Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live At The Hidden Gem , from Chris Yakopcic and it's a solid set of Delta and Piedmont style blues. Opening with original composition, Gotta Get Goodbye Somehow , singer/songwriter and guitar player, Chris Yakopcic opens his set. With contemporary folk blues styling, Yakopcic has firm guitar footing and a strong vocal approach.  On one of Robert Johnson's better known compositions, Traveling Riverside Blues , Yakopcic shows a lot of feel with percussive guitar attack and wailing vocal. Very nice. Another Johnson composition, Kind Hearted Woman , has a much smoother approach with a more romantic sound and precise guitar accompaniment. Original composition, Sounds of the Highway , has a Blake feel with a certain contemporary edge. Fine guitar work and vocals make this the likely top track on the release. Wrapping the release is a rousing cover of Johnson's Preachin' Blues with Yakopcic working his national ...

I just received the newest release, The Next Place I Leave , from Chris Yakopcic and it's quite refreshing. Opening with title track, The Next Place I Leave , singer, songwriter and guitarist Chris Yakopcic; joined by Brian Hoeflich on drums and Leo Smith on bass set out on a cool acoustic journey with traces of Johnny Cash and David Bromberg. With fluid finger work and solid foot pedal this is a cool opener. Robert Johnson's Preachin' Blues is a modern uptempo remake with solid blues roots and resonator slide work. Sweet Time Blues has a great laid back Piedmont style with Yakopcic milking tone from his guitar. I really like Yakopcic's vocals on this track with just a bit of bite. Smallman Street blends resonator work with electric and a more rock feel. With a vocal style more like Arlo or Dylan, this is a real nice acoustic blues rocker. Robert Johnson's Phonograph Blues again gets a more modern cover but staying tight in the blues genre. With it's ligh...