VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Corritore - Women In Blues Showcase - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Women In Blues Showcase by Bob Corritore and there are some real gems here. Opening with You're Gonna Be Sorry, Barbara Lynn on vocal and guitar is joined by Corritore on harmonica, Maxine Johnson and Laydee Jai on backing vocal, and Bill Tarsha on drums. A cool, early blues rock sound makes this an excellent opener. One of my favorite tracks on the release is soulful, I Just Need A Friend, by Carol Fran. Johnny Rapp on guitar, Paul Thomas on bass, and Chico Chism on drums really support this excellent vocal track perfectly. Koko Taylor is front and center on What Kind of Man Is This with great Chicago swagger. Joined by Bob Margolin on guitar, Frank Krakowski on guitar, Bob Stroger on bass, Adriana Marie on bass and Willie Big Eyes Smith on drums, a real cool track. Shy Perry does a great job  belting out Dixon's Wang Dang Doodle with Corritore on harmonica and Brian Fahey on drums. Diunna Greenleaf 's rocker, Don't Mess With The Messer really is a mover and Greenleaf's vocals are gritty and powerful, backed by Fred Kaplan on piano, Troy Sandow on bass, Andrew Guterman on drums and a terrific bari solo by Doug James. Wrapping the release is Francine Reed on Why Am I Treated So Bad. I gotta say I really love Reed's voice and the choice to place her last on this release is a great one. With  Kid Ramos on guitar, Johnny Main on guitar, Mike Hightower on bass, Michael Reed on backing vocal and Brian Fahey on drums, this is an excellent closer for a really strong release.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

VizzTone Label Group artists: Jimi "Primetime" Smith and Bob Corritore - The World In A Jug - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The World In A Jug, from Jimi "Primetime" Smith and Bob Corritore and it's a healthy dose of pure Chicago blues. Opening with title track, I Got The World In A Jug, Jimi "Primetime" Smith on lead vocal and guitar really gets this set rolling in Morganfield style. Bob Corritore shares the spotlight and shows the great tone and phrasing that he's know for. With Fred Kaplan on piano, Johnny Rappy on guitar, Bob Stroger on bass and Brian Fahey on drums, this is an excellent opener. Corritore really ramps it up on You For Me with classic high octave octane and with Henry Gray on piano, Rapp on guitar, Troy Sandow on bass and Marty Dodson on drums, this is a definite favorite. Shuffle, Blinded, is one of my favorites on the release really showcasing Primetime's excellent guitar phrasing and vocals and a strong solo by Corritore on harmonica, backed by Shea Marshall on organ, Tony Tomlinson on bass and Allen West on drums. Primetime slips on his slide for an Elmore James flavored Walkin'. His vocals are very soulful and Corritore really uses his amp to his advantage getting just that right tone. With Yahni Riley on bass and Fahey on drums, this is a real nice track. Wrapping the release is another great Chicago style slow blues, Fire and Ice. Primetime on vocal shows gripping emotion and Corritore milks the juice out of his harmonica. With Rap on guitar, Riley on bass and Fahey on drums, this is an excellent closer. 

VizzTone Label Group artist: Annika Chambers & Paul DesLauriers - Good Trouble - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Good Trouble, from Annika Chambers & Paul DesLauriers and I really like it. Opening with New Orleans flavored, You've Got To Believe, and a great bass and drum rhythm by Chris Peet. Annika Chambers on lead vocal really gets this track going. With Paul DesLauriers on mandolin, southern slide guitar styling by JP Soars, and Kim Richardson on backing vocals, this is a strong opener. On one of my favorite George Harrison compositions,  Isn't It A Pity, Chambers and DesLauriers add a cool funky rhythm and style. DesLauriers lays down some fluid guitar lead and with tight drum accents makes this one of my favorites on the release. Joe South's soulful Walk A Mile In My Shoes is transformed by Chambers and DesLauriers to a great R&B/Gospel track with excellent form and execution. Chambers is certainly capable of carrying this vocally, and with Richardson, Soars and Gary Davenport, who also lays down a great bass line providing excellent backing vocals and another strong guitar solo, this track is great! If you're looking for that slow blues with he screaming guitar, Need Your Love So Bad, is it with full vocals by Chambers and DesLauriers. Very nice. Tackling Mountain's, Mississippi Queen is a mountainous task but Chambers does a great job and with a solid bottom and DesLauriers' guitar work, this track works. Wrapping the release is I Need More Power carried vocally by Chambers, and with a thumping bass line by Soars, Peet keeping it simple on drums and tasteful guitar work by DesLauriers this is a powerful closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

VizzTone Label Group artist: The Lucky Losers - Standin' Pat - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Standin' Pat, from The Lucky Losers w/ Cathy Lemons & Phil Berkowitz and it's an interesting mix of rock, blues, funk and soul (and more). Opening with Pack Up The Bags, a rag fused pop track with a bluesy edge, Cathy Lemons and Phil Berkowitz harmonize on vocals and Berkowitz lays in some nice harmonica, backed by Chris Burns on keys, Endre Tarczy on bass and Jon Otis on drums. Also featured are Kid Andersen on lead guitar, Mike Rinta on trombone, Michael Peloquin on tenor sax, and Brian Catania on trumpet. Swamp funky, Somewhere In The Middle has a terrific bottom courtesy of Tarczy and Otis and featuring Berkowitz on vocal and guitar is one of my favorite tracks on the release. A solid R&B track, Down In Memphis Town has the strong bones of a 60's radio hit. Lemons has the lead on another of my favorite tracks on the release with cool slide and organ work by Andersen. Soulful ballad, They Wrecked My Town features Lemons on lead vocal over Burns on piano and a real firm bass line by Tarczy. A melodic harmonica solo by Berkowitz and strong lead guitar by Andersen really adds another dimension making this a solid radio track. Wrapping the release is title track, Standin' Pat, another R&B based track with Berkowitz leading the way on vocal and real nice sax lead by Terry Hanck making it a strong closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

VizzTone Label Group artist: Too Slim & The Taildraggers - Brace Yourself (Live) - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Brace Yourself (Live), from Too Slim & The Taildraggers, and it's a concert full of butt kicking, country blues based rock. Opening with Mississippi Moon, Tim "Too Slim" Langford on guitar and vocal cranks this dude up with Zach Kasik on bass and vocal and Jeff "Shakey" Fowlkes on drums and vocals. Devil In A Doublewide has the straight up country rock feel that is prevalent in "country" music today. With a solid melody, cool vocal hook,  rock guitar riffs and a driving beat...can't miss. Bluesy, My Body, has a haunting undertone and working with the solitary guitar wail of Langford and the cool drum chant of Fowlkes  and the bass counter of Kasik is my favorite track on the release. Another track with a heavy blues rock feel is Blood Moon with it's heavy bottom, droning bass line and wailing guitar work. Landford really works this track with strong vocal and melodic lead guitar, supplemented by the sound that I would associate with Jimi or Trower. I really like this track and it's heavy rock approach. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Good Guys Win with it's hard driving beat and heavy guitar laden sound. There's only one way to close out a high energy release and Langford has that covered here. Solid closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Corritore & Friends - You Shocked Me - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, You Shocked Me, from Bob Corritore and Friends and it's chocked full of great Chicago based blues. Opening with Hiding Place, John Primer has the lead on vocal and guitar backed by Anthony Geraci on piano, Wes Starr on drums, Jimi Primetime Smith on guitar and Bob Stroger on bass. This is a terrific opener with high energy. Diunna Greenleaf is up front on vocal on title track, You Shocked Me with Bob Margolin on guitar, LA Jones on guitar, Ben Levin on piano, Starr on drums, Adrianna Marie on  bass and Corritore on harmonica. Super track. Alabama Mike has the mic on slow blues, Somebody Stole My Love From Me, a soul jammed track. With excellent harmonica lead by Corritore, Stroger on bass, Margolin on guitar, Fred Kaplan on piano, and Starr on drums, this is one of my favorites on the release. Love Francine Reed's vocals on Don't Need Your Permission, a swinging shuffle with Corritore really humming on harmonica. With Johnny Main on guitar, Bill Fahey on drums and Mike Hightower on bass, this is another great track. Diunna Greenleaf and Jimi Primetime Smith have the mic on Sunny Day Friends, a real nice shuffle with Johnny Rapp on steel, Kaplan on piano, Corritore on harmonica, Troy Sandow on bass and Andrew Gutterman on drums. Very nice.  Wrapping the release is Blues For Hippies featuring Alabama Mike on lead vocal, Stroger on bass, smith on guitar, Kaplan on piano and Fahey on drums. Corritore really winds the harmonica out on this track. This is a great closer for a really nice release. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE 

 For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

VizzTone Label Group artist: The Nighthawks - Established 1972 - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Established 1972, by The Nighthawks and it's a solid rocker. Washington D.C.'s legendary blues rockers have released a new album and they haven't lost a step. Opening with rocker, Nobody, Mark Wenner is upfront on harmonica and lead vocal, backed by Dan Hovey on guitar, Mark Stutso on drums and Paul Posciotta on bass. With it's driving rhythm and take no prisoners feel, this is a strong opener. Boogie track, Coming and Going, not only has a great rhythm but the concept line is great and Hovey's guitar lead is hot. Wenner lays in some real nice blues riffs on harmonica making this one of my favorites on the release. Ask Me Nice has a really bluesy feel with trademark harp tones and phrasing by Wenner and an overall slinky vibe. Funky, Gas Station Chicken, has a great bass line by Pisciotta and fine vocals punched up by Wenner on harmonica and some flashy guitar work by Hovey. Very cool. Wrapping the release is country flavored, Driving, with it's easy pace and smooth lead vocals. Hovey lays in a melodic guitar solo and counter lead by Wenner on harmonica gives the track a solid shine. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

VizzTone Label Group artist: J-Rad Cooley - Yard Sale - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Yard Sale, by J-Rad Cooley and it's a solid blues rocker. Opening with Livin' Downtown, J-Rad Cooley leads on piano, harmonica and vocal. Joined by Victor Wainwright on piano, Aubrey McCrady on guitar, Josh Karrick on bass and Shake E. Folkes on drums, this is a simple pop rocker. Bluesy, Now She's A Drifter has a real warm feeling with strong vocals by Cooley and great piano backing by Wainwright. Lightly funky All Night Mama has a nice strut, and a regal backbeat with real nice piano and drum work. Wrapping the release is my favorite track on the release, Til Hate Is Gone, a swampy ballad with a lot of soul. This is a nice showcase for Cooley on vocal and songwriter, and his own harmonica playing adds a nice contrast over the keyboard/drum combo, tasty guitar riffs and backing vocals. This is an excellent closer for this release, sounding like it's from Muscle Shoals studio. 

   

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE 

 For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

VizzTone Label Group artist: Ben Levin - Take Your Time - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Take Your Time, from Ben Levin and it's a super entry to a strong line of super releases by Levin. Opening with title track, Take Your Time, Levin on piano and vocal fronts a band of great players including my man Johnny Burgin on guitar and Shorty Starr on drums. A cool shuffle track this is a strong opener and gives Burgin space to lay down some real nice riffs. Lil Ed Williams joins on Why Do Things Happen To Me with his distinctive guitar feel and vocal work. I really like the work that Levin has been doing and paired with Lil Ed on guitar, Aron Levin on guitar, Walter Cash on bass and Ricky Nye on drums, he's on fire. Burgin is up again as featured lead player on Latin influenced, Out Of Your Own Way. Burgin can really set the fuel and ignite it and I can tell his playing style immediately. I didn't know he was playing on this release on the first pass through and I heard this track and said... wow Johnny...Great! Levin's vocal and piano work, coupled with Burgin makes this my favorite track on the release. New Orleans flavored boogie, You Know You're So Fine features Lil Jimmy Reed on lead vocal and guitar over the excellent piano boogie of Levin. With Aron on guitar, Walter on bass and Ricky on drums, this track has a great groove. Another great piano shuffle is closer, Mr Stroger's Strut featuring Bob Stroger on vocal and bass. With Noah Wotherspoon on guitar, Nye on drums and Levin on keys, this is an excellent closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE 

 For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

VizzTone Label Group artist: Dylan Triplett - Who Is He? - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Who Is He?, from Dylan Triplett and it's a  strong blend of blues, R&B, soul and jazz. Opening with blues shuffle, Barnyard Blues, Dylan Triplett wastes no time showing his vocal skills, backed by Kingfish Ingram on solo guitar, Johnny Lee Schell on guitar and Dr Wayne Goins on rhythm guitar, Mike Finnigan on organ, Ryan Marquez on piano, Montez Coleman on drums, Larry Fulcher on bass and with Kudisan Kai, Maxayn Lewis, Mike Finnigan and Larry Fulcher on backing vocals. Excellent! Soulful, Brand New Day...Same Old Blues has a really nice feel. Triplett's vocals are smooth as silk, with clean piano work by Marquez, floating slide guitar by Tru Born and backing vocals by Kai and Lewis are as nice as D'Angelo. Very nice. I'll Be There Waiting is a terrific track, with a R&B feel and great lead vocals. Schell covers lead guitar and Finnigan's organ work adds super warmth. Very nice. On up tempo shuffle, She Felt Too Good, you'll find a hard time not rocking in your chair. A cool sax solo by Art Wayne Pollard  and a real nice guitar solo by Goins really set this track apart. Excellent! Hi stepping is all I can say about That's The Way Love Is. Marvin Gaye's influence on vocal style, real nice keys by Marquez and rich backing vocals by Kai and Lewis make this a top radio track. Wrapping the release is a modern interpretation of Miles Davis' All Blues. With just a bit of funk led by Joe Sublett, and tight drums rhythm by Coleman leaves plenty of space for Triplett to let it all hang out vocally. Goins guitar solo in the style of JG Watson adds to the juiciness of this closer leaving you wanting more. Very nice. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE 

 For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Margolin and Bob Corritore - So Far - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, So Far, from Bob Margolin and Bob Corritore with special guest Jimmy Vivino and it's solid blues. Opening with Steady Rollin' On, Bob Margolin leads this acoustic duo on lead vocal and guitar with Bob Corritore on harmonica. Written by Margolin, this acoustic delta style blues is a cool opener. Robbie Robertson's It Makes No Difference is on of the Band's super tracks and one of my favorites on this release, blending vocals by Margolin and Jimmy Vivino who also contributes guitar and showing a totally different side of Corritore on harmonica in a totally non Chicago blues stance. Boogie, Now and Then is a cool mover featuring Corritore on harmonica over the steady drive by Margolin on guitar. Very cool. Bob Corritore's Salt River Stomp is another of my favorites as an instrumental with a lot of hot licks. Wrapping the release is John Lee Williamson's, My Little Machine with Margolin on lead vocal and guitar. His playing is tight a strong and Corritore's harmonica is loud and proud. Excellent closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

  “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE 

 For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

VizzTone Label Group artist: Gina Sicilia - Unchange - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Unchange, from Gina Sicilia and it's a nice blend of soul, R&B, gospel and blues. Opening with Healing Time with all of the richness of sweet soul music, Gina Sicilia on lead vocal sets a great table. Backed by Ann and Regina McCrary wou have the best vocal backing money can buy and Kevin McKendree on organ is a terrific addition as well to the basic band of Colin Linden on guitar, Johnny Dymond on bass and Bryan Owings on drums. Great opener. How Far Am I From Canaan is a light take on a full blown gospel track with Sicilia singing acapella over the electric guitar accompaniment and excellent vocal backing of Linden. This is an impressive showcase for Sicilia's vocal prowess and brilliant contemporary interpretation of a traditional style gospel tune. On Rev Gary Davis' classic track, Death Don't Have No Mercy, Linden really opens nicely with reverb saturated blues guitar riffs. Sicilia takes a more bluesy approach on this one with excellent results. Linden gets a chance to let his blues chops flow and with terrific results. Excellent track. Valentine is a real nice ballad with strong radio structure. The melody is well constructed and Linden's acoustic guitar accompaniment is a perfect foil to Sicilia on vocal. Very nice. Linden's, Don't Be Afraid To Be Wrong has the distinct, Gary Davis style rag feel that immediately perks my ears up. Sicilia's vocals float lightly on Linden's finger work making this one of my favorites. Wrapping the release is traditional ballad, There's A Bright Side Somewhere, and Sicilia handles it with great sensitivity and composure over the acoustic accompaniment and beautiful slide solo of Linden . This is a real nice closer for a strong release. 

   

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

VizzTone Label Group artist: Louisiana Red & Bob Corritore - Tell Me 'Bout It - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tell Me 'Bout It, from Louisiana Red & Bob Corritore and it's a really strong helping of Chicago blues. Opening with Dora Minter's Mary Dee Shuffle, Louisiana Red is up front on vocal and guitar trading the center spot with Bob Corritore, backed by Buddy Reed on guitar, Matt Bishop on piano, Mario Moreno on bass and Brian Fahey on drums. Corritore plays some real nice riffs on this track making it a strong opener. Louisiana Red original, Alabama Train, has a great rhythm and Red's vocals really carry the track nicely with rich, harmonica soaked backing. Very cool. Another Chicago blues with a slower pace is New Jersey Blues that really nicely showcases Red's vocals. With Paul Thomas on bass, Chico Chism on drums and some excellent soloing by Reed and Red, a strong entry to the set. Red pulls the slide in an Elmore James styled track, Freight Train To Ride. With soulful wailing lyrics, strong slide compliment and Corritore's master harmonica work, this track adds variety and depth to the release. Another of my favorites on the release is Edith Mae with it's Muddy Waters like feel. I particularly like Red's vocal enthusiasm on this track, complimented nicely by Corritore's harmonica and Red's primitive slide sound. Wrapping the release is one final Red original, Bernice Blues, showing strong Morganfield roots. I really like Red's slide playing and Johnny Rapp on guitar throws sown some great riffs as well. Excellent closer for a really solid release. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

VizzTone Label Group artist: Big Al and the Heavyweights - Love One Another - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Love One Another, from Big Al and the Heavyweights and it's a energetic blues rocker. Opening with title track, Love One Another, is a cool track with roots in canned heat and the Allman Brothers band. With  Wayne Lohr on vocal and keys, Marcel Anton on guitar and vocal, Mark Parsons on bass, Big Al Lauro on drums and featuring Luther Dickinson on guitar and Jason Ricci on harmonica, this is super opener. Wild Tchoupitoulas has a cool bass line and the vocal lead and backing is strong. Lohr's piano solo adds a nice a strong Louisiana spice. Soulful ballad, Guardian Angel has a solid melody and with Anton on lead vocal and lead guitar, really showing how much soul this band can conjure. Very nice. Cool blues rocker, What Can I Say has a real nice feel with a heavy bottom thanks to Big Al and Pasons and with cool harmonica work by Jason Ricci and low fret guitar soloing by Anton, this is one of my favorites on the release. Another strong track on the release is deep blues rocker, Underground with gangly slide work, mic distorted vocals and as simple yet effective bottom as I could imagine. This track could be right out of a juke joint on the Hill Country so it automatically gets my attention. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Zydeco flavored Zydeco Love. With a firm bass line and active percussion by Tom Larson, Anton leads the way on vocals and with the addition of Gina Forsyth on fiddle, this is a fun closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Booga Music artist: Hanna Pk - Blues All Over My Shoes - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues All Over My Shoes, by Hanna Pk and it's solid. Opening with New Orleans flavored, Mirror Mirror, Pk who was born and raised in South Korea and now lives in Rochester NYsets a nice groove on piano and backed by Kenny Neal on bass, guitar and harmonica. On Bad Woman, she lays down a cool piano boogie and sings like she was born in the heart of the delta. Very nice. Slipping into a cool NO rhythm on I'm Losing You, Pk shows real versatility both on piano and vocally. Backed by Lil Mike Harris on drums this track is pure groove. Brandon Adams adds some real nice organ under Pk's super vocals and piano work and with it's solid melody making this a solid radio contender. One of my favorites on the release is slower blues, It's Been Raining In My Heart with plenty of soul, organ and excellent vocal work again by Pk. Not at all shy at the keyboard, her fingers know the blues like a second language. Excellent! Wrapping the release is driving piano boogie, Two and Four. With Paul Emden on brushes, Miguel Hernandez on bass and pk really rolling the piano in support of her vocal lead, this is an excellent closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

VizzTone Label Group artist: Chickenbone Slim - Serve It To Me Hot - New Release review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Serve It to Me Hot, from Chickenbone Slim and I really like it. Opening with title track, Serve It to Me Hot, Slim and the crew are hitting it hard. This band sound like they're ready for a rumble with the low slung power attack of slinger Laura Chavez on lead guitar and Slim on guitar and lead vocal. Marty Dodson on drums and Andrew Crane round out the band making this crew ready for just about anything. Great opener. On up tempo boogie, Wild Eyed Woman, the band cranks like they're backing HD Taylor or Slim Harpo. This may be my favorite track on the release with a great driving beat and Chavez's relentless guitar attack. Excellent! Harp wizard, Aki Kumar joins the crew on Top of the Clouds, with a solid Texas style. Chavez steps out nicely on guitar and Slim's vocals are nicely complimented by Kid Andersen and Lisa Andersen. Funky, Laying In The Weeds, is a real cool track with a solid exchange between Slim's vocal and Chavez's guitar lead. With funky rhythm by Slim and Dodson and a cool keyboard overlay by Kid Andersen, this is a really cool track. I Will Stand For You is an interesting bluesy rock/country track bringing to mind some of the terrific work of the Band. With it's slinky approach and guitar accent throughout the melody, this track is really nice. Vocal blending by Andersen and Slim and some real nice riffs by Chavez and Andersen make this a strong contender for top track. Wrapping the release is solid blues rocker, Hook Me Up with a pronounced rock and roll guitar lead and plenty of attitude (and cowbell). You want attitude on guitar, Chavez is just the person to deliver it and here she is. Her wicked chops come to the surface here and give this track an excellent slap in the back. This is a really cool release and one you should check out. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

VizzTone Label Group artist: Ben Levin - Still Here - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Still Here, from Ben Levin and it's really super! Opening with Love and Friendship, a terrific piano boogie with Ben Levin on piano and vocal, his father, Aron Levin on guitar, Chris Douglas on bass and Oscar Bernal on drums. Ben's voice is really strong and his piano lead and Aron's guitar lead work really nicely together. Nice opener. On title track, Still Here, Ben's soulful vocals are accentuated and his New Orleans piano styling is spot on. Aron gets a real nice opportunity to stretch a little on guitar and his phrasing is beautiful. Jimmy Liggins' I Can't Stop It has a great groove with Ben laying down a great up tempo boogie line and some real nice guitar lead by Aron as well. Very cool. Instrumental shuffle, Crown Jewel, features Aron upfront on guitar and he sets a nice pace. Ben digs in on piano setting up some really nice riffs before Aron closes it out. Very nice. Another slow blues with Ben upfront on vocal is Christmas Rain. Ben shows time and again that he's as competent vocalist as he is lead piano player and that's saying something. Aron, using technique rather than speed, lays in some really nice lines making this another of my favorites on the release. With a Latin rhythm, Her Older Brother has a really nice flair. With snappy drum rhythm by Bernol, tight bass by Douglas and paired guitar/piano work by Aron and Ben makes this track stand out nicely. Wrapping the release is I'm Your Essential Worker, a real nice piano boogie with excellent vocal and piano work over the firm bass work of Douglas. This is an excellent closer for an exceptional release. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

VizzTone Label Group artist: Chris BadNews Barnes - BadNews Rising - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, BadNews Rising, by Chris BadNews Barnes and it's a cool blues rocker. Opening with You Wanna Rock? You Gotta Learn The Blues, Barnes has a good start. In the footsteps of Joe Walsh's Rocky Mtn Way, this track has a great droning bass line  Tommy MacDonald and sweet slide work by Pat Buchanan as well as tight drum work by Tom Hambridge and keys by Kevin McKendree. On piano boogie, My Baby Be Cray Cray Cray, Barnes really delivers vocally and McKendree's piano work is strong. Rachael and Sarah Hambridge add solid backing vocals and Max Abrams on sax and Steve Patrick on trumpet enrich the mix. The Creamy Caramel Cafe opens with a seductive harmonica lead by Buchanan, continuing with suggestive lyrics by Barnes over a subdued funk rhythm. A great rhythm and clever lyrics give this track just the right fuel to deliver. ZZ Top like boogie, Kettle Black is probably my favorite track on the release with a driving bottom (Hambridge and MacDonald) and with a real nice guitar solo by Buchanan. Wrapping the release is blues rocker, I Like Cleavage. With the physicality of a Bob Seeger rocker and suggestive language, this is bound to be a crowd favorite. A cool sax solo by Abrams and slide by Buchanan, this is a strong closer. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE