Bman's Blues Report

Posts

Showing posts with the label blue heart records

Blue Heart Records artist: Anthony Geraci - Tears In My Eyes - New Release Review

By Bman - July 30, 2024

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tears In My Eyes , from Anthony Geraci and it's great mix of rhythm and blues. Opening with slow blues, Broken Mirror, Broken Mirror Anthony Geraci is back with his powerful blues piano style, joined by Sugar Ray Norcia on super lead vocal. With Barrett Anderson on Muddy style slide guitar, Paul Loranger on bass and Marty Richards on drums, this is a strong opener. On jump track, Owl's Nest , Geraci pounds out the melody on piano and Drew Davies steps up with some terrific sax work. Excellent track. On Judge Oh Judge , Norcia really sings the blues with warm sax soloing by Mario Perrett nicely complimenting Geraci's piano structure with Loranger on bass and Kurt Kalker on drums. On piano boogie, Ooeee , Geraci really rolls it, accompanying his lead vocal on piano and with Drew Davies on sax wailing away. Very nice. Norcia is back on lead vocal on bluesy ballad, Now What . With a strong melody, excellent piano ...

Blue Heart Records artist: Peter Veteska & Blues Train - Full Tilt - New Release Review

By Bman - June 26, 2024

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Full Tilt , by Peter Veteska & Blues Train and the name fits perfectly. Opening with, blues rocker, Go Find Another Man , Peter Veteska gets this band cranking. With strong vocals and firm guitar lead, Mikey Jr. on harmonica, Alex D'Agnese on drums, Coo Moe Jhee on bass, and Jeff Levine on B3 these guy have a solid groove. On slow blues, Sad And Blue Jeff Levine creates a warm, B3 environment for Veteska's lead vocal and nicely phrased guitar lead. With only rim shots by D'Agnese and Rick Prince on bass, this is a great radio track. Hard driving, 2:00 in the Morning , has a terrific thumping bass line by Chuck Hearne working with Levine's B3 and Veteska shares the mic with Jen Barnes. A ripping guitar solo by Veteska sets this track off nicely. Take Back What You Own is one of my favorite tracks on the release with it's R&B, "Mustang Sally" vibe. With Ghee and D'Agnese setting t...

Blue Heart Records artist: Rick Vito - Cadillac Man - New Release Review

By Bman - April 02, 2024

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cadillac Man , from Rick Vito , and it very cool. Opening with Love Crazy Baby , a solid shuffle Rick Vito on lead vocal and guitar takes command of the track, backed by Mojo Johnson on drums, and Jim Hoke on sax. Blues rocker, Little Sheba has a cool mix of blues, rock and ethnic overtones, with Steve Marriner on harmonica working nicely together with Vito on guitar and vocal. A tight drum line by Jackson and Vito on bass makes this an ideal radio track. Slow blues, Crying at Midnight , is a real nice track with a super melody showcasing Vito's vocals as well and his Fleetwood Mac guitar influence. Very nice. Chicago style blues, Barbeque'n Baby had a great feel with Vito on slide guitar and vocal. This is a pretty hopping track and surely a favorite. Instrumental. Just Another Day is one of my favorites on the release featuring the lead slide work of Vito, backed by Hoke on sax, Jackson on drums, and Kevin MacK...

Blue Heart Records artist: Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps - Rose-Colored Glasses Vol. 2 - New Release Review

By Bman - February 28, 2024

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Rose-Colored Glasses Vol. 2 , by Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps , and it's got a great feel. Opening with blue rocker, I'd Do It For You , James on piano and lead vocal, enlists Brannen Temple on drums, Terry Wilson on bass, backing vocals, B3, Rhythm guitar, and Billy Watts on lead guitar. Solid opener. Easy, laid back, pop ballad, That's What I'm Talking About has terrific radio appeal with it's smooth melody and James really nice vocals. Slinky, Ain't Nothing For Certain , is another track with strong radio appeal with James really doing a nice job deliveing the melody and Matt Lomeo featuring counterpoint on harmonica. Wrapping the release is Second Chance with a tight rock delivery. James on lead vocal always hits it square on and with backing by Braunagel on drums, bass, guitar, Wilson on backing vocal, Kevin McKendree on piano and Bennett Salvay on B3, this is an upbeat closer. ...

Blue Heart Records artist: Chris Beard - Pass It On Down - New Release Review

By Bman - February 20, 2024

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Pass It On Down , by Chris Beard and it's a super set of blues, soul and R&B tracks. Opening with funky, Let The Chips Fall , with Brother Wilson on rhythm guitar, Marvin Parker on bass, Carlton Campbell on drums, John Tucker on keys and featuring Chris Beard on lead guitar and vocal. Hot opener. Rocker, Big Girl , has influence of Santana and the Isleys with a solid melody and vocals, a rich lead guitar solo by Beard and backing by Richard Rodolph on bass, Quinn Lawrence on horns, Jonathan Curry on keys and Duane Beard on backing vocals. One of my favorite tracks on the release is House Of Shame with slashing lead guitar work and deep vocal by Beard. Backing vocals by Mary Ellen Haden really add the right element and Parker's bass lines and tight drum work by Campbell make this one of the nicest tracks on the release. Strong bluesy R&B track, Son I Never Knew , has a real nice groove with Beard trading off...

Blue Heart Records artist: Willie J. Campbell - Be Cool - New Release Review

By Bman - January 26, 2024

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Be Cool , from Willie J. Campbell and it's really strong. Opening with You Better Let Go , Sugar Ray Rayford is upfront on lead vocal, with Willie J. Campbell on bass, Brooks Milgate on keys, Kid Ramos on guitar and Jimi Bott on drums. Ramos lays out a really nice guitar solo on this somewhat funky track, nicely complimented by Condron Hampton on congas. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Can't Stay Away , featuring Janiva Magness on lead vocal and Brian Templeton on backing vocal, as well as Anson Funderburgh showing exceptional finesse on guitar. Also appearing on this track are Mike Morgan and Shawn Pittman on guitars. Excellent! Templeton has the mic on Drone with it's droning bass line and features the harmonica wizardry of Jason Ricci. There's hardly a track that Ricci contributes to that I don't think that he improves substantially so this is another of my favorites. another Texas styl...

Blue Heart Records artist: Joel Astley - Seattle To Greaseland - New Release Review

By Bman - January 25, 2024

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Seattle To Greaseland , from Joel Astley , and it's smoking! Opening with R&B flavored, Born Cryin' features strong vocals by Joel Astley, over a firm bass line by Randy Bermudes, and June Core. Astley plays a mean harmonica as well, backed by Kid Andersen on keys and outrageous guitar work by Johnny Burgin. Strong opener. Jump track, Candy Shop really is peppy with Astley on lead vocal and hot keys solos by Andersen, guitar by Burgin and harmonica by Astley. Secondhand Kid is another track that allows Burgin to shine with his Texas style blues riffs over a great bass line by Bermudes. Astley really knows how to work the rhythm and his harmonica riffs cross over nicely between rock and blues. Very cool. Swinging, Takin' It With Me , really has a cool feel with a great melody and really nice harmonica work by Astley. Burgin really cuts loose on guitar never disappointing and Core gets the opportunity to rap...

Blue Heart Records artist: Mike Guldin - The Franklin Sessions - New Release Review

By Bman - December 29, 2023

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Franklin Sessions , from Mike Guldin and Rollin' and Tumblin' and it's a solid set of contemporary blues. Opening with The Franklin Shuffle , Mike Guldin leads the way on vocal and guitar, backed by Yates McKendree on drums, James Pennebaker on guitar, and David Santos on bass. With a nice guitar lope and sparkling piano work by Kevin, this track cuts a nice groove. With a nice soulful feel, The Right Thing finds The McCrary Sisters backing Guldin on vocals, Kevin on organ, Yates adding some real nice lap steel, Bill Sharrow on bass, Tim Hooper on piano and Billy Wear on drums. Very cool. Yates really shines on guitar on Blow Wind Blow with a super bass groove by Sharrow, and Wear on drums. Guldin on lead vocal and Kevin really getting the organ going makes this one of my favorites on the release. Smokin' Woman has a deep groove with Sharrow leading the way on bass. Guldin's vocals have just the r...

Blue Heart Records artist: Mike Bourne Band featuring Johnny Burgin - Crusin' Kansas City - New Release Review

By Bman - December 28, 2023

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Crusin' Kansas City , from Mike Bourne Band and it's straight up rockin' blues. Opening with laid back title track, Crusin' Kansas City with my man Johnny Burgin on guitar with Mike Bourne, Patrick Recob on bass, and Dave Creighton on organ. Cool opener. Swing track, Lose Your Rings, Keep Your Fingers features Bourne on lead vocal and beefy organ work by Creighton. Burgin steps up with his hot, stylistic guitar soloing giving the track real sting. Morganfield sound permeates, Hollow Man with John Paul Drum on harmonica and Bourne on vocal. Adam Hagerman on on drums and Recob on bass keep the bottom tight and understated slide work adds nicely to the set. Loose With The Truth is absolutely my favorite track on the release with real nice vocal work by Bourne, a featured trumpet solo by Greg Hopkins a cool sax solo and Johnny Burgin loose with some of the signature, blistering guitar work that makes him on...

Blue Heart Records artists: Arlen Roth and Jerry Jemmott - Super Soul Session! - New Release Review

By Bman - December 15, 2023

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Super Soul Session! , by Arlen Roth and Jerry Jemmott and its a cool updated, guitar super charged, soul package. Opening with soul favorite, I'm Just A Mortal Man , African vocalist, Mukamuri, is upfront on lead vocal with a super bass line by Jerry Jemmott and featuring some tasty riffs by "telecastermaster" Arlen Roth. On BB King's The Thrill Is Gone , Roth lays down sensuous guitar lead under the soulful vocal lead of Joe Louis Walker. Not just a regular cover of King's classic, Roth remakes the sinuses of the song giving it new vitality. Aretha's Chain of Fools maintains all of it's soulful swagger but nobody could ever tough her vocals so Roth takes the melody on guitar giving it a thorough rework and Jemmott rocks the bottom. This will get you moving. Mukamuri on lead vocal gives Dobie Gray's Drift Away new legs with solid lead vocal over the thumping bass lines of Jemmott and C...

Blue Heart Records artist: Grainne Duffy - Dirt Woman Blues - New Release Review

By Bman - December 11, 2023

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Dirt Woman Blues , from Grainne Duffy , and it's a healthy helping of blues, rock, soul, country and pop. Opening with blues rocker, Well Well Well , Ireland born, Grainne Duffy shows plenty of swagger on vocals, backed by Marc Ford on guitar and vocal, Paul Sherry on guitars, Elijah Ford on bass and JJ Johnson on drums. Upfront lead guitar by Marc Ford gives the track bite and along with Elijah's bass work and Johnson's tight drumming makes this a strong opener. Soul soaked, Running Back To You really is a showcase for Duffy with emotional vocal work, highlighted by a crisp guitar solo by Ford. Another soulful ballad, Hold On To You , is really strong with a memorable melody, strong vocals and plenty of feel, not unlike the music coming out of Muscle Shoals in the 70's. Very nice. Yes I Am turns up the heat on rock with a great bottom and driving guitar under strong vocals by Duffy. Wrapping the release i...

Blue Heart Records artist: Skylar Rogers - Among The Insanity - New Release Review

By Bman - August 08, 2023

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Among The Insanity, from Skylar Rogers and it's a soulful symphony. Opening with Love In The Left Lane , Skylar Rogers lays down a smokey, swamp funky track. Showing the way on lead vocal, backed by Teresa James and Terry Wilson on backing vocals, WG Snuffy Walden on guitar, Terry Wilson on bass, Bennett Salvay on keys, Brannen Temple on drums and Darrell Leonard on horns, this is a powerful opener. R&B ballad, One Last Kiss has a solid melody and really showcases the melodic strength of Rogers' vocals. This is easily the best radio track on this release. Soulful, Between Friends is another favorite with excellent lead vocal by Rogers, it's dark undertones and keyboard/horn harmony. Wrapping the release is another strong powerful vocal track, Apology Not Accepted , allowing Rogers great air to sing. With primary accompaniment by Salvay on keys and tasty guitar riffs by Walden, this is an excellent close...

Blue Heart Records artist: Sister Lucille - Tell The World - New Release Review

By Bman - August 03, 2023

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tell The World , from Sister Lucille, and it's a contemporary blues rocker with plenty of drive. On title track, Tell The World , Kimberly Dill on lead vocal sets the stage with excellent, wah soaked, guitar riffs by Jamie Holdren, Al Gamble on organ, Chris Stephenson on B3, Kevin Lyons on drums and Reed Smith Herron on bass. R&B influenced, Breakin' My Heart features Holdren on lead vocal laying down a funky rhythm and with a real nice solo making this a solid radio contender. Devil In A Red Suit has a more forward rock style featuring Holdren on lead vocal and a cool retro style. I particularly like Lyons' drum work and Holdren gets loose with some real nice riffs. Wrapping the release is up tempo two stepper, Soulful Dress and Dill really belts out with bluesy feel. Peter Climie on sax, Will Paladino on trumpet and Freedman Steorts on trombone add some real nice accent work on horns and Holdren's c...

Blue Heart Records artist: Teresa James - With A Little Help From Her Friends - New Release Review

By Bman - June 08, 2023

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, With A Little Help From Her Friends , from Teresa James and it's quite good. Everybody knows the Beatles songbook and many of their tracks have been covered but James has really done a nice job in reinterpreting this list of top tracks. Opening with Ticket To Ride , Teresa James shows all of the style that she's known for and with a Texas saunter and with a strong bottom by Terry Wilson on bass and Richard Millsap on drums, super keys by Kevin McKendree and excellent guitar riffs by Wilson. Don't Let Me Down was an excellent choice for this set. James' voice is made for it and McKendree on piano and organ really works nicely with Wilson on slide. Excellent. Oh Darlin' sets itself nicely as a blues ballad and pairing James' vocals with Yates McKendree on lead guitar really is stellar. Beautiful, You Won't See Me , is really an excellent choice with soulful vocals by James and just the right ble...

Blue Heart Records artist: Tomislav Goluban - 20 Years On The Road - New Release Review

By Bman - April 11, 2023

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, 20 Years On The Road, from Tomislav Goluban and it's chocked full of great blues harp. Opening with blues rocker, Express Ride, blues harp wiz Tomislav Goluban really has it cranking, backed by the Tobacco Road Blues Band (Peter Prammerdorfer on guitar, Mike Diwald on guitar, Christian Egger on bass and Klaus Sauli on drums. On shuffle, Searchin' For My Baby features Skylar Rogers on lead vocal and she does a real nice job. With Goluban on harmonica, Hrvoje Funda on guitar, Vid Kotarski on guitar, Jurica Leikauff on keys, Tomislav Kusar on bass and Dragutin Hojsak on drums, a real nice jam. With a twist of country, Ryan Donohue leads the way on No Means No. Mike Sponza and Funda on guitars, Vid Bajevic on trumpet, Mario Sincek on trombone, Damjan Grbac on bass, and Igor Vugrek compliment Goluban on harmonica. Another track with a taste of country is Speedin' Train featuring the super vocals of Teresa James. Golu...

Blue Heart Records artist: Dave Keyes - Rhythm Blues & Boogie - New Release Review

By Bman - February 16, 2023

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Rhythm Blues & Boogie by Dave Keyes and it's name says it all. Opening with Memphis flavored R&B on Shake Shake Shake on piano and lead vocal backed by Bernard Purdie on drums, Jeff Anderson on bass, and the power of Chris Eminizer on sax and Tim Quimette on trumpet. Solid opener. Another big swinger, Blues and Boogie has a little New Orleans spice and Keyes piano work shines again with power horns by Eminizer and Quimette and a real nice guitar solo by Early Times. Takin it to the street New Orleans style, Ain't Doing That No More has a great drum beat by Purdie and Eminizer and Quimette punch up the back. John Putnam on slide guitar really nails it and of course Keyes vocal and piano lead is terrific. Not Fighting Anymore is spiced up even more with a Latin beat by Pagano on drums and percussion adds backing vocals, with firm horn backing by Quimette and Eminizer and strong lead vocal by Keyes. David ...

Blue Heart Records artist: Lil' Red & The Rooster - Keep On! - New Release Review

By Bman - February 15, 2023

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Keep On! , from Lil' Red & The Rooster and it's a lot of fun. Opening with Cool Trap Boogie , the tempo is set by Felton Crews on bass and Kenny "Beedyeyes" Smith on drums and Jean-Marc Labbe' on bari sax really runs the groove. Jen "Lil Red" Milligan on lead vocals on vocal leads the way and Pascal "Rooster" Fouquet adds really nice guitar riffs. Solid opener. Billy Branch joins on Keep On Lovin You adding really nice harmonica lead and in duet with Jen on lead vocals. A laid back blues, gives Fouquet a real nice avenue to solo on guitar and his fluid lead runs really shine on this track. I love the tone that Fouquet gets on guitar on instrumental, Shakin' Em Up , with a strong bari sax support and great flair on solo by Labbe' over a cool rhythm by Crews and Smith, this is my favorite track on the release. Another favorite is Little Girl with Jen on lead vocal, it...

Search This Blog