Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Charmed & Dangerous , from Altered Five Blues Band and it's quite good. Opening with title track, Charmed & Dangerous , a funky blues track, powerhouse lead singer, Jeff Taylor is off to  great start. Lead guitarist, Jeff Schroedl is on top with a modern day Albert King style flair joined by Mark Solveson on bass, Tom Hambridge on drums and Raymond Tevich on keys these guys pack a powerful punch.   and Hambridge as always sets great pace. An excellent opener. On shuffle track, Mint Condition , Trevich sets a great sound on organ and Schroedl's Texas style blues riffs are spot on. With a nod from Howlin' Wolf, On My List To Quit absolutely struts. Taylor is on top of his game with solid vocals and Schroedl's riffs are crisp. Out of the gate like "Mad Dogs", Gonna Lose My Lady is a strong blues rocker. One of my favorite tracks on the release Cookin' In Your Kitchen, gives Schroedl a...

I just received the newest release, Listen To This , from Cheryl Barnes and although not my primary fare, a well done jazz/blues release none the less. Opening with a jazz swinger, Like Jazz Barnes shows that she has the voice to carry off classic jazz singing. Joined by John Hammond on piano, Phillip Cabasso on bass, and James Hughart on drums this track sets the pace for this release. That Afternoon In Harlem has a cool syncopation and breezy piano work by Joel Scott complimented by Wali Ali on guitar and Carl Saunders on trumpet this track is strong. On classic ballad, Why Did I Choose You? , Barnes shows her more expressive side in the delicate execution of this well done track. Hammond is back on piano with Rahn Coleman. Title track, Listen To This is a full blown swinger with full orchestration. Cabasso on piano and Hughart on on drums are joined by a full house of horns like Nolan Shaheed on trumpet solo, Rickey Woodard on sax solo, Jamie Horvorka, James Ford and Brian Swa...