Gulf Coast Recordings artist: John Blues Boyd - What My Eyes Have Seen... - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, What My Eyes Have Seen..., from John Blues Boyd, and it's tasty. Opening with shuffle track, In My Blood, John Blues Boyd has the mic with silky smooth vocals, backed by Kid Andersen on guitar, Jim Pugh on piano, Quantae Johnson on bass, June Core on drums, and Eric Spaulding and Jack Sanford on sax. Solid opener.  Title track, What My Eyes Have Seen... is a really cool track with soulful vocals by Boyd over a dark bass line/guitar lead by Johnson and Anderson. There is quite a bit going on here with super percussion from June Core and Kid Andersen, Jack Sanford on sax, John Halblieb on Trumpet, Ric Feliziano and Pugh on organ. Excellent! Straight up blues number, A Beautiful Woman (For Dona Mae) is strong vocally with nice guitar soloing by Andersen and featuring Nancy Wright on sax. 49 Years is a real nice slower blues number with strong piano lines by Pugh, wailing sax by Spaulding and super blues phrasing by Andersen on guitar. Funky, I Got To Leave My Mark, puts you in mind of Albert King, with excellent guitar riffs by Andersen (who also plays organ and percussion), and a solid horn backing by Spaulding, Sanford, Halblieb and Feliziano. Wrapping the release is My Memory Takes Me There which really highlights Boyd's vocal strength surrounded by only the basics with Andersen on organ. Nice closer for a solid release.

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NOLA Blue records artist: Frank Bey - All My Dues Are Paid - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, All My Dues Are Paid, by Frank Bey and it's a solid mix of R&B, soul, funk and blues. Opening with Eddie Palmieri's Idle Hands with it's excellent NO funk. Bey really works this one Jim Pugh on organ, Eric Spaulding on sax solo, Jack Sanford on bari sax, Nancy Wright on tenor sax, John Helbleib on trumpet, Alex Petersen on drums, Jerry Jemmott on bass, Martin Winstad on percussion, Kid Andersen on guitar and Lisa Leuschner Andersen on backing vocals. Excellent opener! Rick Estrin's, Calling All Fools is a great shuffle with some really cool work by Nancy Wright and showcasing Bey's silky smooth vocals. Very nice. One of my favorites on the release is another Rick Estrin track, I Bet I Never Cross Your Mind, with it's slow, bluesy approach, and terrific guitar work by Kid Andersen. Nancy Wright's sax is thick and juicy and Pugh's organ solo is prime. Percy Mayfield's Ha Ha in the Daytime has a solid bounce. Bey's deep vocals are rich and with Jemmott's firm bass work and Spaulding's sax work, this is another really cool track. Up tempo pop track, One Thing Every Day is an ideal radio song with a great melody, solid lead vocals and full backing vocals by Loralee Cristensen, Lisa Leuschner Andersen and Vicki Randle. Wrapping the release is John Lennon's Imagine with a gospel like remix. Bey knows how to bring it and Lorenzo Farrell's organ work, along with Pugh on piano and organ, a soulful sax solo by Wright, soulful guitar work by Andersen and with Jemmott on bass, D'Mar Martin on drums, Jack Sanford on sax, Halbleib on trumpet, Ric Feliciano on trombone, a well chosen 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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Delmark Records artist: Johnny Burgin - Live - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live from Johnny Burgin and it's really good. Opening with brisk shuffle, You Got to Make A Change, Johnny is upfront on vocal and guitar, backed by Aki Kumar on harp, Kid Andersen on guitar, Chris Matheos on bass and Steve Dougherty on drums. Excellent, slow blues, Can't Make It Blues, Johnny really shines with his soulful vocal and blistering guitar riffs. Most people don't think of Chicago bluesmen as hot, slingers with real pyrotechnics but Burgin is here to show you that Buddy Guy is no longer the only game in town. Excellent! There are only a few contemporary players that can really pull off the funky blues like Albert King could and Burgin is one of them. She Gave Me The Slip is a great example with solid blues riffs over a great funky beat. Time for a great Chicago blues instrumental and Kumar is up and ready on harp. Burgin, Andersen and Kumar really kick it on this one with smoke flying. Rae Gordon has the mic on Late Night Date Night and she grips this track by the scruff and shakes it. Burgin and sax ace Nancy Wright add some real nice lead rhythm and Kid Andersen covers on piano. Wright is featured on You Took The Bait and Gordon is back on vocal. Johnny steps up with lush, T Bone Walker styling and rich tone and Wright's sax work is excellent (you listening Stilladog). Louisiana Walk is an excellent instrumental shuffle showcasing Burgin's chops and it's great to see some of that get out here on disc. Wright's tone is unmistakable in the background as Burgin "Walks" that dog around like a king! Charlie Musselwhite is up next on Blues Falling and Burgin steps back letting him take the lead with one short burst of "fancy picking" behind his own vocals. Musselwhite plays with the enthusiasm of a teenager but has the chops of the seasoned blues player that he is. One of my favorite tracks on the release is When A Bluesman Comes To Town. Johnny's vocal phrasing really nicely with Musselwhite's harp work and Burgin not only gets aggressive with his guitar but seems to be grabbing his riffs with real attack and tension. I love this. It's something that smooth players don't seem to get. Very very cool! Wrapping the release is Latin flavored shuffle, Jody's Jazz, with a great mixture of blues riffs, terrific Burgin classic vibrato, and supple chords. Wright steps in with another few rich sax solos and Burgin closes it down with his own run of jazz and blues riffs. It's great that Delmark has caught one of the most dynamic guitar players on the scene in live action. Highly recommended. 

  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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VizzTone Label Group Artist: Nancy Wright - Alive & Blue - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Alive & Blue from Nancy Wright and it's electrifying. Opening with Bugalu, a honky sax instrumental number with a James Brown kind of rhythm, Nancy Wright shows she really knows how to fill the pipes with air. With distinguishable fat sax tone and phrasing, Wright is backed by Paul Revelli on drums, Tony Lufrano on keys, Jeff Tamelier on guitar and Karl Sevareid on bass. Super jam opening. Jo-Jo has a cool walking bass line and a cool 50's jazz feel. Wright really takes flight on this track with excellent lower register work, slick trills and octave jumps. Lufrano grinds in solid on the organ followed by a sick guitar solo by timelier as well. Great track. Funky pop number Warranty has a really nice bass line by Sevaried accentuated by Tamelier with his wah wah fused guitar work. Wright's lead vocals on this track are her best on the release and her sax work really wailing.  Bernie's Blues is a really nice track but it's Tamelier that has his day on this track with some excellent guitar lines before Wright comes back and lays it out! On King Curtis' Soul Serenade, Wright really shines on my favorite track on the release. Owsley was quite a soulful player and Wright squeezes every bit of soul out of this track. Excellent! Wrapping the release is instrumental shuffle, Rutabagas, and Wright blows down to doors to give you something to chew on. Tamelier's guitar soloing is aggressive and lyrical, and Lufrano's organ work fat and chewy making this and 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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"Johnny Burgin Live" Street Date 8.16, Single Available Now!

Johnny Burgin Live" on Delmark Records, CD/LP Street Date 8.16!   This live CD/LP offers twelve brand-new originals and two covers, performed in front of an enthusiastic crowd in Sonoma County, CA on Jan 5 of this year.  The band consisted of my road-tested rhythm section of Steve Dougherty and Chris Matheos in addition to some special guests and friends that I don't get to work together regularly, namely Kid Andersen, Rae Gordon, Aki Kumar, Charlie Musselwhite and Nancy Wright.  We had just one night to nail it, which made this recording a crazy, but thrilling, high wire act!  Blues legend Charlie Musselwhite's driving boogie-woogie harp on L"California Blues" is an absolute highlight.  You could feel a jolt of electricity run through the crowd when Portland, Oregon-based Rae Gordon took the stage.  The end result is a raw, fresh, and original all-star set of blues, shot through with live energy.   PLEASE NOTE: While the CD street date is 8.16, the LPs won't be available for purchase until January.  I'll keep you posted. CHICAGO CD RELEASE PARTY: Sept 19, Martyr's. 8-11, 3855 N Lincoln Ave, featuring the Chicago debut of Portland OR's award winning singer Rae Gordon and a rare appearance by Bollywood Blues star Aki Kumar.  Buy advance tickets here. EXCLUSIVE SWAG BAGS: Twenty 50$ bonus Swag Bags are available.  These will include a Delmark t-shirt, a bit of vintage memorabilia, a gift certificate for the autographed LP, free entry, and a band meet and greet from 7-7.30.  Reserve yours now via Paypal, click here or send payment to rjohnnyband@gmail.com.     THE TOUR CONTINUES...   It's been a great summer-- I had a great time in at one of the world's best blues festivals in Cazorla, Spain with Tail Dragger and Quique Gomez performing in a centuries-old bullring.  We also had a fun swing through the UK and the privilege of appearing with Billy Boy Arnold and Charlie Musselwhite at The Chicago Blues Festival.  For a youtube clip of Billy Boy Arnold with me in Madrid. click here.  Upcoming dates:  Fri-Sat:  July 19-20: Bejar Blues Festival, SPAIN, with Tail Dragger.  Wed July 24: Ina Mae's, duo show w Chris Matheos, Chicago Fri, July 26: The Washington, Burlington, IA Sat, July 27: Merchant St Festival, Kankakee, IL Sun, July 28: The Iron Post, Urbana IL 3-6 Thurs, Aug 1: The Smoke Daddy, duo show, Chicago  Fri, Aug 2: Third Base, Springfield, IL Sat, Aug 3: Elements Wine Bar, Valparaiso, IN Sun, Aug 4: private party, Greencastle, IN Wed, Aug 7: Ina Mae's, duo show, Chicago Thurs, Aug 8: The Smoke Daddy Wrigley, Chicago Fri, Aug 9: Acorn Coffeehouse, Wheaton IL   Sat, Aug 10: Flatted Fifth Blues and BBQ, Bellevue, IA  Sun, Aug 11: Bobber's, Winslow, IL 2-5 I'll have some new shirts and stickers as well on this trip-- here's the style: Aug 12-Sept 17: EU TOUR: Stockholm, Malmo Sweden, Swing Blues Festival Wespelaar Belgium, shows in Kouvola and Lahti in Finland, a house party and MOJO in Copenhagen, a house party in Lucern Switzerland, club dates and The Vinovo Blues Festival with Fast Frank near Turin, Italy, and a string of dates in Rome with Marco di Folco.  FALL TRAVELS: Watch for dates in Chicago, Michigan, Indiana, The Carolina Downhome Blues Festival, Pensacola FL, and then working my way back to Portland, OR by November 1.

Dirty Cat Records artists: The Lucky Losers - Blind Spot - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blind Spot, from The Lucky Losers and it may be their best one yet. Opening with It's Never Too Early, a melodic two stepper featuring nicely blended vocals by Cathy Lemons and Phil Berkowitz, backed by Ian Lamson on guitars, Chris Burns on keys, Endre Tarczy on bass and Robi Bean on drums. Take The Long Road is a real cool track with an Al Green strut. Lemons' vocals are spot on, with Laura Chavez on lead guitar and Berkowitz harp contributions are notable. Alligator Baptism is a cool blues rocker with a pinch of Latin spice courtesy of D'mar on percussion and the addition of Kid Andersen on lead guitar, Jack Sanford on bari sax and Nancy Wright on sax. Another strong track, The River, this time country soul really nicely showcases Lemons' voice which sounds a lot like Susan Tedeschi. Lamson's slide work and harp work by Berkowitz add nicely to this really solid entry. With a cyclical bass line by Tarcy, Supernatural Blues has a great feel, with Lemons and Berkowitz laying down a solid duet and crisp guitar riffs by Lamson. Funky, Don't Take Too Much,lays heavy on a great bass line by Tarczy and D'Mar on drums. Nicely phrased vocals by Lemons and Berkowitz, funky organ work by Burns, and a particularly nice harp lead by Berkowitz makes it hard to sit still. Very nice. Channeling an Al Green vibe, Love Is Blind really sits nicely in the groove. Lemons has the lead on vocal and with nicely finessed harp work from Berkowitz, a cool neck pickup guitar solo with tight articulation by Kid Andersen and Beans solid drumming, this track is smooth. Wrapping the release is You Left It Behind, a light, piano framed shuffle with playful vocal exchanges by Lemons and Berkowitz. Tarczy and Bean set a compact bottom and Lamson's guitar runs are super. Very cool closer for a real nice 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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West Tone Records artist: Rockin' Johnny Burgin - Neoprene Fedora - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Neoprene Fedora, from Rockin' Johnny Burgin and it's spectacular! I've had the pleasure to review a few Rockin' Johnny releases and also to see him in person and I gotta say, there aren't too many players out there right now that I'd rather see. (Check here to see my recent interview with RJB). He is inventive, his guitar work is clean and distinctive, his vocals are cool and he's music is a lot of fun.

Opening with the title track, Neoprene Fedora, Burgin hits the strip running with a 50's style blues surfer with great great vibrato, and cool phrasing. The Latin beat and the shimmery guitar soloing is out of sight and Nancy Wright's sax work is hot and heavy. Excellent! Joining Burgin are Kid Andersen on guitar, Bob Welsh on guitar, June Core on drums and Chris Matheos on bass. On Guitar King Burgin swings back into his Chicago roots and I really like his vocals. Aki Kumar is back on harp and we know what he can do. Burgin's guitar soloing sets the groove and together with Kumar on harp and Stephen Dougherty on drums...this track hits hard. On Won't Get Married Again, Burgin blends a Bloomfield like vocal delivery with an off beat gait. Playing harp himself and with an odd scatter guitar style, this is a track to hear. Unusually cool. With a slower lope, Give Me An Hour In Your Garden, Burgin delivers solid, expressive vocals with Albert King like sting on guitar. Vance Ehkers bass work on this track helps to set off Burgin's masterful guitar riffs giving this track a memorable sting. Steve Willis opens Kinda Wild Woman, a R&B track, with accordion flair and Billy Wilson's rubbing board work adds to the natural texture.  On Please Tell Me, Burgin's vocals are solid and his slide playing very slick but catch Wright blowing the roof off on this one (on sax). With real Cajun feel, Burgin and Willis create the environment and Welsh adds a nice piano riff giving the track even more texture. Another cool blues swinger, (Let Me Be) Your Teddy Bear has a cool BB King like feel with Rockin' Johnny at his most relaxed, just letting it flow over Ehler's bass line. Very nice. Ultra funky blues track, Smoke and Mirrors even has wah wah pedal. I mean...it's funky. Get ready to dance. Burgin steps into new territory on this one and he's channeling Buddy Guy. With Alabama Mike on backing vocals and Kumar on harp, this track is FUNKY! Alabama Mike takes the mic on I Did the Best I Could and Burgin digs in on guitar with Albert King like attack. This guy can really do it all and continues to show that with every note... I mean this guy has feel...excellent! Another Chicago style blues, Self Made Man, features Kumar on lead vocal and Burgin sits back and just stings the strings. You don't have to listen hard to hear this guy. He sticks it in your ear for you. Buddy Guy has to smile listening to this guy!  On shuffle track, You Gotta Work Fast, Burgin is back up front on vocal. With a great walking bass line from Ehlers and Kumar on harp, Burgin steps high with powerful, solid riffs, which seems to pull his vocals even more into the groove. I Ain't Gonna Be A Working Man No More has super Morganfield feel and Burgin reinforces this on guitar (think Rollin' and Tumblin') and playing is straight and simple, this track just moves. Another funky track, My Life's Enough For Me, has a great bass line compliments of Ehler's and nasty, nasty guitar lead. Burgin's vocals really emphasize his work and I'm glad he continues to develop his own voice. Check how he absolutely slays the guitar solo on this one. Ouch...man that's great! Wrapping the release is slow, Willie Dixon like track, Goodbye Chicago with excellent John Lee Hooker like vocal phrasing and Howlin' Wolf like aesthetic by Burgin. Nancy Wright is so excellent every time I hear her and her playing on this track is no exception. The choice to feature her on this release was brilliant. Burgin pays tribute to all the blues kings as he loosely riffs on guitar with Kumar on harp.  This is really is the path of the contemporary blues. I hope that the young players are listening. This is it! Truly amazing 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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Interview with the dynamic Rockin’ Johnny Burgin

Bman: Hi Johnny, Haven’t seen you in a while. I'm really sorry that I missed your show in Phoenix. I was in Europe and just got back. One show I really wanted to see. How did it go?

RJB: I had a great show in Phoenix. "Bob Corritore and " Dave Riley sat in.  I had a great bassist from Alburquerque, J.D. Sipe, and Brian Fahey from The Paladains on drums.  I hadn't played with him since a tour in Europe three or so years ago with Mud Morganfield and Taildragger.

Bman: Wow. That must have been a great show! Damn. I really wanted to see you. Are you coming back again this year?

RJB: I hope to be back in October.

Bman: Great! I should be  good then. I don't think I have anything planned for October. Last I heard you were in Europe with Aki Kumar . I love Europe. How did the tour go? Where were you?

RJB: I left for Europe on Halloween, and got back at Christmas.  The first two weeks of the tour were with Aki Kumar and our West Coast Meets Chicago project.  We hit Sweden (w/ Trickbag ), the Netherlands, and the Bay Car Blues Festival in France and some FR club dates.  Then Aki went home, and I went to Finland, Italy and Spain.   

Bman:  So you’ve been back on US soil for a while. What have you been up to? Still touring or in the studio?

RJB: In January, I was in the Bay area the whole time.  I played New Year's Eve with Nick Gravenites and long time Elvin Bishop drummer Gary Silva on drums. That was fun.  In January, I cut material for a new Rockin Johnny Burgin CD, Neoprene Fedora .
 

It'll be out by March 15.  I had Nancy Wright on it, Vance Ehlers, June Core (the rhythm section on Greaseland), not to mention 3 zydeco songs I wrote with Billy Williams on rub board and Steve Willis (plays w Elvin) on accordion.  Kid Andersen and Bob Welsh played guitars and pianos, and Aki was on it as well.  He did two songs on vocal, and Alabama Mike did two songs I wrote.  Out of 16 tunes, I did three covers, a Johnny Littlejohn song, an LV Banks song, and a Little Joe Blue Song.  And Aki did a song by Willie Williams, which makes 12 originals-- that's a record.

Bman: Outstanding! I love the stuff that comes out of Greaseland and that lineup is top notch. I'm looking forward to see what you came up with. I also heard that you caught up with Quique Gomez in Spain. Outstanding! I'm really looking forward to hearing it.

RJB: Quique is a good friend, I've worked with him in Spain and America many, many times.  When Aki went home I caught up with him. I cut a cd's worth of stuff with Quique  in Toledo.  It'll come out in the summer. I'm glad we finally did a cd together. 

Bman: Weren’t you also in session with Mike Mettalia?

RJB: Yes, I've known Mike since the Smoke Daddy days in the 90s.  He wanted to do some sessions with Little Jerry Jones, Mary Lane, and Milwaukee Slim (and me!) so I acted as a liaison.  We've done some nice shows together over the years.  He's really keeping the blues alive in my book! 

Bman:  I really need to check that out! What else have you got cooking as if that isn’t enough?

RJB: Right now I'm doing a three month tour that started in San Jose, then went to Phoenix, Alburquerque, Dallas, it's going to  Houston, Clarksdale, Springfield, Chicago, Minneapolis, Toronto, France, Russia, then flying back to Chicago and driving back to SF doing gigs in NE and Utah.   Doing a session with Jeremy Johnson in Minneapolis in March, he's a great engineer (he did RJ Mischo's latest cd) drummer and guitarist.  I've always wanted to record with him.
Also doing a session on this trip with Sugar Brown (Ken Kawashima) in Toronto.  We're old college buddies and started out together with Taildragger.  He's a great player and songwriter.  

Bman: Yeah, I like Sugar Brown's work. Lot of talent there.

RJB: I am doing a tour in Sweden in May with Aki and Trickbag.  I'm doing the 10th anniversary Blues Fest after party at Reggie's with special guests TBA in Chicago in June.  Also I'm playing the Bluesfest with Mary Lane.  Playing King Biscuit with Taildragger in October  and I'll be touring a lot to promote Neoprene Fedora , as well and my release wtih Quique when it comes out.

Bman: Man. You are a busy guy. Thanks for taking the time to talk with me. Now I got to get some CD's and sit back and enjoy!

RJB: Thanks a lot Bman

  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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VizzTone Label Group artist: Nancy Wright - Playdate! - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Playdate!, from Nancy Wright and it's smokin! Opening with funky, Why You Wanna Do It, Wee Willie Walker takes the lead on vocal and Nancy Wright really sails on sax. Joe Kyle Jr. sets the pace on bass with some heavy lines and J. Hansen's drum work is tight. Excellent opener! On Willie Dixon's I Got What It Takes, Kyle again sets a strong bass line and Tommy Castro brings a real nice guitar solo. This track is in the groove and Wright delivers a great sound on sax backed by Tom Poole on trumpet and Faris Jarrah on trombone.Yes He Do is a great swinger with Victor Wainwright really taking control on piano. Wright takes it higher and the two hit it out of the park. Super. Eddie Shaw's Blues For The Westside is an absolute screamer with Wright really digging in. Chris Burns' piano work on this track really stands out and Joe Louis Walker stands tall with soulful guitar riffs fluidly added throughout as well as featured in solo form. Really tasty! R&B track, Been Waiting That Long features Frank Bey on lead vocals and with it's swampy beat martin Winstad adds cool percussion to an already gritty track. Wright really squeezes the horn on this one getting it to squeal. The thoughts of Jr Walker come around as Trampled blows from Wright's horn with Kid Andersen echoing the guitar retort and Jim Pugh showing his stuff on organ. Very cool. Satisfied has a distinct revival/gospel sound with the Plymouth Church of Jazz and Justice Choir bringing up the chorus. Wright sails on sax backed by Chauncey Roberts on tambourine and handclaps. Another track with deep funk, Warranty, features Terrie Odabi on lead vocals. This track is so well crafted it is likely to get strong airplay across a number of stations. Andersen sets in some real nice guitar riffs and Wright crafts a hot sax solo giving the track real heat. New Orleans flavored, Cherry Wine, has super cool drum work and Lisa Leuschner-Andersen brings cool backing vocals. Wright down right swings it when she comes in for her solo taking it to the house. Instrumental, There Is Something On Your Mind, is a great blues track with Wright really winding up her sax and Mr Elvin Bishop answering with Red Dog on slide. This track has Bishops name written all over it and Wright really knows how to stack these cards. Excellent! Mike Schermer takes the lead on guitar on the swinging, Back Room Rock. Burns and Kyle really get the track cranking and Wright seals the deal with fat sax work on this one. Wrapping the release is laid back, Soul Blue, with Wright and Chris Cain setting the stage. Cain's guitar work cuts like a hot knife, searing through the horns and keyboard work giving the track a relaxed but crisp sound. Burns takes a real nice piano solo leading up to Wright tying everything up tight with her final chorus. This is an excellent release with plenty of blues for everyone. Check it out!



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Direct Hit Records artist: Nancy Wright - Putting Down Roots - New release review

I just received the newest release, Putting Down Roots, from Nancy Wright and it has a nice groove. Opening with pop soul track, Sweet Soul Satisfaction, Wright takes the lead on vocal with Lisa Leuschner Andersen on warm backing vocals. Of course she plays hot sax, a signature that she is well know by. Funkin' It Up, is a smoking instrumental jazz groove with Paul Olguin on bass and Paul Revelli on drums setting the forms for a great sax lead by Wright. Tony Lufrano on keys adds the glue and cementing this cool track in place. Just Can't Put A Finger On It returns to the soul style pop format again joined by Anderson on backing vocals. The track is capped off by some sweltering sax riffs... nice! Driving paced, A Serendipity, has a Motown feel, almost like a Martha Reeves meets Jr Walker. Hot key riffs from Lufrano also add nicely to the track. Instrumental, The Big Queen has a deep throaty sax voice with a New Orleans rhythm section making this funky track one of my favorites. Hush Little Darlin', with it's pop melody, features Wright on lead vocal and Lufrano on keys. Wright adds King Curtis styling and smoke of Soul Serenade curls about the room. Well I'm Travellin' has a definite country/blues twist with Wright taking the lead on vocal but then stepping up with a thick hearty sax solo as well. Kid Andersen rips loose a hot guitar riff to boot. Cool! Grooving Easy has a contemporary smooth jazz feel with a funk bottom and a touch of Cannonball Adderley. Wright shows why she is in demand as a sax musician with her solid riffs on this track. Lovely Pretender has a lot of radio appeal with solid vocals and melody. Nicely articulated sax soloing highlight this track. Gospel styling on Seems I Still Love You, set up by Lufrano on keys, gives Wright an open alley to sing lead vocals paired with LL Andersen. Lufrano's certain piano strength on this track sets it apart. Free wheelin', Boogie For JL, is a fast paced rocker with hot guitar riffs and smoking sax. Another of my favorite tracks, it pay homage to JL Hooker with whom Nancy toured. Sancity In Blue is a sultry sax fueled bluesy ballad with nice key and guitar solos as well. A really nice track to conclude a cool 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”