Bman's Blues Report

I just received the newest release, Come Together , from Tweed Funk and it's super. I've reviewed a number of Tweed Funk releases and they just keep getting better! Opening with Light Up The Night , a track with a super solid bass line from Eric Madunic giving it's funk feel and the horn work of Andrew Spadafora on sax and Doug Woolverton on trumpet punching up the R&B aspects. Joseph "Smokey" Holman on lead vocals is smooth as silk and David Schoepke is tight on drums. Don't Give Up has that Memphis sound with bountiful horns and a brassy trumpet solo from Woolverton dominate the track with solid vocals from Smokey and cool backing vocals from Crissy Dzioba and Sara Moilanen. Muse continues in that soulful vein and Smokey shows some of his best vocals on the release. Sweet Music sets up with an easy guitar rhythm from JD Optekar caressing the soulful vocals of Holman. Always filled with rich horns this release is very consistent. Come Together get...

I just received the newest release (March 31, 2014), First Name Lucky , from Tweed Funk and it's a funky blues party! Opening with Blues In My Soul , a funky blues track that's kind of a mix of Booker T and Albert King. Smokey leads the way on vocals and Jon Lovas on sax and Kevin Klemme keep the horns hot. Time To Burn moves more to a rock/R&B sound and JD Optekar hits some cool guitar riffs on this one. Jon Lovas steps up on sax playing an outstanding solo as well. A song almost thought of synonymously with BB King is up next, Let The Good Times Roll and Tweed Funk keeps a lot of authenticity while having a nice jam at it. Hoodoo Power is a powerful track with Eric Madunic laying down some great bass and Klemme keeping a tight leash on the trumpet. Funky guitar work from Optekar highlights this track. Divided is a very smooth soul ballad with clear guitar accompaniment. Vocals by Smokey are really nicely highlighted on this track and backing by Chrissy Dzioba and S...

Lodging: If you're thinking about a motel, you need to book now and tell them that you are coming in for the blues fest, just in case we are blocking a room that they are not telling you about. You can even camp right at the fest grounds! Complete area lodging and camping information is available on our website . We hope to see you at the Fest! Tickets: You can order tickets online or over the phone toll-free at 1-888-567-1567 . The handling and processing cost is lower through our online shopping cart vs. by telephone. Tickets in advance are $25 for one day and $40 for both days. Advance pricing is good through July 14, 2012. Venue and Directions: The Festival is held on historic St. Feriole Island, right on the Mississippi River. Click here for detailed information on how to get to the Prairie Dog Blues Festival via automobile. Information: For additional information about accomodations or about the city of Prairie du Chien call 1-800-732-1673 or visit...

On April 26th, Love Is , The new Tweed Funk recording will be released. I've had a chance to listen to it a few times and it's a lot of fun. Dancemaker is right from the JB's songbook and Fine Wine has that swing blues down with horns, keys and guitar solos. Getting Home takes the soul/blues route featuring Smokey's great soulful voice the song is very convincing. It' also has the authentic Hammond sound on the first solo and a tasty guitar solo for the second. Pick Em Early takes the boogie route with horns and leads to a nice guitar solo. Tweed Funk covers two of my favorite funk/soul classics, JG Washington's Real Mother Fo YA and James Brown's Sex Machine . These are both well executed and begin the ending wind up. Smooth Taste takes a Latin flavor giving all the instrumentalists a chance to stretch a little. The cd closes with What Have I Done Wrong . It's a real Al Green like stepper and should satisfy most soul/blues lovers. Special guests in...

Upcoming Shows and News Tweed Funk has some great shows starting out this Saturday night at the Horny Goat Hideaway in the BFT. BFT stands for the Big Fun Tent and if you have not seen it, you are missing one of the 7 Wonders of the Modern, Upper-Midwest, Engineering World. Indoor volleyball courts, bar, stage, a giant TV screen made up of 20 smaller TVs, and it feels a balmy 75/80 degrees in the BFT. No cover charge, great food, and one of Milwaukee's hottest spots. Then Tweed Funk returns to the House of Blues next Tuesday in Chicago where we have joined the regular rotation of some of the top blues bands from Chicago (and national touring blues acts) playing at this fine establishment. Friday, April 13th we are The Hamilton in Milwaukee. This upscale wine salon and craft cocktail lounge is located just off of Water Street by the Gallun Tannery. Lots of parking in their lot and no cover charge. Saturday, April 14th we will be part of the Downtown...

Tweed Funk brings an edge to the music of their forefathers by wrapping together blues, soul, funk, and elements of hip-hop on their debut release ‘Bringin It’. Fronted by Smokey's sweet, soulful vocals, audiences can quickly hear why Smokey was signed to Curtis Mayfield’s Curtom Records in the 70’s. Like my Facebook Page, Post your video on my Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! Share your favorite posting and get more exposure for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”