Bman's Blues Report

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David Lumsden - Rooted In The Blues - New Release Review

By Bman - June 06, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Rooted In The Blues , by David Lumsden , and it's quite good. Opening with Chuck Berry style rocker, I Wouldn't Lay My Guitar Down , David Lumsden on lead vocal and guitar sets the pace and Ian Buschmann's bari sax work sets a nice bar. Joined by Tim Bahm on piano, Gary Davis on bass and Jim Engel on drums, a cool opener. Ruthless Boogie has a great groove with Lumsden hitting the pace on guitar and solid bass lines by Davis and relentless organ work by Bahn. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Hooked On Somethin' with it's slow boogie beat. I love these old style blues rockers and featuring Reggie Britton on lead vocal and with Lumsden paired with Davis on bass, this track smokes. Ode to Jimi AKA Slow Burn is a really cool instrumental really featuring Lumsden on Hendrix fused guitar riffs. This is a real solid track with cool clavinet work by Bahn. Wrapping the release is Everything Is Br...

Stony Plain Records artist: HOROJO Trio - Set The Record - New Release Review

By Bman - June 03, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Set The Record , from HOROJO Trio and I really like it. Opening with rocker, Man of Steel , lead vocalist Jeff Rogers who also plays keys leads the way, with well known guitar slinger JW-Jones on guitar and Jaime Holmes doing a great job on drums really get it ramped up. R&B track, Set The Record Straight has a lightly funky rhythm and the real richness of Rogers vocals shine through. Jones, who lead the vocal charge on his own solo releases and Holmes do a terrific job blending backing vocals making this a tight vocal effort. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Stay Crazy with it's soulful feel and terrific lead vocals. With it's radio melody and Jones tasty guitar riffs, this track is very nice. Another particularly strong track is The Night with has a terrific melody, strong lead vocal by Rogers who adds warm organ backing and includes a sweet guitar solo by Jones. Very nice. Contemporary blues r...

Soul Sound Records artist: Markey Blue Ric Latina Project - Jumpin' The Broom - New Release Review

By Bman - June 02, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Jumpin' The Broom , from Markey Blue Ric Latina Project and it's a cool mix of pop, soul and blues rock. Opening with shuffle, Bad For Real , Ric Latina on guitar, Randy Coleman on bass and Dave Northrup set a solid pace. Lead singer Markey Blue takes the reins and carries the melody. With a cool, low key bottom, Latina lays in some nice riffs making this a solid opener. With a more active, New Orleans style rhythm by Northrup and Coleman, and cool slide by Latina, Little Betty is my favorite track on the release with nicely styled vocal lead by Markey. Funky, Be With Me has a real nice feel with the addition of Chris West on horns and Markey really hitting the slot. Latina gets a nice opportunity to lay down a fluid lead solo and that really adds nicely. Latin flavored, Lowdown Voodoo Woman has a subtle rhythm and flowing vocal lead by Markey but hits the groove nicely and Latina's guitar work is really cl...

Bible & Tire Recording Company artist: Johnny Ray Daniels - Whatever You Need - New Release Review

By Bman - June 01, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Whatever You Need , from Johnny Ray Daniels , and it's solid blues, R&B, soul and gospel. Opening with title track, Whatever You Need , Johnny Ray Daniels' silky smooth voice leads the way. With potent backing vocals by Anthony "Amp" Daniels and Keamber Daniels, Johnny Ray on guitar, Will Sexton on guitar and piano, Matt Ross-Spang on guitar, Mark Edgar Stuart on bass, Will McCarley on drums and Rick Steff on Hammond, this is a great opener. With a driving strut, God Is Able , is up next and Johnny Ray has just the perfect feel to deliver the song. Often I feel it isn't just melodic strength but timing and feel that makes or breaks a track and Johnny Ray has it. Lord You've Been Good To Me has a grat call and response between Johnny Ray, Amp and Keamber, Their vocal blending is solid and the feel of the track is warm and inviting. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Church Get Ready w...

Digital Victrola Records artist: Andy Ostwald Trio - Field Guide - New Release Review

By Bman - May 31, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the debut release, Field Guide , by the Andy Ostwald Trio , and it's light and springy but with some tasty meat too. Opening with Sonar with it's bright melody, led by Ostwald on piano joined by Ravi Abcarian on bass and Bryan Bowman on drums. Abcarian and Bowman each get a chance to stretch on this solid opener. Nat Adderley's Sweet Emma is up next with it's soulful feel and great bluesy cadence. I particularly like Abcarian's bass solo on this number. Very nice. Forties pop, I Hear A Rhapsody has become a jazz standard and Ostwald has done a real nice job on interpretation on this one with an excellent bass solo by Abcarian and tight drum highlights by Bowman giving this track sparkle. Van Heusen's Like Someone in Love , is nicely presented with a 3/4 prime tempo driven by Ostwald, over crisp contrast by Bowman on brushes. Abcarian takes a real nice lead solo on bass, followed by Ostwald making this one of my favorite t...

Josh Hyde - Parish Blues - New Release Review

By Bman - May 27, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Parish Blues , from Josh Hyde and it presents a cool interpretation of modern blues. Opening with Where To Start , Josh Hyde on vocal and guitar shows his natural writing abilities with a strong melody and cool blues guitar riffs. Joined by Jamey Bell on drums, Jimmy Wallace on keys, Rockin Jake on harmonica, Shawn Stroope on bass and Derrek Phillips on percussion, this is a great opener. In a more traditional delta style, I Can't Leave The Night is very cool with a John Lee Hooker like approach to the blues. I really like this track. With a James Brown rhythm, Stuck In A Rut really shows ingenuity, blending that trademark sound with blues underpinnings. With keyboards, bass and drums under the vocal and tight guitar riffs, this is a very solid track. Wrapping the release is easy, radio track, So Sweet , with Hyde on lead vocal and guitar over light drums, bass and keys. This is a cool release with a taste of ...

Hyperspace Records artist: Star People - Black Tie & Tales - New Release Review

By Bman - May 26, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Black Tie & Tales , from Star People and it's an adventurous project. Opening with I, Starman , William Olland, Paul Gifford and Lorenza Ponce blend soft vocals over a predominantly keyboard backing by Scott Treibitz, creating a progressive kind of mix with solid violin contributions by Ponce, and with Randy Pratt on bass and Phil Weiss on drums. Pretty cool. Funky, "Queen of Space" has the melody and rhythm of a radio track with wide open guitar sound by Robert Dean and a jazzy piano solo by Treibitz. Electronic based. A Trillion Miles To Hollywood changes up the pace with electronic rhythms, synthesizers and vocals. Hot Blue Star rolls further into a rock genre with theatrical vocal presentation, and instrumentation. Hot guitar riffs by Dean and Jesse Berlin. A comprehensive theme running throughout this 2 cd set extends the aggressive soundtrack like nature of the release with solid drum rhythms b...

Stony Plain Records artist: The Duke Robillard Band - They Called It Rhythm & Blues - New Release Review

By Bman - May 25, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, They Called It Rhythm & Blues , by The Duke Robillard Band , and it's another stellar performance by the Duke and his crew. Opening with swing blues, Here I'm Is , Chris Cote on lead vocal really does a nice job with excellent fluid guitar lead by Robillard, and solid backing by Bruce Bears on keys, Marty Ballou on bass, Mark Teixeira on drums and Doug James on sax. Fools Are Getting Scarcer , James really does a great job stepping out on bari and tenor sax solos over a hot R&B feel. Excellent! Kim Wilson takes the lead on Tell Me Why with his trademark vocals and solid harmonica work. Robillard's guitar lead is impeccable and the band is solid. John Hammond is up front on Homeless Blues with his delta based vocal and playing style. I really like Hammond and am glad to see him on this release. With distinctive drum work by Teixeira and piano by Bears, this track is one of my favorites. Freddy King...

Van Der Linden Recordings artist: Mississippi Heat - Madeleine - New Release Review

By Bman - May 24, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Madeleine , from Mississippi Heat and it a packed solid with blues and blues drenched music. Opening with driving blues rocker, Silent Too Long , Brian Quinn on bass and Terrence Williams set the pace, with Giles Corey laying down some hot guitar riffs and great lead vocals by Carl Weathersby, B3 by Chris Cameron and excellent harmonica riffs by Pierre Lacocque. Solid opener. On Chicago style blues, Uninvited Guest , guitar master Lurrie Bell has the mic and lead guitar duties. With Kenny Smith on drums, this track sets up nicely to showcase Lacocque's harmonica mastery. Daneshia Hamilton really takes charge with excellent vocals on Ridin' On A Hit with backing vocals by Nanette Frank, Diane Madison and Mae Koen. With a super bass line by Quinn and strong harmonica work by Lacocque, this is one of my favorite tracks on the release. Michael Dotson gets the spotlight on Everybody Do Something with excellent vocals a...

Blue Heart Records artist: Bobby Gentilo - Gentilo - New Release Review

By Bman - May 23, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Gentilo , from Bobby Gentilo , and it's a solid blend of blues, rock, pop, soul and blues. Opening with Disease , a pop rocker this release is off to a good start with a great melody and rhythm along the lines of Eagles of Death Metal. With Bobby on lead vocal on vocal, bass, keys and guitar, and Jason Hoffheins on drums this is a cool opener. Soul soaked, Tell Me is another track with real commercial potential. Rich vocals by Bobby, B3 by Benjie Porecki, Hoffheins on drums, and Logan Kurtek on sax makes for one of those that sticks in your brain. Hoffheins lays down a snappy drum rhythm on Ghost and with Bobby on guitar and Porecki on keys, this track has the feel of an updated Hill Country blues. Very nice. Shifting gears, The Greatest , has a real R&B feel with smooth vocals and strong bass by Bobby and tight drum rhythms by Hoffheins. Slow blues, Treat Me So Mean is a nice track with blues roots. Bobby on guit...

Eliza Neals: Badder To The Bone - New Release Review

By Bman - May 20, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Badder To The Bone , from Eliza Neals and its a power blues rocker. Opening with United We Stand with heavy tom tom's on a Bo Diddley beat by Jeffrey Fowlkes and slide guitar by Michel Puwal, Neals is on a roll. On slow blues, Queen of the Nil e, Neals shows real soul on vocals, playing piano and taking names. Backed by Jason Kott on bass and Tim Grogan on drums, and featuring Lance Lopez laying down some excellent blues riffs on guitar and Peter Keys on B3, this is an excellent track. With a tango rhythm and nicely blended vocals, the stylistic guitar work of Puwal makes Bucket of Tears a real standout. Soulful, Heathen , drips with southern soul under the vocal control of Neals and with the thick B3 and piano work of John Gavin. Steve Winwood's Can't Find My Way Home is always great to hear and Neals puts her special touch on it with firm vocal lead and nice backing, topped with strong guitar lead work by...

Lateralize Records artist: Jo Harrop - The Heart Wants - New Release Review

By Bman - May 19, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Heart Wants , from Jo Harrop , and it's a really nice jazz/blues release. Opening with title track, The Heart Wants What The Heart Wants , British vocalist, Jo Harrop shows incredible poise, as she sings this blues filled track with crystal clarity. Her phrasing is remarkable, teamed up with the piano work of Hannah Vasanth and with cool trumpet highlights by Andy Davies, backed by Tony Kofi on sax, John Spanyol on trombone, Troy Miller on drums and Christian McBride on bass. Very nice. All Too Soon is a cool, easy pop track in jazz and carried only by the bass work of McBride, Harrop shows just how easily her vocals float effortlessly on air. Really nice. Another showcase for Harrop is soulful jazz tune, I Think You'd Better Go with only light acoustic guitar by Jamie McCredie. Brilliant! Jason Rebello on piano joins Harrop on blues number, Red May Janes & A Brand New Hat with Troy Miller on drums, Jihad...

Gulf Coast Records artist: Albert Castiglia - I Got Love - New Release Review

By Bman - May 18, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, I Got Love , from Albert Castiglia and it's a strong blues rocker. Opening with title track, I Got Love , Castiglia is upfront with solid vocals and his aggressive guitar style, backed by Justine Tompkins on bass, Lewis Stephens on keys and with power drumming from Ephraim Lowell. Sanctuary seems a natural for the radio track with it's memorable melody and restrained feel. Castiglia's vocals are real nice and his guitar riffs just right. Double Down is a really cool blues rocker with a James Brown beat and some really tasty guitar riffs. Whew! Pulling out the slide on shuffle, Long Haul Daddy , Castiglia really rips it. This is definitely one of my favorite tracks on the release and one that will leave you wanting more. Funky, Depression Blues will make you sweat with it's aggressive bass line and bottom and full out soloing by Castiglia. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Take My Name Out Of Your Mouth ...

Nola Blue Records artist: Trudy Lynn - Golden Girl - New Release Review

By Bman - May 17, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Golden Girl , from Trudy Lynn and I really like it. Opening with Tell Me and it's cool rhythm, Trudy Lynn really hits the road running lending no clues that she's reached that golden 75 mile marker. With the tasty guitar soloing of Yates McKendree, backing vocals of Teresa James, Brannen Temple on drums, Kevin McKendree on drums and Terry Wilson on bass this is a solid opener. Heavy footed If Your Phone Don't Ring , will have you slinking around in your seat and Lynn's vocals are really strong. Adding to the mix is Steve Krase on harmonica and real nice slide work by Yates. Boogie track, Trouble With Love is a grate addition featuring Anson Funderburgh on guitar, Krase on harmonica and strong low vocal backing by Wilson. Super. Funky, R&B style blues, Live With Yourself plays really well in Lynn's vocal wheelhouse and she drains every drop of soul out of this track. With horn backing by Darrell Le...

Westmont Records artist: Liz Terrell - It's All Right With Me - New Release Review

By Bman - May 12, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, It's All Right With Me , from Liz Terrell and it's solid and enjoyable. Opening with the Stylistics' People Make The World Go Round , vocalist Liz Terrell makes it her own with a certain richness. Breaking to a cool, Latin rhythm by Emre Kartari on drums and Chris Brydge on bass, this track sails. Eddie Williams on sax adds beautiful riffs over the piano work of Daniel Clarke on piano and Alan Parker on guitar. Very nice. The radiance of Terrell's voice is evident on Cole Porter's standard, Night and Day starting out in relative a capella style but breaking into a club style swing. Parker takes the lead and lays in really nice, fluid riffs on guitar over the tight drum work of Kartari before Terrell bursts back with powerful but understated vocal. Very cool. Monk's classic, Blue Monk is an excellent choice for this band with inventive soloing by Brydge, Parker, Williams, Clarke and of course lush ...

-Sandy Haley - Feels Like Freedom - New Release Review

By Bman - May 11, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Feels Like Freedom, from Sandy Haley , and it's a cool blend of blues, pop and rock. Opening with title track, Feels Like Freedom , vocalist, Sandy Haley gets into a contemporary pop rock groove, with the wailing sax work of Joe Sublett and Teddy Andreadis on keys, backed by pat McClure on guitar, Reggie mcBride on bass and Tony Brunagel on drums. Bluesy ballad, Love Me Right gives Haley the opportunity to dig in vocally, with tasty guitar riffs by McClure cool trumpet work by Les Lovitt with Nick Lane on trombone and piano by Jeff Paris. Funky, Run For Shelter adds another dimension with Cortes laying in a solid bottom, Andreadis on keys and Braunagel on drums. Wrapping the release is up tempo shuffle/boogie, Dirty Dog with the band really hitting the groove. With a snappy drum line by Braunagel, rock guitar riffs from McClure and Andreadis on harmonica, and backing vocals by Maxayn Lewis and Kudi...

BEL Records artist: Brent Laidler - Wouldn't Be Here Without You - New Release Review

By Bman - May 09, 2022

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Wouldn't Be Here Without You , from Bret Laidler and it's a cool eclectic mix of tunes with different yet interesting approaches. Opening with Keeping It Simple , a bossa soaked track, Brent Laidler on guitar is joined by Mark Buselli on trumpet, Ned Boyd on sax and flute, Jaime Newman on organ, Scott Pazera on bass and Richard Floyd on drums. Sunday Mood is a really cool boogie with a walking bass line and outstanding solos by Boyd on sax and Buselli on trumpet as well as a cool swinging guitar solo by Laidler. Very nice. Another Latin flavored track, City By The Bay , gives Boyd a nice opportunity to play a lush flute solo, followed by a lush organ solo by Newman and a nicely styled trumpet solo by Buselli before turning the mic over to Laidler who's warm, clear guitar tone and fluid runs ties back to the melody. Very cool. Laidler has the melody on Wouldn't Be Here Without You with Buselli on trumpet ...

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