Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Let's Have A Party , from Gerald McClendon , and it's a cool R&B/Blues release. Opening with Keep On Keepin' On , Gerald McClendon sets the bar high with a strong soul track, backed by Joe Burba on guitar, Tony Llorens on Fender Rhodes,  Jim Pugh on B3, Skinny Williams on sax, Johnny B. Grayden on bass,  and Twist Turner on drums. Very nice. On blues track, If That Ain't The Blues , McClendon's lead vocal balances perfectly with Rico McFarland's response on guitar. Harlan Terson's bass line sets a perfect bottom for the fluid soloing of McFarland. Pack Your Bags and Go has classic soul styling with real nice sax work by Williams. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Throw This Dog A Bone with its bluesy vocals and gripping, "BB King" like guitar phrasing by Joe Burba and McFarland. Another of my favorites on the release is I Just Can't Take Anymore , with McClendon in t...

For years, Rico McFarland played guitar for such luminous blues artists as James Cotton and Lucky Peterson, before finally launching his solo career in 2001 to much acclaim. This Chicago born and raised guitarist worked with countless blues artists over the years: Albert King, Otis Clay, Syl Johnson, Artie White, Kinsey Report, and more. He is perhaps best known for working with Cotton and Peterson, however. McFarland recorded his solo debut album, Tired of Being Alone, for Evidence Records in 2001 with a large roster of guests, including vocalists Otis Clay, Syl Johnson, Billy Branch, and Teela. The album won much acclaim and earned McFarland a 2002 W.C. Handy nomination for Best New Artist of the Year.    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 favorite band...