stones kind of feel with Keith Richards like guitar riffs by McNelley. A clean rocker with a great riff and super piano work by McKendree. Wrapping the release with a Bo Diddley beat, Get It Together is a great closer. With rhythmic guitar work paired with tight drumming, it leaves you slapping your hands.



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Cleopatra Records artist: Kenny Neal - Bloodline - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Bloodline, from Kenny Neal and it has strong blues and R&B roots. Opening with country blues influenced, Ain't Gon Let The Blues Die with it's Elvin Bishop/country flavored gospel flavor. This track is off and running with Kenny Neal on slide guitar and lead vocals, Tom Hambridge on drums, Tommy Macdonald on bass and Syreeta, Tyrell, Jazzy, Brine', Kaydence Bates, Tahj Mosby and Darien Neal as well as the McCrary sisters. Title track, Bloodline, has a deep groove with a funky bottom and Kenny on lead vocal and harp. Cool loping Plain Old Common Sense is one of my favorite tracks on the release with great guitar work, supeer vocal phrasing, nice piano lines and strong horn backing from Quentin Ware on trumpet, Billy Huber on trombone, Tyler Summers on sax and Dana Robbins on sax. Very cool. On Willie Nelson's Funny How Time Slips Away, skillful piano work and crafty vocals give this track the weight of a serious R&B/country ballad. Coming out with horns blazing, Keep On Moving, has a funky R&B feel and the electric key work of Lucky Peterson is a perfect setting for strong soloing by Kenny. With tight horn work by Ware, Huber, Summers and Robbins. With it's BB King style phrasing, I Go By Feel, is a real cool track along the lines of The Thrill Is Gone with soulful vocals by Kenny and nice horn work by Ware, Huber, Summers and Robbins. Kenny takes a relaxing guitar solo that has really nice grip. R&B style, I'm So Happy, is really a super horn track with prime radio vocals by Kenny and crew. Blues Mobile is an uptempo shuffle with Kenny leading the way on harp. Kevin McKendree on piano and Ware, Huber, Summers and Robbins on horns give this track a bright feel and Kenny's vocals are super. With a much more acoustic feel, I Can't Wait, has Kenny way upfront on vocal and harp with Steve Dawson on Weissonborn, Bob Britt on guitar, John Lancaster on keys and Hambridge on percussion. Really digging in on an R&B feel, Real Friend, has a super Wilson Pickett kind of feel with Kenny on vocal, Ware, Huber, Summers and Robbins on horns. Ware takes a smooth trumpet solo followed by a soulful sax solo that really sits nicely. Neal's own guitar solo is tight and warm giving the track a cool Memphis feel. Wrapping the release is Thank You BB King, a track that could be right out of BB's song book with BB vocal and guitar phrasing styles. Kenny of course puts his own spin on the guitar work making and with Peterson on organ, this a super wrapper for a cool release.



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Eller Soul Records artist: Andy Poxon - Must Be Crazy - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Must Be Crazy, from Andy Poxon and it's terrific. I had reviewed Poxon's earlier releases, most recently Red Roots. and I can tell you without question the kid is getting better by leaps and bounds! Opening with the title track, You Must Be Crazy, Poxon is smoking right out of the gate. With a hell of a swagger and killing the Elmore James riff, this track is super. Poxon, who plays lead guitar and takes lead on vocal, is joined by keyboard ace, Kevin McKendree and the connection is golden. Poxon sounds really relaxed but plays with fiery intensity. I've heard comparisons drawn to Johnny Lang but I'd say shoot higher...say Sean Costello! Kenneth Blevins on drums, Steve Mackey on bass and Jim Hoke on sax makes this one powerful opener. Living Alone is a mid paced boogie woogie track featuring a more vocal feel and McKendree showing his fine piano flair. Kicker jump track, Next To You, really moves and Poxon pulls out some really hot riffs. Sit still listening to this one...can't do it! Excellent! Radio oriented track, Give Me The Chance, adds the McCrary Sisters on key backing vocals. Poxon only shows a few flashes of guitar spark but with solid lead vocals and certain piano body delivers a nice air track. Slow cooker, Cold Weather, opens with really excellent blues guitar articulation. Playing heart felt guitar lead against his solid vocals, this track stands out as one of the top tracks on the release. Ouch! With a definite R&B/New Orleans kind of sound, Don't Tell Your Mama, gets a super sax push from Hoke over McKendree's fancy finger work. Soulful ballad, Harder Everyday, has such a warm sound between sax and the backing vocals of the McCrary Sisters it almost sounds fully orchestrated at times. Nicely written with a solid melody, this could be a cross radio track as well. Very nice! With a light jazz touch, I Want To Know, shows Poxon's understanding of vocal phrasing and certain maturity. Solid sax work from Hoke gives the track a definite boost and Poxon steps back up with some really nicely executed guitar soloing. Very cool! On Already Gone, Poxon shows a nice blend of Cornelius Brothers style soul and country rock for a unique ballad. His vocals, blended nicely with McKendree on keys makes for a very solid track. Making A Fool is another track with a bit of New Orleans feel and McKendree is just the guy to roll the piano. Poxon injects tight guitar riffs into the roll this time and Blevins nicely jazzes up the bottom on drums with a solid bass line from Mackey. Very nice! Don't Tell Me What To Do is a cleverly disguised blues track with an almost soul feel vocally but with only faint cues to it's exact intention. McKendree injects organ giving it a gospel feel and Poxon's own guitar work having more of a rhythmic country feel. A subtle guitar solo gives definite blues intention leaving you with an overall feel of solid work. Light jazzy number, Too Late, has a real nice feel and showcasing Poxon's vocals, McKendree on piano and strummed chords on guitar gives this track an absolute platform for lush jazz/blues style guitar soloing. Sweet! Wrapping the release is Rebound, an easy paced instrumental with it's blend of country style guitar picking and jazz inflections. Addition of Yates McKendree on organ and a bright melody makes this a solid conclusion to a top flight new release.



 

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15 South Records artist: D.L. Duncan - Self Titled - New release review

I just received the newest release, D.L. Duncan from Dave "D.L." Duncan and it has a good feel. Opening with I Ain't The Sharpest Marble, a rockin boogie track, Duncan lays down a cool groove on vocal and guitar with David Hood on bass and Vince Santoro on drums reinforcing the bottom. Kevin McKendree hammers out a real nice piano line making this a solid opener. Dickerson Road has a super guitar rock sound (think All Along The Watchtower) and Duncan sets his strings searing into the stratosphere. On Walter Vinson style blues track,You Just Don't Never Know, McKendree adds nicely to the texture on the track and the McCrary Sisters provide a warm background as Duncan sings lead, Delbert McClinton plays harp with Duncan's guitar adornment. Very nice! Your Own Best Friend has a distinctively Gregg Allman sound and Sonny Landereth adds a heaping share of his distinctive slide sound. McKendree takes a really nice piano solo over B3 and with the McCrary Sisters on vocals, this is certainly one of the best tracks on the release. I Know A Good Thing is a high stepping stripped down blues track with a solid bass line and drum beat keeping it tight. Duncan's own guitar work which rides the melody is quite effective. Super! Sending Me Angels is a solid blues based pop track sounding like an Eric Clapton hit. The McCrary Sisters really warm up the track along with Duncan's smooth vocals as well as resonator. McKendree on B3 and piano adds just the right touch of gospel style keyboards giving the track an embracing feel. Orange Beach Blues has a R&B sway with warm jazz overtones. Duncan's vocals are pure and his guitar work clean as a whistle. The McCrary Sisters again add just the right mix of warmth with McKendree on B3 and Duncan pairs with Guthrie Trapp on guitar giving the track a super overall sound. St. Valentine's Day Blues is an easy paced R&B style blues track with Duncan's vocals leading the way balanced nicely with McKendree on keys. Duncan does some of his nicest guitar work on this track throwing down some really sweet blues riffs. Sweet Magnolia Love is another track which to me has a distinctive Eric Clapton pop style. A nice hook and warm backing vocals from the McCrary Sisters along with twin guitar riffs from Duncan and Trapp make it perfect radio track. Wrapping the release is All I Have To Offer You Is Love, a simple bluesy ballad with nice acoustic slide guitar work and rich lead vocals from Duncan. McKendree always seems to have just the right amount of throttle on keys adding nicely to most anything he touches. The slide work on this track is sweet and well manicured making this an excellent closer for a solid release.

   

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Blind Pig Records artist: Andy T - Nick Nixon Band - Numbers Man - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Numbers Man, from Andy T - Nick Nixon Band and it's super. Opening with blues driver, Shut The Front Door, Nixon leads the way on solid vocals pushed along nicely by Kaz Kazanov (tenor sax), Al Gomez (trumpet) and John Mills (Bari sax), Larry Van Loon on B3, Jim Klingler on drums and Sam Persons on bass. Anson Funderburgh joins in with a tasty solo trading riffs with Andy for a hot opener. Devil's Wife has a flavor of new Orleans courtesy of piano work by Christian Dozzler and Klingler on drums. van Loons' B3 work complimented by The Horns lays it wide open for a nice solos by Kaz and Nixon. Tall strutting, Deep Blue Sea, is a great track to showcase this bands style with Nixon's vocals and The Horns holding down the bottom. A stylized solo from Andy and B3/piano from van Loon round out the track nicely. Dozzler's lead on accordion gives Tall Drink of Water a real Cajun flavor. Andy stirs the pot with few quick riffs but this track is all Nick. R&B track, Numbers Man, has a great groove. Nixon really catches the wave on this one, punched by The Horns. With super feel, Andy takes the track on full on and lays in some really soulful riffs. van Loon's B3 it hot and throaty and the horns balance the track out nicely. Excellent! Eugene Church R&B track, Pretty Girls Everywhere, is driven by Persons' solid bass line. This track borders on rock with a real swingin' feel and a killer sax solo by Kaz. Don Robey penned, Blue Monday has a really nice slow blues pace giving the band a great chance to stretch out a bit. Not only are Nixon's vocals super but Andy's guitar work on this track is excellent! Dozzler's sensitive piano work cleanly highlights the overall feel of the track, anchored by Klingler and Pearsons. Super! Hightailin' is a really nice instrumental with Andy taking the reins on van Loon's B3 setup. This track is a really nice showcase. Sundown Blues has a really nice lope and features "Mr Kim Wilson" of harp. Wilson, never the wallflower steps up and lays in a really nice harp solo working nicely with Nicks vocal lead. T-Bone Walker's, Tell me What's The Reason is a super track for this band setup. Andy really cooks the groove and with van Loon's feel on B3 and the Texas Horns punching it up, this track is a nice cooker! Funky rocker, Be Somebody Some Day, has a little bit of an Albert King style. Conversely, Andy's guitar solo's are all his own and Mills plays a few real nice bari solos adding real depth. Dozzler is back on accordion on What Went Wrong and with New Orleans flavored drumming by Klingler, the track has a real funky feel. Nixon's solid R&B style vocals and sweet guitar soloing by Andy and Dozzler add nicely to the mix. One of my favorite tracks on the release, Gatemouth Brown's Gate's Salty Blues has a real swagger. Nixon has the bull by the horns vocally and is swinging it at will. Andy has the response on guitar and then takes the lead throwing down a tasty guitar solo leaving you wanting more. Wrapping the release is the excellent, This World We Live In. With heavy feel like Jimmy Oden or Bobby Bland, this track really counts on Nick to deliver and he definitely has it covered. Backed by Denise Fraser on drums, Rick Reed on bass and Steve F'dor on piano Kevin McKendree takes a really nice B3 solo before turning over the lead to Andy for some of his most heartfelt riffs on the release. Nixon returns on this track making it and excellent closer.

   

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Chalet Music, LLC artist: Peter Novelli - St Amant Sessions - New release Review

I just received the newest release, St Amant Sessions, from Peter Novelli and it and it has a lot of variety. Opening with Louisiana Sunrise with a country 2 step feel, Novelli, a vocalist and guitar player is joined by slide player extraordinaire, Sonny Landreth, who lights it up. Boudin is a really cool funky jazz track with Novelli showing his own guitar chops on lead melodic guitar. Backed by Chris Senac on bass and Brian Brignac on drums this is one of my favorite tracks on the release. Je Ne Sais Quoi is straight up rocker with cajun twist. Featuring Sammy Naquin on accordion and Kevin McKendree on keys, Novelli shines on both guitar and vocal. Very nice! Spirit Passing By has a serious strut and is heavily driven by Brignac on drums. Novelli's guitar attack on this track is raw and carefree...I like it! Woman In My Dreams is a smooth pop track with a jazz structure. Backing vocals by Bob Henderson and Elaine Foster as well as a voracious guitar lead from Novelli makes this track stand out. Story In Your Mind is a smooth ballad with a nice harmonic guitar solo backed by McKendree on organ. Bob Henderson steps up with some nice sax work as well. A sure radio track. Shreveport Stomp, a boogie instrumental, has that Louisiana country instrumental flavor with slick guitar riffs and McKendree reinforcing on piano. Thinkin' or Drinkin' really gets down into the Louisiana mud with R&B style funk. Naquin adds tasteful accordion harmony on Novelli's lead vocals and Henderson and Foster on backing vocal. Henderson throws down a hot sax solo as well. Rounding out the mix is Novelli's stylistic guitar solo. Another of my favorite tracks on the release is I-10 Boogie with a real Elmore James style guitar riff over a boogie beat. Novelli really shines on guitar on this track taking it for a hard ride. A break into a more Cha Cha feel gives Chubby Carrier the opportunity to hit his triple row accordion and then into a New Orleans style piano groove for McKendree on keys, then into a Latin feel for guitar. Rolling back into a Texas blues/boogie this track is hot! Wrapping the release is Zydeco Ride, again with Chubby Carrier leading the way on accordion.

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Eller Soul Records artist: Mike Henderson Band - If You Think It's Hot Here... - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, If You Think It's Hot Here..., from The Mike Henderson Band and it's quite good! Opening with I Wanna Know Why, a creeping blues number with some great Fender guitar tones. Michael Rhodes lays down a real serious bass lead and Henderson has a voice that is just right for this type of blues rock music. Kevin McKendree really hammers the piano and Henderson gets down serious with some tasty blues riffs making this a great opener. Send You Back To Georgia is a great rock and roller with a serious rocking beat (Pat O'Connor - drums) and McKendree really takes the opportunity to bring this baby to it's knees. Henderson whips out the slide and rides the lower fretboard with some deep grinding grooves. Excellent! On shuffle track, Houndog Taylor's It's Alright is a great 12 bar number with a serious lope. McKendree takes the first leg and Henderson the second on slide for a super romp in blues land. Title R&B style track, If You Think It's Hot Here, has a taste of Soul Serenade by McKendree on piano with a a nice B3 wrth on gospel. Chris and Morgane Stapleton add the cool vocal backing. Henderson takes a nice slide solo on the track and McKendree reall shines as well. Very nice. One of my picks for this release is Weepin' And Moanin'. With a smooth slower pace and "just right" key accents against Henderson's guitar riffs, this track is hot! Muddy Water's Mean Red Spider gets a funky under beat with a great pace set by O'Connor. Another tasty piano solo by McKendree and well paced phrasing by Henderson both vocally and on guitar makes this track shine. On Robert Johnson's If I Had Possession opens with Henderson on acoustic slide laying down some of the hottest riffs on the release. Slowly building the track gains a New Orleans strut with the aide or McKendree on piano and snappy drumming by O'Connor. Henderson steps back uyp but on electric guitar this time leading the track to a close. Very cool! Sonny Boy Williamson's Unseen Eye has a real nice bass line by Michael Rhodes and Henderson lays out some of the blusiest riffs on the release. I really like this track. The extended guitar work on this track really hits it! Blind Lemon Jefferson's Matchbox gets a Carl Perkins' or Ronnie Hawkins' feel but with Jerry Lee Lewis spin and Chuck Berry guitar riffs. Very cool! Melvin Jackson's Gamblin' Blues has a serious Texas feel. I particularly like Henderson's vocals on this track and O'Connor and Rhodes really drive the bottom. McKendree takes a cool barrelhouse piano solo and Henderson steps up with a fat solo of his own. Hot track! Wrapping the release is Rock House Blues, a slow, harp led blues (Henderson) with McKendree on piano. This is a really nice conclusion to a particularly cool release!

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Here's a taste of Henderson if you don't know his work:

Brad Hatfield - For A Change - New Release review

I just received the newest release, For A Change, from Brad Hatfield and it's got quite a sting. Opening with That's My Home, a blues rocker, Hatfield handles lead vocals and Bob Britt is hot on guitar. Kevin McKendree (keys), Tommy MacDonald (bass) and Tom Hambridge (drums) round out the package. This track brings to my mind the late great Bill Perry, too soon gone. Back Door Scratchin' has a funky under tone but it's really blues with edge and again love Hatfield's vocals and Britt's guitar work. Excellent! On easy shuffle track, Behave Yourself, it's McKendree who shines instrumentally with really nice piano work and Britt's solo work had a bit more of an acoustic feel. Smarter Than I Was has a heavier rock feel , still with a blues base. I grinding rhythm and swirling guitar riffs proliferate this track. Very cool. Devil On Both Shoulders is a country rock 2 stepper led by Hambridge on drums and the slide work of Britt. Hatfield has plenty of swagger, heavy bottom by MacDonals and prominent piano work of McKendree gives this track plenty of roll. So Much, So Little has a real nice bluesy feel with Hatfeld on both lead vocal and harp. With hot drum work from Hambridge, this is one of the coolest tracks on the release. Slow blues number, Never Finished Nothin' allows Hatfield to show his soulful side and Britt throws down some absolutely excellent guitar riffs. MacDonald sets the course with a strong bass line and again McKendree's piano work is stellar. Excellent! Good Love After Bad is a cool boogie track with a sound of modern Cream with organ. Quite a nice track. Drink, Drank, Drunk has a has a super cool boogie rhythm and a great pace that keeps you moving in your seat (or more). Britt puts together an unusual guitar solo really emphasizing the country nature of the track (by juxtaposition) and the keyboard rhythm is cool. Title track, For A Change, has more of a casual "radio" feel with an easy to like melody and warmly matched instrumental accompaniment. Swamp Poker is another track with plenty of kick. An easy country feel, say like Lay Down Sally, with simple guitar riffs makes it universally appealing. McKendree really kicks the last track, Burbank's Boogie off with an incredible piano roll. Hatfield kicks it into gear sounding like a new era Little Richard. Not only vocally but pn harp, Hatfield is on fire. This is a great track to wrap up the release. Super release with a lot of something for everyone!  

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New West Records artists: Delbert & Glen - Blind, Crippled And Crazy - New Release Review

I just received the new release (June 18, 2013); Blind, Crippled And Crazy; From Delbert (McClinton) & Glen (Clark) and it's good rip roaring fun! Opening with the tongue in cheek, Been Around A Long Time, a great lyrical track with a bit of country and a bit of rock, The band is a who's who including Gary Nicholson on guitar, Tom Hambridge on drums, Bob Britt on guitar, Kevin McKendree and Bruce Katz on keys. This track is way sophisticated for "country music" but with a great country swing attitude it really is a fun track! Up tempo 2 stepper, Whoever Said It Was Easy, brings a smile to your face as it is obvious that D&G are having as much fun making this track as I am listening to it. A slick country pickin guitar solo sets off nicely in the middle of the track but this is really all about the singers and this is entertainment. Oughta Know, featuring Anson Funderburgh, has a real Texas lope to it and of course lots of really tasty guitar. This is a great track that happens to feature great guitar licks by the master. World of Hurt has a real solid strut to it and a slick guitar solo accenting a really cool vocal arrangement. Someone To Love You is another great rocker featuring D&G's voices in tandem and hot little guitar riffs sprinkled throughout. Sure Feels Good is a laid back track again showing the magic of D&G's voices together. A nice harp solo by McClinton on this track breaks the duet and leads to individual vocal bridges. Steel guitar work on this track also gives it a bit of a country flair. Peace In The Valley really starts to broach on funk sounding like a Billy Preston track. This is a happy go lucky track with individual lead singing, fat guitar riffs and cool funky piano filler. There is also a short slide solo on this track adding a bit more paint to an already colorful palette. Peace In The Valley is a great country rocker with driving guitar with piano pushing the vocalists to a higher level. I really like this track and rate it among the best on the release. Good As I Feel Today has a distinctive New Orleans sound and the vocal blend is great. I also want to mention that I especially like the piano work on this particular track. The final track on the release, If I Could Be Your Lover, is really different with a Spanish twist. Acoustic guitar backing as well as really nice nylon string guitar soloing played against beautiful violin work makes this a great finish to a really interesting new release.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, -  ”LIKE” ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorite band!