Rachel and the Ruckus Song "Bounce" Wins COMBO Award

RACHEL & THE RUCKUS WIN COMBO AWARD FOR SINGLE, "BOUNCE" COMBO: Colorado Music Business Organization

Rachel & the Ruckus take home a COMBO  Award (short for Colorado Music Business Association) for their infectious single "Bounce", it was just announced.   The winners were chosen by a panel of five Colorado judges with strong ties to the music industry. As a result, "Bounce" will be included on an upcoming compilation album (CD) to be released by COMBO. Last year's COMBO winner compilation (along with the lyrics to each song) was sent to, among others, The Song Factory; Writer's Den Music Group; and Razor and Tie (Music Placement).   Herman's Hideaway in Denver will also present a special Songwriter's Night honoring the winners (Date TBA).   "Bounce" is culled from the band's critically-acclaimed self-titled 2014 album. The uptempo, catchy song showcases front-person Rachel Alena's soulful, country-tinged vocals that are highly reminiscent of tunes by contemporaries like Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood, and Miranda Lambert, to name a few. Listen closely and you may even hear strains of Beth Hart, Diana Fuchs, and Janiva Magness in Alena, who calls her music "Mile High Melodic Blues-Rock". "Bounce" is the follow-up to "Romeo", the latter described as 'Shakespeare with a Modern-Day twist".                      RACHEL & THE RUCKUS -  WHAT THE PRESS IS SAYING "With a catchy blend of bluesy rock and an emotionally simulating soul feel, Rachel & the Ruckus is a name gaining ever more familiarity around the Denver music scene."                                                  COLORADO MUSIC BUZZ "The Colorado-based Rachel & the Ruckus take a down-home and dirty sensibility and give it an irresistible rock 'n' roll backbeat, while (frontperson) Rachel Alena's full-throttle delivery gives the material that little extra push. Should have no problem finding their way onto most radio formats".                                                        ROCKWIRED  MAGAZINE "As bluesy and soulful as it is eclectic and catchy, Rachel & the Ruckus' debut, self-titled EP is a neat little collection of slick, radio-friendly tunes that should open plenty of doors for them". 100%  ROCK "Romeo is a fun introduction to the group, while 'Bounce' is a radio-friendly, uptempo offering". AXS.COM RACHEL & THE RUCKUS/UPCOMING SHOWS/SPECIAL EVENTS ITINERARY October 1 (Thur.)        YELLOW SCENE CARNIVAL              Longmont, CO October 2 (Fri.)           CALLYWOOD RADIO SHOW             Denver, CO October 3 (Sat.)          ZIGGIE'S                                          Denver, CO October 9 (Fri.)           BUFFALO ROSE                               Golden, CO November 6 (Fri.)       THE WATERLOO                              Louisville, CO November 13 (Fri.)     ROCKY MTN. ASSN. OF FAIRS          Layton, UT Nov. 27/28 (Fri./Sat.) SNAKE RIVER SALOON                     Keystone, CO                                                                    www.rachelandtheruckus.com                              https://www.facebook.com/rachelandtheruckus Join us on Facebook       Follow us on Twitter       Send us an Email

Stony Plain Records artist: Duke Robillard - The Acoustic Blues & Roots of Duke Robillard - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, The Acoustic Blues & Roots of Duke Robillard (September 25, 2015), by Duke Robillard and I personally think that's it's his best outing in years. This terrific exploration into American music begins with a sensitive acoustic guitar rendition of Stephen Fosters' My Old Kentucky Home. Very nice intro. Early blues track, Big Bill Broonzy's Big Bill Blues features Robillard on vocal and guitar and Matt McCabe on piano with just the right amount of swing. Very nice! Robillard original, I Miss My Baby In My Arms, has a really nice feel featuring Billy Novick on clarinet. His sensitivity on the stick contrasted against McCabes delicate piano work is perfect. Jimmie Rodger's, Jimmie's Texas Blues features Robillard on vocal (and yodeling), resonator and Mary Flowers on slide. An easy country blues track it has a very nice pace and warm feel. Novick is back on Robillard penned, Backyard Paradise, and it has a deliberate pace and Robillard's vocals are easy and smooth. Sunny Crownover takes the lead vocal on Robbie Robertson's waltz, Evangeline. With a pure earth feel, Robllard adds a number of stringed instruments and Jon Ross, the mandolin. Mary Flower on slide and Russell Gusetti on concertina give this track a real Appalachian feel. Excellent! Eric Moore's Left Handed is a solid blues number. Robillard's vocals are solid, acoustic guitar soloing is strong, McCabe hits a clear line on piano and Jerry Portnoy adds lush harp lines. Very cool! Eddie Miller's I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water has a more stripped down feel than what we customarily hear of this track and I really like it. Robillard's vocals are super and with only a uke rhythm and clean articulate acoustic soloing, it clearly stands out as one of the best of the release. There is also a cool solo on what sounds like a bowed bass. Very nice! Crowd favorite, I'm Gonna Buy Me A Dog (To Take Me The Place Of You), is another straight up blues number again featuring Portnoy on harp and McCabe on piano. Given a chance to take a nice walk, Portnoy does it with style. Nashville Blues is a vocal duet with Crownover and a bit of Piedmont guitar accompaniment. Mary Flower takes a real sweet lap slide solo on this number to close it out. WC Handy's Saint Louis Blues gets a real nice tribute with Novick on clarinet and Robillard on vocal. Robillard plays one of his coolest guitar solos on this number with simple and straight forward acoustic drive. Very cool! Hudson Whittaker's What Is It That Tastes Like Gravy? has a cool New Orleans sound with fine clarinet work by Novick. McCabe also takes the floor with strong, stylized piano riffs. Sleepy John Estes' Someday Baby (Trouble No More), keeps much of the primitive styling with Doug James on harp and Robillard on guitar and mandolin. One of my favorite tracks on the release, Hank Williams' Let's Turn Back The Years with traditional tex mex waltz like styling. Cool slide work from Flower and mando and guitar work by Robillard gives this track real traction. Robert Lockwood's Take A Little Walk With Me is a terrific track and McCabe really dresses the piano. Robillard's vocals work nicely with this track and placing electrifying acoustic guitar riffs throughout gives the track a more contemporary feel. Maria Muldaur takes the lead vocal on Santa Claus Blues and does an absolutely excellent job. Doug James on Bari and Dave Babcock on tenor really get this track swinging and Robillard plays some wonderfully wild jazz riffs along with Mark Teixeira on drums giving the track extra kick. Meade Lux Lewis' Profoundly Blue is a spectacular showcase for Robillard on acoustic guitar accompanied by Jay McShann on an extended piano solo. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Ukulele Swing featuring Robilard on a short little Uke ditty. This is a cool little track and a super conclusion to a very strong showing!

   

  Not from the release but a good example of the work:


 

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

Hollow Tree Records artist: Paul Winn - Live In New York City (DVD/CD) - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Live In New York City from Paul Winn and it's quite exciting. Opening with Look Around, a track with a interesting blend of 60's San Francisco and 70's England, tied together in a rock fusion. This track is a real mover with fluid jazz infused guitar work from Paul Winn, also a solid vocalist and thick meaty sax work from Adrian Cunningham joined by to active rhythm work of Simon Fishburn on drums and Neville L'Green on hot rumbling bass. Excellent! (Stilladog... you got to check this out...think a rocking IF). Everybody's Gotta Learn Sometime is a quieter, more introspective ballad. Winn has really rich guitar tone overall and it's a pleasure to just kick back and listen to his soloing. Understated bass work from L'Green and really tight drumming on this track nicely accentuate the lead vocal focus. Beat Ain't Messed With is a quick paced, blues based (One Way Out)track which is hot on it's soles but light on it's feet. Fishburn is really giving the drums a workout on this track and Cunningham lays an excellent sax lead out there followed by Winn. This is another awesome track...really! OK. You want the down side. Winn covers Eric Clapton's Lay Down Sally. The band does a fine job of covering it but it was a dead horse when Clapton rode it (here we go kicking the sacred cow). It's not my favorite but it probably made Clapton a few million. Down So Long is a cool swing blues with a walking bassline from L'Green. Winn carries the rhythm on his guitar as he sings (and he has a fine voice) but Cunningham really kicks butt on this track. (Stilladog...you listening?) Excellent! I Like A Drink is a quick little blues number with Winn accompanying his own vocal on minimal electric guitar. A cool little ditty with a jazzy side of the blues giving more dynamics to the remainder track. Nice. Wrapping the release is Leave It To Fate, a quick paced jazz rocker with strong percussive work from Fishburn and L'Green. Winn really does a nice job on vocals and Cunningham's sax work is rich and full. This track develops into a solid jam with both Cunningham and Winn taking exciting solos on their perspective instruments. Excellent closer!

   

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Earwig Music Company artist: Tommy McCoy - 25 Year Retrospective - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, 25 Year Retrospective, from Tommy McCoy and it's exceptional! Opening with The King Is Gone, a really nice tribute to BB King structured along the lines of The Thrill Is Gone. McCoy really does a nice job of capturing the spirit of BB and the band, with McCoy on vocal and guitar, Theodore Alexiou on guitar, Demetris Georgopoulos on bass, John Dinoulas on drums and Kostas Tenezos on harp is spot on. R&B track, I Got A Reason, has a light pop feel and features Babis Tsitivigos on sax. The Change Is In has more of a rock feel but maintaining a bit of R&B. Mark McCoy on bass, Calvin Cratic on guitar, John Street on keys and Pat Geoffrey on keys set a nice stage for a fine biting guitar solo from McCoy on guitar, nicely complimenting his vocal led melody. Blues driver, No Love Without Any Green, has a great rhythm line fed my Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton. McCoy rips a hot guitar solo on this track with a crisp drumming and solid bass. Tropical Depression, a soulful ballad, finds McCoys vocals floating on an easy melody by Mondo Bizarro onbass, Chaz Trippy on drums and John Street on drums. Ludella has a polished jazz rocker feel. Featuring William Harris Jr. on bass, Popcorn Chuck Louden on drums and Lucky Peterson on B3 this track it developes a nice solo shootout between Peterson on B3 and McCoy on guitar. Nice! Love n' Money is one of my favorite tracks on disc one featuring Shannon and Layton again plus Street. A guitar instrumental, this track gives McCoy a really nice opportunity to stretch on guitar and he takes the chance and doesn't waste a note. Excellent! Blues fused, They Killed That Man, features only McCoy on acoustic guitar and vocal with Ed Lanier on upright bass. Very expressive. Blues Thing has a bit of a Freddie King feel with Peterson on B3. This tracks is hot! A Man Who Cried has a R&B format with Harris Jr. on bass, Louden on drums and Peterson on B3. Bitter Soul To Heal is an absolute smoker! Featuring Harris Jr on bass, Popcorn on drums and Peterson on keys. Peterson and McCoy each take really nice solos on this track making an absolutely excellent blues number. Talkin' To Myself has a country 2 step feel featuring Chris Lomas on bass, Tony Baylis on drums and Fred Skidmore on keys. Nice changeup and a good rocker. Ace In The Hole has a bit of a funky feel with nice slide work from Jimmy Bennett. Mark McCoy hits the bass with Levon Helm on drums, Garth Hudson on B3 and George Triconi on piano and McCoy on vocal, guitar and mandolin. A definite Band influence with a cool solo from Hudson. Very nice! A quiet ballad, Angels Serenade wraps disc one with the same lineup but adding Anastasia on piano with it's waltz like tempo.



 Opening disc two is Little Feat's Spanish Moon with all of the complexity of Little Feat's original. McCoy on guitar and vocal is joined on guitar by Branson Welsh, Mark McCoy on bass, Levon Helm on drums, Garth Hudson on B3 Triconi on piano and Tim Eddy adding really full horn work. Excellent! Poverty has a Isley's feel with Ken West on Bass, Tony Coleman on drums, Street on keys, Charlie De Chant on hot sax and Larry Mergillano on trumpet. Angel On My Shoulder, Devil On My Back has a bit of a swampy sound with a super complex funky drum beat. Joel Tatangelo on slide, Al Razz on bass, Pug Baker on drums and Tim Heding on B3 really deliver on this track making it another favorite on the release. Guitar solos from McCoy and Tatangelo as well as super keys and hot drums make this track a smoker. Swing track, Black Eldorado Red kicks butt with nice piano work from Commander Cody. McCoy on guitar and vocal is complimented by Pat Bregan on guitar, Mike Chavers on bass on James Vernardo on drums. Hot! Lay My Demons Down, is a soulful track with gospel overtones. It's slow, smokey, feel accented by punchy guitar riffs from McCoy makes this one of the nice tracks on the release. With Harris Jr on bass, Popcorn on drums and Lucky Peterson on supple organ solo's, this is a definite must hear. Smokin! Late In The Lonely Night has a Robert Cray R&B bluesy feel and I personally think that may be the best showing of McCoy's vocals. McCoy's guitar riffs have more bite on this track joined by Razz on bass, Pug Baker on drums and Tim Heding on B3. Another super track this release just keeps piling them up. Ok...Pink Floyds Money, gets a jazzy makeover and I really like it. It has a definite Shannon/Layton feel joined by DeChant on sax. I have noticed a number of times during this recording the clarity and presence. DeChant's sax solo is a clear example and McCoys own guitar solo is hot! Excellent! Broke, You're A Joke is a funky track with a bit of country. Very cool blend. With Joel Brodsky on bass and Calvin Cratic on drums this is a tight little blues rocker. Tommy takes a break again on this disc with Sugar Cane for a solo acoustic number and a more rural feel. Simple, straight forward, nice! Language Of Love, kicked off by a hot drum riff by Dave Reinhardt on drums and Karen Caruthers and Karyn Denham on vocal, this track has a life of it's own. Featuring McCoy on some of his best lead vocals, Rob McDowell on bass and Karen Caruthers on piano this track has a really nice feel. McCoy rips a new one on his guitar solo setting you back in your seat. My Guitar Won't Play Nothin' But The Blues is a silky shuffle track with Razz on bass, Baker on drums and Heding on B3. With a few tempo changes the track speaks. Jive Dive has a blues feel but with a jazzy delivery. Featuring horns and Keys by Street and Brice Waibel on bass with Trippy on drums this track features some hot guitar riffs to compliment it's swagger. Cars, Bars and Guitars is a basic 12 bar number with only McCoy, Razz and Baker. With it's easy shuffle feel, McCoy lays some really nice riffs in the groove. Space Master, with it's funk overtones features Tatangelo on slide, Razz on bass, Baker on drums and Heding on B3. Tatangelo lays out a pretty nice slide solo and an extended drum solo from Baker and McCoy sews it shut with a ripping solo of his own. Very cool! Ray Charles' R&B track, Hey Now, really hits the groove. With Jimmy Bennett on rhythm guitar, Mark McCoy on bass, Levon Helm on drums, Garth Hudson on B3 and laying down a hot sax solo, George Triconi on piano and Tim Eddy on horns and of course McCoy singing his lungs out...and smokin guitar work, this is a super track! Wrapping the release is pop track, Blue Water Runs Deep, with Jimmy Bennett on rhythm and slide guitars, Mark McCoy on bass, Levon Helm on drums and George Triconi on piano. This is more calm track overall chosen for the closer but I will comment that McCoy's and Bennett's guitar work at the end is pretty solid. I really enjoyed reviewing this release and I suggest that you go out and get one to review for yourself. It's a good one!


 

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Forty Below Records artist: John Mayall - Find A Way To Care - New release Review

I just received the newest release, Find A Way To Care, from John Mayall and it has a real nice groove! Opening with Don Robey's Mother In Law Blues, Mayall leads the drive both vocally and with solid piano work. Mayall has been blazing the blues path for 50 years and this release sounds as fresh as his earliest work. A Chicago style harp solo from Mayall with only the most basic of rhythm addition from Rocky Athas on guitar, Greg Rzab on bass and Jay Davenport makes for a great opener. Percy Mayfield's The River's Invitation keeps a funky R&B feel with Mayall on keys and warm horn backing giving the track a certain "authentic" feel. Very nice! Ain't No Guarantees blends blues with jazz and rock with a classic Mayall sound. Mayall takes an extended organ solo on this track with a cool irregular drum rhythm by Davenport. Lightnin' Hopkins' I Feel So Bad, has a slightly different rhythmic twist but Mayall's vocals are compelling and his electric piano work blends micely with horn backing. Rocky Athas leads off title track, Find A Way To Care, with a slick guitar solo. A more melodic, radio style melody with traditional horn arrangements and a dance rhythm makes this track a strong contender for airplay. Muddy Waters' Long Distance Call, is a real cool interpretation of a Morganfield classic. Maintaining Morganfield's original certainty but adding the silkiness of an older man's eyes, Mayall delivers the track with Spann like piano work and vocal tenderness. Athas doesn't really step out on the track but does a really nice job of adding understated but meaningful guitar riffs to the blend. Excellent! Lee Baker's shuffle, I Want All My Money Back, is next up and Mayall's vocals are super. Backing himself on organ and with a stiff drum beat from Davenport, this track moves. Athus steps up on this track flaming off some really hot guitar riffs balanced out by Mayall on keys. Very cool! Ropes and Chains has an easy, melancholy feel with Mayall playing subtle harp riffs. Developing into a cool jazz driven blues with cool bass riffs from Rzab, Mayall and Athus trading riffs on harp and guitar,this may be my favorite track on the release. Charles Brown's classic blues track, Drifting Blues features Mayall on vocal and piano with only light bass and brushes. Mayall really does a nice job of bringing his piano work to the foreground on this track making it another favorite. Matt Schofields's War We Wage is a hot modern style blues/jazz track with scorching guitar work from Athus. Latin rhythms and British changes make this a track with surprises. Super! Wrapping the release is Crazy Lady, a cool piano boogie featuring Mayall playing old style. This is a terrific cut showing a genuine appreciation of the real boogie woogie piano styling and a great way to wrap the release.

 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Uniqek Sound Records artist: Clarence "The Blues Man" Turner - The Caster Blaster - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, The Caster Blaster, from Clarence "The Blues Man" Turner and its funky blues cool! Opening with a hot funky blues, Fame and Fortune, Turner shows his chops which venture from Albert to BB with cool bass work, also by Turner and a nice horn backing by Gene Meros on sax and Gary Hendrickson on trumpet. On Mojo Hand, David Satterwhite lays down a nice bass line and Turner stretches out some pretty funky blues riffs on guitar. Meros and Hendrickson are back on horn giving it a kind of Memphis sound and Turner's vocal phrasing reminds me a bit of Johnny Guitar. A real swinger, C.C. Rider, takes a different tempo than what is typically associated with this track with Hendrickson pushing the lead on trumpet amd Meros holding down the bottom. Charles Pearson adds some really fine key work with tight drumming from Sean Graves but it's the solo work of Saxman Meros and Turners guitar work that makes this track sing. Sabrena has a kind of Mississippi hill country voodoo sound that I really like. It's not just the eerie trumpet melody or the distorted guitar work or the subtle organ tension...it's everything! I love this track! Black Jack is a cool slow shuffle packed with horns and tight little guitar riffs. Nadine is a full ahead blues rocker along the lines of Mr Freddie King. Strong horn support from Meros and Hendrickson punch up the track and although I wish turners tone was a little fuller, I like his riffs. Pearson is back with some nice piano lines opening for Meros to blow a hole in it on sax. Satterwhitter is always awesome on bass! Fender Bender? is another track with a bit of a Freddie King feel but in a different way. Succulent guitar riffs on this track are what it's all about. Pearson steps up again on piano adding a really nice set of piano lines and Turner plays cleanup with another hot guitar solo with punchy horn backing. Really nice instrumental! Jimmy Reed style blues rocker, Happily Married Man, has a driving beat and well paced guitar riffs. Meros and Hendrickson stay tight and Sean Graves drives on drums. Hey Lady has an altered R&B style with a nice bass riff by Satterwhite. Meros lays down a mellow sax solo topping off the track. Willie Dixon's I'm Ready gets an electrified makeover with horns pushing. Turner lays out some pretty nice guitar work on this track without varying much from the original arrangement. Cool change of pace on a familiar track. Wrapping the release is Pay Day, a cool jazzy, funky blues track with a bit of that JG Watson feel. I like Hendrickson's trumpet work on this track balanced against Satterwhite's plucky bass work. A real nice finisher with hot riffs by Turner to close the deal.

   

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Smoky Greenwell's New Orleans Blues Jam - Live At The Old U.S. Mint - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Live At The Old U.S. Mint by Smoky Greenwell's New Orleans Blues Jam and it's a great jam! Opening with swinging harp track, Smoke Alarm, Greenwell and his band, Pete Bradish on drums, David Hyde on bass and Jack Kolb get the joint rocking with a hot instrumental. Bringing the tempo down a bit, My Own Blues Club is a solid 12 bard number with great harp tones and steady guitar riffs. Henry Mancini classic, Peter Gunn, gives Greenwell to step up with his tenor sax and play lead lead lines. With great heart and solid technique, Greenwell, backed by the driving rhythm of Hyde on bass whips it out. Mark Pentone and Kolb lay down some stylized guitar riffs as well. Very cool! Swing blues track, Power of Now, plays nicely into the hands of Greenwell on harp and vocals. Joined by Brandish and Pentone on vocal this track has a great feel! Mark Pentone takes the lead on Jodie with solid vocals and fleet fingered guitar riffs. Greenwood of course adds hot harp riffs maintaining clean balance. On I Earned The Right, the crew gets a rockin' blues feel a great walking bass line by Hyde. Smokin Chicago style with guitar and harp solos throughout. Between Iraq and a Hard Place uses a clever play on words on a Jimmy Reed style blues. With Bradish back on vocals Greenwood and Kolb each add cool riffs making this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Funky blues, Need A Friend, ventures into Albert King land rhythmically, Smoky teams up on a vocal duet, reinforcing his vocal with harp echo. Funky harp work with blues roots punctuate the track at every turn and another slick guitar solo on this track gives it an extra zing! Bruce "Sunpie" Barnes adds vocal and accordion to Love's Gone, a New Orleans flavored R&B track. What a great time for Smoky to break back out his sax to trade riffs with Sunpie on accordion. Driving guitar riffs pushed along by Sunpie's accordion add to a cool jam. Sunpie starts off another track, Leroy's Shuffle on accordion and vocal which really has a nice groove. Greenwood steps up with some of the best harp riffs since the opener trading with Sunpie. Kolb adds a bit of flash as well on guitar bringing the track back to TDC with solo's by Sunpie and Smoky. Wrapping the release is a stone boogie, Back To The Boogie, featuring twin lead harp and guitar. With a jam of over 6 minutes, Smoky and Kolb cover a lot of land with fluid riffs. Very nice!

   

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

Airtight Records artists: D'Mar & Gill - Take It Like That - New release review

I just received the newest release, Take It Like That, from D'Mar & Gill and it has a fresh, cool sound. Opening with I Fell In Love With The Blues, a catchy number with a cool walking bass line by Kid Andersen, Chris Gill leads on vocals and guitar and Aki Kumar adds in just the right amount of harp. Derrick D'Mar is tight on drums with cool piano work from Bob Welsh and nice backing vocals from Lisa Andersen. Back To Paradise has a real cool funky beat and an overdriven guitar feel putting me in mind of rhythm work by Mr Cooder himself. Very cool! Song For Honeyboy has a loose slide guitar rider following Gill's vocals and D'Mar creates a loose train feel on drums. A real nice guitar "duet" on slide with Kid Andersen sets this track off along the lines of a JJ Cale's Call Me The Breeze. Souvenir Of The Blues has a classic soulful blues feel. Gills vocals on this track are particularly expressive as are his guitar riffs. Jemmot's bass riffs hold the bottom nicely as Gill and Andersen lay down some real nice riffs. Excellent! Dancin' Girl has the feel of north Mississippi and it's raw blues form. One of my favorite tracks on the release it features cigar box slide and an echo distorted vocal with drums and simple bass. Very cool. You Never Know has a island (Taj Mahal) kind of feel with vocal, light guitar and drums. Soothing. Three Ways Inn has an "easy slung" blues tempo and a nicely crafted melody. A tight little guitar solo on this track plays well against Gill loose vocals. Must Be Love has a cool strut and a taste of new Orleans with nice piano riffs from Welsh. I am particular to Gills vocal style on this track and his clawing guitar style as well. Very cool! Take It Like That has a Latin rhythm and a Caribbean looseness thanks to D'mar. Interesting guitar riffs throughout give the track a different feel and a definite hip slip with smooth backing vocals by Lisa. Sweet Tooth is another track with a bit of Cooder in it. I am a Cooder fan and the general styling of this track takes me back to some of his much earlier works. Lonesome For Leavin' is a really nice blues grind with great acoustic slide guitar sounds. Possibly my favorite track on the release it has much of the characteristics of an old delta blues with lots of teeth and grit. Tore Down & Blue has an R&B/Reggae feel. I really like this track with it's fresh approach to blues/R&B with it's nicely stylized vocal and guitar work over a super groove by Jemmot and D'Mar. Wrapping the release is Since I Saw You, an easy pop ballad with a casual vocal line, a nice bass groove from Jemmot and Frankie Ramos on sax.

   

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

VizzTone Label Group artist: Mitch Woods - Jammin' On The High C's - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Jammin' On The High C's from Mitch Woods' Club 88 recorded live on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise and the talent was really flowing. Opening with Big Mamou, Woods, along with members of Roomful of Blues lays down a full tilt boogie. An excellent trumpet, sax and piano solos on this track make it an excellent opener. Next up is Tain't Nobody's Bizness with a stripped down swing. Victor Wainwright and Julia Magness join in giving a different feel vocally... and great piano work contribute to an excellent track. Classic rocker, Rip It Up features Tommy Castro and he really adds some great rockin' guitar riffs to Woods' piano and vocal talents. Backed by the Roomful of Blues horns this track rocks. Lucky Peterson is featured on vocals on Bright Lights Big City, maintaining much of Jimmy Reeds original feel. Breakin down with a little Zydeco, Dwayne Dopsie brings Jambalaya on accordion and vocal. Woods tickles the ivories adding a real nice touch. Billy Branch brings it on Eyesight To The Blind. A lot of real Chicago feel and great harp work are the key to this track. Nicely executed guitar additions and Woods on piano add to the overall blue feel. Boogie track, I Want You To Be My Baby features Popa Chubby on vocal. Woods does an excellent job of driving the boogie and soloing. Popa throws down some wicked rockabilly riffs on guitar making this track shine bright. Coco Montoya takes the lead on Rock Me Baby which has a bit more of a rock swing/boogie feel. He soloing is intermixed with Woods piano work and crisp. Victor Wainwright is back for a real doozie of a boogie, Wine Spo Dee O Dee. This is easily the shining piano track on the release. Woods holds tight on Broke as he sings the story and pushes the rhythm on piano. With audience participation, this track is a lot of fun. Branch and Montoya are back on Boom Boom. A more laid back swing than the Hook wrote it, Woods keeps the rhythm as Branch and Montoya solo. Popa Chubby is back on Wee Wee Hours and a nice easy boogie. Woods takes a particularly nice piano solo on this track giving way to Popa for a plucky guitar solo of his own. Wrapping the release is a hot, fast paced boogie, Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On featuring Dwayne Dopsie. Cool closer for a fun party release.

   

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 Not from this release:

The Bay Area's Blues Guitar Aficionado David M'ore Releases New Album Nov. 2015

The Bay Area's Blues Rock Guitar Aficionado David M'ore to Release New Album Nov. 2015 

 

"Passion, Soul & Fire"  

 

 

David M'ore

 

"High Octane Blues Rock that smolders with salacious bass grooves and really irresistible beats... Add a few portions of electrified sexually-fueled rhythm and blues with some smokin' guitar licks that spellbind the mind all the while creating mesmerizing sounds of Classic Rock. M'ore's throaty vocals reminisce of great soulful rock legends ala Billy Gibbons, Joe Cocker, Warren Haynes, and Ritchie Havens.

 

San Francisco, CA. - San Francisco's intrinsic Bluesman Guitarist David M'ore is thrilled to announce the release of his New Album "Passion, Soul and Fire" Coming Soon... 

 

A mystical guitar man from a bygone era, David M’ore arrived to L.A in the early 90’s committed to alter the musical scene. Club goers and musicians begin to talk about the new kid with the virtuoso aggressive guitar style, raspy vocals, and his high energy fueled Blues-Rock tunes.

 

David M’ore managed to take his guitar pyrotechnics to a different level of instrumental majesty. Performing on a custom made Strat carefully modified to his specs, M’ore demonstrates his acclaimed six string technique on both originals and cover tunes. “I love to pay tribute to those who influenced me. But at the same time I like to be true to who I am,” says M’ore, whose influences include Hendrix, Blackmore, Satriani, J. Winter, Gary Moore, Albert King, and other guitar monsters.

 

From the beginning, traditional Blues and British Neoclassical Hard Rock played a very important role in the evolution of David M’ore style.

 

Born in Argentina, he picked up an old guitar that his godfather bought him for his eighth birthday and immediately began to explore vintage records. “The aggressive sound of the guitar drove me emotionally insane,” David says. “I still listen to those old records from Johnny Winter. That’s where it all began." 

 

A born troubadour, Mr. M’ore moved frequently around the world as well as in the U.S.A before finally settling in Hollywood in 1990. After the separation of his band “Blind Hole” and refusing to accept the change of the grunge movement, he escaped to Sacramento in 1993 where he obtained a music award.

 

If you're a fan of excellent guitar playing, enjoy hard rock that strays towards the blues rather than heavy metal, then you'll cherish David M'ore's expressive and explosive guitar attack. David gives plenty of workout to his vibrato bar, and wah-wah with excellent results. If you are looking for Passion, Soul, and Fire this is it! David M'ore, a man and his guitar. Today you can hear his chops in the San Francisco area with his band.

 

 

A mystical Blues guitar player with virtuoso aggressive guitar style, raspy vocals, and his high energy fueled Blues

~ Rock tunes.

 

Low Rider ain't got nuthin' on this baby... tres hombres y'awl!!!"

~ Scott Thomas Editor Guitarz Forever.com

 

Hear the music from his last release:

"From the Other Side of the River"

via

Reverbnation (Streaming Music)

Web: 

Official Website

Facebook  

twitter 

 

YouTube: 

From The Other Side of The River

http://bit.ly/1hZ9Jn7

Going High
http://bit.ly/1UCv8V2

Right Back on You
http://bit.ly/1OAzeGe

The  Sun Ain't Shininghttp://bit.ly/1Q29kvq

New Zac Harmon video!

"LONG LIVE THE BLUES" - NEW VIDEO FROM ZAC HARMON Blind Pig Records has released a video of the Zac Harmon Band performing "Long Live The Blues," a track from their new Blind Pig album entitled Right Man Right Now that could become the anthem of the genre.  Zac is one of the blues’ strongest live performers, thrilling fans everywhere from Memphis to Mumbai.  Jazz Now said, “His show affirmed all the hoopla that surrounds those dubbed as the hottest new act… soulful vocals, breathtaking showmanship… His flashy guitar style belies the solid sound that he radiated on every tune, admirably backed by a fantastic band.” Harmon's distinctive style combines the best of old-school soul-blues artists with modern lyrics and themes that bring the blues into a new century. To watch the video, please click HERE.

VizzTone Label Group artists: Chris James & Patrick Rynn - Trouble Don't Last - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Trouble Don't Last, from Chris James and Patrick Rynn and it's a fresh look at Chicago style blues with a stripped down approach. Opening with Shameless, James leads off on guitar and lead vocal, Rynn on bass, Rob Stone on harp and June Core on drums. With it's quick steady pace, Stone and James each take real nice solos making this a great opener. Next up is Calvin Frazier's classic, Lilly Mae. James' vocals on this track are super and Aki Kumar shows why he is so requested as a guest harp player. Rynn drives this track on bass as Kumar and James solo. Excellent! Freddie King track, Lonesome Whistle Blues, (written by Toombs, Teat, Moore) is in full swing with Kumar and Stone trading riffs with James on vocal and guitar. Walking bass by Rynn and tight drumming by Core makes this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Digging down in the groove, Going Down To The Ocean, is another real smart track. James has both the vocal and guitar skills to carry off this type of stripped down feel and with only Rynn on bass and Core on drums, takes total command of the track. Complimented nicely by Kumar's excellent harp work, this track really grinds. Title track, Trouble Don't Last has a lighter, contemporary Piedmont style with Kumar adding to it's fresh feel. This track has that train feel without being driven by the harp but with a trace giving it a new approach and James' vocals being are manly but not heavy as associated with most more classic blues tracks. Very nice! An old Robert C Smith track, Don't Drive Me Away maintains a good track of it's Mississippi root without sounding like a cover. The stripped down nature of the band helps considerably in it's success as does James' particular guitar and vocal styling on this track. Uptempo blues track, Steady Goin' On, is a great harp rumble featuring Stone and Kumar. Solid foundation set by Core and Rynn gives James a great platform to throw down some of his best guitar work on the release, balancing the super harp duo. Excellent! One of the most compelling tracks on the release, A Good Idea At The Time, is strongly lyrical with rudimentary instrumentation. Stone adorns this simple track with pearls of harp and James dazzles the strings but it's the imagery that carries this track. Chicago track, Hard To Keep A Dollar, is a great story telling track with a bit of humor. Kumar has the harp on this track, getting great tone and James, Rynn and Core are musically tight. Wrapping the release is Sunnyland Slim's Roll, Tumble and Slip. With a Latin beat courtesy of Rynn and Core, the track has a cool uneven groove against the basic blues dynamics. Stone and Kumar both riff out on harp and Rynn really steps up on bass. This is a great closer for a fresh new Chicago sound release!

   

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 

American Showplace Music artist: Todd Wolfe Band - Long Road Back - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Long Road Back, from the Todd Wolfe Band and it's quite enjoyable. Opening with Poison, Wolfe picks up where he left off on his 2013 release, Miles To Go with a solid funky rock track and a cool hook. With his own fever pitched guitar work and backed by Roger Voss on drums, excellent key man, John Ginty on Hammond and Justine Gardner on bass this is a cool opener. On Mercy, Wolfe and Ginty blend instrumentally and backing vocals by Gardner and Voss warm up the mix. Blind Joe Reynolds track, Outside Woman Blues, made popular by the Cream during the British invasion makes an appearance on this track with quite a similar arrangement. I actually love this track so having Wolfe do a cover of it pleases me just fine. His vocals and guitar work are clean and the band is tight. Never Walk Alone has a real nice feel with a primary rhythmic theme under the vocal melody as well as hot guitar riffs and warm Hammond backing. Peace Unto You is an acoustic ballad that could easily make cross genre radio play. With nicely blended vocals, rhythmic acoustic guitar, easy acoustic slide and warm Hammond, this track is nice. Fire Me Up is a nicely written pop rocker with some pretty tasty guitar riffs. Straight forward rocker and title track, Long Road Back has a nice swagger and cool vocal duet on the lead vocal. Call and response guitar and vocal paired with bass and Hammond tied together with drums makes for a southern flavored rocker with a pinch of Mountain. Gone has a super swampy feel with Voss on tom tom leading the way. Ginty steps up leading into a more jazzy feel on Hammond and over aggressive bass work of Gardner, Wolfe lays out some of his hottest riffs on the release. Very cool! Gone is one of my favorites on the release with freewheeling slide work from Wolfe. A solid beat by Voss drives the track and Wolfe's vocals and rhythm guitar over Gardner make a cool delivery. One Shot is a power packed rocker with a lot of Hammond drive behind some of the best vocals on the release. Wolfe doesn't venture too far from TDC on this track but that makes for a rock solid rocker. Stephen Stills' Black Queen is full of fire, with a Leslie West attitude. I really like this track and Wolfe sells the track vocally. An adventurous guitar solo from Wolfe and punctuation by Ginty and Voss with a solid driver by Gardner makes this a choice track. Wrapping the release is an instrumental interlude, Hoodoo River, giving Wolfe a nice chance to jam. Gardner lays down some terrific bass lines driving the jam even higher and Ginty fits in to the mix like a glove. One of the quickest 8 plus minutes on tape this year.



 

If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”