Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Way Back Home , from the Backtrack Blues Band and it's solid. Opening with Going to Eleuthera , a snappy shuffle, Sonny Charles leads the way on lead vocals and Kid Royal is hot on his heels on lead guitar. Rounding out the troupe is Little Johnny Walter on rhythm guitar, Joe Bencomo on drums and Stick Davis on bass. Victor Wainwright is featured on piano and does a real nice job and Charles really makes his harp sing. Nice opener. On Tell Your Daddy , the band sets a funky dance groove with a boogaloo bass line. Breaking into a smooth shuffle Royal plays it like a stud and the deal is on. Breaking back, Charles brings his harp to the forefront with great tone. Shoot My Rooster has a real nice blues lope with Charles' harp on call and Royal's guitar on response. One of my favorite tracks on the release, this track features super piano work by Wainwright in the mix with Royal and Charles. Excellent. Sonny Boy Wi...

Backtrack Blues Band Brings It Way Back Home on New Harpo Records CD Coming on September 2 Special Guests Include 2016 BMA Winner Victor Wainwright ST. PETERSBURG, FL – Tampa Bay-based group Backtrack Blues Band announces a September 2 release date for Way Back Home , on Harpo Records, distributed in the USA by Select-O-Hits and in Canada on Flaming Cheese Records. This is the fifth CD from Backtrack Blues Band, which has won three consecutive Tampa Bay Music Awards for “Best Blues Band.” 2016 Blues Music Award-winner Victor Wainwright adds his major chops on piano throughout the album’s 10 tracks, a perfect blend of Chicago blues (a la Paul Butterfield Blues Band) and the rompin’, stompin’ Texas style of the early Fabulous Thunderbirds. Members of Backtrack Blues Band are Sonny Charles – lead vocals, harmonica; Kid Royal – lead guitar; Little Johnny Walter – rhythm guitar; Joe Bencomo – drums; and Jeff “Stick” Davis – bass.  Founded in 1980, this talented ...