Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Hold On , by Shari Puorto , and it's a a solid blues rocker. Opening with title track, Hold On , Puorto hits the road running with powerful vocals , backed by Ryan Ball on guitars, Scott Chasolen on keys, Doug Woolverton on backing vocal, Byron Isaacs on bass and Randy Schrager on drums. Potent opener. Cyclone is another track with real grit driven by a vibrant guitar riff by Ball and a tight bottom by Schrager and Puorto on clean lead vocal. Bluesy, Why Not Me? , showcases some of Puorto's best vocals over a bed of piano and organ by Chasolen and grinding guitar riffs by Ball. Adding a bit of funk on You're Right, I'm Wrong for You , Puorto sings playfully with snappy drumming by Schrager and bouncy keys by by Chasolen and reinforcing guitar riffs by Ball. Wrapping the release is a strong radio effort, Home Bound H with a subtle background by Ball and Chasolen and driven vocals by Puorto and a tight bottom...

        Multiple BMA Nominee, vocalist Tad Robinson, headlines 1st Annual Temecula Blues Festival.    (TEMECULA, CA) -  The burgeoning SoCal Inland Empire finally has it's very own Blues Festival with the advent of the 1st Annual Temecula Blues Festival , Civic Center Plaza, 41000 Main St., taking place Saturday, April 21, from 12 Noon until 10 pm (rain or shine). Tickets: $38., now available online at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/temecula-blues-festival-tickets-37343345953 . Info: (951) 676-2722 . Presented by The Old Town Blues Club (formerly The Lucky Stone). All ticket sales final.                                        ...

I just received the newest release, My Obsession , from Shari Puorto and she's still slamming it. Opening with funky rocker, It's A Damn Shame , Puorto's vocals are tight and her phrasing is super. Johnny Hawthorn knows how to make it hot on guitar and Bob Glaub's bass lines are smokin. Backed by Kenna Ramsey, Julie Delgado and Mike Finnigan, this is my favorite track on the release. On Home of the Blues , Jimmy Vivino and Steve Fister step up on lead and slide guitar (respectively) and Mike Finnigan's B3 work is super. Rock and roller, Six Months Sober is square down the middle with Jim Pugh's piano and B3 and slide soloing by Hawthorn is smooth. Sugar Daddy is a slower sure stepper with a drone bass line and slap snare from Tony Braunagel. Title track, My Obsession , opens with a subdued niteclub feel but kicking into a solid rocker with Vivino and Finnigan trading lead riffs under Puorto's cool vocals. Old Silo Road is a quiet ballad, primarily the...

                      THE FABULOUS MS. SHARI PUORTO IS SPECIAL GUEST FOR VENTURA COUNTY BLUES SOCIETY-SPONSORED JAM  - THIS WED., APRIL 10 AT THE TAVERN IN VENTURA           (Ventura, CA) - Holy Crap! The special guests just keep getting bigger and better each week at the weekly  Ventura County Blues Society-sponsored Wednesday night Jam session . This Wednesday night, April 10, host band Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog welcome that blues-singing dynamo, the fabulous Ms. Shari Puorto . It all takes place at The Tavern, 211 Santa Clara Ave. from 8-11 p.m. And there's no cover! Info: (805) 643-3264 .                                          "Shari Puorto's vocals meld Susan Tedeschi self-taught soul, Bon...

Tommy Marsh & Bad Dog welcome the incomparable Shari Puorto as their weekly Special Guest at Wednesday, September 26's Ventura County Blues Society-sponsored Blues Jam. Catch Tommy and the band competing at the VCBS IBC Band Challenge September 29 for a chance to go to Memphis. Ventura Bluesman/Guitarist-Vocalist    Tommy Marsh  & BAD DOG     Continue Popular Weekly Wednesday VC Blues Society -Sponsored Blues Jam At The Tavern - This Wednesday, September 26: Special Guest Vocalist Shari Puorto      (Ventura, Calif.) - Wedneday Night Blues Jam!: Tommy Marsh and Bad Dog continue to up the ante' of quality guest talent each week at their weekly Wednesday night Blues Jam at The Tavern . This Wednesday, September 26 Tommy's special guest is South Bay-based vocalist Shari Puorto , renowned far and wide as one of the most talented singers on the Southern California blues/music scene. Puorto is a former L...

This Anaheim, California, Blues, Funk and Soul band melds a diverse group of SoCal musicians, who integrate their musical styles and experiences to deliver a fresh 'SoCal Style' musical edge to the blues. Powerful vocals, signature guitar work, a tight rhythm section, and the world renowned Blues Bettie Horns give the band versatility and musical strength, and Blues Bettie knows how to deliver this musical experiance straight into your soul. Their audiences are growing, validated by four nominations as the best Blues Band by the OC Music Awards. Shari Puorto Vocals Claude von Trotha Guitar, Vocals Tommy Bellone Hammond, Piano Billy Pulliam Bass, Vocals Felix 'D-Kat' Pollard Drums & Percussion Louis Van Taylor Tenor Sax Adam Schroeder Bari Sax Ryan Porter Trombone Bijon Watson Trumpet If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Bman: Hi Shari. Thank you for taking the time to talk with me. Tell me about Shari, the person. Your Bio indicates that you are "currently residing" in Southern California but didn't you grow up on the east coast? Shari: I did grow up on the East Coast! If you asked me where I was from, I'd probably say, Connecticut. Even though I was born in So. Cal. I feel I'm "from" Connecticut because that's where I grew up. I have strong ties there. I still have family and my bestest friends in the world in Connecticut! Not to mention the best pizza in the world, Pepe's. Oh man, my mouth is watering! I always feel at "home" when I go back to CT. Interestingly enough, I'm currently writing a song with Barry Goldberg called, "Old Silo Road". That's the road I grew up on! I'm so psyched. Bman: I'm guessing that a move back east isn't in your future. I grew up in the east as well.You look really comfortable in your w...

Host Alastair Greene Welcomes Blues Diva Shari Puorto Thursday, June 16 And Is Joined By Renowned Guitarist John Mark Next Thursday, June 23 (SANTA BARBARA) - The Savoy holds with its weekly Blues Night, every Thursday throughout the summer, with special guests performing each week. "Blues Night At The Savoy" is hosted by longtime Santa Barbara musical mainstay, The Alastair Greene Band. The Savoy is a newly-remodeled live music venue located smack in the heart of downtown Santa Barbara at 409 State St. 9 p.m.-till each evening. No cover; 21 and over. Info: (805) 957-1111 or log onto www.thesavoysb.com. Joining Greene this week is dynamic vocalist Shari Puorto, 2010 Los Angeles Music Awards "Best Song of the Year" winner in the Blues, Roots or Americana category. On Thursday, June 23, Alastair welcomes renowned guitarist John Marx (known for his work with the late, great William Clarke, Albert Collins, and Lowell Fulson among others). Rece...