Bman's Blues Report

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Provogue Records artist: The Apocalypse Blues Review - New Release Review

By Bman - September 13, 2016

I just received the newest self titled release from The Apocalypse Blues Review and they have style. Opening with Evil Is As Evil Does , Ray "Rafer" Cerbone on lead vocal has a great rock voice backed by Tony "Big Tone" Rombola on guitar, Shannon "Apocalypse" Larkin on drums and Brian "Bassgod" Carpenter on bass. Junkie Hell is a smoking blues rocker with a solid bass lead and scorching guitar riffs. Devil Plays Stra t has a great bass undertone which sets up nicely with Rafer's Morrison like vocal phrasing, excellent drum work from Larkin and rowdy guitar work from Rombola. Possibly my favorite track on the release. With a cool driving bass line, Whiskey In My Coffee has a strong sense of I Been Down So Long with nicely peppered guitar riffs. With traces of Trower's ethereal guitar work and a bit of more contemporary rock, The Tower is a cool track with strong rock roots. Crossed Over seems to be based on Robert Johnson's Out...

Tongue 'N' Groove Records artist: Matthew Skoller - Blues Immigrant - New Release Review

By Bman - September 12, 2016

I just received the newest release (September 23, 2016), Blues Immigrant , from Matthew Skoller and it's a solid heaping cup of Chicago blues. Opening with Big Box Store Blues , Matthew Skoller takes the lead on vocal and harp backed by Johnny Iguana on keys, Giles Corey on guitars, Eddie Taylor Jr. on guitar, Felton Crews on bass,and Marc Wilson on drums. A smooth shuffle track, Skoller sets a solid line on vocal and has nice tone on harp. With of a rhumba beat, On The Devil Ain't Got No Music, Crews sets a real nice bass line and Skoller gives the harp a nice workout. Title track, Blues Immigrant , has a definite hook for radio play and Iguana's keyboard work along with the standard blues guitar rhythm keeps the instrumentation low key but nicely highlights Skoller's vocals with warm backing by Mike Avery and Stevie Robinson. Another Latin influenced track, Only In The Blues , is really smooth with stylized guitar work and blended vocals ultimately highlighting t...

Elrob Music artist: Little Mike and the Tornadoes - How Long? - New Releae Review

By Bman - September 08, 2016

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, How Long? , from Little Mike and the Tornadoes and it's hot! Opening with Cotton Mouth , a red hot blues stomper, Little Mike is cooking. (Head's up Stilladog) A screaming hot harp off, this track is a terrific opener featuring Mike on harp, Cam Robb on drums, Dave Sweet on drums, Troy Nahumko on guitar, John Edelman on guitar, Joe Fontenot on bass, Ken Stearns on bass and guitar and Mitch Margold on B3. Title track, J.B. Lenoir's How Long? , is up next with a super groove. With it's stylistic guitar solo, tight piano lines and solid vocals this track is great. Quick paced, Smokin' , is right down the Chicago blues lane. Bobby Timmons, Moanin' , is a classic with great swing. With call by Nahumko on guitar this track opens strong and Mike takes the reins with really nice harp riffs, punctuated by snappy drum work. Cool shuffle track, When My Baby Left Me , is good solid blues music. Mike, Troy, John an...

Ruf Records artist: Ina Forsman - Self Titled - New Release Review

By Bman - September 07, 2016

I just received the newest release, a self titled debut from Ina Forsman and it's terrific! Opening with Hanging Loose , Ina Forsman hits the road running with a solid and powerful, almost indescribable voice. Joined by Laura Chavez and Derek O'Brien on guitars, stellar piano work by Nick Connolly on keys, Russell Jackson on bass Tommy Taylor on drums and Mark Kazanoff on sax, John Mills on bari, Al Gomez on trumpet and Aaron Kazanoff on trumpet this is a solid opener. On Pretty Messed Up you hear solid sounds of the 60's R&B scene and Forsman sings like a star. Showing total confidence and composure, this girl can perform. With a cool piano opening by Connolly, Bubbly Kisses , eases up with a bit of 40' style mystery. Forsman's voice is intoxicating and with subtle nuance and outright power she commands your attention. Backing vocals by Alice Spencer, Tommy Taylor, Nick Connolly and Mark Kazanoff with sassy trumpet work by Al Gomez sets this track up nicel...

Cleopatra Records artist: Todd Rundgren - An Evening With Todd Rundgren - CD/DVD - New Release Review

By Bman - September 05, 2016

I just received the newest release, An Evening With Todd Rundgren , from Todd Rundgren and it captures the master of blue eyed soul in concert at the Ridgefield Playhouse in Ridgefield, CT on December 15, 2015. Todd opens with one of his best know tracks, I Saw The Light , from early in his career and it is a fine opener. Blasting right into Love Of The Common Man with John Ferenzik on keys, Jesse Gress on guitar, Prairie Prince on drums and Kasim Sulton on bass. Early rocker, Open My Eyes really gets the crowd rocking and Todd rips a hot solo to conclude the track. Todd and the crew hit a lot of the top tracks from his 25 release career including titles from at least 15 releases. Something/Everything I Saw The Light Black Maria Couldn't I Just Tell You Faithful Love Of The Common Man Black and White Nazz Open My Eyes Hello It's Me A Wizard A True Star Sometimes I Don't Know What To Feel Soul Medley: I'm So Proud, Ooh Baby Baby, I Want You S...

Dechamp Records artist: JJ Thames - Raw Sugar - New Release Review

By Bman - September 04, 2016

I just received the newest release, Raw Sugar, from JJ Thames and it's rich. Following on the coattails of her spectacular release Tell You What I Know Thames keeps it rolling. Opening with Oh Lord , a simple spiritual blues, the instrumentation is kept to a minimum with Joe Seamons on acoustic guitar and backing vocal and Ben Hunter on mandolin surrounded by a wealth of warm vocals. Hattie Pearl kicks into high gear with Darryl Sanford on rockin piano and with Kimble Funchess on trumpet, Jessie Primer III on sax and Robert Lamkin on trombone. Shuffle track, I'm Leavin' features Eddie Cotton Jr. on guitar and Thames is really moving with Anthony Daniels on bass, John Blackmon on drums and Sanford on keys. Leftovers is a funky, jazz pop track with a strong bass line by Daniels. Thames' vocals are well blended and the melody is radio bound. Bluesy, Woman Scorned , sets a real nice stage with Cotton playing a smoking opener. Thames's delivery is powerful and...

Stony Plain Records - Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters - Maxwell Street - New Release Review

By Bman - September 01, 2016

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (September 9, 2016), Maxwell Street , from Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters and it's a scorcher! Opening with Mother Angel , a tight jazz influenced number featuring Ronnie Earl and Nicholas Tabarias on guitar, Lorne Entress on drums, Dave Limina on keys and Jim Mouradian on bass. Slow blues, Elegy For A Bluesman is one of many beautifully executed tracks on this release. With subtle bottom and really nice piano and B3 by Limina, Earl takes it front and center with lush melodic guitar lead. Excellent! In Memory of T-Bone is a strong, T-Bone Walker "modeled" blues track with Earl interpreting T-Bone Walker's style and phrasing. With just a wisp of bass and drums and a carrier tune of keys, Earl just flat out plays the melody in fine style. Excellent! Diane Blue joins the mix for original track, Kismet , showing why she is the go to girl on many blues release. Her vocals are clean and powerful and a good...

Harpo Records artist: Backtrack Blues Band - Way Back Home - New Release Review

By Bman - August 31, 2016

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Way Back Home , from the Backtrack Blues Band and it's solid. Opening with Going to Eleuthera , a snappy shuffle, Sonny Charles leads the way on lead vocals and Kid Royal is hot on his heels on lead guitar. Rounding out the troupe is Little Johnny Walter on rhythm guitar, Joe Bencomo on drums and Stick Davis on bass. Victor Wainwright is featured on piano and does a real nice job and Charles really makes his harp sing. Nice opener. On Tell Your Daddy , the band sets a funky dance groove with a boogaloo bass line. Breaking into a smooth shuffle Royal plays it like a stud and the deal is on. Breaking back, Charles brings his harp to the forefront with great tone. Shoot My Rooster has a real nice blues lope with Charles' harp on call and Royal's guitar on response. One of my favorite tracks on the release, this track features super piano work by Wainwright in the mix with Royal and Charles. Excellent. Sonny Boy Wi...

Big Legal Mess artist: Robert Finley - Age Don't Mean A Thing - New Release Review

By Bman - August 30, 2016

I just received the newest release, Age Don't Mean A Thing , from Robert Finley and it's a powerful new soul release. Opening with high stepping Memphis groove, I Just Want To Tell You , Robert Finley wastes no time establishing that his talent far exceeds his professional experience. An extremely soulful vocalist, Finley traveled north to Memphis to work with members of the Bo-Keys. Players include a who’s who of the Memphis soul scene including drummer Howard Grimes (Al Green, Otis Clay, Syl Johnson, OV Wright), Marc Franklin (Bobby “Blue” Bland), Jimbo Mathus (Elvis Costello), Al Gamble (St. Paul & The Broken Bones, the Hold Steady, Alex Chilton), Kirk Smothers (Jim Lauderdale, Buddy Guy), Reba Russell (U2, BB King), Harold Thomas (James Carr) and Daunielle Hill (Solomon Burke). With full soul backing vocals and Al Gamble's B3 rolling this is a great opener. On title track, Age Don't Mean A Thing , Finley really sings with gut wrenching authority. This track...

Rounder Records artist: Bobby Rush - Porcupine Meat - New Release Review

By Bman - August 29, 2016

I just received the newest release (September 16, 2016), Porcupine Meat, from Bobby Rush and it's a mover. Opening with I Don't Want Nobody Hanging Around , Bobby Rush has a high steppin funky opener featuring a cooking horn section, great bass lines and of course some fine harp work. With a smooth R&B feel, title track, Porcupine Meat , is a real cruiser with Vasti Jackson laying down some tight riffs on guitar over a solid bass line. Very cool. Slow blues number, Got Me Accused , really gives Rush the opportunity to show his deep blues roots. With his soulful vocals and crying harp playing, this track is heavy. Again the strong bass lines really anchor the track and salted lightly with guitar, this track is smokin. R&B track, Snake In The Grass , has strong radio play sound with a catchy hook and a solid beat. Funky track, Funk o' de Funk , has really super bass line and the funk is so deep you can smell it. Punched up horns, keyboard and nicely placed harp ...

Sweetspot Records artist: Al Basile - Mid-Century Modern - New release review

By Bman - August 26, 2016

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Mid-Century Modern , from Al Basile and he's spot on. Sporting a who's who of musicians, Basile mixes blues, funk, rock and jazz for a real Mid-Century experience. Opening with Keep Your Love , Where's My Money , a slick new Orleans style track with a cool back beat, Basile and his crew, Rich Lataille, Duke Robillard, Bruce Bears, Doug James, Monster Mike Welch, Mark Teixeira and Brad Hallen set the club scene nicely. Basile sets a real nice table on cornet, complimenting his vocals and super stylized piano by Bears makes this track sing. Funky, Like You or Despise You , has a cool trumpet vamp by Jeff "Doc" Channonhouse and over a nice bass line by Hallen, Basile lays out a really cool cornet riff and Monster Mike's guitar work is slick. On Midnight Blue Persuasion , a straight R&B groove, Basile presents some of the top vocals on the release. This track has a real nice feel, like R&B from t...

Hwy11 Records artist: Sunday Wilde - Blueberries and Grits - New Release Review

By Bman - August 25, 2016

I just received the newest release, Blueberries and Grits , from Sunday Wilde and it's sassy. Opening with New Orleans flavored, Show Me A Man , Wilde's trademark vocal style and piano finesse blends nicely with the trumpet work of Roger Reupert and backed by Sturgis Nikides on dobro, Reno Jack on bass, Rickey "Quicksand" Martin on drums. Latin spiced, Early In The Morning , a Louis Jordan track, is one of my favorite tracks with April Mae on washboard and Dave Fecca on acoustic guitar. Momma's Drinkin's Done has traditional boogie lines featuring strong vocals blanketed in Reupert's trumpet and Wilde's own piano work. Simple rocker, That Man Drives Me Mad , has primitive roots with Mandy Lemons on backing vocals. Billy Earheart's Cottage Pump Organ teamed with Wilde's piano work gives it an interesting sound blended with pop punk phrasing. Radio style track, Too Many Troubles , has a catchy melody and features some nice acoustic guitar wo...

Jaxon Records artist: Little Boys Blue - Tennissippi - New Release Review

By Bman - August 24, 2016

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tennissippi , from Little Boys Blue and it's quite good. Opening with title track, Tennissippi , singer/harp player, JD Taylor leads a tall strutting blues rocker joined by Tyler Goodson and Brad Webb on super slide guitar, Alex Taylor on lead and rhythm guitar, Dave Mallard on bass, Mark Brooks on drums and Dave Thomas on keys. Super opener. On Lights On , the band has a cool New Orleans style funk (think I Was In The Right Place), with a cool wah wah rhythm and nice horn backing from Ken Waters on trumpet and Bad Brad Guin on sax. Thomas takes a real nice ride on his B3 giving the track a warmer feel. Very nice! Rocker, Pack It Up Baby , is driven by a Mallards' bass work, complimented by a smoking harp solo by Taylor, Alex and Goodson's guitar solos and a super sax solo by Guin. Shuffle track, If I'd A Known , has a nice groove with some tasty guitar work by Alex and Tyler as well as nice B3 solo and a...

Provogue Records artist: Gary Hoey - Dust & Bones - New Release Review

By Bman - August 23, 2016

I just received the newest release, Dust & Bones , from Gary Hoey , and it's cool. Opening with blues power rocker, Boxcar Blues you get a strong taste of Hoey with a blend of Zep and Paul Rogers. Hoey leads the charge on electric slide and vocal backed by Matt Scurfield on drums and AJ Pappas. Strong. Next up is Who's Your Daddy , a fleet shuffle with the guitar finesse of Skynyrd's,I Know A Little, and driving boogie riffs on bass and drums. Very nice. Born To Love You has the strong drive that I associate with Foghat or Procol Harem blended with ZZ Top rocker. With a great rock style and fluid guitar runs, this disc smokes. Slowing things down a bit, title track, Dust & Bones , has more of a 90's rock feel with ballad like lines and clean guitar melody. Steamroller is a tribute to Johnny Winter with a driving drum and bass line under Hoey on slide (think Mean Town Blues). Solid blues rocker! Lita Ford shares the mic with Hoey on ballad, Coming Home . A w...

Bluzpik Media Group artist: Kat Riggins - Blues Revival - New Release Review

By Bman - August 22, 2016

I just received the newest release, Blues Revival , from Kat Riggins and she has pure soul. Opening with Now I See (Ooh Wee) , a R&B number with a bit of a James Brown feel, Riggins balances nicely on vocals with Darrell Raines on keys and guitar, some really sweet bass lines from George Caldwell and Doc Allison on drums. Soulful, Good Girl Blue s, has a swampy, lumbering feel with a sensitive bass line and expressive guitar riffs. Riggins' vocal pharsing is smooth and rich. Slow blues number, Wail Away , opens with a nice guitar intro by Raines and Riggins really opens up vocally encouraging Raines to lay it out. Very nice. Shuffle track, Queen Bee , is a solid blues with a cool, low key solo by Raines on guitar. R&B track, Murphy's Law has the hook and melody to be a pop or blues radio track. With it's walking bass line, Music Fiend , has a real nice pace. With just a touch of jazz, this track kicks a groove. After the traditional Let It Shine in simple verse...

Severn Records Sets October 7 Release Date for "Seeing Is Believing," New CD from Acclaimed Sugar Ray & the Bluetones

By Bman - August 18, 2016

Severn Records Sets October 7 Release Date for Seeing Is Believing , New CD from Acclaimed Sugar Ray & the Bluetones ANNAPOLIS, MD – Severn Records announces an October 7 release date for Seeing Is Believing , the new CD from the acclaimed Sugar Ray & the Bluetones. Seeing Is Believing is the band’s seventh album for Severn Records and follows their highly-successful 2014 CD, Living Tear to Tear , which garnered them seven Blues Music Award nominations, including “Best Band,” plus individual nominations for Sugar Ray as “Traditional Male Blues Artist” and “Instrumentalist – Harmonica,” and a song nomination for “Things Could Be Worse.” At the most-recent Blues Music Awards in May, the group was again nominated for “Band of the Year,” as well as individual nominations for keyboardist Anthony Geraci, guitarist Monster Mike Welch and bassist Michael Mudcat Ward. Anthony Geraci’s album with The Boston Blues-All-Stars, Fifty Shades of Blue , received three additiona...

4th Annual Woodystock Blues/Rock Festival Returns to High Desert