Bman's Blues Report

George Bisharat , known on stage as Big Harp George, has carved out a unique spot in the modern blues scene as a master of the chromatic harmonica . While most blues players stick to the smaller diatonic harp, he leans into the complex chromatic model to build a smooth, sophisticated sound inspired by jazz horn sections and classic West Coast jump blues . Before turning to music full-time later in life, he spent decades in San Francisco working as a criminal defense attorney and a law professor. That fascinating background brings a sharp, witty, and socially conscious edge to his songwriting that sets him apart from traditional acts. Based in Northern California, his signature sound is deeply anchored in his work at the legendary Greaseland Studios. Recording at Greaseland allows him to collaborate closely with top-tier West Coast blues musicians, capturing a vibrant, analog warmth that defines his entire catalog. His tracks are packed with swinging tempos and stellar production value...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, California Trap , from Andrew Duncanson , and it's a busting with soul. Opening with Relearning To Climb , a cool soul tune with a great melody, featuring Andrew Duncanson on lead vocal, backed by Tia Carroll, Lara Price and Lisa Leuschner-Andersen on backing vocals and a full compliment of Memphis instrumentation. Kid Andersen on guitar, Michael Peloquin on tenor sax, Ed Morrison on trumpet, Jerry Jemmott on bass, Dmar Martin on drums, Jim Pugh on B3, and Mike Rinta on trombone really give this track a breath of reality. Solid opener. Chugging, Hold Me Back , really gets moving with Duncanson on vocal and guitar and featuring Peloquin on harmonica as well as guitar. Title track,  California Trap is one of my favorite tracks on the release with a BB King/Mike Bloomfield feel. Kid Andersen is stellar on guitar backed by Baxter Robinson on piano and excellent vocals by Duncanson. Dripping in soul, What Kind Of Man ,...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cooking With Gas , by Big Harp George and it's a solid set of original blues tracks. Opening with title track, Cooking With Gas , Big Harp George on lead vocal and chromatic harmonica leads the way on this sassy track with D'Mar Martin on drums, Joe Kyle Jr. on bass and featuring Michael Peloquin contributing a hot sax solo. Latin flavored Doom Loop has a tight drum and horn section with Doug Rowan on bari sax, Ed Morrison on trumpet, Peloquin on tenor sax, Mike Rinta on trombone, Kid Andersen on guitars and great guitar flare from George. Soulful blues, Wine Is My Friend has a firm bass line by Kyle Jr. working with George's great vocals, Andersen on guitar and James Dwayne and Walter Morgan on backing vocals. Funky instrumental, Maceosity really moves with Jerry Jemmott on bass and D'Mar on drums. A lively horn section and Burns on keys fuels the flame and Peloquin on diatonic harmonica works in nicely ...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cut My Spirit Loose , by Big Harp George , and it's cooking! Opening with boogie track, It's Tuesday , George is firing on all cylinders. With Kid Andersen laying down signature guitar riffs and backed by Doug Rowan on bari sax, Michael Peloquin on sax and Mike Rinta on trombone the house is rocking. George on harmonica and lead vocals and joined by Chris Burns on keys, June Core on drums, Joe Kyle Jr. on bass and with Lisa Leuschner Andersen, James Dwayne and Walter Morgan on backing vocals, this is a great opener. With a real nice New Orleans beat, Bustin' Out is a strong instrumental led by George on harmonica, Jeff Lewis on trumpet Peloquin on sax, Rowan on bari and Rinta on tuba. This is punchy. Tight drum work by Core and bass by Kyle, and a sassy sax solo by Peloquin and a great trombone solo by Rinta makes this my favorite on the release. Jump Abu Lula! is another great track with George really harping...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Standin' Pat , from The Lucky Losers w/ Cathy Lemons & Phil Berkowitz and it's an interesting mix of rock, blues, funk and soul (and more). Opening with Pack Up The Bags , a rag fused pop track with a bluesy edge, Cathy Lemons and Phil Berkowitz harmonize on vocals and Berkowitz lays in some nice harmonica, backed by Chris Burns on keys, Endre Tarczy on bass and Jon Otis on drums. Also featured are Kid Andersen on lead guitar, Mike Rinta on trombone, Michael Peloquin on tenor sax, and Brian Catania on trumpet. Swamp funky, Somewhere In The Middle has a terrific bottom courtesy of Tarczy and Otis and featuring Berkowitz on vocal and guitar is one of my favorite tracks on the release. A solid R&B track, Down In Memphis Town has the strong bones of a 60's radio hit. Lemons has the lead on another of my favorite tracks on the release with cool slide and organ work by Andersen. Soulful ballad, They Wrecked...