CLICK ON TITLE BELOW TO GO TO PURCHASE!!!! CD submissions accepted! Guest writers always welcome!!

I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!


Please email me at Info@Bmansbluesreport.com
Showing posts with label VizzTone Label Group. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VizzTone Label Group. Show all posts

Tuesday, August 24, 2021

VizzTone Label Group artists: Lindsay Beaver & Brad Stivers - Self titled - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent self titled release (September 10, 2021), from Lindsay Beaver & Brad Stivers and I really like it. Opening with One Condition, a blues rock n roller with a steady Chuck Berry like rhythm, Lindsay Beaver on drums and Brad Stivers on guitar share the lead vocal, Kirk Fletcher joins on guitar and Barry Cooke plays bass. Excellent opener.  With a strong Texas style lope, I Know What To Do is up next with Beaver really belting out the lead vocal and on drums, joined by Stivers on guitar, and . Joe Murphy on harmonica. The is another potent blues number. Up tempo swing track, Getting Gone, has Stivers up front on lead guitar and vocal. Beaver really holds a tight beat and with Cooke on organ Stivers really makes his guitar talk. Really nice. Another cool rocker, You've Got No Right, features Beaver on lead vocal and really plays to her vocal strength. Joined by Zach Zunis on guitar, this track has plenty of hot riffs to go around. Stivers takes his guitar for a nice walk on It's Love, a cool shuffle with Stivers and Beaver blending nicely on lead vocal. My favorite track on the release is Somebody Else Will, showcasing Stivers on lead guitar and vocal. Stivers has a really great hand for blues phrasing and he lays it all out there on this one. Excellent! Jump track, Slim Pickin' is another hot number with Cooke and Stivers really dukeing it out. If this track doesn't get you moving, youre likely dead. Wrapping the release is The Falcon's R&B classic, You're So Fine with Beavers accompaning herself on guitar. This is pure soul and a solid closer for a strong release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

Wednesday, June 2, 2021

VizzTone Label Group artist: Deb Ryder - Memphis Moonlight - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (June 11, 2021), Memphis Moonlight, by Deb Ryder and it's a cool, R&B based blues release packed with talent. Opening with I'm Coming Home, a sassy R&B track features Ryder on lead vocal with Tony Braunagel on drums, Johnny Lee Schell on guitar, Mike Finnigan on B3, Travis carlton on bass, Mark Pender on trumpet and some super sax riffs from Joe Sublet. Cool opener. With a bluesier feel and a touch of gospel on These Hands, Ryder really hits the groove vocally and Alastair Green's addition on slide is a super perk. Schell's backing vocals and the addition of Pieter Van Der Pluijm on harmonica adds real texture. Driving rocker, Blues Is All I Got had a solid bass line by Schell andwith Braunagel on drums and van Der Pluijm on harmonica. Classic slow blues, Love Is Gone is a real standout giving Ryder a chance to show the richness of her vocals and featuring the king of blues guitar phrasing, Ronnie Earl, with a nice extended solo. Just Be Careful is another uptempo blues number with Schell on lead slide guitar and Ryder working the blues nicely. Second Chances is a cool track with country influences with the addition of Joey Delgado on guitar, Steve Delgado on backing vocal, David Hidalgo on accordion and Steve berlin on sax. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Most of All a smooth ballad, again playing into the strength of Ryder's vocal strength and with Ronnie Earl playing melodic lead guitar to a very simple bottom with Braunagel, Schell and carlton on bass. Very nice closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

Wednesday, May 5, 2021

Booga Music artist: Patti Parks - Whole Nother World - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (May 28, 2021), Whole Nother World, from Patti Parks,  and it's a mix of blues, soul, funk and gospel. Opening with shuffle, I'm Trouble, Patti Parks sets a swing pace on lead vocal with Kenny Neal on lead guitar, Carlton Ross on rhythm guitar, Arlando O'Connor on bass, Fredrick Neal on keys, Michael Harris on drums Brandon Adams on organ, Guy Nirelli on organ and with some hot sax from Jason Parfait. On slower blues, More Than You'll Ever Know showcases Neal's soulful guitar lead working nicely with warm organ overtones by Adams surrounding some of Parks' best vocals on the release. A softer yet effective take on James Brown's It's A Man's Man's Man's World, Parks delivers on vocals, with strong support from Neal, O'Connor, and Harris. Neal shares the mic on straight up blues track, Baby Bee playing harmonica and guitar with little other backing. Pure blues... very nice. One of my favorite tracks on the release is soulful gospel influenced Don't Play Me Cheap with Adams on organ and Parfait on sax. Wrapping the release is No Means No with a funky, high strutting attitude and cool guitar riffs by Neal, backed by Adams, Nirelli, O'Conner and Harris. Solid closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

Tuesday, May 4, 2021

VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Corritore & Friends - Spider In My Stew - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Spider In My Stew, from Bob Corritore and Friends and it's terrific. Opening with Tennessee Woman, Corritore on harmonica is joined by Oscar Wilson on vocal, Tony Tomlinson on guitar, Shea Marshall on piano and sax, Patrick Skog on bass and Alan West of drums and percussion. A solid Chicago style track with a Latin beat, this is a solid opener. Moving into a full on romp, Sugaray Rayfield has the lead on vocal on Big Mama's Soul Food, backed by Kid Ramos on guitar, Blake Watson on bass and Marty Dodson on drums. Great vocals by Rayford, Corritore's always always fine harmonica work and saucy guitar work by Ramos give this track real zing. Diunna Greenleaf is upfront on Don't Mess With the Messer and with a snappy drum beat by Andrew Guterman and hot sax work by Doug James, this track is strong. Lurrie Bell delivers really inspired lead vocal and guitar on title track Spider In My Stew with Bob Margolin and Corritore's lower octave harmonica work is terrific. Excellent! Johnny Rawls leads with vocal and guitar on Sleeping With The Blues and it's sensitive BB King approach is rich. Why Am I Treated So Bad is one of my favorites on the release featuring Francine Reed on lead vocal. Her voice is unmistakable and with brother Michael on backing vocals, Corritore soloing on harmonica, Ramos and Johnny Main on guitar, Mike Hightower on bass and Brian Fahey on drums, the deck is stacked for best track on the release. R&B track, Look Out features Alabama Mike on lead vocal with Junior Watson on guitar, Fred Kaplan on piano, Corritore on harmonica, Kedar Roy on bass and Andrew Guterman on drums ramping up the release for the big closer. Wrapping the release is a great rendition of Bob Dylan's I Shall Be Released again featuring Francine Reed. Joined by brother Michael, Ramos and Main on guitars, Hightower on bass and Fahey on drums, this is a strong closer for a really strong release. 



View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

Tuesday, April 6, 2021

VizzTone Label Group artist: AJ Fullerton - The Forgiver and the Runaway - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Forgiver and the Runaway, from AJ Fullerton and it's a solid blues rocker with a rural feel. Opening with Remind Me Who I Am Again, AJ Fullerton on lead vocal and guitar exudes confidence with Anna Ruddick on bass, Glenn Milchem on drums, and strong key work by Jesse O'Brien as well as warm vocal backing by Chantal Hendricks and the Marrinaires. Very nice. Slippin' Away is a cool, contemporary shuffle with a super melody and great lead vocals. A smooth balance between the solo guitar work and the piano lead really works nicely. Rocker, Say You'll Stay is one of my favorites on the release with  harmonica work by Paul Reddick and vibrant guitar lead by Fullerton and Steve Marriner. Another of my favorite tracks on the release is Never Was with a distinct C Berry rhythm pattern that makes you feel the beat. An excellent solo of excellent pedal steel work by Aaron Goldstein contrasts really nicely with soft backing vocals work great with Fullerton's lead vocal. With a bit of influence of the laid back country rock of JJ Cale, Homesick is likely the top radio track on the release, with a solid melody and again, super steel acoustic guitar work by Fullerton. Wrapping the release is Hook's In The Water with a laid back country blues styling. With hints to Taj Mahal or other like contemporary blues artists, this is a solid closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

Tuesday, February 23, 2021

VizzTone Label Group artist: Early Times & the High Rollers - The Corner - New Release Review

 I just has the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Corner, from Early Times & the High Rollers and it's a cool rocker. Opening with easy shuffle, Come On, Let's Ride, Early Times on vocal and guitar is upfront with Joshua Keith on drums, Dan Schnapp on keys and Hardan Long on bass. On The Corner maintains a lighter radio feel but with bluesy guitar riffs by Times and a solid drum bottom by Keith. Sixties style rocker, Do What She Do keeps it simple with a solid melody and simple beat. A strong radio track and a cool track. Bluesy, She's About To Lose Her Mind, grinds into a lumbering groove with nice piano and organ work by Schnapp under some of Times' best vocal work and some real tasty guitar riffs by Popa Chubby making this one of my favorites on the release. Instrumental, Rosie's Herbs 'n Ting is a light, jazzy rocker with a hint of Latin spice giving Times a nice chance to step out on guitar over the tight percussive rhythms of Jay Messina. Very nice. Acoustic ballad, Someone Help Mary is a nicely crafted track with solid vocals and minimal instrumental as needed along the lines of Neil Diamond. Wrapping the release is high energy rocker, Return of the Queen, with driving guitar and relentless drumming. It is actually a real cool track with vocal phrasing like Dylan and a blazing guitar solo by Times. Solid closer for a cool release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

Wednesday, January 6, 2021

VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Margolin - Star of Stage and Screen - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Star of Stage and Screen, by Bob Margolin and it is a continuation of his most recent acoustic release, This Guitar and Tonight. Opening with acoustic blues and title track, Star of Stage and Screen, Margolin is back with his voice and guitar. A cool, stripped down delta style shuffle, Margolin sits upfront with a mostly vocal track with a tight rhythm and some cool riffs. My favorite track on the release is After Party with it's up tempo shuffle beat, straight up acoustic rhythm guitar and some real nice slide, all by Margolin. Another favorite on the release is ruff and tumble, Let It Go with it's slide guitar signature riffs and Margolin's best vocals on the release. Wrapping the release is March 2020 In Stop Time, with Margolin working his words about the state of politics and the current US leadership. maintaining the track to mostly vocal with accent guitar, it's true to it's blues roots and a firm closer.


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

Friday, December 18, 2020

VizzTone Label Group artist: Artur Menezes - Fading Away - New Release Review

 


I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Fading Away, from Artur Menezes, and it's a strong contemporary blues rock entry. Opening with title track, Fading Away, with a catchy melody and Hendrix style riffs, a drone bass riff and a wide open pathway for nicely crafted guitar soloing by Menezes. Backed by Gui Bodi on bass, Lemar Carter on drums and Kesha Shantrell and Revel Day on backing vocals. Solid opener. Come On is a strong blues rocker with a cool tapping riff and a driving bottom. With the addition of Joe Bonamassa on guitar, this track has some really nice guitar work and a great rock feel. Instrumental, Northeast, with it's jagged drumming against offset soaring guitar guitar soloing is a real interesting track. Very nice. With a lush, jazzy feel, Free At Last featuring Josh Smith on guitar, and Carey Frank on B3,  Travis Carlton on bass, Matt Mitchell on rhythm guitar has a definite Brazilian feel. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Green Card Blues, a great Jimi influenced rocker with bluesy roots and dark vocal tones. This last track is nearly 10 minutes long and not a second is wasted. Excellent! I really like Menezes' releases, often making obvious references to classic players but giving it his own direction. Check this release out. It's a strong new player. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

Monday, December 7, 2020

VizzTone Label Group SWMAF Records artists: The Kid Ramos / Bob Corritore - Phoenix Blues Sessions - New Release Review

 


I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Phoenix Blues Sessions, from Kid Ramos and Bob Corritore and I really like it. Opening with Aw Shucks Baby, Kid Ramos and Bob Corritore really have a jam packed release here. With Nappy Brown on lead vocal, Henry Gray on piano, Mario Moreno on bass, Chico Chish on drums, Johnny Rapp on guitar and of course Corritore on harmonica and Ramos on lead guitar this is a solid opener. Super shuffle, Come On In is a perfect style for Ramos' guitar slinging style with it's swagger and features Gray on lead vocal and piano. Ramos walks it out nicely making this one of my release favorites. Slow blues, 24 Hours features Dr. Fish on lead vocal and he really digs in nicely working in really nicely with the soulful guitar lead of Ramos. Another slow blues, Mother In Law Blues, features Chism on lead vocal, Paul Thomas on bass and Tom Mahon on piano. I really like the piano guitar interplay between Mahon and Ramos on this one. Possum In My Tree is another real nice track, this time featuring Big Pete Pearson on vocal. Ramos pulls out the side on this one and with a Muddy Water kind of styling and with Mahon on piano. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Snakes Crawls At Night with Chief Schabuttie Gilliame on lead vocal with strong guitar lead, piano by Mahon on piano and Corritore on harmonica making for a super closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

Wednesday, November 25, 2020

VizzTone Label Group artist: Erin Harpe - Meet Me In The Middle - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Meet Me In The Middle, from Erin Harpe, and it's a cool, acoustic country blues release. Opening with self penned, All Night Long, Harpe on acoustic slide and lead vocal, backed by Jim Countryman on ukulele bass and backing vocals. With a slight boogie beat and a touch of swing, this is a cool opener. Sippie Wallace's Woman Be Wise is a great showcase for Harpe's vocals and her guitar work is clean and tight. Lucille Bogan, well know for her suggestive lyrics, penned I Hate That Train Called the M&O, and Harpe does a great job of delivering the goods with a powerful voice and tight blues riffs. On blues classic, Rollin' and Tumblin' Harpe hangs tight on slide over the thumping bass line of Countryman. A cool interpretation, possibly my favorite on the release. Geeshie Wiley's country blues track, Pick Poor Robin Clean, has a lot of spunk and piedmont playing, accompanied by Harpe on kazoo gives the track real spunk. Next up is Memphis Minnie's What's the Matter With the Mill, a great little track and Harpe delivers it nicely. With cool little acoustic riffs and pure vocals, the release is steady and cool. Wrapping the album is original track, One Fine Day, with super vocal harmonies and clean, crisp guitar picking. Solid closer for a solid release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

Tuesday, November 24, 2020

VizzTone Label Group artist: Danielle Miraglia - Bright Shining Stars - New Release review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Bright Shining Stars, from Danielle Miraglia, and it's a solid contemporary acoustic blues release. Opening with original track, Sounds Like Home, Miraglia on lead vocal and acoustic guitar, backed by Laurence Scudder on viola has the sound of the delta. Ma Rainey's C.C. Rider has a strong country feel on a slow, guitar driven pace and accents by Scudder adds a real nice contrast. Janis Joplin's Turtle Blues shows Miraglia's own take on Joplin's style, blended with acoustic folk styling and some real tasty guitar chops. One of my favorites tracks on the release is Keb Mo's You Can Love Yourself with it's country blues style picking and with the addition of some real nice slide work by Peter Parcek. Bob Dylan's Meet Me In The Morning has reall nice dynamics with some of Miraglia's best vocals on the release. Her tight slide riffs add significantly to the feel of the track and Richard Rosenblatt's harmonica work is just right. Another cool interpretation is Tampa Red's When Things Go Wrong (It Hurts Me Too) with solid vocal and guitar soloing by Miraglia. Wrapping the release is s cool acoustic ballad, Bright Shining Stars, penned by Tom Bianchi. Pure vocals by Miraglia and a light touch on her guitar accompaniment make for a solid closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

Monday, November 23, 2020

VizzTone Label Group artist: Ben Levin - Carryout Or Delivery - New Release Review

 


I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Carryout Or Delivery from Ben Levin and it's solid R&B and blues. Opening with You Know, a cool Chicago style  shuffle, Levin on piano and lead vocal nails it. Backed by Aron Levin on guitar, Chris Douglass on bass, and Oscar Bernal on drums, this is a hot opener. I really like Too Good For Me with it's electric piano sound and Levin's New Orleans styling. Very nice. With the phrasing of a key Elmore James track, Have You Lost Your Mind? has solid vocal delivery and with a strongly reinforced rhythm, super organ soloing. Instrumental, NOLA Night really captures the New Orleans sound with super piano and tight rhythms by Bernal. My Back Scratcher is a cool R&B track with a real Booker T feel reinforced by Levin on organ and tight rhythm from Douglass and Bernal. Papercut is another New Orleans R&B blues track with traditional, one note piano rhythm, single snare drumming and cool electric guitar touch from Aron Levin. Bill Nettles' Hadacol Bounce has a great boogie feel with New Orleans turnarounds and traditional vocal styling. A cool old track with new life. Wrapping the release is Floyd Dixon's Time Brings About A Change with it's soulful melody and featuring some of Levin's best vocals on the release, tightly cradled by the warm guitar lines of Aron Levin. Excellent closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode 

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

Friday, October 2, 2020

VizzTone Label Group artist: Lloyd Jones - Tennessee Run - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tennessee Run, from Lloyd Jones and its a cool blend of blues, R&B, funk and pop giving it a bright, energetic feel. Opening with hard driving R&B track, You Got Me Good, Jones on lead vocal and guitar really has the place hopping. Backed by Kevin McKendree on keys, Steve Mackey on bass, Kenneth Blevins on drums, Jim Hoke on sax, Quentin Ware on trumpet and Roy Agee on trombone this is a strong opener. Rock n roller, I Wish I Could Remember Loving You, has a great rhythm guitar pace with Jones paired with Teresa James on lead vocal and McKendree's piano work is outstanding. One of my favorite tracks on the release is funky swamp track, Bayou Boys with McKendree on organ and cool horn interplay by Hoke, Ware, Agee and with Richard Metz on percussion. Very cool. Hoke lays in a really nice bari solo on another funky swamp track, That's All I Want which also features LaRhonda Steele on vocal. Dilly Dally has a Taj Mahal like, laid back bluesy island feel. With wah wah guitar and funky organ, it just makes you feel good. Wrapping the release is Chevrolet Angel, a funky, bluesy strut. I  like Jones' cocky vocal styling on this one with nice backing vocal by Etta Britt and Jackie Wilson and funky lead guitar by Jones, chased by the horn work of Hoke, Ware, and Agee. A fine closer for a fun release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

Friday, July 24, 2020

VizzTone Label Group artist: Too Slim and the Taildraggers - The Remedy - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Remedy, from Too Slim and the Taildraggers, andI really like it! Opening with last Last Chance, a terrific blues rocker, Too Slim and the Taildraggers is up and running with the swagger of prime Stones or ZZ Top. With Tim Too Slim Langford on lead guitar and vocal, Jeff Shakeu Fowlkes on drums and vocal and Zach Kasik on bass, these guys are rockin! Devil's Hostage has a seductive droning bass line and Gibbons like vocals coaxing on the beautiful tone of Langford's guitar amp. John Lee Hooker style boogie, Keep The Party Rollin' has a super driving bottom, pushed along by the snap drumming of Fowlkes and the crafty harmonica work of Sheldon Ziro. Elmore James' Sunnyland Train is well dressed with exceptional slide work by Langford. Platinum Junkie is a strong funky blues number with classic Jason Ricci harmonica riffs. Wrapping the release is radio style track, Half A World Away, with it pleasing melody and straight ahead rock approach. This is a really strong release from Slim and I hope he keeps doing it.



View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

Tuesday, June 30, 2020

VizzTone Label Group artist: Tony Holiday - Soul Service - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Soul Service, from Tony Holiday, and is solid throughout.

Opening with Payin' Rent on a Broken Home, a strong blues rocker, Tony Holiday on lead vocal and harmonica sets a cool strutting pace, backed by Landon Stone on guitar, Max Kaplan on bass, Danny Banks on drums with Ori Naftaly on guitar and Victor Wainwright on keys. Low slung shuffle She knocks Me Out, has a great feel and Holiday's harmonica tone is full and a tasty work solo by Stone is poised and tight. A cool island feel spins Day Dates (Turn Into Night Dates). With simplified drum rhythms and airy guitar work Holiday crafts this track nicely and blends vocally with Kaplan, complimented by melodic harmonica. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Ol' Number Nine, a rumbling blues rocker with nicely paired vocals and a rumbling bass line by Kaplan. Holiday's vocals are strong and his harmonica work reinforces the "train" theme of the track. Solid closer for a real cool release. 

View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

VizzTone Label Group artist: Tyler Morris - Living In The Shadows - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Living In The Shadows, from Tyler Morris, and it's a cool blues rocker. On this, his second release, Morris plays lead guitar and sings with band mates Terry Dry on bass, Matthew Robert Johnson on drums and Lewis Stephens on B3 and Wurlitzer. Gary Moore's hard driving rocker, Movin' On, sees the band on full tilt with Morris throwing every rock based riff you can think at it. Quick fingered runs, and bends with just a bit of distortion to make it sound dirty gives this track it's sting. Joe Louis Walker and Mike Zito guest on vocals on Tony Joe White's Polk Salad Annie. Maintaining that original swamp rock feel this is a cool track with Morris working the slide nicely  over the steady drumming of Johnson. Bluesy ballad, Temptation, is Morris' best showcase of his vocal strength and Stephens' B3 enhances the tension giving Morris a nice platform to play melodic blues runs on guitar. Amanda Fish steps up to the mic on blues rocker, Better Than You adding some real nice R&B style vocal texture. Morris keeps a cool rhythm line and lays in double stop riffs adding just the right pepper to possibly my favorite track on the release. Boogie track, Why Is Love So Blue, has a great bottom end and the grinding guitar riffs of Morris gives it that Texas swagger. Original track, Young Man's Blues has a real nice bass drone with solid vocals by Morris and a strong guitar exchange between Morris and the stellar Ronnie Earl. Taken From Me is another of my favorite tracks on the release with it's lightly funked up rock beat that I associate with Mountain and early Leslie West. With a real nice drum beat by Johnson, straight up vocals and fat guitar accents by Morris, a nicely balanced track. Wrapping the release is a driving boogie, I'm On To You, with a thumping bass line and tight drums giving the track a meaty feel. Morris sets it up nicely and slams it home on this one with just the right amount of slash, making this an excellent closer. 

View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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

Friday, May 29, 2020

VizzTone Label Group artists: John Primer & Bob Corritore - The Gypsy Woman Told Me - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the latest release, The Gypsy Woman Told Me, by John Primer & Bob Corritore and it's a great dose of contemporary Chicago style blues. Opening with Keep A-Driving, Primer on vocal and guitar really does a nice job of setting the stage with Corritore supporting nicely and with solid piano work by Bob Welch, Kedar Roy on bass and June Core on drums. With a bit of boogie built in, Knockin' On Your Door, with Primer again leading on vocal gives Corritore a nice chance to spread a bit with great harp tones and Primer's guitar work is tight and well phrased. Lil Son Jackson's Gambling Blues is one of my favorite tracks on the release with quick paced acoustic guitar and fleet fingered lead by Primer and a fatter harp part by Corritore. Primer's own, Little Bitty Woman falls right from the Muddy Waters tree with a bouncy, Chicago blues pace, riding harp and Waters like slide work by Primer. Very cool. Slow blues, Walking The back Street Crying is one Primer and Corritore can both sink their teeth into with super vocal and instrumentals throughout. Sonny Boy's My Imagination gives Corritore a nice time in the spotlight and his harp is A1. Primer's vocals are of course spot on but this track is here for Bob to shine and he really does a nice job. Another favorite is Left Me With A Broken Heart featuring Billy Flynn on guitar, Ben Levin on piano, Mike Hightower on bass and Brian Fahey on drums. Corritore's harp work is particularly expressive and I always like Flynn's guitar styling. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Ain't Gonna Be No Cuttin' Loose with a driving shuffle pace and featuring a real nice solo by Corritore. Flynn again works the guitar nicely working with Corritore to a powerful ending. Solid release. 

View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

  qrcode

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