CLICK ON TITLE BELOW TO GO TO PURCHASE!!!! CD submissions accepted! Guest writers always welcome!!

I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!


Please email me at Info@Bmansbluesreport.com
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Review. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 19, 2023

Dave Bass Music artist: Dave Bass - The Trio - Vol. 3 - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Trio - Vol. 3 from Dave Bass and it's it's an aggressive piano jazz release. Opening with classic Sinatra tune, As Long As There's Music, Dave Bass on piano leads the way on melody with Kerry Kashiwagi with active double bass support and Scott Gordon on drums. The timing is changes giving the track new life with great interpretation. Solid opener. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Agenbite of Inwit with it's driving bass line by Kashiwagi and Bass' bopping piano lead. Barry Finnerty is featured on guitar and literally explodes with a blistering solo. Smoking. Armando Manzero's El Ciego (The Blind) is a terrific track with a terrific melody. Both Bass and Kashiwagi lay down beautiful lines making this track very special. John Carisi's jazz standard, Israel is really nicely covered, with articulate piano work by Bass with a nod to Paul Bley on interpretation. Kashiwagi's interaction with Gordon on drums really adds the heat on this track. Very nice. Astor Piazzolla is a long time favorite and Bass' take on his Libertango is special. Bass weaves the melody nicely on piano, maintaining the rhythm as he stretches the concept, reinforced by Kashiwagi and Gordon. Finnerty is back on lead guitar on this one and his Spanish articulation really works nicely. Wrapping the release is Another Ending, with it's Latin rhythm and crystal clear piano work balanced nicely with Finnerty on guitar. Kashiwagi takes a melodic bass solo on this one leading to a strong piano solo by Bass. Finnerty cooks up a terrific solo on guitar and with huge percussion work by Gordon, this takes on the flavor of Santana before easing into a Cuban like comfort. This really is a cool release and one to check out. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Monday, September 18, 2023

Kate Weekes - Better Days Ahead - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Better Days Ahead, from Kate Weekes, and it's really cool ride through folk, pop, and bluegrass music. Opening with Liminal Space, Kate Weekes on lead vocal and banjo really sets a buoyant pace backed by James Stephens on fiddle and bass, and Philip Shaw Bova on shakers. Strong ballad title track, Better Days Ahead has a really nice melody featuring Weekes clear vocals on lead and harmony vocals and Stephens on fiddle, harmonium and bass. Very nice. Empty Bottles is my choice for top radio track on the release with a strong melody and vocals, backed by Brian Sanderson on horns Rob Graves on percussion, Stephens on bass and guitar. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Time By The Moon, a very cool acoustic ballad with Weekes on banjo and vocal, Stephens on fiddle, bass and vocal. This is a very rich track and an excellent closer for an authentic rural American release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Thursday, August 31, 2023

Mismwo Music artist: Melvin Smith - Perseverance - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Perseverance, from Melvin Smith and it's a cool, laid back jazz exploration. Opening with Sound For Sore Ears, a Jimmy Heath composition, Melvin Smith on soprano sax sets the melody with Jeb Patton on piano, Corcoran Holt on bass and Jeremy Warren on drums. Smith's lead work is smooth and Patton's piano work is refined and invigorating. Solid opener. On traditional composition, Sometimes I Feel Like A Motherless Child, Smith takes the lead on tenor sax and paints just enough melody to carry the theme with plenty of rhythm and just the right feel. Again Patton lays in a real nice piano solo giving the track just the right amount of contrast. I like the funky approach on Gettin' It with a hot bottom by Greg Lewis on organ and Warren on drums. Smith just lays in the groove and riffs away on tenor sax and Lewis takes a nice ride on organ giving the track a Jimmy Smith feel. Very nice. Title track, Perseverance is my favorite track on the release with emphatic enthusiasm from each of the contributors. Smith on tenor sax is ripping, Warren's drum work is impeccable, Holt really drives the bass and I love Patton's piano lines. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Bobby Watson's composition, Beatitudes with Smith taking a long fruitful, melodic ride on the base melody. Patton on piano really has a nice hand, further developing the melodic exploration and adding incredible breadth to the presentation. Warren on drums and Holt on bass make the composition much bigger than the four players for a solid closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Monday, August 28, 2023

Zugz Wang Bebop Records artist: Chris Keefe - Opening - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Opening, from Chris Keefe and it's solid. Opening with original track, Got A Chick?, Chris Keefe, on piano sets a cool bop rhythm/ melody, with a tight melodic bass line by Harvie S and light and tight drum work by Adam Nussbaum. Strong opener. Benny Golson's Along Came Betty is a great selection by Keefe who takes the lead on piano, first in classic fashion with a real nice bass solo by Harvie but transitioning with the lead of Nussbaum to a cool Latin beat. Very nice. Another self penned track, Chobim has a smoother Latin rhythm and a soulful bass lead by Harvie. Keefe's own melodic lead is nicely paced and poised. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Mercer's classic, Dream with it's bouncy melody. Nussbaum takes the front holding down the melody with strong interpretation by Keefe. His translation to bop form really gives this track new life. An inciteful bass lead by Harvie gives this track real wheels for my taste. Nice closer for a cool release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Wednesday, August 23, 2023

Tuzu Kuru Records artist: Fuat Tuac - Immigrant - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Immigrant, from Fuat Tuac, and it brings both heavy influences from American and Brazilian jazz as well as eastern overtones. Opening with No Strings Attached, Fuat Tuac, Turkey born, Canadian singer conjures a poppy feel with a real nice trumpet overlays by Kevin Turcotte. Chex Moi features a vocal duet with Kim Richardson (in French) with Turcotte featured on trumpet, Eric West on drums, and Jordan O"Conner adding a real nice bass line. Very nice. I really like Aeroplane with it's distinctly Samba sound. Tuac's vocals float lightly on Eric St-Laurent's guitar rhythm and Turcotte's trumpet really sings. Another favorite on the release is La Rua Madureira showcasing Tuac's best vocals, again in French, a real nice bass solo by O'Connor, glistening guitar solo by St-Laurent and very nice overall balance on a nice melody. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Monday, August 21, 2023

David Larsen - The Peplowski Project - New Release Review

 


I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Peplowski Project, from David Larsen and I really like it. Opening with Jerome Kern's All The Things You Are, David Larsen on Bari, Alto, Tenor and clarinet leads the way with rich tome and fluid lead lines. Joined by Ken Peplowski on clarinet this is getting steamy. Jake Svendsen on piano adds a lot of color and a terrific solo of his own, backed by Josh Skinner on bass and Brendan McMurphy on drums. Excellent opener. Bill Byers' Doodle Oodle is really smoking with super pace. Larsen and Peplowski start in duet but quickly break off into strong rich solos of their own. This is another really hot track. Walter Donaldson's Love Me Or Leave Me opens with Svendsen on piano leading quickly to featured work by Larsen on tenor and Peplowski on clarinet. With a solid shuffle rhythm Svendsen lays out a really tasty solo on piano. Larsen rips back with a healthy solo of his own on tenor before rejoining Peplowski for a summation. Another great track. Wrapping the release is Al Cohn's classic, Two Funky People. A boppy clarinet solo is up first followed by a cool bass solo by Skinner. A double timed stroll on piano by Svendsen adds just the right body before Larsen and Peplowski rejoin and close this release. This is a very tasty release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Tuesday, August 15, 2023

Ears and Eyes Records artist: Esthesis Quartet - Time Zones - New Release Review

 


I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Time Zones, from Esthesis Quartet and it's quite interesting. Opening with Blue Light, Emma Dayhuff on bass leads the way with a simple bass line joined by Tina Raymond on drums. Dawn Clement on piano adds in a subtle melody, joined by Elsa Nilsson on flute. This is a cool composition showing real style. Solid opener. Hollywood has a curious melody led by Nilsson on flute over a walking bass line by Dayhuff and a tight rhythm by Raymond. Rhythmic accents by Clement on piano adds body to the melody until the handoff, when she takes the lead on piano. A resultant time change give the track an entirely different feel and Clement's work is transformative. Raymond takes an innovative drum solo, maintaining the basic structure of the piece through the refrain where Nilsson rejoins. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Getting Through with an extremely aggressive bass line by Dayhuff. With a tight snare/cymbal ride by Raymond and accents by Clement, Nilsson really get this track humming. After a quick drum break by Raymond, Esthesis brings on the heat for a solid closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Thursday, August 10, 2023

Orenda Records artist: Dean Mucetti - Isolate//Integrate - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Isolate//Integrate, from Dean Mucetti and it's a cool funk soaked fusion release. Opening with Steps West, inspired by Coltrane's Giant Steps, has a firm, James Brown rhythm driven by Dean Mucetti and Miguel Ortiz on bass. Brian Hargrove on keys lays down the melody, joined by Dore Wallace and Jon Aparicio on guitars and Alex Williams on piano. Improvising over a central theme, a very cool jam. The Covid lockdown inspired, Licking Myself, referring to bandmembers licking their wounds from isolation. This track employs rhythmic and harmonic structure looping, expanded with an aggressive bass line and creative piano and keys interplay. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Got Lush based on Billy Strayhorn's Lush Life, with a straight up drum rhythm, overlaid with a funky bass line by Ortiz, funky guitar rhythms by Wallace and Aparicio and complex rhythmic interjections by Williams on piano and Hargrove on keys. This is a cool release with a lot of improv.


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Monday, July 24, 2023

Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion - Living A Daydream - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Living A Daydream, by Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion, and it's really enjoyable. Opening with Nagi Yate', Miguel Espinoza on guitar, opens with a beautiful intro, joined by Dianne Betkowski on cello and Andy Skellenger on tabla and Nabin Shrestha on tabla. Howard Levy on harmonica and piano really adds an additional dimension, joined by Randy Hoepker on bass, Mario Moreno on timbales, and Linda Richardson on castanets. Excellent opener. Zelda The Caterpillar Goes To Spain is another strong track featuring Espinoza on guitar really creating nice sonic depth. This track really is interesting. Levy on harmonica, Espinoza on guitar, Hoepker on bass and Skellenger really set a solid floor and Betkowski's solo cello work is rich, complimented nicely by the percussion of Mario Moreno. Wrapping the release is The Storm with has traditional Spanish rhythms. Espinoza's guitar work really is nice and I particularly love the cello work of Betkowski. Levy's piano is excellent and Moreno and Hoepker create a lively bottom complimented nicely by Skellenger on tabla. Excellent closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Thursday, June 22, 2023

Mark Ortwein - It Was Time - New Release Review


 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, It Was Time, from Mark Ortwein and it's a cool, and well executed set. Opening with title track, It Was Time, Mark Ortwein on tenor sax lays out a supple melody over the aiery key work of Frank Glover and with Frances Wyatt on drums and Olas Ortwein on bass. Solid opener. Featuring Josh Kaufman on vocal, I Can't Make You Love Me with it's strong melody and with excellent sax soloing and Paul Langford on piano, Peter Hansen on bass and Craig Hetrick on drums, an ideal radio track. Very nice. No More Butterflies is another really nice track with Ortwein on bari sax and flute really carving out a great melody. Cranking up the track with Olas on bass, Carrington Clinton on drums and John Fell on guitar, this track really moves. Very nice.  I really like the groove set on Lonnie's Lament with a great bass lead by Peter Hansen and a real interesting electrified bassoon solo and great riffs by John Fell on guitar. Wrapping the release is Bigfoot with it's excellent lumbering, heavy bottomed feel. With Mark on electrified bassoon, tenor and bari sax, Kenny Rampton on trumpet, Olas on guitars, bass and keys and Johnny Concannon on drums, this is an excellent closer for a really nice release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Wednesday, June 14, 2023

John Daversa & Tal Cohen - The Art of Duo Volume One - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Art of Duo Volume One, from John Daversa & Tal Cohen and it's quite interesting. Opening with Artful Sparring, a piece with a strong Latin rhythm, Daversa on piano sets a firm melody with interplay from Cohen on EVI who fleshes out the melody, providing plenty of space for improvisation by each. Very nice. On Art of Sanity, Cohen takes the spotlight on trumpet with foundational piano work by Daversa. Artful and inventive, Cohen's trumpet melody is sparce yet inviting and Daversa's piano work is rich and full. Junk Wagon Cameo is a cool track with Cohen on EVI creating a rhythmic melody, answered by Daversa's clear piano jousting making for a really interesting exploration. Radiant Heart is my favorite track on the release with it's contemplative piano lyric and soft, muted trumpet melody and soft vocals by Cohen. Wrapping the release is Dave Brubeck's In Your Own Sweet Way with strong trumpet interpretation and melodic piano phrasing. This is a cool release but not for someone looking for a toe tapper. 



View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Monday, May 22, 2023

Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers - How Many Roads? - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, How Many Roads?, from Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers, it's a solid mix of R&B, soul, blues and rock. Opening with In It Together, Lex Grey is upfront on vocal, backed by Vic Mix on guitar, Ed Wasilewski on bass, Brian Dewan on Hammond and piano and with Chuck Burdick on drums. Grey really slips into the groove and the track literally ozzes from the grooves. Very nice opener. On Willie Dixon flavored Ain't From Mississippi, Grey shouts out my favorite track on the release with a great guitar vamp by Mix, piano by Wasilewski. Strong. Slow blues infused, Aches and Pains is a nice showcase for Grey on vocal, with rich Hammond work by Dewan, and featuring Greg Holt on fiddleand Ken Marchesani on drums. Rocker, After A Lifetime, shows a different side of Grey with it's new wave feel. Tight with Sonny Rock on drums and Mix on synth. Wrapping the release is Angel, my top choice for radio track on the release. With Grey singing melody, harmony and playing acoustic guitar along with Wasilewski on guitar and bass and Ken Marchesani on drums a solid closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

DIVA Jazz artists: 3D Jazz Trio - 9 to 5 - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, 9 to 5, by 3D Jazz Trio and it's quite enjoyable. Opening with Harry Warren's, I Only Have Eyes For You, Cleveland Jazz Legend Award winner, pianist Jackie Warren sets the melody, punctuated by tight drum rhythms by Sherrie Maricle. Critically acclaimed bassist, Amy Shook steps up with a tasty acoustic bass solo and Warren's followup improvisation is really nice. Super opener. Gil Fuller's Tin Tin Deo really gives Warren a lot of space to run, first in Latin rhythm with excellent syncopation by Maricle and Shook, before breaking briefly into a full swing and later a full gallop. Very nice. A really nice arrangement of Miguel Matamoros' Lagrimas Negras really hits the spot, first in classic Cubano styling but relaxing into a modern jazz samba. With light drum accompaniment and accented bass work, Warren's fingers literally dance on the keyboard. Shook adds in a bowed bass solo which really works nicely and Maricle's tom tom work is excellent. My favorite track on the release. Wrapping the release is Warren penned, Theme for B.T., again with a Latin rhythm. Warren really works the piano nicely and with snappy drum rhythms and Shook's excellent bass work both as accompanist and on solo makes this an excellent closer for a really nice release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Thursday, May 11, 2023

CAP Records artist: Eric Goletz - Standard-ized - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Standard-ized, by Eric Goletz and it's really enjoyable. Opening with Charlie Parker's Now's The Time, bandleader and trombonist, Eric Goletz shows exceptional skill on trombone with an excellent lead solo, followed by Don Braden on soprano sax. With Henry Heinitsh's strong guitar work, Jim Ridl laying in a really nice piano solo of his own, Brian Glassman on bass, and Steve Johns on drums, this is a great opener. On a more solitude take on Juan Tizol's Caravan, Goletz shows what great trombone tone is with nicely inventive phrasing. Joe Mowatt percussion on this track adds a lot of depth and Goletz lets it all hang out on his solo and in tandem with Ridl on piano. Add in strings by Robin Zeh and Paul Woodiel on violin, David Gold and Michael Roth on viola, Sarah Hewitt -Roth on cello and Brian Glassman on contra bass, this track really is cool. Eden Ahbez's, Nature Boy really is a showcase for Lajuan Carter on lead vocal and she does a really nice job. Gershwin's Summertime really gets kicked up a notch with a Latin rhythm by Glassman and Johns and Ridl anchoring on piano. Goletz's solo on this track is vibrant, further enhanced by Ridl's bright piano soloing. Very nice. Stanley Turrentine's Sugar really throws Goletz out front of this trio layout with a lot of sliding and articulate runs over a great bass line of Glassman and Johns on drums. Stevie Wonder's Overjoyed, is the solid radio ballad for the track with Goletz laying down a solid piano loead and then doing a straight melodic solo on trombone. This really is a strong release (and I love jazz trombone) so if you're inclined...it's definitely worth the listen. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE 

 For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Wednesday, May 3, 2023

J&R Adventures artist: Joe Bonamassa - Tales of Time (Live)- New cd/dvd release review

 


I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tales of Time, by Joe Bonamassa and he is really pulling it together. A performance of his new solo release, Time Clocks, Tales of Time opens with Notches, and Bonamassa has a solid riff going with a heavy footed kick drum by Lemar Carter and full bass by Calvin Turner. Building a full blown blues rocker with Reese Wynans on keys,and Josh Smith on guitar Bonamassa on lead vocal and fluid guitar solos ans backing vocals by Jade MacRae, Dannielle DeAndrea and Mahalia Barnes makes this a terrific opener. The deeper you get into the release the more you see that it is built as a continuous piece of art somewhat like a Pink Floyd release. All of the songs relate and one is as powerful as the next. Mind's Eye starts off light with a ballad style, Bonamassa on guitar and vocal but slowly builds to epic proportions with full band and rich backing vocals. Very strong. Throwing in a bit of R&B construction, Known Unknown has a solid melody and lots of backing vocals. Bonamassa of course really continues to develop his vocals and holds his guitar in reserve for meaningful phrases. Very nice. Based around Albert Kings famous riff, Just Cos You Can Don't Mean You Should is a strong new look at blues rock. I love the riff and Bonamassa's guitar work and tight organ solo by Wynans really propel this track. Wrapping the release is Evil Mama with it's driving bass line and high energy. This track really does wind with Smith keeping the heat on on guitar and Bonamassa playing some esoteric but cool riffs. Wynans takes you for another ride on keys and Bonamassa winds it up one more time for an excellent blues riff filled solo. The man has grown up and his music shows it. All of the excitement has finally paid off. Can't wait to watch the DVD which is 18 tracks long. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Wednesday, April 19, 2023

Origin Records artist: Tito Carrillo - Urbanessence - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunty to review the most recent release, Urbanessence, from Tito Carrillo and it's very cool. Opening with Momentum with a paired lead melody by Tito Carrillo on trumpet and Troy Roberts on sax this track is humming. With Ben Lewis on piano, Clark Sommers on bass, Jay Sawyer on drums and Victor Gonzalez on congas, this is a strong opener. Crazy, Stupid Fine is a really cool track with a cool, lightly funky rhythm. Opening with a bass solo setup, Carrillo and Roberts again pair on the melody, splitting off to seperately lay in very nice variations on the melody. Carrillo's tone and phrasing is clean and controlled and Robert's tone, warm and more frantic. With excellent punctuation and melodic improvisation by Lewis on piano, this is a terrific track. Carrillo pulls out the flugelhorn for warm tone on Phillip Kocheril's Up The Down Staircase sharing this introspective melody with Lewis on piano. Wrapping the release is Sublime (for Roy Hargrove) with it's lush melody and crisp piano work by Lewis. This is really a cool release with a various colors of jazz well performed by a talented group of guys. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Blue Heart Records artist: Tomislav Goluban - 20 Years On The Road - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, 20 Years On The Road, from Tomislav Goluban and it's chocked full of great blues harp. Opening with blues rocker, Express Ride, blues harp wiz Tomislav Goluban really has it cranking, backed by the Tobacco Road Blues Band (Peter Prammerdorfer on guitar, Mike Diwald on guitar, Christian Egger on bass and Klaus Sauli on drums. On shuffle, Searchin' For My Baby features Skylar Rogers on lead vocal and she does a real nice job. With Goluban on harmonica, Hrvoje Funda on guitar, Vid Kotarski on guitar, Jurica Leikauff on keys, Tomislav Kusar on bass and Dragutin Hojsak on drums, a real nice jam. With a twist of country, Ryan Donohue leads the way on No Means No. Mike Sponza and Funda on guitars, Vid Bajevic on trumpet, Mario Sincek on trombone, Damjan Grbac on bass, and Igor Vugrek compliment Goluban on harmonica. Another track with a taste of country is Speedin' Train featuring the super vocals of Teresa James. Goluban really wails the whistle and with a solid bottom compliments of Funda, Kitarski, Leikauff, Kusar and Hojsak, this may be my favorite track on the release. Shuffle, I Can't Take It Anymore has a great feel and saturated with harmonica. Crooked Eye Tommy is upfront on vocal anchoring this bluesy track. Boggie, Everyday's Fear, has a great drive and Goluban sails, courtesy Funda, Kotarski, Jurica Leikauff, Damjan Grbac and Vugrek and featuring Kelly Zirbes on lead vocal. Wrapping the release is rock and roller,  I Love You Baby with Goluban on lead vocal. This is a solid closer for a cool release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  qrcode “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening