Bman's Blues Report

Blind Raccoon Showcases Roots & Blues Artists Blind Raccoon is delighted to announce the line-up for its showcases happening during the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN. On January 21, 22 and 23, from 11:30am to 5pm, artists from Norway, Canada, California, Ohio, Illinois, Connecticut, and New York, a smorgasbord of roots and blues talent, will grace the stage. We have two 2015 Blues Music Award nominees - Vaneese Thomas & Missy Andersen, one 2015 IBC participant – Gaetano Letizia and the Underworld Blues Band, as well as several former IBC contestants performing over the three days. Net proceeds from the showcases will benefit The Blues Foundation’s HART Fund, which provides assistance to blues musicians and their families in times of great financial need due to medical emergencies. Emcees are Peter "Blewzzman” Lauro of Mary4Music.com on Wednesday, Brett Fleming, host of Soul Stew, WEVL /Memphis, o...

I just received the newest release, Cut Me Loose , from Magnus Berg and I really like it! Opening with title track, Cut Me Loose , Berg takes command on vocal and guitar showing a maturity beyond his age. Joined by Bjorn Tore "Daffy" Larsen on harp, Havard Sunde on drums and Roy Oscar Pettersen on bass. This is rock solid! On One Way To Please You , Berg slips into Chicago style and Daffy really hits the harp. Blues riffs with a twist of country, flash from the fretboard of Berg and these guys cook! Very nice! On Texas style loper, Drifting , Berg has commanding lead vocals and sets the rhythm riff and Daffy punctuates nicely on harp. Berg takes center stage again laying down a nice helping of Texas style blues rock guitar. Very cool! When You Leave Me is a understated blues in the style of SBW with well placed guitar tones and some of the best vocal work on the release. Berg plays some really nice slide work on this track with Kristian Koppang on keys making it one of my...