Bman's Blues Report

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Occupied , from Eric Jerardi and it's sopping with sweet soul sound. Opening with Do Right By Him , a super soulful track, Eric Jerardi shows his vocal chops over the solid horn work of the Muscle Shoals Horn section (Charles Rose - Trombone, Steve Herman - Trumpet, Doug Moffet - sax) and his own tasteful bluesy guitar riffs. Marie Lewey & Cindy Walker add vital, rich backing vocals over a solid bass by David Hood, piano by Clayton Ivey, Kelvin Holley on rhythm guitar and Milton Sledge on drums. Excellent opener. Jeff Healey's Don't Take It Personally maintains the R&B feel but leaning more to the blues rock styling, Jerardi shows a funky, wah wah guitar edge with soaring delivery. Very nice. Title track, Occupied , really has great bones with soulful vocals, a solid melody and great backing vocals, dressed with warm organ work and excellent blues guitar lead. Ultra funky, Never Let The Old Man In ,...