Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review Jacktown USA , a companion cd that is released along with a new book by the same title, looking at the Mississippi blues and southern soul artists and the state's prolific history of Grammy awards and nominations as released by Republic Books . Opening with Hold Up by Jacktown Sons the cd is off to a soulful pop start. With it's radio styling, upbeat rhythm and nicely blended vocals, a solid hit. Eddie Cotton is up next on Delivered By The Blues , a solid blend of blues, soul and funk. Cotton's vocals are really great and with rich organ backing over a thick bass and drum line and funky harmonica. Very cool. Easy shuffle, Juke Joint Love by Stevie J Blues has great balance with clean lead blues guitar styling, hot piano riffs and great vocals by Steve. Zac Harmon puts up my favorite track on the release, I Still Got The Blues . A super slinky blues number with strong guitar riffs, a funky bass line and super vocals, this track ...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live In Clarksdale , by RaShad The Blues Kid and it's hopping. Opening with Feel Alright , RaShad sets a funky beat on lead guitar and vocal with a thick bass line by Omari Jones on bass and Devin James on drums. Jock Webb Sr. on harmonica adds a lot of texture to the mix and with Gabriel Spells on keys, and Tyler Criglar and Jadarion Taylor on backing vocals, this track is moving. Up tempo rocker, Do It Right is bound to get everybody up and moving. With RaShad on vocal and guitar, Spells on keys, Webb on harmonica and a stiff bottom by James this track is a real rocker. Soul track, That's What You Are , is a strong contribution to the release with great vocals,  a terrific melody, solid guitar tones, and a memorable beat. Slow blues, Singing The Blues , really digs deep with soulful vocals and solid harmonica by Webb winding down with super lead by RaShad. Jimmy Wilson's soul track, Tin Pan Alley, populariz...