Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, How Many Roads? , from Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers , it's a solid mix of R&B, soul, blues and rock. Opening with In It Together , Lex Grey is upfront on vocal, backed by Vic Mix on guitar, Ed Wasilewski on bass, Brian Dewan on Hammond and piano and with Chuck Burdick on drums. Grey really slips into the groove and the track literally ozzes from the grooves. Very nice opener. On Willie Dixon flavored Ain't From Mississippi, Grey shouts out my favorite track on the release with a great guitar vamp by Mix, piano by Wasilewski. Strong. Slow blues infused, Aches and Pains is a nice showcase for Grey on vocal, with rich Hammond work by Dewan, and featuring Greg Holt on fiddleand Ken Marchesani on drums. Rocker, After A Lifetime , shows a different side of Grey with it's new wave feel. Tight with Sonny Rock on drums and Mix on synth. Wrapping the release is Angel , my top choice for radio track on the release...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Usual Suspects , from Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers and it's solid. Opening with title track, Usual Suspects , power vocalist, Lex Grey blends a reggae beat with overdriven guitars and rock drama to create a unique sound. Backed by Vic Mix on guitars, Kala Updike on bass,Walter Tates Jr. on sax, and John Holland on drums, this band shows versatility. Country rocker, Chow Down , has a driving rock rhythm by Mix and Brian Dewan on piano and accordion, a romping bass line by Per Berquist but with just a touch of country. Blues ballad, Dirty Secret has a lot of the power and style of Big Brother and the SF blues rock style thanks not only to Grey's vocals but Dewan, Holland and Updike. Sonny Boy Williamson style blues rocker SRV is really pumped up with rock power by a grinding guitar line by Mix and frantic sax work by Walter Tates Jr. Boogie rocker, My Jellyroll has a great bottom thanks to Updike and Holland...