Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Established 1972 , by The Nighthawks and it's a solid rocker. Washington D.C.'s legendary blues rockers have released a new album and they haven't lost a step. Opening with rocker, Nobody , Mark Wenner is upfront on harmonica and lead vocal, backed by Dan Hovey on guitar, Mark Stutso on drums and Paul Posciotta on bass. With it's driving rhythm and take no prisoners feel, this is a strong opener. Boogie track, Coming and Going , not only has a great rhythm but the concept line is great and Hovey's guitar lead is hot. Wenner lays in some real nice blues riffs on harmonica making this one of my favorites on the release. Ask Me Nice has a really bluesy feel with trademark harp tones and phrasing by Wenner and an overall slinky vibe. Funky, Gas Station Chicken , has a great bass line by Pisciotta and fine vocals punched up by Wenner on harmonica and some flashy guitar work by Hovey. Very cool. Wrapping the...

I Just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tryin' To Get To You , from The Nighthawks and it's energy packed. Opening with Come Love , the Nighthawks have a new lead guitar player, Dan Hovey who also covers lead vocals. With Mark Wenner on lead vocal and harmonica, Mark Stutso on drums and lead vocal and Paul Pisciotta on bass and vocal, these guys can harmonize. I Know Your Wig Is Gone has a real nice shuffle pace with lead vocal by Hovey and giving both Wenner and Hovey a nice opportunity to show their skills. Very nice. Rain Down tears is one of my favorite tracks on the release with it dark easy pace and solid vocals by the crew. The guys vocal blending is strong and Wenner and Hovey each take fluid solos adding to the tension. Very nice. Chairman of the Board is a cool blues rocker with a drone bass line (we all love them) and alternating guitar and harmonica soloing and some of my favorite lead vocals on the release by Stutso . Wrapping the relea...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Mark Wenner's Blues Warriors put together by Mark Wenner and it's quite good. Opening with Diamonds At Your Feet , a high energy Chicago style blues number, Mark Wenner revs the band up with vocal and harp, and guitarists Clarence Turner and Zach Sweeney lay down the hot riffs, backed by Steve Wolf on bass and Mark Stutso on drums. Tight opener. Teddy Bear is a cool shuffle giving Wenner, Turner and Sweeney nice soloing opportunities under nicely blended vocals. Introducing a bit of two step blues, Checkin' Out My Baby is one of my favorites on the release laden with great harp tones and a tight rhythm. With it's slow, steady blues groove, Just To Be With You rolls nicely with a crisp guitar solo and excellent harp enhancements throughout. When you think "Chicago blues and harp, King Bee is exactly what you're thinking with fat tones, excellent control and a solid bottom. My favorite vocal ...

Harmonica master, vocalist and founder of The Nighthawks; rebuilder of antique motorcycles. Born in D.C. and raised in Chevy Chase, Md. Grew up listening to Black radio in D.C. and, at age 12, started going to matinees at the Howard Theatre. Graduated from Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in 1966. Went to Columbia University to study literature and writing. During freshman year, decided playing harmonica was more fun than being a poet. Finished undergraduate English degree in 1972 and headed immediately back to D.C. to launch The Nighthawks. The rest, as they say, is history. If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”