Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live At The Hidden Gem , from Chris Yakopcic and it's a solid set of Delta and Piedmont style blues. Opening with original composition, Gotta Get Goodbye Somehow , singer/songwriter and guitar player, Chris Yakopcic opens his set. With contemporary folk blues styling, Yakopcic has firm guitar footing and a strong vocal approach.  On one of Robert Johnson's better known compositions, Traveling Riverside Blues , Yakopcic shows a lot of feel with percussive guitar attack and wailing vocal. Very nice. Another Johnson composition, Kind Hearted Woman , has a much smoother approach with a more romantic sound and precise guitar accompaniment. Original composition, Sounds of the Highway , has a Blake feel with a certain contemporary edge. Fine guitar work and vocals make this the likely top track on the release. Wrapping the release is a rousing cover of Johnson's Preachin' Blues with Yakopcic working his national ...