I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (April 3, 2026), Buckshot Blues, from Steve Kovalcheck and it's a lively set. Opening with Happy Train, Steve Kovalcheck on guitar outlines the melody with chords and runs the fretboard with confident phrasing. Backed by Jon Hamar and Jeff Hamilton on drums (with exceptional foot work), this is a spring opener. I particularly like the remake of Haggart's, What's New, with it's low slung swing, anchored by Hamar's bass line and excellent guitar lead by Kovalcheck. Check out that funky back beat on Donald's Juke Joint. With snappy cymbal work by Hamilton, bluesy lead by Kovalcheck with an occasional stinger and rich bass lead by Hamar, a definite standout. Latin rhythm on Daydance gives Kovalcheck a great showcase for his guitar work and another exceptional bass lead by Hamar driven by Hamilton on cymbal and rimshots. Laid back. Fast Eddie is one of my favorites o the release with clean, tight guitar lead by Kovalcheck. Hamilton on ride cymbal and an understated by steady bass lead by Hamar makes this my favorite on the release. Another standout is Crab Lantern Blues with Kovalcheck really rocking the blues. Hamar on bass pushes it over the top making this another of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is a updated take on Hank Snow's (Geoff Mack's) I've Been Everywhere with Kovalcheck taking the high lead and Hamilton really splashing the cymbals over Hamar's bass line. Hot closer.
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