Bman's Blues Report

 I jut had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Stretch , from Ben Patterson and it's cooking. Opening with Unbridled , Ben Patterson on trombone leads off on this slamming adventure. Backed by Shawn Purcell on guitar, Harry Appelman on keys, Miles Brown on bass and Todd Harrison on drums, this track is energetic. Patterson stretches out with a real nice elaboration of the melody, chased by Appelman on piano and Purcell really kicks it with a vibrant guitar solo making this a super opener. In swiftly paced 6/8 time, Ship of Fools is perfectly coordinated with Patterson, Purcell, and Appelman trading phrases every four bars making for quite an exciting exchange, anchored and augmented by Brown on bass and vibrant drums by Harrison. Very cool. My favorite track on the release may be David and Francis a hot bottom and a driving rhythm. Patterson really kicks in on trombone setting the pace and Appleman on B3 rolls up behind him and adds the funk. Of course everyone...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Oblivity , by Shawn Purcell , and it's intensively satisfying. Opening with title track, Oblivity , Shawn Purcell on guitar and Walt Weiskopf on tenor sax chisel out a really cool melody supported by Chris Ziemba on piano, Jeff Reed on bass and Steve Fidyk on drums. Weiskopf really rips a great sax solo, tightly punctuated by Ziemba on piano, then surrendering the lead to Ziemba who really holds the line. Purcell picks up the groove on Guitar Synth sending it even further before returning to TDC for a climatic conclusion. Explosive opener. Verdigris with it's steady pace and sophisticated drum pattern provides fertile soil for double time guitar work by Purcell over the stable melodic base by Ziemba on piano. Weiskopf really soars on sax with full scale melodic assault before Ziemba takes the lead with calming yet vibrant piano lead, anchored by Reed and Fidyk. Very nice. Laid back, Lazy Reverie , is an easy ...