Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Another Token , from OSLU (Our Little Secret Underground) , a modern blues/rock recording project based in the UK and it's cool. Opening with Andy Lewis original, Julian , a smart piano. Lewis does a nice job in the writing and execution. Solid opener. One of my favorite JJ Cale tracks, Crazy Mama get only the slightest of modifications with wah wah guitar soloing as well. Very nice. A straight up 12 bar slow blues, Blues For Embassy gives Lewis an opportunity to stretch a bit on the fretboard with Clapton inspired riffs over organ and his own more polished vocal style. JB Lenoir's I Want To Know , is a great guitar shuffle with Charles Grassot, somewhat in the style of Skip James. I like this track. Maybe my favorite on the release. Su Kirby-Clarke is featured on lead vocal on Jane's Return and the strength of the track is her vocal richness. Very nice. Wrapping the release is a Lenoir reprise, I Want To...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Chasing The Kings by O.S.L.U. (really Andy Lewis and Sean Osgood) and it's nicely done. Opening with original composition, Albert named for Albert Ammons and the appreciation of the Albert Hall. A cool piano boogie by Lewis and the release is underway. Shuffle track, JJ Cale's River Boat Song is up next featuring Lewis on guitar and vocal. Clean, dexterous and simple. Very nice. On Janis Joplin's One Good Man , Jade Thunder is featured on lead. She certainly captures the spirit of Joplin and Lewis shows his blues chops on guitar. My favorite track on the release is Engagement Blues , featuring Lewis on vocal and guitar. A simple blues ballad with piano and guitar backing and some real nice guitar soloing, very nice. Jane's Song , sung by Su Kirby-Clarke. Her vocals are brilliant against the sledge like percussion of a work song. Charm Offensive is a multilayered contemporary assemblage with Lewis pla...