Bman's Blues Report

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

B.B. King Centennial Sweepstakes Launches Featuring One-of-a-Kind Gibson Custom “Lucille”

Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation Launches B.B. King Centennial Sweepstakes Featuring One-of-a-Kind Gibson Custom “Lucille” Guitar

This Is The Last Week to Donate to Win Guitar Package & Support Music Education as B.B. King Centennial Tribute Continues

The Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation has announced a special fundraising sweepstakes honoring the life and legacy of B.B. King, timed to coincide with the release of B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100, the landmark centennial tribute curated by Joe Bonamassa in partnership with the B.B. King Estate. ORDER your copy of B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100 today. Donate to win this memorable prize package HERE.

At the center of the sweepstakes is an exceptionally rare, one-of-a-kind Gibson Custom Shop Lucille guitar, inspired by B.B. King’s iconic instrument and crafted exclusively for this moment. The sweepstakes has already raised more than $13,000 toward its $25,000 goal, with proceeds supporting the Foundation’s ongoing work funding music education programs, instruments, scholarships, and grants for schools across the United States. To learn more, please visit KeepingTheBluesAlive.org.

Only one Blue Sparkle Lucille Legacy model was ever made, making the guitar a museum-worthy collector’s piece. The instrument features a “How Blue Can You Get” Blue Sparkle finish, gold sparkle purfling along the headstock and body binding, and a polished brass pick guard engraved with the B.B. King Museum’s official “100 Years of B.B. King” graphic. The guitar includes a Certificate of Authenticity.

“This sweepstakes is about honoring B.B. King in a way that reflects what he stood for,” said representatives for the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation. “B.B. believed deeply in passing the music forward, and this is a tangible way to celebrate his centennial while directly supporting the next generation of musicians.”

The grand prize package includes:

One (1) B.B. King Lucille Legacy ES-355 Gibson Custom Guitar with hard case, signed by Joe Bonamassa
Two premium Joe Bonamassa concert tickets with a Meet & Greet voucher
B.B. King’s Blues Summit 100 double CD and triple vinyl package
“The King of the Blues” 100 Years commemorative pin

The total prize package value is $13,804.

A $25 donation earns 15 entries, with no limit on the number of entries per participant. No purchase or donation is required to enter, and free entry options are available through the official rules.

The sweepstakes runs through February 15, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
Since its founding, the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation has funded more than 800 music education projects, impacting over 136,000 students nationwide. The Foundation donates weekly to schools in need, providing instruments, supplies, and resources to sustain music programs that might otherwise disappear.

The sweepstakes serve as both a celebration of B.B. King’s enduring influence and a continuation of his lifelong commitment to education, mentorship, and keeping the blues alive for future generations.

For full sweepstakes details, official rules, and entry information, visit the Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation website at KeepingTheBluesAlive.org.

For more information, please contact Jon Bleicher at Prospect PR
[jon@prospectpr.com, 973.330.1711]

OA2 Records artist: Anna Kolchina - Reach For Tomorrow - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Reach For Tomorrow, by Anna Kolchina and it's hauntingly elegant. Opening with Schwartz and Dietz song, Dancing In The Dark, Soviet born, Anna Kolchina quietly controls your breath with her easy music gait. Accompanied by Ilya Lushtak, a beautiful opener. Peter Bernstein lends his cultured electric guitar work to Kolchina's vocals on Anthony Newley's Who Can I Turn To?. Sure footed and smooth, a very nice track. Jazz classic, All or Nothing At All, sung in understated poise, again backed by Bernstein on electric guitar is a solid addition. Romero Lubamo really adds flavor with his excellent Spanish guitar styling on Gilbert Becaud's french classic What Now My Love?. Holding to the standard, nicely done. Harry Barris' Wrap Your Trouble In Dreams is smoothly handled by Kolchina and really nice electric guitar soloing by Paul Bollenback really shines. Another elegant track is Johnny Mercer's Whistling Away The Dark with lush vocals by Kolchina and rich guitar work by Bollenback. Wrapping the release is Ella's Reach For Tomorrow. Paced down to simple tune, it has a simple luxury which well suits Kolchina's voice and Yotam Silberstein's fluid electric guitar soloing really dresses it nicely. Strong closer.

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Tuesday, February 10, 2026

Seismic Blues Music artist: Grant Lyle - And Now - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, And Now, from Grant Lyle, and it's bluesy, stylish and catchy. Opening with Won't Let You Go, Grant Lyle on vocal and guitar crafts a solid radio style with smooth vocals, active lead work and strong support from Scott Brammer on bass and Michael Sloski on drums. Another radio ready track, Lose It, has a slight country twist with super vocals and a mix of cool double stopped and bent lead work reinforced by Brammer on drums. Asylum features Roly Platt on harmonica and soulful vocals, give this track an interesting twist and Lyle's clean, straightforward guitar lead adds a gritty texture. Lyle's solid vocals are the key to title track, And Now with stylized guitar lead adorning the track nicely. Wrapping the release is Steve Winwood's classic rocker, Gimme Some Lovin' with Sloski really cranking up the drums, the addition of Rob Gusevs on keys, Jenna Harding and Pat Dickinson on backing vocals and real nice slide work by Lyle. Powerful closer.

Monday, February 9, 2026

Greg Nagy - Just A Little More Time - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Just A Little More Time, by Greg Nagy and it's straight up R&B flavored blues. Opening with title track, Just A Little More Time, Greg Nagy on lead vocal and guitar sets the pace with a solid radio track. With a strong melody, and nicely crafted backing this track is very nice. Featuring Josh Ford on rhythm guitar, John Barron on bass, Todd Glass on drums, Jim Alfredson on keys, Keith Kaminski on sax and Charlie Miller on trumpet, this is a solid opener. Breaking Me (but making me a better man) really has that blues telling feel but with R&B underpinnings, the track sounds very fresh. A clean guitar solo by Nagy over warm organ by Alfredson cements the deal. Bobby Murray's soulful track, Love Letter, really works nicely in the set with it's warm vocals by Nagy and clever guitar work by Bobby Murray and with James Hughes on sax, Jimmy Smith on trumpet and Matt Martinez on trombone. Tony Joe White's classic, Rainy Night In Georgia, is a terrific track and a great selection for Nagy with his rich vocals, backed by Miller, Kaminski, Alfredson, Glass and Barron. Very nice. Wrapping the release is John Lee Hooker's, I'm In The Mood, with a tempered attack. Nagy on vocal and guitar keeps the pace understated and Alfredson stretches nicely on organ. Nagy plays a tasty guitar solo of his own with Donny Brown on drums and Rocco Popielarski on bass closing out the set.

Friday, February 6, 2026

Big Jake Records artist: Paul Filipowicz - Breakwater - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Breakwater, from Paul Filipowicz and it's consistently strong. Opening with Tuff Girl, a driving blues number, Paul Filipowicz on vocal and lead guitar always comes at you guns blazing. His vocals are raw and real and his guitar playing is authentic and explosive. Backed by Steven Dougherty on drums and E.G. McDaniel on bass, this is a potent opener. Title track, Breakwater, has a lot of traits that I love about Mississippi Hill Country music with heavy drum beats by Dougherty, Jimmy Voegeli on organ and wailing, Buddy Guy like guitar wailing. Excellent! Another great track, Lefty Philips, is built around an old Sonny Boy Williamson riff with Martin Lang on harp. Filipowicz grinds out a great jam and with his trademark vibrato and backing from McDaniel and Dougherty. Ashes In The Wind has that great Hill Country drum rhythm emphasized by Dougherty and grinding guitar lead with vocal by Filipowicz. You want that honest, bone shaking, guttural blues...here you go! On Magic Sam's That's Why I'm Crying, Maggie Aliotta is featured on lead vocal giving Filipowicz plenty of space to focus on his riffs. With Voegeli on organ, Dougherty on drums and McDaniel on bass, Filipowicz plays some of his most refined guitar lead on the release. Wrapping the release is Rollcage, a real rocking romper featuring Filipowicz one last chance to show what makes him so great. I can't say enough how much pleasure it gives me when I see another of this guy's cd's come through the door. Real, honest, authentic.... terrific!

Thursday, February 5, 2026

ClayTone Music artist: John Clay - About Time - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, About Time, from John Clay and it's a cool slice of classic jazz. Opening with Fred Hersch's A Lark, Shunzo Ohno on trumpet and Matt Garrison on sax set the intro feeding to a playful melody by Enrique Haneine on piano. Sean Conly on bass really delivers on acoustic bass accompanied by Haneine and John Clay on drums. Very cool opener. Ruby Pucillo shows strong vocal work on Bob Hilliard's Alice In Wonderland. Set in 3/4 with Haneine, Conly and Clay anchoring, this really is a great showcase for Pucillo. Haneine takes a super stretch on piano and Conly's bass work is superb. Billy Drummond's Dubai is my favorite track on the release with dramatic lead work by Ohno and Garrison. Clay has just the right hand on drums giving Garrison a solid platform for his coolest sax solo on the release, Ohno's muted trumpet solo pressed by Haneine and Clay is really strong and Haneine hits gold on his piano solo. Very nice. Victor Young's (and Miles) Stella By Starlight is a terrific showcase for Ohno on trumpet with an excellent bass line by Conly and tight rhythm by Clay. I can't describe how important the accents by Haneine contribute to the track, under both Ohno and Garrison. Wrapping the release is Alan Pasqua's, My New Friend Old Friend, led of course by Haneine on piano. Another rich bass solo by Conly with crisp drum work by Clay makes for a strong closer.

Wednesday, February 4, 2026

Delmark artist: Jimmy Burns & Soul Message Band - Full Circle - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Full Circle, from Jimmy Burns & Soul Message Band, and it's chocked full of funky soul music. Opening with Express Yourself, written and made huge by Charles Wright & the Watts 103rd Street Rhythm Band back in the 70's, Jimmy Burns steps up and delivers the funk. Backed by Chris Foreman on B3, Greg Rockingham on drums, Lee Rothenberg on guitar, and featuring Steve Eisen on bari and Tenor saxes this is a red hot smoking opener. Jazz track, Ain't That Funk For You, a super groove by Albert Grey really gets that hard bop feel going with Featuring Greg Jung on sax and Foreman on B3 backed by Rockingham on drums. Excellent! Jimmy Burns had a hit in 65 with Chuck Colbert's Give Her To Me and he traces his steps with a soulful rendition here with super sax work by Eisen, warm B3 backing by Foreman and solid vocal backing by Typhanie Monique. Soul classic, Since I Fell For You, penned by Buddy Johnson in the 40's and making a big splash by Lenny Welch in the 60's , gets the full treatment here featuring Bradfield and Jung on saxes and Foreman on B3. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Where Does That Leave Me?, a smooth, R&B track with Foreman on organ and featuring Burns on lead vocal. Rothenberg adds nice rhythm guitar and Rockingham on drums keeps it tight for a solid closer. Very cool release.

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

Origin Records Artist: Mattias Svensson - Embrace - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Embrace, from Mattias Svensson and it's quiet and lush. Opening with My Toots Toots (For Toots), Bill Mays on piano frames the melody with light brush work by Morten Lund on drums, leading to an extended fluid bass solo by Mattias Svensson. Emphasizing the 3/4 timing on by Svensson and Lund, Mays mines the track with strong instincts with nicely placed accents by Lund. Solid opener. With it's contemplative feel, Erik Satir really gives Svensson a wide lane and his strong sense really plays out nicely on bass. Mays' piano punctuation comes more in the way of phrases expanding the track nicely interweaving with Svensson's continued lead. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Steps (Ahead) with it's contemporary melody, outlined by Mays on piano. Another solid lead by Svensson, with light cymbal work by Lund and framing by Mays helps to really spotlight this track. Mays rolls behind Svensson with a more bluesy exploration of the melody and with concise riffs by Lund caps off the track. Fast paced, Cheddar, pushed by Svensson and Lund gives the floor to Mays and he really runs with it. I particularly like the way Svensson drives the rhythm with his bass line, reinforced by Lund. Strong track. T'ai The Chi(T) Together, is a cool track with a great drum line by Lund. Svensson creates a flowing bass line that outlines just under the melody and Mays elaborates that melody on piano. Very cool track. Wrapping the release is cool, bluesy, Fredriksson 3 with a boppy bass line and Lund on tom toms. Svensson plucks some high register bass notes adding real contrast to this already cool track. Strong closer.

Monday, February 2, 2026

Delmark artist: Pierre Lacocque's Mississippi Heat - Don't Look Back - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Don't Look Back, from Pierre Lacocque's Mississippi Heat, and it's one of his best. Opening with You Ain't The Only One, Sheryl Youngblood really gets things going with powerful vocals, joined by Pierre Lacocque on harp, Giles Corey on lead guitar, Johnny Iguana on piano, John Kattke on keys, Brian Quinn on bass, Jason Edwards on drums, Marc Franklin on trumpet, Kirk Smothers on sax and Nanette Frank, Diane Madison and Mae Korn on backing vocals. Solid opener. On Chicago blues, Stepped Out Of Line, Inetta Vison and Daneshia Hamilton have the lead vocals and Lacocque really works the harp. Great piano work by Iguana, Corey on guitar, Kattke on keys, Big Mike Perez on bass, Edwards on drums, and Billy Flynn on guitar. This is a super entry. Youngblood is back up front on Can't Take It and with a great rumbling tempo and Fylnn and Corey ripping the lead guitar riffs Lacocque really get down on harp. Great track. Lacocque leads off shuffle, Champin' At The Bit and Youngblood vocals are rich and full. Lacocque shares the spotlight with Iguana and Flynn sets a real nice guitar solo anchored by Kenny Beedy Eyes Smith. Corey steps up with some really tasty slide work on Shiverin' Blues with excellent soulful vocals by Danielle Nicole. Warm B3 underlayment by Kattke and really nice harp work by Lacocque makes this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Hot rhythm on I Ain't Evil really sets the track off nicely for Youngblood on lead vocal with snappy drums by Tony Alexander on percussion and sweet stylized guitar riffs by Corey , super B3 work by Kattke and Quinn on bass. Wrapping the release is rocker, Four Steel Walls featuring Omar Coleman on lead vocal and harp and stinging guitar lead by Flynn and Corey, Smothers on sax, Alexander on percussion, Perez on bass, Iguanna on piano, and Marc Franklin on trumpet. Hot closer.

Thursday, January 29, 2026

Origin Records artist: Paul Ricci - The Path - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Path, by Paul Ricci and it's an interesting blend of contemporary and world jazz. Opening with Major Look, Steve Jordan on drums, Manolo Badrena on percussion and Anthony Jackson on contrabass guitar, set a funky rhythm and Paul Ricci lays down a smooth melody, contrasted by Michael Wolff on electric piano. Electrifying opener. Lobo is particularly enticing, featuring Malian singer, Abdoulaye Diabate and tight African rhythms by Jojo Kuo on drums, Ramon Echegeray, Arturo Prendez, Hugo Fattoruso on percussion, Jackson on contrabass, Hugo Fattoruso on clavinet, wild guitar lead by Ricci and super soprano sax by Jay Rodriguez. Excellent track. More contemporary in nature, Around The Block finds Ricci leading the way with fluid electric guitar lines, anchored by Jurim Moreira on drums and Fattorusso on piano and backed by aggressive bass lines by Anthony and Badrena and Valtinho Anastacio on percussion. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Down On 6th Street is a laid back track with rich guitar chords and lead by Ricci, and Boccato on drums. This release has a lot of variety with plenty of texture.

Wednesday, January 28, 2026

Levantine Music artist: Wanees Zarour - Silwan- New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Silwan, by Wanees Zarour and it's intriguing. Opening with title track, Silwan, Wanees Zarour on buzug crafts the melody with support of Andrew Lawrance on piano. Adding light drums and percussion are Nick Kabat and Tareq Rantisi. The track snaps into a contemporary western form with the addition of Byron Pardo on clarinet and Vinny Kabat on bass. The track gets a euro eastern twist on the solo by Pardo handing back to Zarour on buzuq and a lively modern eastern flavored melody. Strong opener. Autumn has a lush melody with a slight Spanish flavor. Zarour on oud crafts the melody with excellent harmonies by Pardo on sax and Catie Hickey on trombone. My favorite track on the release. Fig Tree has a warm, almost waltz like cadence with a warming trombone solo by Kickey and a really nice guitar solo by Samuel Mosching, contrasted with eastern notes by Pardo on clarinet and featuring a solid oud solo by Zarour. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Anthem with an almost classical intro, morphing into a funk poppy track with a strong spirit. Pardo on sax and Hickey on trombone exchange lead over an up tempo rhythm by Kabat and Mosching steps up with an excellent guitar lead that really shines. Lawrance on piano duels with Kabat on drums to a solid climax breaking back to a basal rudiment with Kabat, Rantisi and Zarour on oud creating a frenzied conclusion. Very nice set.

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

New Track by Woodstock and Brooklyn singer Alexis P Suter with the Band's Garth Hudson

New video from Alexis P Suter with Garth Hudson

Enjoy!

Francesca Prihasti - Beneath the Sun - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Beneath The Sun, by Francesca Prihasti and it's clean and flowing. Opening with In Between, Francesca Prihasti on piano sets the framework and melody for the track. With light drums by Mark Ferber the track has an interesting structure and Nic Vardanega's contribution on guitar stretches the track nicely underpinned by Drew Gress on bass. Solid opener. Reason and Will allows Prihasti space to outline the concept without firm boundaries with Gress and Ferber but melds into a more concrete rhythm statement piano lyrics and glistening guitar tones by Vardanega and excellent drum statements by Ferber. Till We Have Faces features Nick Brust on alto sax leading the way with excellent rhythms by Ferber. With a lightly funky rhythm by Gress and Ferber, Prihasti and Brust trade sympathetic solos. Wrapping the release is Fortitude, led off by a melodic statement by Brust on soprano sax and aggressive drum cadence by Ferber. Prihasti takes the lead with seamless piano lines, trading back to Brust who fades into a solid rhythm by Gress and Ferber. Solid closer.

Monday, January 26, 2026

Out of the Past Music artist: Steve Howell & Fats Kaplin - Know You From Old - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Know You From Old, by Steve Howell & Fats Kaplin and it's a great set of folk and blues tunes. Opening with Black Dog, a Kentucky Rag recorded by Bayless Rose features Steve Howell on vocal and guitar and Fats Kaplin on banjo. Excellent opener. Bugger Burns is a cool track recorded by John Lomax back in 1941. Howell on vocal and guitar with Kaplin on mandolin this is a very spry number. Blue Ridge Mountain Blues, made popular by Doc Watson fits this set nicely with Howell on vocal and guitar and honest fiddle harmony by Kaplin. Burl Ives' The Escape of Old John Webb about a jailbreak in 1730. A great story and some of Howell's vocals paired with Kaplin's fiddle makes for a great add. Shawneetown is a rich, folk track and Howell sings wide open with minimal guitar rhythm and excellent fiddle work by Kaplin. Very nice. Wrapping the release is a solid arrangement of Ellington's Mood Indigo. Handled with finesse and serenity, Kaplin crafts the melody on fiddle as Howell supplements the melodic basics. This is a very nice closer for a solid release.

Friday, January 23, 2026

Bijan Taghavi - Cactus Sessions - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cactus Sessions, by Bijan Taghavi and it's very straight forward and articulate. Opening with Jobim's, Wave, Bijan Taghavi shows poise and sense of space taking this Brazilian super hit, and restructuring it maintaining it's Bossa Nova skeleton but giving it a more classical jazz approach. Very nice. DePaul's, I'll Remember April, on the other hand gets a more aggressive rework with a up tempo rhythm and vibrant lead piano runs. Richard Rogers', Have You Met Miss Jones, gets a solid bop job and Taghavi really knows how to work the melody. His sense of time and rhythm really rock this track. Wrapping the release is another Jobim track, Desafinado, and Taghavi runs the gamut on this track. Opening with a Bossa style over ice, his direction is clear and concise. Warming into the track his approach loosens with a touch of boogie. Returning to a more classical closing, this is a cool journey. Solid release.

Thursday, January 22, 2026

Flying Horse Records artist: The Flying Horse Big Band - Unbridled: The Flying Horse Big Band Meets George Garzone - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Unbridled: The Flying Horse Big Band Meets George Garzone, from The Flying Horse Big Band and it's melodic and fully of power. Opening with John Coltrane's Giant Steps, George Garzone leads the way on vibrant tenor sax, and a Latin beat with Paul Van Wormer of lead alto, Leon Edge on clarinet, Edmund Quint Johnson V on sax, Fortunato Occhino on sax, Colin Urbina on bari sax and Jeff Rupert on sax, Alex Kastner, Joshua mercado, Robert Schmidt and Phebe Rich on trumpets, Daniel Tenbusch on piano, HNoah Charles on guitar, Carlos Barreto on bass, Max Terechenok on drums, Daniel Parrish, Samuel Dufresne, Gabe Funk and Benjamin Fuller on trombone. Solid interpretation and cool opener. Hot potato, Chasin' Tail is really moving with Johnson really kicking it on tenor sax. Full horns and kick ass drums by Jamesly Jean-Mary gives a meaty background making this one of my favorites on the release. It Gets Better is a real swinger with a fine sax solo by Jeff Rupert. This track has a great groove, understated horns, and nicely timed drums by Terechenok. Very nice. Wrapping the release is a pumped up Slide Hampton arranged take on Coltrane's Impressions. Driven by Clarence Penn on drums and a potent piano solo by Richard Drexler and featuring Garzone on sax, going out with blazing trumpet line.

Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Robert Top Thomas - One Morning Soon - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, One Morning Soon, by Robert Top Thomas and it's the real deal. Opening with Hey Mattie, with it's rockin' blues styling. Robert Top Thomas on lead vocal and guitar is supported by Dan Walters on piano and bass, Stephen Kampa on harmonica, Billy Dean and on percussion. Cool opener. Gator Jig is a cool rag track with strong finger picking by Thomas and Dean on percussion. Traditional Sugarbabe is super with Thomas accompanying his honest vocals with swift guitar finger picking. One of my favorites. Blind Willie McTell's Georgia Rag is another favorite with nicely executed finger picking and vibrant vocals by Thomas. Rev Gary Davis is always a favorite and Thomas' cover of his I Heard The Angels Singing is no exception. With some classic Davis riffs and soulful vocals, I really love this track. Katie McMahon's Take Me Back gets a bluesy cover and with deft finger work and solid vocals a cool addition. Wrapping the release is Mance Lipscomb's Texas Blues with super bass/drum reinforcement under Thomas' clean finger work and authentic singing style. This is a cool, contemporary blues release using original techniques sounding fresh and invigorating.