Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Knock A Hole In It , by Mr. Sipp and it's a hot funky blues rocker. Mr. Sipp is the the alter ego of gospel guitarist, Castro Coleman and he's a force to be reckoned with. Opening with title track, Knock A Hole In It , Castro Coleman, vocalist and lead guitar player really shows fire with this band. Jeffrey Flanagan on bass, Carrol McLaughlin on organ and Stanley Dixon create an extremely heavy bottom for Coleman to romp and romp he does. Excellent! With up tempo R&B track, Bad Feeling , Coleman is charging vocally and with driving guitar riffs. The supporting organ work of McLaughlin is super over the solid bottom of bass and drums. Dropping back into the slot, Stalking Me is a grooving R&B track. Sounds along the Sam and Dave line, Coleman shows his roots in R&B but shows definite rock influences in rock, especially Hendrix. With a great, SRV style guitar lope, Gotta Let Her Go , is a super blues ...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, One Of A Kind , from Grady Champion , and it has variety. Opening with Bump and Grind , Grady Champion on lead vocal and harp along with Ken Smith on bass, Eddie Cotton on guitar and Carroll McLaughlin on keys set an early groove, not unlike a more polished Jesus Just Left Chicago. Nice opener. With a R&B feel, Heels and Hips floats along with a really cool bass line by Smith and nice backing vocals by Champion, Jewell Bass, Eddie Cotton and Lisa Palmer. Shuffle track, House Party , gets deeper in the groove with the addition of Kimble Funchess on trumpet, Jessie PrimerIII on sax, Sydney Ford II on bari, Robert Lamkin on trombone and champion's harp backed by nice vocals by Bass and Palmer. On Life Support , Champion really gets the band swinging on harp and some of his best vocals on the release. Myron Bennett's bass work is tight and vital giving this track just the right weight. Classic, Chicago style blu...

I just received the newest release, Bootleg Whiskey , from Grady Champion and it's an interesting blend of R&B, Blues, Soul and Gospel. Opening with Beg, Borrow, Steal ; Champion has his harp on point and Taylor Scott is hitting it hot on guitar. With a twist of country and rock, this blues number is fast paced and nicely crafted to feature Champion's skills on harp. Bootleg Whiskey has a definite R&B feel with warm backing vocals from Darrell Luster, Ray Braswell and William Purvis. Addition of horns by Kimble Funches on trumpet, Micah Brown on sax, and William Brown on Trombone add additional depth to a very cool track. Don't Waste My Time takes a definite turn to the blues featuring Champion laying down some nice vocals with strong horn support. Home Alone maintains that horn feel but with a funkier groove. David Hood plucks a nice bass line driving the track and Champion alternates between vocal lead and harp echo and solos with a smooth feel. Ten Dollars ...