Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Backland Blues from Waydown Wailers and it has flavors of the Dead and the Allmans with touches of British pop and American country. Opening with Back Door Woman , a bluesy shuffle, David Parker lead the way on vocal and guitar joined by Christian Parker on guitars, Connor Pelkey on bass, Michael Scriminger on drums and Professor Louie on piano. Up tempo country blues, I Want Your Soul has a great feel, drive and just the right guitar vamp. Very cool. With a modern, jazzy, almost Becker/Fagen styling, a cover of Elmore James'  Done Somebody Wrong is next showing total ingenuity. Another Bump In The Road has a southern rock feel and a Dead meets Marshall Tucker feel. Larry Williams' Dizzy Miss Lizzie retains much of the styling of the Beatles cover of this track with plenty of attitude and spunk. State Of The Union Mix has a cool Euro sound with nicely blended vocals, rhythm guitar and nice Hammond work by ...

I just received the newest release, Empty Promises , from Waydown Wailers and it has a swampy, rocky, pop sound. Opening with Don't Let Life Pass You By , lead vocalist and guitar player, Dave Parker leads and easy paced country rock track with a bit of cowboy and a bit of the New Riders influence and some nice steel guitar work from Christian "Moe" Parker, backed by Michael Scruffy Scriminger on drums and Connor Pelkey on bass and vocals. With a modified funky rock beat, Jealousy has a melodic, Tom Petty feel with a bit of hip hop delivery. Interesting. Title track, Empty Promises , is the "hit" track for the release with solid vocal hooks, and an arena rock feel. Waydown Blue has a light, breezy rock feel with a jazzy rhythm. Melodic vocals and balanced instrumental backing is the key here. No Time To Waste is a strait forward rocker with an almost Eric Clapton feel complimented by Moe's clean playing. St. Vraine is a cool ballad reminding me quit...