Bman's Blues Report

  I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Been A Long, Long Time , by Mark Muleman Massey , and it's a strong mix of blues, soul and R&B. Opening with title track, It's Been A Long, Long Time Clayton Ivey on keys and Robert Fossen on harmonica set the pace for Mark Muleman Massey on lead vocal and guitar, backed by Roger Starr on drums and  Bob N. Weaver on bass. On funky blues, Can't Tell Me Nothing About The Blues showcases Massey on lead vocal over Ivey's active keyboard work and features a nice slide solo by Billy Lawson. Give Me Your Love is a terrific soul track featuring Massey really belting the blues over the warm keyboard backing of Ivey. Very nice. Another soulful track, Bobby Womack's I'm Sorry About That , really hits a sweet spot with excellent vocals by Massey and lush horn backing by The Webster Street Horns. Wrapping the release is Your Good Stuff, a funky radio track with Massey on vocal with tight rhythm by Starr ...