Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Gin House , from Wayne Nicholson and I really like it. Opening with Gin House Blues , Wayne Nicholson is upfront on vocal, joined by James Logan on guitar, Bruce Dixon on bass, Neil Robertson on drums, Kim Dunn on piano and Hammond, Bill Stephenson on grand piano, Tony Diteodoro on guitars, Steve Marriner on harmonica and guitars and Lisa MacDougall on backing vocals. This is raw energy focused in a strong blues rock package. With it's Robert Johnson like construction, Cream like attack and Stones like finesse, this is a solid opener.  Mother Earth Blues has a deep rock rhythm with a stiff rim shot by Robertson driving the train. Warm Hammond tones by Dunn and Logan's slide work fill the track with raw energy and Nicholson eggs it on. Jimmy Reed's Honest I Do , provides a solid platform for vocal duet by Nicholson and MacDougall. With Dunn on piano and Logan laying down Reed like riffs, this track is a cool br...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Elmore's Blues , from Wayne Nicholson & John Campbelljohn and it's a tight blues rock package. Opening with I May Be Wrong, a cool blues rocker, Nicholson has the mic with strong partnership with Campbelljohn on guitar, Bruce Dixon on bass, Neil Robertson on drums, Barry Cooke on piano and Kim Dunn on organ. Cool opener. On Elmore James classic, Standing at the Crossroads , Campbelljohn really digs in with his slide giving this track a great feel. If I Was Blue is a cool, original, bluesy, ballad showcasing Nicholson's vocals and showing a more bluesy side of Campbelljohn's guitar style. No Love In My Heart has a great Latin flavor with snappy percussion work from Robertson and great swing work by Campbelljohn. Another Elmore James track, Sinful Woman is one of my favorites on the release with just the right pace and nicely formed guitar runs. Shake Your Money Maker is a classic Elmore James song ...