Cliff Stevens - Better Days - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Better Days, from Cliff Stevens and it's it's a cool blues rocker. Opening with Better Days, a solid rocker with a good SRV style swagger, features Cliff Stevens on lead guitar and vocal, Serge Dionne on bass, Eric Sauve on keys, and Sam Harrisson on drums. With a "southern rock" flavor, No Room Left has a nice ABB like feel ... I can almost hear Chuck Leavell on piano. With a strong radio melody and select guitar riffs, this is a strong radio contender. Another serious radio contender is Light Of An Angel with a pure pop ballad melody. Stevens does a nice job as vocal front man and paired with Kim Feeney on harmony and a melodic slide solo, pure radio gold. Bluesy ballad, I Love You Still, is my favorite track on the release with cool blues progressions and a strong melody. Stevens lets the music flow with some more aggressive soloing and fluid runs. Very nice. Blues shuffle, True Love has a great feel with nice piano work by Sauve, nice backing vocals by Feeney and a slashing guitar solo of his own. I Been Thinking About You is another solid blues entry in the vein of Guitar Slim. With his vocal call and guitar response, this is a real nice track with an extended guitar workout, boosted by the warm organ of Sauve and the harmonica work of Pat Loiselle. Very nice. Wrapping the release is finger picking Slim Picking featuring Stevens on acoustic guitar. This is generally laid back but artistically nice and a solid closer to 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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Endrick and the Sandwiches - Green Room Rumble - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Green Room Rumble, from Endrick and the Sandwiches and it's a lot of fun. Opening with Junior Parker's Mystery Train, Montreal's own Endrick and The Sandwich has their blues groove on. Endrick Tremblay on lead vocal, harmonica, piano, and guitar leads the way, backed by Greg McEvoy on guitar, Simon Ebber on bass, and Mandella Coupal Dalgleish on drums. Willie Dixon's slow blues, Choo Choo has really nice feel with solid vocals and giving Tremblay a little space to show his guitar chops. Very cool. Trouble In Mind, made popular by Chippie Hill is sung as a quiet duet featuring Tremblay and Rene Lauziere and hitting the spot nicely. Slim Harpo's Scratch My Back is up next and is a cool ramble. Tremblay on harp and guitar captures the funky blues feel and backing vocals balance it nicely. Original track, Devil Does is my favorite track on the release with Endrick on lead vocal and guitar and a feel that blends the Hill Country sound with contemporary stripped down blues. Very nice. Wrapping the release is another Dixon track, You Can't Judge A Book By Looking At The Cover, with a distinctly early British invasion sound. This is a solid blues rocker and strong closer. 

  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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Fuel Junkie - All Out - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, All Out, from Fuel Junkie and I really like it. Opening with title track rocker, All Out, with horns blazing. Featuring Mark LcClerc on lead vocal and tenor sax, Philippe Brochu-Pelletier on tenor sax, Patrice Luneau on bari sax, Antoine Loiselle on guitar, jean-Francois Charest on bass and Philippe Fleury on drums and adding Lex French on trumpet, Andy King on trumpet, Jean-Nicolas Trottier on trombone and Olivier Lizotte on bass trombone this leaves a powerful vapor trail. High Stress, Low Money has a strong new Orleans feel with tight march style drumming by Fleury and interwoven tenor sax lead by Leclerc and Brochu-Pelletier over the solid bottom of Luneau on bari for a great follow-up. With a low down funky beat Can You Dig It? is a cool bluesy jam with great lead by Charest on bass and Loiselle on slide guitar. Excellent! Slow blues, Bad Luck, showcases the soulful vocals of Leclerc and allows plenty of room for sax and guitar solos. Very nice. Get Out On The Road is a power R&B style track with strong bari sax reinforcement by Luneau and trumpets by French and King. Luneau and Leclerc's sax solos are hot making this one of my release favorites. My favorite track on the release is closer, Push Me Away with it's heavy bass laden bottom and soaring guitar work by Charest. It has it's smooth parts, but this is Fuel Junkie wide open. Excellent closer for a strong 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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Award-winning guitarist + singer-songwriter Cécile Doo-Kingué announces new album and Canadian tour dates

Anybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues available January 22, 2016

First single "Little Bit" available on iTunes, Radio Submit and cdkmusik.com

The early 2015 release of Montreal guitarist and singer-songwriter Cécile Doo-Kingué’s acclaimed solo acoustic recording, Anybody Listening Part 1: Monologues showcased Doo-Kingué’s songwriting in its rawest form, earning her accolades and multiple Maple Blues Award nominations for her exceptional guitar playing, soulful vocals, and powerful songwriting. On January 22, 2016, Doo-Kingué will release the second chapter of her trilogy exploring blues, roots, and life in their myriad of aspects. Anybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues features her strength and versatility as an all-around guitarist and musician, from blues to jazz to folk to soul to rock n’ roll.  Fiery licks and seamless melody compliment her deep, laid-back voice throughout the album, leaving no doubt as to the guitarist’s oneness with the instrument, nor the unity of her sound.  Surrounded by a stellar cast of Montreal’s finest musicians, Doo-Kingué presents an eclectic collection of contemporary blues adding to the social commentary of Anybody Listening Part 1:Monologues, and celebrating life and music with fellow artists she is a fan of, in spaces that exude positive energy. Anybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues is a family reunion, as much in the ‘whom’ as ‘where and how’ it was recorded.  Doo-Kingue called on long time collaborators Kim Richardson and Alan Prater, Kalmunity Vibe Collective regulars Malika Tirolien, Fredy V, Wayne Tennant, and Nadia Bashalani to ensure the soulful back vocals to the album.The album was predominantly tracked and entirely mixed at Bottega Studios in Kelowna, owned by the same patrons of the arts who run Streaming Café.  Most of the bed tracks are courtesy of two of her live trio rhythm sections, Anthony Pageot on drums, paired with Fredy V and Cedric Dind-Lavoie on bass.  The Dialogues version of “Six Letters features” two of Doo-Kingué’s favourite guitarists: her brother J.C ‘Dook’, and Montreal soul / funk legend Daniel ‘DJ’ Joseph, invited to play lead on the track alongside Kelowna-based banjoist Jesse Padgett. Thematically, Anybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues continues the social commentary found on Monologues, adding disenfranchisement (Riot & Revolution), self-gratification (Pure Entertainment), and religious fanaticism (Faith) to the themes explored by the trilogy.  Cécile Doo-Kingué also celebrates the sweeter side of life, (Sunshine Lady, Thankful, and Little Bit) as a reminder that life is beautiful, despite the state of the world.  To pay tribute to one of her favourite guitarists while raising awareness of mental illness, Doo- Kingué ends the collection with a full steam version of Jimi Hendrix’s “Manic Depression”. Cécile Doo-Kingué isn’t just another token “chick” guitarist; her talents are measured not by gender lines, but by the fact that she is quickly earning a stellar reputation and a place alongside Canada’s current roster of great guitarists. Powerful and raw, Cécile Doo-Kingué’s guitar prowess, lyrics, and sound make for enthralling and intimate communion. Click here to request a digital download of Anybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues   Click here to download album artwork Click here to download promo photos of Cécile Doo-Kingué  Anybody Listening Part 2: Dialogues Tracklist 1. Riot and Revolution 2. Sweet Talkin’ Devil 3. Anybody Listening 4. Little Bit 5. Six Letters 6. Thankful 7. Pure Entertainment 8. Animal Kingdom 9. Bloodstained Vodka 10. Faith 11. Sunshine Lady 12. Manic Depression Cécile Doo-Kingué Tour Dates Jan 14: Bruce Social Club, Thornbury ON  Jan 15: Bruce Wine Bar, Thornbury ON  Jan 16: The Townehouse, Sudbury ON  Jan 18: Maple Blues Awards, Toronto ON  Jan 21: Winterruption, Regina SK  Jan 23: Creative City Centre, Regina SK Jan 27: The Root, Lloydminister SK Jan 29: Fish Creek Concerts, Calgary AB Jan 30: Coldsnap Festival, Prince George BC Feb 05: New Moon Folk Club, Edmonton AB Feb 06:Flying Canoë Volant, Edmonton AB Feb 07: Olive Bistro & Lounge, Jasper AB Feb 11: Water Shed Arts Cafe, Langley BC Feb 12: Fox Cabaret, Vancouver BC Feb 13: Love Is The Answer Fundraiser, Vancouver BC Feb 17: Plum, Lethbridge AB Feb 19: La Grange Laurier, Laurier MB Feb 20: Festival du Voyageur, Saint-Boniface, MB Feb 21: Festival du Voyageur, Saint-Boniface, MB Feb 25: Mid-Winter Blues Festival, Regina SK Feb 26: Saskatoon Blues Festival, Saskatoon SK Feb 27: Stircrazy Blues Festival, Swift Current SK Mar 04: O Patro Vys, Montreal Homecoming show  www.cdkmusik.com                   @cdkmusik   /ceciledookinguemusik   Photo by Terry Hughes Images

Jordan Officer - Blue Skies - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Blue Skies, from Jordan Officer and it's actually quite amazing. I recall being quite taken by Officer's earlier release, I'm Free and this album, totally different, shows what a complete artist Officer is.

Opening with the title track, Blue Skies, penned by Tom Waits, Officer slips right into a gypsy jazz mode blowing out absolutely incredibly beautiful riffs on his guitar in a very subdued studio like setting, backed by Alain Berge' on drums and Sage Reynolds on bass. Big Three Trio's Got You On My Mind has an easy blues feel. Officers guitar riffs are tight and spectacular. Fats Domino's It's You Love has trace New Orleans rhythms but subdued with light vocals over sparkling guitar riffs. Arthur Alexander's Shot Of Rhythm and Blues has a pure 60's beat feel and Officer really revs up the playful nature of the rhythm. Clever double stops, vocal harmonies and slick runs give this track a unique feel. Big Joe Turner's Chains Of Love maintains it's traditional blues base with simple vocals and articulate guitar riffs. Sensuous and mature. Instrumental, Night Flight has a Tex Mex rhythm featuring Augie Meyers on keys. Office shows fluid runs and lush chords making this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Leroy Carr's How Long Blues is somber and savory. Maintaining it's rhythmic guitar strum and jazz chords, this track has some of the cleanest blues phrasing that I have heard in a while. Beautiful! Louis Armstrong's That's For Me, is a quiet ballad with strong jazz style picking. Officer is really quite amazing. Phil Spector's Then She Kissed Me maintains Spector's original timing on the melody but double times the guitar work. With the band picking up the bottom almost making it into a country track, Officer maintains his stellar guitar work with my best comparisons being to a young Les Paul. Literally spectacular! Bob Dylan's When The Deal Goes Down, in 3/4 time maintains a quiet composure but Officers incredible elaboration on the fretboard is impossible to ignore. Wrapping the release is another Tex Mex style instrumental, Takin' Off. With Meyers on organ and Tony Albino on drums, this track has a great beat. Office flashes his teeth a few times but keeps his guitar contained for this quiet closer. This release may not be for everyone, but I recommend that everyone check it out. It is really quite different...and amazing!

   

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Canada's National Blues Awards Land in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa and Hamilton

Canada's National Blues Awards Land in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa and HamiltonMaple Blues Award Nominations Led by MonkeyJunk, Downchild and Steve Hill (October 30, 2014) Toronto, ON - The Toronto Blues Society will be celebrating the 18th annual Maple Blues Awards by honouring nationally and internationally recognized Canadian blues artists from across the country on January 19th, 2015.  Toronto artists lead with twenty seven nominations, followed by Montreal (15), Vancouver (9), Ottawa (8) and Hamilton (7). Ottawa’s MonkeyJunk and Toronto’s Downchild each received five nominations followed by Montreal’s Steve Hill with four. There are plenty of other acts each with multiple nominations including Fathead, Raoul & the Big Time, The 24th Street Wailers, Brandon Isaak, Steve Strongman and Harrison Kennedy. Quebec blues artists are well represented with nominations for Jordan Officer, Angel Forrest, Dawn Tyler Watson, and Guy Bélanger to name a few. British Columbia’s thriving blues scene is represented with nominations for Dave “Hurricane” Hoerl,  David Vest,  Keith Picot and Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne. The nominees, selected by a panel consisting of industry professionals from across Canada, are recognized both for their talent as well as their contribution to the growing Canadian blues music scene.   Voting is open from 11:59pm Newfoundland Daylight Time on November 5, 2014, through 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time on December 5, 2014. Blues fans can cast their votes online at www.mapleblues.ca. Canadian blues fans can cast their votes in all categories except instrumental. Tickets for the Maple Blues Awards, held at the Royal Conservatory's Koerner Hall in Toronto, are on sale now for $28 - $65 and can be purchased at The Weston Family Box Office, located in The Royal Conservatory building at 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto, by phone at RCM box office (416) 408-0208 or online at https://tickets.rcmusic.ca/public. Contact The Toronto Blues Society for member discounts. Heading in to its 30th anniversary year, The Toronto Blues Society is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Blues. The Maple Blues Awards is Canada's national blues awards program. Its goal is to promote blues music across Canada, and to recognize outstanding achievement in the field. Located along the Bloor Street cultural corridor, The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of the largest and most respected music performance and arts education institutions in the world. Its breathtaking Koerner Hall, "the jewel in the crown of Toronto's Cultural Renaissance," along with two other concert spaces, presents 70+ concerts annually from acclaimed classical, jazz, pop, and world music and hosts an additional 100+ concerts and events from a wide range of not for profit arts groups, charities, and corporate clients. The 18th Annual Maple Blues Awards Nominees: Entertainer of the Year The 24th Street Wailers MonkeyJunk Raoul & the Big Time Steve Hill Steve Strongman Electric Act of the Year Downchild Jack de Keyzer MonkeyJunk Steve Hill Steve Strongman Acoustic Act of the Year Adam Karch Big Dave McLean Brandon Isaak Harrison Kennedy Michael Jerome Browne Male Vocalist of the Year Chuck Jackson Harrison Kennedy Jon Knight Matt Andersen Steve Marriner Female Vocalist of the Year Angel Forrest Dawn Tyler Watson Diana Braithwaite Shakura S’Aida Suzie Vinnick  New Artist or Group of the Year Irene Torres & the Sugar Devils Joel Johnson Band Jordan Officer Sean Pinchin Wicked Grin B.B. King International Artist of the Year Beth Hart Elvin Bishop Janiva Magness Johnny Winter Mavis Staples Guitarist of the Year JW-Jones Paul DesLauriers Steve Dawson Steve Hill Steve Strongman Piano or Keyboard Player of the Year David McMorrow (Jack de Keyzer) David Vest Julian Fauth Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne Lance Anderson Harmonica Player of the Year Dave “Hurricane” Hoerl Guy Bélanger Harpdog Brown Jerome Godboo Steve Marriner Horn Player of the Year Al Lerman Chris Whiteley Jon Wong Pat Carey Richard Thornton Drummer of the Year Bucky Berger (Fathead) Lindsay Beaver (The 24th Street Wailers) Matt Sobb (MonkeyJunk) Sam Harrisson (Paul DesLauriers Band) Tom Bona (Raoul and the Big Time, Soulstack) Bassist of the Year Alan Duffy (Jack de Keyzer) Alec Fraser (Fraser/Daley) Greg Morency (Paul DesLauriers Band) Keith Picot (Brandon Isaak) Omar Tunnoch (Fathead) Songwriter of the Year Angel Forrest Brandon Isaak Harrison Kennedy Raoul Bhaneja Ray Bonneville Recording/Producer of the Year Brandon Isaak - Here On Earth (Self) Producer: Chris Isaak Downchild - Can You Hear the Music (Linus Entertainment) Producer: Don Walsh JW-Jones - Belmont Boulevard (Blind Pig Records) Producer: Tom Hambridge Raoul and the Big Time - Hollywood Blvd (Big Time Records) Producer: Raoul Bhaneja Steve Hill Solo Recordings Vol. 2 (No Label Records) Producer: Steve Hill Blues With A Feeling (Lifetime Achievement Award) Diana Braithwaite Alec Fraser Danny Brooks Ellen McIlwaine Joe Murphy Ken Whiteley Michael Fonfara Stephen Barry Tom Lavin Michael Jerome Browne Brent Parkin Nannette Workman Theresa Malenfant

Guitarist Steve Hill Releases Solo Recordings Volume 2

"Montreal’s Steve Hill is hands-down the meanest guitar player in Canada."  Richard Burnett, Montreal Gazette    One of Canada’s most prolific and exciting guitarists, Steve Hill has recorded the much anticipated follow-up to his JUNO nominated Solo Recordings Volume 1, which also won album of the year at the International Blues Challenge, held in Memphis in 2013. Solo Recordings Volume 2 is a step up for Hill, embracing his roots and showcasing his talents and love of blues music even further. Solo Recordings Volume 2 and its predecessor was recorded live in the studio with Hill not only on guitar and vocals, but also on bass drum, hi-hat, shakers and whatever he can do with his feet at the same time.   Featuring tracks that are heavy and hard hitting, deep and melodic, Hill manages to nail a wide rage of emotions with his songwriting and masterful guitar playing. With eight original songs and three covers, including Little Walter's “Hate To See You Go”, Muddy Water's “I Want You To Love Me” and Ray Bonneville's “Simple Things”, Solo Recordings Volume 2 is sure to please the most discerning blues lovers and music fans in general.   This incredible release proves why the Montreal Gazette called Hill “the meanest guitar player in Canada” and why Vancouver's Real Blues Magazine has referred to him as “the best young Blues guitar player in North America.”   About Steve Hill For the past 20 years Steve Hill has been touring and recording and has shared the stage with many of his heroes like Ray Charles, BB King, ZZ Top, Jimmie Vaughan, Hubert Sumlin, Jeff Beck and many others. Over the course of eight albums he's explored everything from Hard-Rock, Country, Stoner Rock to Folk music while always incorporating the essence of his first love, the Blues.   View "Still Got It Bad" live in Quebec on Vimeo   www.stevehillmusic.com      Solo Recordings Volume 2 is available on iTunes /stevehillmusic     @stevehill             Track List 1.   Still Got It Bad 2.   Slim Chance 3.   Tough Luck 4.   The Collector 5.   Never is Such A Long Time 6.   Hate To See You Go 7.   Better 8.   Simple Things 9.   I Want You To Love Me 10. Go On 11. Long Road     “He is the Hit Man of one man bands. He has no limits. It was another flawless performance. The material from Solo Recordings: Volume 2 is powerful and raw with a pronounced, full sound.” – Montreal Blues Society

Marjo

Marjolène Morin (born 2 August 1953 in Montreal, Quebec), professionally known as Marjo, is a Quebec singer-songwriter. After singing in two musicals of François Guy, Marjo joined the band Corbeau in 1979, two years after the group was started by Pierre Harel. Her solo career began shortly after Corbeau disbanded with the theme song for the film La Femme de l'hôtel which earned a Genie Award for Best Original Song in 1985. In 1986, her debut album Celle qui va sold more than 250 000 copies.




  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 favorite band!

Red House - JAMES GREEN

From Chicago to Asia , guitarist James Green has hypnotized audiences around the world since 1979. James, a Montréal native, is known on the local and international music scene with performances in arenas, amusement parks, Montréal Jazz and various Blues festivals. At the Chicago Music-Fest, one of James’ favorite venues, he surprised crowds with his electrifying performances. “ Chicago is where you’ve got to be” says James, “if you can make it here, home of the electric Blues, you can make it anywhere”. James picked up his first guitar at age 16 and in 1979, a mere three years later, signed on as lead guitarist for cult-phenom band The Blushing Brides. From 1979 to 1981, the band toured across North America , averaging 250 gigs a year with attendance of up to 10,000 fans. After gaining popularity and experience, the band put out its first album, Unveiled in 1981. Their first hit, “What You Talkin’ About” was co-written by James and lead singer Maurice Raymond. In 1983, James left the Brides and joined forces with David Bowie’s legendary guitarist Mick Ronson, to form Perfect Affair with whom he would record his second album, Perfect Affair. The following year, James broadened his musical spectrum by joining Reggae band DUB U-5, and recording World Beat, an album that enjoyed significant local air play. James diversified again by joining with Montréal sensation Freddie James to form Fusion Three. North American and Asian tours re-ignited his passion for music and in 1993 James recorded with them on the album Come Into The Jungle. In 1989, James signed on with Kinky Foxx, a Funk R & B band based in New York City . Following their tour, James discovered his real passion - The Blues. “Blues is at the heart, it is individual, it’s what I love, it’s what I adore.” Having discovered his passion, James joins Smokestack Lightning with whom he tours several times. In 1993 he forms the band Killing Floor Blues. Over the years James has continued to appear with the Blushing Brides and performed with many known artists including James Cotton, Edgar Winter, the Dixon Brothers, Big Jack Johnson, Russell Jackson and Frank Marino. Most recently, James can be heard playing on Slim Williams’ recent album Pulse of The Planet. In 2004 he formed James Green and The Blues Electric, playing at venues throughout the city where he combines a traditional style with Electric Blues introducing influences from Rock & Roll, R & B, soul and funk into his Blues renditions. His music touches the soul of audiences everywhere.

  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 favorite band!

StarBright Productions artist: Texarillo - Black Satin Blues - New Release Review

I just received a copy of the first full length, all original release, Black Satin Blues, from Texarillo. Opening with I'd Rather Get Shot Down, singer, songwriter, guitar player Dwane Rechil leads a posse of 3 including Ricardo Bacardi (bass and vocals) and Ken Loudmann (drums and percussion) on an rockin blues a la Elmore James. Rechil shows his experience on the rock road with hot guitar riffs and modern vocal style. Next up is Elevator Operator, a soul/funk styled track with southern rock guitar riffs driving the trio into Macon country. 24-7 Blues has a laid back feel with a cool back beat and blues rock styling. This could easily be a radio track. Has a good hook and melody giving Rechil a good footing for some of his tastiest riffs on the release. Long Way (From Loving You), is a blues based ballad with rich guitar leads and vocals along the lines of Gary Moore or Joe Bonamassa. This track, conjuring some really cool tone and fluent riffs will likely have strong appeal to contemporary blues fans. The Things I Would Do To You is a light jazzy number with a rock a billy styling. Flood Water Rising is a Texas style blues rock track based loosely on Rollin and Tumblin. This is a cool track which seems to have a bit of British influence and so real nice slide work. The Devil Is Knockin' had a driving beat like you would think would come from Golden Earring with Loudmann keeping that blues influenced rock sound solid. Rechil plays outside of the regular blues box with some distorted guitar riffs and feedback and Bacardi drives the bottom with solid bass playing. Fire Starter has a bit of the Texas sound in the riffs but more like Chris Duarte than SRV. This track gives Rechil a chance to really show his rock chops with flaming hot guitar runs and original riffs calling to mind Jimi and Frank Marino. Stone Cold Heart Breaker opens with slide work blending Page with more contemporary hard rockers and country rock slide work. This is a real interesting track with a number of different characteristics and heavy bass reinforcing the heavy metal sound juxtaposed against the southern rock guitar work. Let You Down Easy takes a break in the barrage with another radio friendly track. This track is really well constructed and has a slick WW Washington/JG Watson style funky blues styling. it should be well received with it's clever musical hook. This track also has a contained guitar solo which is slick enough to get the guitar guys listening but not so hot as to back off the general listener. Wanna Go Down To Cali is standard acoustic 8 bar number with nicely articulated blues riffs. Rio Grande at High Noon has that TexMex flavor like a sound track from a spaghetti western. It is a cool intro to Hill Billy Idol, a fast paced blues - rock a billy riff along the lines of Hot Rod Lincoln. This is a really hot track bringing up flavors of Jeff's Boogie and showing a number of country riffs. My favorite track on the release! This is a cool release and one that you should check out.

 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”


 

Papa Was A Rollin' Stone - James Green & The Blues Electric

From Chicago to Asia , guitarist James Green has hypnotized audiences around the world since 1979. James, a Montréal native, is known on the local and international music scene with performances in arenas, amusement parks, Montréal Jazz and various Blues festivals. At the Chicago Music-Fest, one of James’ favorite venues, he surprised crowds with his electrifying performances. “ Chicago is where you’ve got to be” says James, “if you can make it here, home of the electric Blues, you can make it anywhere”. James picked up his first guitar at age 16 and in 1979, a mere three years later, signed on as lead guitarist for cult-phenom band The Blushing Brides. From 1979 to 1981, the band toured across North America , averaging 250 gigs a year with attendance of up to 10,000 fans. After gaining popularity and experience, the band put out its first album, Unveiled in 1981. Their first hit, “What You Talkin’ About” was co-written by James and lead singer Maurice Raymond. In 1983, James left the Brides and joined forces with David Bowie’s legendary guitarist Mick Ronson, to form Perfect Affair with whom he would record his second album, Perfect Affair. The following year, James broadened his musical spectrum by joining Reggae band DUB U-5, and recording World Beat, an album that enjoyed significant local air play. James diversified again by joining with Montréal sensation Freddie James to form Fusion Three. North American and Asian tours re-ignited his passion for music and in 1993 James recorded with them on the album Come Into The Jungle. In 1989, James signed on with Kinky Foxx, a Funk R & B band based in New York City . Following their tour, James discovered his real passion - The Blues. “Blues is at the heart, it is individual, it’s what I love, it’s what I adore.” Having discovered his passion, James joins Smokestack Lightning with whom he tours several times. In 1993 he forms the band Killing Floor Blues. Over the years James has continued to appear with the Blushing Brides and performed with many known artists including James Cotton, Edgar Winter, the Dixon Brothers, Big Jack Johnson, Russell Jackson and Frank Marino. Most recently, James can be heard playing on Slim Williams’ recent album Pulse of The Planet. In 2004 he formed James Green and The Blues Electric, playing at venues throughout the city where he combines a traditional style with Electric Blues introducing influences from Rock & Roll, R & B, soul and funk into his Blues renditions. His music touches the soul of audiences everywhere. 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 favorite band!