Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Nu Jive: Nations United , by Troy Roberts and it's a full on energized groove. Opening with Funkafarian , Eric England on bass stets a prominent funk line, with a stiff snare chaser by David Chiverton on drums. Troy Roberts plays melody on sax with cool melodic highlights on keys by Silvano Monasterios. Tim Jago on guitar,  takes the first improvisational solo showing great style later followed by Monasterios on keys and a real nice solo by Roberts. Strong opener. Big Night In is a cool, funk based jam over a driving bass line by England. With the reverse of the bass line things turn from funky to contemplative giving Monasterios a broad sheet to paint with his keys. Punching the funk back up, Roberts cuts loose with an aggressive solo of his taking the jam even higher with additive compliments by all members. Very cool. Sobrino is a really interesting piece featuring England's creative bass work through his ped...