Orenda Records artist: Dean Mucetti - Isolate//Integrate - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Isolate//Integrate, from Dean Mucetti and it's a cool funk soaked fusion release. Opening with Steps West, inspired by Coltrane's Giant Steps, has a firm, James Brown rhythm driven by Dean Mucetti and Miguel Ortiz on bass. Brian Hargrove on keys lays down the melody, joined by Dore Wallace and Jon Aparicio on guitars and Alex Williams on piano. Improvising over a central theme, a very cool jam. The Covid lockdown inspired, Licking Myself, referring to bandmembers licking their wounds from isolation. This track employs rhythmic and harmonic structure looping, expanded with an aggressive bass line and creative piano and keys interplay. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Got Lush based on Billy Strayhorn's Lush Life, with a straight up drum rhythm, overlaid with a funky bass line by Ortiz, funky guitar rhythms by Wallace and Aparicio and complex rhythmic interjections by Williams on piano and Hargrove on keys. This is a cool release with a lot of improv.

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Quailfied Records artist: Big Shoes - Fresh Tracks - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Fresh Tracks, from Big Shoes and it's cool, laid back, fun. Opening with I Got You Covered, Rick Huckaby on lead vocal really shows the band at it's radio friendly best. With a solid melody, cool vocals and paired with Will McFarlane and Kenne Cramer on guitar, Tom Szell on on bass, Mark T. Jordan on piano, Lynn Williams on drums and Bryan Brock on percussion this is a solid opener. Blending their blues rock feel with just a dash of country rhythm, If The Blues Was Green has a cool, two step feel. Huckaby's voice flexes nicely into this alternate style and country style guitar riffs flow nicely. Bluesy ballad, Roses are Blue has a strong melody and really has terrific radio potential. With it's warm vocal blending by Shaun Murphy and horn work by Dana Robbins on sax and Quentin Ware on trumpet, this track really does sing. Kicking things into high gear on I've Seen The Light, Jordan on piano and Williams on drums drive the train and Jordan and Huckaby's vocal really blend nicely. Drunk On Love is my favorite track on the release with it's Little Feat feel. Excellent melody, with a great swing and instrumentation is hard to beat. Robbins and Ware on horns and super vocals by Huckaby and Jordan really make this track something special. Wrapping the release is Dreaming Again, a warm pop track with a memorable melody. This release really is consistent with strong writing and execution. Very nice. 

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Blue Heart Records artist: Skylar Rogers - Among The Insanity - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Among The Insanity, from Skylar Rogers and it's a soulful symphony. Opening with Love In The Left Lane, Skylar Rogers lays down a smokey, swamp funky track. Showing the way on lead vocal, backed by Teresa James and Terry Wilson on backing vocals, WG Snuffy Walden on guitar, Terry Wilson on bass, Bennett Salvay on keys, Brannen Temple on drums and Darrell Leonard on horns, this is a powerful opener. R&B ballad, One Last Kiss has a solid melody and really showcases the melodic strength of Rogers' vocals. This is easily the best radio track on this release. Soulful, Between Friends is another favorite with excellent lead vocal by Rogers, it's dark undertones and keyboard/horn harmony. Wrapping the release is another strong powerful vocal track, Apology Not Accepted, allowing Rogers great air to sing. With primary accompaniment by Salvay on keys and tasty guitar riffs by Walden, this is an excellent closer for a solid release. 

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Blues Mountain Records artist: Big Harp George - Cut My Spirit Loose - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cut My Spirit Loose, by Big Harp George, and it's cooking! Opening with boogie track, It's Tuesday, George is firing on all cylinders. With Kid Andersen laying down signature guitar riffs and backed by Doug Rowan on bari sax, Michael Peloquin on sax and Mike Rinta on trombone the house is rocking. George on harmonica and lead vocals and joined by Chris Burns on keys, June Core on drums, Joe Kyle Jr. on bass and with Lisa Leuschner Andersen, James Dwayne and Walter Morgan on backing vocals, this is a great opener. With a real nice New Orleans beat, Bustin' Out is a strong instrumental led by George on harmonica, Jeff Lewis on trumpet Peloquin on sax, Rowan on bari and Rinta on tuba. This is punchy. Tight drum work by Core and bass by Kyle, and a sassy sax solo by Peloquin and a great trombone solo by Rinta makes this my favorite on the release. Jump Abu Lula! is another great track with George really harping out. D'Mar sets a great drum rhythm and Dwayne and Morgan's backing vocals really add spice. Slow blues, Behind The Eight Ball is another strong track with excellent lead vocals by George. Rhythmic piano by Burns and excellent guitar work by Andersen set the stage for a real healthy harmonica solo by George. Very nice. Take A Knee is another favorite with delta style guitar work by Andersen and rich backing vocals by Dwayne and Morgan behind the featured work of George. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Captain Jack, a warm ballad with George on lead vocal with  mostly piano and bass backing. This is really a strong release and one I recommend for blues lovers. 

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Blue Heart Records artist: Sister Lucille - Tell The World - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tell The World, from Sister Lucille, and it's a contemporary blues rocker with plenty of drive. On title track, Tell The World, Kimberly Dill on lead vocal sets the stage with excellent, wah soaked, guitar riffs by Jamie Holdren, Al Gamble on organ, Chris Stephenson on B3, Kevin Lyons on drums and Reed Smith Herron on bass. R&B influenced, Breakin' My Heart features Holdren on lead vocal laying down a funky rhythm and with a real nice solo making this a solid radio contender. Devil In A Red Suit has a more forward rock style featuring Holdren on lead vocal and a cool retro style. I particularly like  Lyons' drum work and Holdren gets loose with some real nice riffs. Wrapping the release is up tempo two stepper, Soulful Dress and Dill really belts out with bluesy feel. Peter Climie on sax, Will Paladino on trumpet and Freedman Steorts on trombone add some real nice accent work on horns and Holdren's country influenced guitar riffs make this my favorite track on the release and a strong closer. 

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House Blues artist: John Primer - Teardrops for Magic Slim - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Teardrops For Magic Slim, from John Primer and it's a strong blues release. Opening with JB Lenoir's classic, Mama Talk To Your Daughter, Primer on guitar and vocal really gets the house rocking. With Jon McDonald on 2nd guitar, Earl Howell on drums, Danny O'Connor on bass and Lenny Media on drums, this is an excellent opener. On Jimmy McCracklin's Every Night, Every Day, Primer slows the pace and grinds in this solid blues number. Primer has a real good voice for this style of blues and it also works well with his playing style. On shuffle, Ain't Doing Too Bad, Primer takes his guitar for a nice walk and fans Elmore James like riffs creating a nice groove. His soloing is fluid and tight. Elmore James' It Hurts Me Too is one of my favorite tracks on the release with Primer making the track his own. Yes, the tune is all Elmore but the riffs are all Primer. It's obvious that he's on his own train and even his slide playing that would fall into James' wheelhouse is all Primer. Shawn Holt, Slim's son even joins on this track contributing vocal and guitar. Very nice. Guitar Slim's terrific track, The Things I Used To Do is up next and Primer holds the traditional individual note note articulation but puts his own spin on when soloing. Another great addition to the release. Wrapping the release is Little Milton's The Blues Is Alright, with it's infectious blues vamp. Primer on vocal leads the way and the feel is Chicago all the way.  A great jam with plenty of guitar riffs, this is an strong closer for a solid tribute to Magic Slim. 

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Lightning In A Bottle Records artist: Johnny Wheels & The Swamp Donkeys - Keep On Pushin' - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Keep On Pushin', from Johnny Wheels & The Swamp Donkeys and it's a cool rocker with solid R&B and blues overtones. Opening with On The Run, a poppy R&B track features John "Wheels" Kennicott on lead vocal and harmonica, Brandon Logan on guitar and vocals and Taylor Frazier on bass along with full backing by LaRhonda Steele on vocal, Steve Kerin on keys, Jimi Bott on drums. With it's great melody and overall sound, this could easily pull good radio play. This Time is a cool, bluesy rocker with vocal blending by Kennicott and Kern and horn punctuation. Kennicott's vocals are gritty and Frazier's bass line anchor's the track. Logan lays down some real nice guitar riffs here but Kennicott's harmonica work is notable as well. My favorite track on the release is As Long As You're There with it's memorable melody, solid vocals and balanced guitar work, complimented nicely with horn and keyboard backing. If you like slide guitar (and I do) Logan gets some real nice tone on The Fall, a bluesy ballad with plenty of musical tension and when he opens it up, his chops are fine. Very cool. .Wrapping the release is title track, Time To Bail (Keep On Pushin') is a contemporary blues rocker with just the right soul and guitar riff. Kennicott's vocals carry the track nicely with a solid keyboard bass and with selective guitar accents. Solid closer. 

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Cleopatra Blues artist: Arthur Adams - Kick Up Some Dust - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Kick Up Some Dust, from Arthur Adams and it's super. Opening with It Makes Me Mad, a strong R&B style blues, Arthur Adams has a silky smooth voice and great blues hands. Backed by Hense Powell on keys, Lou Castro on bass, David Leach on percussion and James Gadson on drums, this is a terrific opener. Soulful, Hold On To Me is another showcase for Adam's voice with super phrasing and perfect guitar accents. With Freddie Washington on bass, Powell on keys and Greg Brown on drums, this is another strong track. Title track, Kick Up Some Dust, is a slick, instrumental with Adams leading the way on solo guitar. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Thieves Of Love with deep soulful groove and warm guitar articulation by Adams. Powell on keys, Washington on bass and James Gadson on drums really make it happen on this one. Wrapping the release is funky,  A Bag Of Soul with it's JG Watson or WW Washington kind of feel. Adams take his guitar for a nice instrumental stroll, backed by Powell, Brown and Washington. This really is a strong album with plenty of soulful funky blues. Eat up!

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Swordfish Records artist: Scott Ellison - Zero-2-Sixty - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Zero-2-Sixty from Scott Ellison and it's a cool mix or rock, R&B and blues. Opening with shuffle, She Needs A Whole Lotta Lovin', Scott Ellison on lead vocal and guitar gets this thing going. Backed by Jon Parris on bass, Robbie Armstrong and David Bernston on harmonica, this is a solid opener. On slow blues, That's How I Love My Woman, Ellison digs deep both vocally and on guitar making this a terrific track. With Parris on bass, Armstrong on drums and Danny Timms on B3 and piano, this is one of my favorites on the release. Another cool shuffle is You Can't Blame A Guy For Tryin' with a cool bass line by Matt Kohl, Matt Teegarden on drums, Hank Charles on piano and organ and great syncopation by Ellison on vocal and lead guitar. Soulful blues, Before The Teardrops Fell is a nice showcase for Ellison on vocals and his lead guitar chops are very nice. Piano soloing by Timms adds another dimension and Ron Morgan on bass and Armstrong on drums keep it tight. On loping swing track, Jenni Kat, Ellison takes his guitar chops for a walk and a real nice show he puts on. With a walking bass line by Kohl and Teegarden on drums, this is a super track. With a bit of funk, Soul Harbor has a definite strut. Parris and Armstrong set up a massive bottom and Ellison just rides the groove. Very cool. Wrapping the release is shuffle, You Can't Hurt Me No Mo' with tight guitar riffs against the back beat. Again the bass lines of Parris lay the groundwork and Ellison's guitar riffs really cook. This is a solid closer for a cool blues album. 

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The Weezil Malone Band - Desert Drive-In - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Desert Drive-In, from the Weezil Malone Band and it's a funky blues rockin' band. Opening with All Over Again, Larry Fitzgerald (Weezil Malone) on lead vocal and guitar lays down a rocking boogie with Dave Alves on bass and Karl Schantz on drums. These guys have a take no prisoners sound with plenty of grit. Children of the Night has a terrific rhythm set by Schantz and Alves and Fitzgerald on guitar and vocal leads the show. This really has the feel of early ZZ Top. If you haven't had the pleasure...this is where it's at... funky rockin' blues. Niiice! Whiskey has plenty of swagger with rowdy vocals and a solid blues rock guitar riff over the pounding bottom by Alves and Schantz. It's obvious that these guys mean business and just for reference, they make the stripped down blues rockers of today sound polished. That's the ticket. Rocking boogie, Take It Away, really will have you stomping your foot and Fitzgerald's is spot on with his vocals. Stretching just a bit on guitar gives the track a great punch making this my favorite track on the release. Wrapping the release is Enough Is Enough featuring Fitzgerald on slide guitar, backed by a Bo Diddley beat. This is a cool closer for a release that really deserves a listen.

 

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Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion - Living A Daydream - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Living A Daydream, by Miguel Espinoza Flamenco Fusion, and it's really enjoyable. Opening with Nagi Yate', Miguel Espinoza on guitar, opens with a beautiful intro, joined by Dianne Betkowski on cello and Andy Skellenger on tabla and Nabin Shrestha on tabla. Howard Levy on harmonica and piano really adds an additional dimension, joined by Randy Hoepker on bass, Mario Moreno on timbales, and Linda Richardson on castanets. Excellent opener. Zelda The Caterpillar Goes To Spain is another strong track featuring Espinoza on guitar really creating nice sonic depth. This track really is interesting. Levy on harmonica, Espinoza on guitar, Hoepker on bass and Skellenger really set a solid floor and Betkowski's solo cello work is rich, complimented nicely by the percussion of Mario Moreno. Wrapping the release is The Storm with has traditional Spanish rhythms. Espinoza's guitar work really is nice and I particularly love the cello work of Betkowski. Levy's piano is excellent and Moreno and Hoepker create a lively bottom complimented nicely by Skellenger on tabla. Excellent closer. 

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Slammin Media artist: David Deacon - Four - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Four, from David Deacon and it's a cool blues rocker. Opening with No Never Mind, David Deacon with his Leonard Cohen like vocals paces over a classic romping blues bass line with guitar, keys and drums. Cool opener. Rising Up Again has a smooth undertow with raspy vocals and jangly guitar work and solid vocal harmonies. Simplify has a simple ballad format but puts me in mind of a more melodic Roger Waters. With it's loose guitar work and floating guitar riffs, this track coasts along nicely. Wrapping the release is Waving Free with it's romping bass line. Deacon's vocals bounce along nicely, chased by playful guitar riffs giving the track an Dire Straits feel but a cooler presentation. This is a strong closer for an interesting release. 

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Outrageous 8 Records artist: Hollywood Paul Litteral - Legacy - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Legacy, by Hollywood Paul Litteral and it's light and has a great groove. Opening with Fathead Newman's, Hard Times, Paul Litteral on trumpet is surround by talent including Bill Bodine on bass, Michael Rosen on drums, Rocky Davis on keys, Sam Morgan on bari sax, and Colin Kupka on alto sax. Strong opener. On Harry Warren's There Will Never Be Another You, Litteral sets the lead on trumpet joined by Davis on keys. Angela Mae O'Neill is featured on lead vocal and does a great job. I particularly like Davis' piano improve on this track, backed by Bodine and Tony Pia on drums. The Eagles, Desparado, gets a real nice rework with Litteral on trumpet melody. With Marcy Vaj on violin and viola, Kevan Torfeh on cello, Bodine on bass, and Davis on keys, this is a new track rather than a stale remake. Wrapping the release is Billy Cobham's The Moon Ain't Made of Cheese which really has a nice feel. With Litteral on trumpet lead, Davis on keys, bass and drums, and Greg Kupka, a beautiful track and arrangement to close a solid set. 

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Solid Blues Records artist: JW-Jones - Everything Now - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Everything Now, by JW-Jones and it's a solid mix of blues, R&B, rock, and pop. Opening with title track, Everything Now, JW-Jones on lead vocal and guitar has penned a cool, pop rocker with a strong melody, featuring Stanton Moore on drums, Gordie Johnson on harmony, rhythm, bass and keys making this a super opener. Blues rocker, Papa's In The Pen has a cool rhythm and Jones' vocals are strong with a tight guitar solo pushing the track nicely. With Eric Eggleston on harmony vocal, rhythm guitar and percussion, Aaron Sterling on drums and Jeff Rogers on keys another solid entry. Shuffle track, Take Your Time features Jimmie Vaughan on guitar with his signature style, and includes Jason Corbiere on drums. My favorite track on the release is To Tell You The Truth (I Lied) with Jones' best vocal on the release and it's supple bluesy feel. Cutting loose on guitar Jones really gives this track an extra boost, joined by Jacob Clarke on bass, Eggleston on rhythm guitar and percussion, and Jesse O'Brien on keys. Very nice. Another favorite is R&B influenced, When You Left, with a real nice melody and with Kaz Kazanoff, John Mills and Al Gomez on horns working in support of Jones on vocal and guitar. Wrapping the release is rocker, Good To Be True, with a contagious melody and driving beat. JW has a solid rocker here with plenty of diversity and soul. 

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Tracy Nelson - Life Don't Miss Nobody - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Life Don't Miss Nobody, by Tracy Nelson and it's really good. Opening with Strange Things Happening Every Day, Tracy Nelson on vocal really gets things moving. Kevin McKendree on piano knows how to play a boogie and backed by John Gardner on drums, Byron House on bass, Mike Henderson on electric guitar, this is a great opener. With a Spanish taste, title track, Life Don't Miss Nobody features Nelson on lead vocal and Wurlitzer, with Mike Dysinger on congas and Guiro, House on bass, Larry Chaney on 12 string guitar and Cuatro and Steve Conn on piano and with the tight horn work of Jack Warner on sax, Dominique Caster on trumpet, and Chase Carpenter on trombone. Very nice. Willie Nelson steps up on Honky Tonkin' sharing the lead vocals with Nelson. Mickey Raphael adds some tasty harmonica lead melody and I particularly like Mike Johnson's contribution on steel guitar. One of my favorites on the release. Terry Hanck joins on Gene McDaniels' Compared To What. With Tracy on lead vocal and Hanck on vocal and sax, this track is great. Gardner and House set the rhythm and Steve Conn on piano seeds a great solo by Hanck. Excellent track. Chuck Berry's Brown Eyed Handsome Man gets a cool, New Orleans twist with Nelson surrounded by Irma Thomas, Marcia Ball, Dianne Davidson, Vickie Carrico, Larry Chaney and Reba Russell on complimentary vocals really giving the track a solid richness. Wrapping the release is Hard Times featuring Nelson alone on vocal and 12 string acoustic guitar. A pure traditional track, this is an excellent closer. 

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Blue House Records artist: Danny Liston - Everybody - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Everybody, by Danny Liston and it's a solid rocker.  Opening with title track, Everybody, Danny Liston on acoustic guitar and lead vocal is paired with Bekka Bramlett, and supported by Steve Potts on drums, Davy Smith on bass, Will McFarlane on guitar, Mark Narmore on piano, and Rick Steff on organ. With it's strong melody and tight craftsmanship, this is a strong radio candidate. Soulful, Real Man, is one of my favorites on the release, with excellent vocals by Liston and warm horn backing by Alan Branstetter on trumpet, and Brad Guin on sax. Very nice. Rocker, Goodbye Jack Daniels has a good hook that will have the crowd singing along. With it's Seeger like swagger and McFarlane's guitar riffs, this track hits the mark. Wrapping the release is A Change Has Come, a clever, 80's style pop track with lush backing vocals and a solid melody. A fitting close for this rocker.

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Gulf Coast Records artist: Joanna Connor - Best of Me - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Best of Me, by Joanna Connor and it's wild. Opening with funky blues number, House Rules, Connor dons her notorious slide guitar, accompanying herself on lead vocal, also featuring Josh Smith on guitar, and backed by a serious horn section of Fernando Castillo on trumpet and flugelhorn, Carlos Sosa on sax and flute, Raul Vallejo on trombone, together the Grooveline horns, Shaun Gotti Calloway on bass, Jason Edwards on drums, and Curtis Moore Jr on organ. Super opener. Title track, Best of Me, is a smooth, soulful, ballad featuring really nice vocal by Conner and nicely articulated lead work making hits an ideal radio track. I Lost You is another slow blues with excellent vocal and guitar lead by Conner, complimented by Dan Souvigny on rhythm and keys. Blues driver, Mercury Blues, really gets rolling with Conner pushing on vocal and letting the slide fly, joined by David Abbruzzese on drums. Very cool. Wrapping the release is blues rocker, Shine On with Gary Hoey joining on guitar and Jason Ricci joining on harmonica. With a really great beat, heavy riffs by Hoey, a driving bass line by Calloway and a tight drum bottom by Edwards, this is a solid closer to a real solid release. 

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