Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Dragonfly , from Long Tall Deb and Colin John and I really like it. Opening with On The Way Down , an eerie blues track, Deb and Colin John sing in duet over cool, thick, slide guitar breaking into a driving "brick" like anthem. John really winds up on electric guitar under Deb's vocals making for an exceptional opener. Title track, Dragonfly , is a cool Duane Eddy, western surf  style track with fanned chords, vibrato and tom toms. Excellent! Slinky ballad, I'll Be The One , features some of Deb's best vocals on the release with a soulful style and a nice rhythm. This is the radio track for the release with a strong melodic line, nice guitar work by John and complimented by Jimmy Castoe on drums, Nate Hofman on organ, and Melvin Powe on bass. Another track with a western twist is Remember Why , with great baritone guitar work by John and snappy drum work by Jo El. Horizontal Lightning is a partic...

I just received the debut release, Open Up The Door , from Regina Bonelli and it's springy, bluesy and fresh. Title track, Open Up The Door , is a fusion of country, pop and blues. Vocalist Bonelli accompanies herself on piano with super guitar man Michael Hill adding some real nice riffs. Swing jazz track Cybersex Blues has a fuller arrangement including David Barnes on harp, Mike Griot on bass, Bill McClellan on drums and Hill on guitar. Rich vocal doubling harmonies add to the richness of the mix. Bluesy ballad, Mystical Love , is a nice vocal showcase with an excellent guitar solo by Hill. The bass lines by Pete Cummings on this track really hit hard and Bonelli's organ work is cements the track. R&B flavored Mama Raised A Sweet Thing has a real nice feel. Memphis style backing and hot guitar riffs take this track to the next level. Shuffle track, Daddy I'm A Big Girl Now may be my favorite track on the release with a sassy vocals from Bonelli and stinging gu...