Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Crown , from Eric Gales and it's powerful. Opening with Death of Me , a solid blues rocker with metal overtones. With a heavy drum stamped bottom by Greg Morrow and Lemar Carter this track has real swagger. Gales has never been bashful about throwing heavy guitar riffs out there and this track is no exception. His Jimi influence is ever present but not overtelling, backed by Joe Bonamassa on rhythm guitar, Josh Smith on rhythm guitar and Michael Rhodes on bass and backing vocals by LaDonna Gales. Very cool. I really like soul track, Stand Up with it's radio quality. Gales really shines on vocals on this track with it's super melody and with it's rich bass work and backing vocals by Jade McCrae, this track is strong. Another track with a heavy bottom is Survivor and it's lumbering feel lays open a grand floor for ultra fluid soloing by Gales. A lush guitar chord laden intro on Too Close To The Fire rea...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Weekend In London , from George Benson and it's a solid show. Opening the show, one of Benson's biggest sellers, Give Me The Night which not only showcases his famous vocal work but also his incomparable guitar work. Benson grew up in my home town (Pittsburgh) and continues to play his mix of traditional and contemporary jazz. Love X Love is a another lightly funky track with that fluid guitar soloing that is so trademark Benson. He is gotten miles of publicity for his smooth, soulful vocals but it's his incredible chops that get me going and this track has it. Backed by Randy Waldman on keys, Stanley Banks on bass, Thom Hall on keys, Michael O'Neil on guitars and Khari Parker on drums, he can do it all.  New Orleans R&B singer Dave Bartholomew's I Hear You Knocking , made popular more recently by Dave Edmunds gets a warm R&B cover and is always a crowd pleaser. James Taylor's Don't Let ...