Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Person of Interest , by Billy Price and it's got style. Opening with funky, Inside The Box , Billy Price is back with his next chapter. Notable for a leading vocal style for more than 25 years, Price is joined by Larry Fulfher on bass, Josh Sklair on guitar, Jim Pugh on keys, Tony Braunagel on drums and backing vocals by Masayn Lewis, Fred White and Will Wheaton. Of course there's a great horn section behind him including Ron Dziubla on sax, Eric Spaulding, and Mark Pender on trumpet. Great opener.  Bluesy ballad, Mercy , gives Price a chance to belt one out and warm keys by Pugh under the solid lead guitar work of Fulcher, and a sultry sax solo by Spaulding make this a solid radio contender. Title track, Person Of Interest , really has a funky pop sound in the vein of Steely Dan. Reggie McBride on bass lays in a great vibe and Pugh is killer on keys. Price's vocals are loose and free and Dziubla and Pender do ...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Desire , from Lauren Mitchell and it's a fine blend of rock, blues and soul. Opening with I Don't Need Nobody , a light R&B number, Lauren Mitchell is backed by Jim Pugh on keys, Reggie mcBride on bass, Tony braunagel on drums with Darrell Leonard on trumpet, Joe Sublett on sax and Johnny Lee Schell, Josh Sklair and Jose Ramirez on guitar. Pop track with a jazz edge, Soul Music allows Mitchell to show off her vocal skills with Maxanne Lewis, Kudisan Kai, Leslie Smith and Mellodye Perry on smooth backing vocals. Title track, Desire , has a warm country soul feel with deep rich vocals. Steve Fister is featured on slide guitar giving the track a crisp edge. McBride lays down a real nice bass line on Jump Into My Fire with a cool R&B style. Bluesy guitar riffs and sassy vocals give this track real traction. With a basic gospel structure, Good To Me As I Am To You , is an excellent track. Pugh's piano wo...

I just received the newest release, Sweet Soul , from Deb Callahan and that's exactly what it is. Opening with Big Love with it's solid strut, Callahan establishes her ground vocally joined byMike Finnigan on keys, Reggie McBride on bass, Tony Braunagel on drums and Allen James. Very nice! I Keep Things Running has a solid footing in the blues with bass vamp and and nicely woven keys by Finnigan. Nice backing vocals by Teresa James, Finnigan and Leslie Smith warm the track and a slick guitar solo from James punches it up. Rocker, Shackin Up features Johnny Lee Schell on slide guitar and a cool bass line from McBride drives this track and Deb rides the wave vocally with clarity and authority. Soulful ballad, I Am Family , will have strong cross radio appeal with a taste of country and nice vocal harmonies from Teresa James and Finnigans articulate piano work. Laid back, Sweet Feeling , is a soulful pop track with strong support from Finnigan. Born To Love You screams 60...