Ruf Records artist: Michael Lee - Self titled - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent self titled release by Michael Lee and it's terrific! Opening with Heart of Stone, a rumbling blues rocker, guitarist/lead vocalist, Michael Lee sets a great pace. With a strong swagger, anchored by Scott Lee on bass, Colin Campbell on B3 and Blaine Crews, Michael has it going here, backed by Preston Lewis on sax, and Evan Templeton and Jordan Carr on trumpet. Super opener. On soulful ballad, Don't Leave Me, Lee really gets the chance to show how great a vocalist he is with warm backing and Charley Wiles' blues guitar riffs topping it off. very nice. My absolutely favorite track on the track is deep drenched soul track, This Is with great vocal phrasing and harmonies and electrifying guitar work by Lee. I really like this release, but this track alone could carry a release. Excellent! Can't Kick You is a super radio track with a strong story line and a definite radio (shuffle) beat. Lee's rework of BB King's trademark song maintains a lot of the original soul of the original track, but adding a rock bass line and his own signature vocal and guitar style. Very nice. Another soulful ballad, Here I Am really showcases Lee's vocals again with strong horn support from Templeton and Carr. Another candidate for radio track and favorite track on the release. Having may favorites is a strong indication of an evenly strong release. Wrapping the release is bass driven rocker, Go Your Own Way starting out slow and deliberate and then double timing it with rock guitar riffs before bringing it back down a really hammering it on guitar. This is a really cool closer for a really strong release. 

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Ruf Records artist: The BB King Blues Band - The Soul Of The King - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Soul of the King, from The BB King Blues Band and the title hits the nail on the head. Opening with Irene Irene, Russell Jackson has the mic and Kenny Wayne Shepherd plays scorching hot guitar riffs making this an excellent opener. The hear of the band is James Boogaloo Bolden on trumpet, Eric Demmer on lead sax, Jackson on bass, Walter King on sax, Herman Jackson on drums, Darrell Lavigne on keys, Lamar Boulet on trumpet, Wilburt Crosby on guitar, Brandon Jackson on drums, and Raymond Harris on trombone. Kenny Neal is up next on Sweet Little Angel covering both lead guitar and vocal. His playing is more mellow but no less soulful as he gets a good grip on the track in BB King style. Diunna Greenleaf's supreme vocal styling is There Must Be A Better World Somewhere and Demmer literally blows the doors off with his sensational sax soloing. Excellent! Solid soul on She's The One with Demmer on lead vocal and sax. The man is hot and his sax screams... check it out! Funky, Taking Care of Business has Jackson back on lead vocal backed by Bolden and Richardson. Crosby and Demmer trade rich solos giving this track real tension over the punchy horn work. Very nice. Regal Blues (A Tribute To The King) features Joe Louis Walker on lead vocal and guitar. With a solid shuffle rhythm Walker gets the band rockin' … you can almost see BB King's softly clenched fist clapping into his extended open palm. Bolden has the lead on Pocket Full Of Money, with a nice groove. Jackson's bass line sets the tone and Lamar Boulet blows a great trumpet solo. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Michael Lee on lead guitar and vocal on BB King's classic, The Thrill Is Gone. A soulful but bouncier track than typical of King, an excellent closer for a solid release. 

  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”

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The BB King's Blues Band Releases New Single From Forthcoming April 12th Release

THE BB KING's BLUES BAND LIVES ON! "THE THRILL IS GONE" FEATURING MICHAEL LEE, IS THE FIRST DIGITAL SINGLE OFF OF THE NEW CD  A TRIBUTE TO THE KING OUT APRIL 12TH From L-R - Darrell LaVigne, Walter King, Herman Jackson, Lamar Boulet, Michael Lee, James " Boogaloo " Bolden, Eric Demmer, Russell Jackson & Wilbert Crosby  Photo by: Ron Fontenot

The BB King's Blues Band is back. The legendary maestro can never be replaced but his spirit lives on in song and with the marvelous musicians who were his backbone.  The band’s new album A Tribute to The King streets April 12th. The first single, "The Thrill is Gone" out now, will features Fort Worth newcomer, Michael Lee. Lee was discovered by band management upon seeing his performance of  “The Thrill Is Gone” on The Voice. To date, Lee's performance has amassed over 4.3 million views. The members of BB’s band are all lifers, some of the members clocking in at 35 years. Not only did they support King, but they would start each show by performing onstage before BB came out. After King passed, the band was naturally at a loss until they started playing some festivals and eventually got their footing back. The current lineup includes: Michael Lee (Lead Vocals. Lead Guitar,) James “Boogaloo” Bolden (Trumpet,) Russell Jackson (Bass and Vocals), Herman Jackson (Drums,) Eric Demmer (Saxophone,) Wilbert Crosby (Guitar and Vocals,) Lamar Boulet (Trumpet,) Darrell Lavigne (Keyboards,) and Walter King (Saxophone.)     Other featured artists on the April 12th album are Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Taj Mahal, Kenny Neal, Tito Jackson, Michael Lee and Joe Louis Walker. Track Listing Irene  Pay The Cost  There Must Be a Better World Somewhere  Sweet Little Angel  Low Down She’s the One Taking Care of Business Becoming the Blues Hey There Pretty Woman Here Today Gone Tomorrow Regal Blues (A Tribute To The King)  Pocket Full of Money No News Just The Blues The Thrill is Gone Pay The Cost to be the Boss  Watch Michael Lee perform “The Thrill Is Gone” on The Voice Listen to "The Thrill is Gone" on Spotify Watch the album trailer www.thebbkingsbluesband.com