Bman's Blues Report

I just received the newest release (September 30, 2016), What's The Rush? , from Tracy K and it has a strong radio slant. Opening with Latin influenced, Everybody Wants , with it's cool beat, features Tracy K on harp and lead vocals, Leonard Shaw on keys and horns with exceptional rhythm by Vaughan Poyser on bass and George Demeduk on drums. Jason Nowicki really tears it up on guitar giving the track an extra zing. Nice opener. Stripped down blues track, I Got The Honey , features Jamie Steinhoff on dobro and Tracy on vocal and harp. With it's true to the form nature, it should appeal to true blues lovers for sure. What Tomorrow Brings follows the blues formula with solid chord changes but integrates country harmonies and modern blues guitar runs. Very nice. Heartstrung has thick flavor of New Orleans with Shaw providing a super piano drive and Ty Rogers on drums and Nenad Zdjelar on bass pushing the beat. Tracy tells the story vocally with clever innuendo and Terry Ben...

This is a straightforward acoustic blues set of both original and interpretations of old standards . From the foot stompin title track to the laid back front porch blues to rollin and rompin rags, Canned Heat weaves and interesting tapestry of music. Laden with masterful guitar work, harmonica and rich vocals, Canned Heat is an enjoyable cd.

From the top of blues highway 61 in remote northwest Ontario comes an album whose roots stretch as far south as the highway itself. Canned Heat by Thunder Bay's "Blues Duo" was named after the album's first track, written by blues forefather Tommy Johnson. It introduces an unknown bluesman, Jamie 'Snakeman' Steinhoff, guilty of preserving authenticity and pairs it with the raspy and well-controlled torch vocals and harmonica of award winner Tracy K. From the foot-stompin' title track, to laid back front porch blues to rollin' and rompin' rags, Canned Heat weaves five traditional acoustic folk blues gems with five contemporary acoustic originals about love, longing, stealing apples and joy. The tracks are laden with Steinhoff 's masterful fingerstyle and slide guitar work of Piedmont and Delta styles, with the addition of banjo and his gritty bass vocals. Tracy K's skills shine with melody-rich harmonica in the acoustic tradition of the ear...