Jordan Officer - I'm Free - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, I'm Free, from Jordan Officer and it's terrific! Opening with At Least I've Got The Blues, a cool walking, Thrill Is Gone like track, Officer talks his lyrics, not unlike one of my all time favorites, Roy Buchanan, and lets his guitar do the talking. His guitar knows exactly what to do with beautiful tone and unquestionable phrasing. Excellent! A Night Of Fun, is up next with a carnival kind of feel. Tony Mason on drums and Jeff Hill on bass balance out this track. With a cool light jazzy touch this is a bright player. Title track, I'm Free, is a nice slow T-Bone Walker style track with beautifully articulate guitar work. Charley Drayton on drums and Andy Hess just sit tight in the pocket as Officer shows how it is done. Brilliant! When We Were Just Two is a cool retro track with a Bo Diddley beat. Loose guitar work and rhythmic backing make this a cool track. I'm All Alone had a cool Roy Head like vamp with a minimalist backing allowing the guitar riffs to breathe easy. Stylistic rather than pyrotechnics rule this track. Very nice! Jackie's Tune is a slow bluesy instrumental. This track really has feeling with well thought out riffs and runs. Although not the most dynamic track on the release, it may be my favorite just due to it's overall mastery. Excellent! Two Will Do is a bebop track featuring Officer and Mason on a tight jam. Officer does sing a few bars but it's the slick fretboard mastery that really makes this track hum! Life Just Showed Me is exclusively electric guitar and vocal. A simply strong track with solid vocals and rich blues riffs. On classic, Ain't Nobody's Business, Officer slows it down a bit and does some of his best stylized vocals on the release. His masterful guitar accompaniment along with the drumming of Tony Mason show a true appreciation for the original track and also his personal interpretation of a well known classic. Very nice! Wrapping the release is one of those western tracks that I always look for. Hang 'Em High sticks rhythmically to a western line but Officer gives it a real modern bluesy spin. I like his spontaneity and insight. This is a truly unique release and one I feel deserves strong recognition.

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Sacred Cat Recordings artist: Nathan James - Hear Me Calling / Natural Born That Way - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Hear Me Calling (November 28, 2014), from Nathan James and it has a real nice feel. This release is actually two separate releases in one, the first, Hear Me Calling, was inspired by field recordings by Alan Lomax. The second, Natural Born This Way, more New Orleans, Swamp Pop and Down Home blues. Opening disc one is title track, Hear Me Calling, a stripped down blues track with harp and resonator guitar. Look Before I Leap puts me in mind of Brickyard Blues, an old track made popular by James Montgomery. Clean articulate resonator playing brings a nice life to this track. Piedmont style track, Still I Wanna Know, is a bright finger style acoustic guitar track with James on lead vocal. Very nice! A boogie track with a twist, Doing The Same To You, has a Latin flavor and a finger style break. Interesting mix. Baby Where Did You Go has very classic delta blues styling and honesty. Possibly my favorite track on disc one. Curley Weaver's No No Blues is done with a lot of authenticity including falsetto vocals and slippery slide resonator work. Very nice! Lonnie Johnson's She's Making Whoopie in Hell Tonight is a real classic with solid guitar riffs and slide techniques. Look Out Your Window has a much more modern sound but with classic blues riffs. With a boogie rhythm this track rolls along really nicely. Don't Believe What People Say has the solid classic delta styling and simple but clever guitar riffs. Opening with a train like harp solo, She Don't Make A Scene, has a real nice swing to it. It's obviously more modern take on the blues with contemporary vocal styling but incorporating resonator to play the more modern interpretations of the classic riffs is quite cool. Wrapping the first disc is I Know I've Got Religion, a traditional spiritual blues. James keeps solid time on the resonator and demonstrates some of his best vocals on disc one.

 Opening disc two with a classic Freddie Fender track, I'm Gonna Leave, a 50's styled shuffle, James on vocal and guitar make good time with Marty Dodson on drums, Troy Sandow on bass and some particularly cool key work from Carl Sonny Leyland. James throws down some classic trem bends on his stylized guitar solo. Look Out Your Window is a cool bluesy track with drone note guitar rhythm and James establishing firmly his solid vocal skills along with some pretty cool country influenced guitar riffs. Natural Born That Way has a modified Latin rhythm that is really cool. James' guitar attack on this track really sets it off and Dodson's drumming anchors it. Very nice! Look Before I Leap has a twist of New Orleans reinforced by the solid piano work of Leyland. This is a slick track with a catchy rhythm and melody. On Earl King track, Take You Back Home, James sets a strong R&B swing. Big Jon Atkinson sits in on rhythm guitar giving James a chance to really stretch his lead guitar chops on this track. Very cool! Doing The Same To You is another track with a strong New Orleans influence but with classic rag style breaks. Another slick guitar solo and then heavily stylized piano playing from Leyland sets this track apart. Long John Hunter's Ride With Me is a hard driver with Troy Sandow leading the way on bass. Leyland and James trade rhythm leads throughout but James steps on it with a frantic guitar solo and Leyland comes back with almost a Jerry Lee Lewis style on piano. Smokin! Another Earl King track, It Must Have Been Love, sets a strong R&B path with James doing some of his richest vocals on the release. He also steps up with some of the bluesiest guitar riffs on this release as well. On The 5 Royales' I'm Gonna Tell Them, a Bo Diddley rhythm and gospel influenced vocals (with Dodson and Sandow adding vocal harmonythis track rolls along nicely with an overall cool sound and slick stylized guitar work. Cow Pies is a really cool blues shuffle featuring Sandow on harp and James on slide. My favorite track on this side! Closing the release Don't Believe What People Say is a tight blues track along the lines of Rollin' and Tumblin' with a nice easy pace. Leyland on piano sets a nice background for James' vocal melody. This is a cool release with a number of different takes on the basic blues theme.

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The John Weeks Band - John Weeks Band - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, The John Weeks Band, by the John Weeks Band and it has a cool flavor. Opening with All Night, a laid back 12 bar number, Weeks on guitar and vocal, Andras "AC" Csapo on keys, Curtis Hawkins on bass and Tim "Chooch" Molinario on drums set the pace. Devil In My House has a bit more of a easy rock feel with Csapo on harp backing acoustic guitar and vocal by Weeks. Instrumental jump track Why Don't We Sleep On It, really kicks. Led by AC on harp and with a nice walking bass line by Hawkins, this track is built to spill. Weeks shows he knows his way up and down fretboard as he trades riffs with AC on harp. Very nice! How Can You Love Me settles down in a nice slow groove. Featuring cool organ work from AC, Weeks is back on lead vocal and quiet, steady guitar solo. I Want To Get Back Home has a definite rock beat with a taste of funk. AC steps up with fine lead harp work and Weeks plays some of his tastiest guitar riffs on the release. You Never Say What You Mean has a bluesy Latin feel, accented by Chooch's finesse on drums. AC takes a real nice organ ride on this track leading to a nice open solo from Weeks on guitar as well. Very nice! Wrapping the release is the funky Moving On. With Hawkins and Chooch setting the rhythm, Weeks lays down some of his nicest riffs and best tone on the release.

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Stony Plain Records artist: Billy Boy Arnold - The Blues Soul Of Billy Boy Arnold - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (October 21, 2014), The Blues Soul of Billy Boy Arnold, from Billy Boy Arnold and it's solid. Opening with R&B track Coal Man, Arnold leads the way on vocal with heavy support from Rich Lataille on sax, Mark Earley on sax and Doug Woolverton on trumpet. Hopping right on the harp on the intro of the classic I'd Rather Drink Muddy Water, Arnold plays this boogie out with slick guitar work from Duke Robillard and Bruce Bears who always shines on piano. Taking the last solo spot on the track Arnold rips out a nice one chased by Mark Teixeira on drums. You Give Me Nothing To Go On has a solid R&B feel with Robillard stepping up with a nice solo. Arnold hops on a cool solo of his own and Bears rolls high under the melody. 99 lbs., another R&B laden track is straight up rolling straight to the radio with it's hook. Joe Tex's A Mother's Prayer is a high stepper with warm backing vocals from Anita Suhanin and Jack Gauthier. On classic St. James Infirmary Arnold opens with a solitude harp solo, breaking into a smooth swing number. Arnold really has a relaxed vocal style on this track, complimented as Bears plays a really nice piano solo and Robillard some tight guitar riffs. Don't Set Me Free has a Latin rhythm and a tight fast paced night club sound with round backing vocals and full horn backing. Lataille lays down a really nice sax solo and the deep bottom is nicely complimented by Earley as Woolverton wraps the track with a hot trumpet riff. 12 bar blues number, What's On The Menu Mama, has a great blues feel and Arnold gets a nice groove going. Bears adds substantially throughout the track with great piano riffs and Robillard lays in a real nice guitar solo as well. My favorite track on the release, BB King's Worried Dream, is a perfect blend of Arnold on vocal and Robillard's guitar. Brad Hallen lays down just enough bass to cook this track and Robillard really digs deep creating that eye closing moment when you just sit back and groove. Very nice! Next up is Chuck Berry's Nadine. Holding much of Berry's original feel but with just a little bit more boogie, this is a cool track. Robillard also lays in a stylized Berry like riff closing the track. The classic, Work Song, seems a natural for this band with it's lineup. Arnold sings somewhat "naked" for a bit of the track but building backing as the track rolls. Bears takes a really nice jazzy solo first and as always his style is stellar. Robillard is up next and there's no questioning his unmistakable talent and taste. Very nice! Dance For Me has a basic Hooker form at it's core with raw vocals, uneven timing, stripped down harp and guitar. Very nice! Boogie track Ain't That Just Like A Woman really is the best track to feature bears on piano and he doesn't miss a second. Arnold does a real nice job on vocals and plays a loose harp solo on this track. Robillard spins a hot solo of his own bringing Arnold back to wrap it up on harp. Closing the release is well known, Keep On Rubbing, and Arnold delivers his vocals in a sly style with Robillard adding just the perfect riff to polish up the track. “Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

Lazy Brothers Records artist: Howard Glazer - Looking In The Mirror - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (October 21, 2014), Looking In The Mirror, from Howard Glazer. Opening with Midnight Postman, Glazer delivers on a funky R&B style number featuring a nice organ solo from Larry Marek and of course the fiery guitar works of Glazer. Stephanie Johnson and Maggie McCabe back Glazer on vocal joined by Chris Brown on bass and Charles David Stuart on drums. Broken Down Hotel Blues has a stagger step, broken drum riff start which I really like. A clever blues rocker, this track is all about the rhythm. Take Me Baby opens with a nice electric guitar solo with cool saturated amp sound. Marek really rides the keys and under vocals by Glazer and McCabe. All I Ever Wanted is an unusual track with a Frank Zappa like vocal bridge. Nicely phrased guitar riffs highlight this track with a cool drum rhythm under the bottom. Walking In Detroit is a cool 12 bar shuffle with McCabe and Glazer trading lead vocal parts. David Kocbus hits the note on trumpet topping off the track. One of my favorite tracks on the release, 7 plus minute Eviction Blues gets down and dirty with some really gritty guitar riffs. Feeling So Bad is basically a simple blues number with Glazer on vocal and resonator. Everybody loves the sound of a steel body guitar and Glazer knows how to make it sing. Very nice! Title track, Looking In The Mirror, is a bass driven number with a definite early British blues sense. A Rollin' and Tumblin' general feel and cool slide work makes this another of my favorites on the release. Wandering Trails has the sound of an early Leslie West composition (think Silver Papers) but with slide guitar work. Pushing The Limits enters Johnny Winter territory with it's driving beat and flaming slide work over a Chuch Berry like riff. McCabe and Johnson soften the track with backing vocals. Misunderstood The Devil has a definite back hill country swampy blues like feel. One of the most unusual tracks on the release, I like it's effects fueled guitar. Wrapping the track is Emergency, a city, experimental, raw, jazz influenced blues track featuring Glazer on loose guitar riffs and Tom Schmaltz on flute. Brown and Stuart hold the track together with a solid bottom giving Glazer and Schmaltz free reign to play. Interesting conclusion to an interesting release.

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Bluz Records Label artist: Lisa Mills - I'm Changing - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (October 21, 2014), I'm Changing, from Lisa Mills and it's stunning! Opening with Better Than This/ I Don't Need You Anymore, Mills opens up a quiet bluesy ballad. Her easy pace and confidence is quite becoming. Rick Hirsch lays in a really nice guitar solo joining Ian Jennings on bass and Jimmy Roebuck on drums. I Don't Want To Be Happy is a simple ballad with Mills accompanied by Jennings on bass, John Milham on drums and Corky Hughes on guitar. Mills really has a colorful voice and it is nicely on display here. I Need A Little Sunshine has a nice gospel like feel, with a twist of country and a pinch of island. Britt Meacham adds some nice soft melodic chorded soloing. Nice! Title track, I'm Changing, is a very solid ballad and beautifully written and executed track. Pat Murphy overlays a soft fiddle solo over Mills own accompaniment on acoustic guitar. Very nice! Eyes So Blue has cool island feel and Mills voice melds nicely into the rhythm. This is one of the strongest tracks on the release with definite radio potential. Shake It has a real nice 40's nightclub sound and although Mills holds her basic form her styling on this track is particularly nice. Hughes adds some nice slide work and Hirsch some cool baritone guitar riffs. Tell Me is Mills alone on vocal. This track, more than any other shows the confidence and warmth of Mills voice. A solid gospel like track, my favorite track on the release. Excellent! A classic, I Wish I Was In Heaven Sitting Down features a real nice bluesy take on the traditional track with Hughes on bottleneck slide resonator. Opening with a traditional delta styling and then moving to a more soulful feel. Another excellent track! Rain In The Summertime is a pure ballad which actually reminds me quite a bit of Joni Mitchell. Clean and pure. Take My Troubles has an easy R&B/reggae feel with an easy rhythm pace and clean soloing by Meacham. Another very nice track. The Truth has a bit of a European feel in construction but with almost civil war like drumming by TK Lively, the addition of banjo by Murphy and some obtuse guitar work by Hughes, the most experimental track on the release. Wrapping the release is Jimi Hendrix's classic Little Wing. Hughes plays a haunting slide guitar part below the easy vocal treatment by Mills. One of the coolest tracks to come out of the 60's era, this is a super interpretation of it with clever exchange between acoustic guitar and supersonic slide work as a compliment to Mills vocals. This is a particularly unusual release for my review and one that I quite enjoyed.

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Forty Below Records Announces October 27 Release Date for Gatefold Two-LP Vinyl Set of John Mayall's Acclaimed Latest Album, "A Special Life"

Forty Below Records Announces October 27 Release Date for Gatefold Two-LP Vinyl Set of John Mayall’s Acclaimed Latest Album, A Special Life

LOS ANGELES, CA – Forty Below Records announces an October 27 release date for the special gatefold two-LP vinyl set from the legendary “Godfather of British Blues,” John Mayall, of his universally-acclaimed album, A Special Life, distributed by Sony/RED. The new album was recorded last November at Entourage Studios in North Hollywood and was produced by Mayall, with co-production, engineering and mixing by Eric Corne. A Special Life also boasts original cover art and design created by John Mayall.

Reviews of A Special Life have been over-the-top and acknowledge Mayall’s lofty place in blues history. “After over a half-century of playing the blues, John Mayall is a genuine master, and he has certainly led A Special Life,” said Living Blues magazine. “I’d easily put this one among Mayall’s best efforts – and that includes Bluesbreakers with Eric Clapton, A Hard Road, and Blues From Laurel Canyon – so run, don’t walk, to your record store come release day for a copy of A Special Life,!” wrote About.com. And UK magazine, Uncut, summed up its review by stating the obvious: “Mayall delivers everything with utter conviction.”

The aptly-titled A Special Life serves as further testament to John Mayall’s boundless talent, vitality and ever-dynamic personality. Along with his accomplished band, he goes back to his roots on the new album with an eclectic mix of songs centered in the blues, but with diversions into rock and Americana.

John Mayall and his band recently completed an extensive tour of North America and Europe, with more dates to follow throughout the fall and winter. On the tour, as on the new album, he’s joined by Texas guitarist Rocky Athas and a Chicago-based rhythm section of Greg Rzab on bass and Jay Davenport on drums. The current band lineup came together five years ago for his last studio album, Tough, and has developed an amazing chemistry over the years through consistent touring both in the U.S. and around the world. Athas came on the recommendation of Mayall’s former guitarist Buddy Whittington, and quickly asserted himself as a major force in the band. After Rzab came onboard to play bass, he recommended Davenport for the drum spot and the group was complete.

Since 2009, the new, leaner four-piece lineup has given John more room to stretch out as an instrumentalist. After being invited to do a guest spot on Walter Trout’s latest album, John met engineer/producer Eric Corne. John was so impressed that he asked Eric to record his new album. Greg, Jay and Rocky flew in for the sessions which took less than a week to record and the end result is one of John's best albums ever, with its deep devotion to blues and roots music. Accordion legend C.J. Chenier makes a powerhouse guest appearance on a couple of tracks, including the opener, “Why Did You Go Last Night,” written and previously recorded by his father, Zydeco icon Clifton Chenier. A Special Life also includes three new songs penned by John and a reworked Mayall classic to go along with covers of Jimmy Rogers (“That’s All Right”), Albert King (“Floodin’ in California”), Sonny Landreth (“Speak of the Devil”), Jimmy McCracklin (“I Just Got to Know”) and Eddie Taylor (“Big Town Playboy”), plus a new song written by Greg Rzab and Rocky Athas.

For more information, visit www.johnmayall.com and www.fortybelowrecords.com

Todd Wolfe Band Kicks Off "Miles To Go" Midwest/Canadian Tour@HOB/Chicago

            

The Todd Wolfe Band bring their "Miles To Go" Tour to the midwest and Canada, kicking off with a show at the House of Blues Back Porch in Chicago on Monday, October 13. Complete itinerary below. Pictured (from left): Roger Voss, drums; Todd Wolfe, guitars-vocals; Justine Gardner, bass.

TODD WOLFE BAND KICKS OFF "MILES TO GO"  MIDWEST/CANADIAN TOUR W/ A SHOW AT HOUSE OF BLUES/CHICAGO, MONDAY, OCT. 13

   (CHICAGO, IL) - The Todd Wolfe Band, one of the hardest-working blues-rock ensembles in the business, launch their Fall "Miles To Go" U.S. Midwest/Canadian Tour with a show at the Back Porch at House of Blues, 329 N. Dearborn St., Monday, October 13. 8 p.m. $5.00. Show Info: (312) 923-2000 or http://www.houseofblues.com/chicago. Complete tour itinerary below.

   Longtime guitar ace Todd Wolfe is known for his work with Sheryl Crow (five years as her lead guitarist in the '90's), as well as Carla Olson (The Textones); and Leslie West (Mountain), among others, throughout a stellar career. The Todd Wolfe Band had just returned from yet another road trip - four in 2013 alone, totalling close to 40,000 miles, from the Czech Republic to San Francisco - and received year-end accolodes including a "Best Band" nomination from Rockwired Magazine.  Wolfe has released seven albums since 1999 and has written songs for acts as diverse as country star Faith Hill and renowned jam band, Phish.

   

Todd Wolfe Band performing live in Grand Rapids, MI during April 2014 while in the midst of a tour promoting their "Miles to Go" album.

  Todd Wolfe Band Reviewed Live By National Rock Review (April 2014)

  "The beauty of listening to a Todd Wolfe show is the depth of his musical career; a career spanning thirty-plus years, honing and toning ‘his’ sound," writes National Rock Review in a live review of the band's show in Grand Rapids, MI this past April. "The trio is deep and accomplished. Each member brings a full plate to the table, with instrument and voice, which makes them sound bigger than a three-piece. Choral harmonies are layered in 3rds and 5ths that might evoke a Fleetwood Mac-esque tone yet steeped in southern blues/rock," concludes the review, which can be read in its entirety here.

 "Miles To Go" (American Showplace Music), represents another music milestone in Wolfe's storied career. The record's ten tracks run the gamut from straight blues to post-classic rock, each featuring Wolfe's uniquely rockin' soulful vocals. Guest performers on Miles To Go (Wolfe's fifth studio album, eighth total) include noteworthy blues harpist Steve Guyger and organ ace, John Ginty. Wolfe has truly arrived on his own terms, and as Miles To Go proves, creating quality music for the world to hear.

                            

What the Media is Saying About Miles To Go and the Todd Wolfe Band

 "Miles To Go" follows the same formula for success so clearly visible in his first release: excellent original material punctuated by world class guitar skills, all delivered via above average vocals. Keep up the great work, Mr. Wolfe, I hope to catch you live and on stage some day."                                                                                                            BLUESROCKERS

"Miles To Go has a deep bluesy soul with a tinge of Southern rock and a psychedelic vibe...'Wolfe's current bandmates are both incredibly skilled musicians, each adding a unique element to the band's overall sound."                                                                                                 BLUES ROCK REVIEW

"The Todd Wolfe Band deliver a powerful sonic experience with the release of 'Miles To Go' ...with a mix of blues, Southern rock, and even a little soul, the eighth release by this band has me yearning to hear the earlier releases."                                                                                              ROCK OVER AMERICA

"Imagine some power trio mixed into a Texas blues foundation and overlaid with trippy psychedelia...that's the essence of (Todd) Wolfe's music."               

                                                                                     HITTIN' THE NOTE

FALL 2014 "MILES TO GO" U.S. MIDWEST/CANADIAN TOUR ITINERARY

Oct. 13 (Mon.)    BACK PORCH@HOUSE OF BLUES           Chicago, IL

Oct. 14 (Tues.)  INTERMISSION                                  Wausau, WI

Oct. 17 (Fri.)     ALTONA CURLING RING                    Altona, Canada

Oct. 18 (Sat.)    NEIGHBORS PUB                                Lloydmister, Canada

Oct. 20 (Mon.)  BLUES ON WHYTE                             Edmonton, Canada     Oct. 21 (Tues.) BLUES ON WHYTE                              Edmonton, Canada

Oct. 22 (Wed.)  BLUES ON WHYTE                              Edmonton, Canada

Oct. 23 (Thur.) BLUES ON WHYTE                              Edmonton, Canada

Oct. 24 (Fri.)    BLUES ON WHYTE                              Edmonton, Canada

Oct. 25 (Sat.)    BLUES ON WHYTE                              Edmonton, Canada    Oct. 26 (Sun.)   BLUES ON WHYTE                              Edmonton, Canada

Oct. 28 (Tues.) LANDING BAR & GRILL                      Minot, SD

Oct. 29 (Wed.)  LEGENDS BAR & GRILL                      St. Cloud, MN

Oct. 30 (Thur.)  FORADA LIQUOR BAR & GRILL          Forada, MN

Oct. 31 (Fri.)     SHAW'S BAR & GRILL                        Minneapolis, MN

Nov. 1 (Sat.)      TIP TOP DELUXE BAR & GRILL           Grand Rapids, MI

Nov. 2 (Sun.)     THE CLUB TAVERN                           Quincy, IL

Nov. 3 (Mon.)    THE ALAMO                                     Springfield, IL

Nov. 4 (Tues.)    REX'S RENDEVOUS                           Warsaw, IN

Nov. 5 (Wed.)     MIDWAY TAVERN                            Mishawaka, IN

                        

                                                        www.toddwolfe.com

                                    www.reverbnation.com/toddwolfe

                                    www.facebook.com/toddwolfeband

Maryville Times (Interview)

All Access Magazine (Interview)

Boston Globe (Preview)

Naples News (Interview)

Tyler Porch Band - Only The Sky Knows - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Only The Sky Knows, from the Tyler Porch Band and it hits hard. Opening with Who Am I, TPB sets a aggressive blues rock posture. This band picks up where Mahogany Rush left off and as a trio these guys are heavy! Featuring Porch on vocal and lead guitar, Brad Kemp on bass and Joey Robertson on drums. This track has a nice helping of flashy guitar riffs as well as a cool bass solo and cowbell...love cowbell. Oh, Lady is up next with a cool slide solo reminding me quite a bit of the Allman's Every Hungry Woman but progressing into something much heavier...think Mountain with vocal harmonies. Very nice! Title track, Only The Sky Knows, is more of a quiet rock ballad has nicely blended vocals and guitar soloing not unlike Joe Bonamassa or Peter Frampton... you say that's quite a spread? Not as much as you might think. Jess is a straightforward rocker with a pop hook. This track is the automatic radio track with Steeley Dan clean vocals. Smooth guitar soloing and a nice portion of it, keeps the track from standing out as a separate thought. This is a really nicely written track with solid, broad potential. My Love has a swift bass line and driving guitar feel. Robertson should not be underrated on drums keeping these two string hungry instrumentalists on a leash. Solid! Wrapping the release is Leftovers From Woodstock, a cool jazz rock funky fusion instrumental. With lead melody by Porch on guitar, Kemp and Robertson provide a lively platform to solo over. With overdubbed twin lead guitars, this track takes on just a pinch of it's southern roots but maintains it's spontaneity throughout the 6 plus minute interlude. This is a cool release and a pack of fellows that you should watch out for.

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Greaseland Records artist: Aki Kumar - Don't Hold Back - New Release Review

I just received the newest release from Aki Kumar and it's a solid dose of Chicago blues. Opening with Snooky Pryor's Judgement Day, a smooth slinging number, has Kumar on vocal and harp and Little Jonny with crisp guitar work. On Hank Ballard's Hoochie Coochie Coo, Kumar really gets the band in the groove with his focused vocals. Frankie Ramos adds a real nice sax soloing to the mix and Bob Welsh lays down some real nice piano lead. I particularly like Rusty Zinn's guitar soloing on this track. On title track, Don't Hold Back, Ramos again adds the heat on sax and June Core on drums as well as Vance Ehlers on bass really hold the line. On James Moore's Buzzin', Core sets a snappy snare rhythm and Kumar sets up a nice harp melody. Johnny Cat Soubrand and Little Jonny lay down some nice guitar on this track as well. On original track, Let Me Get Closer, Kumar really sets a nice table both vocally and on harp. On Jimmy Reed's She Don't Want Me No More, Welsh rolls a super nice piano solo and Kumar slams down hard with a nice ripper of his own. One of my favorite tracks on the release, Drifting Blues, has an almost John lee Hooker like drive to it. With essentially no bridge, this track is a full blown train rolling down the tracks and Kumar is blowin the harp. Very nice! Little Walter track Blue Baby has a real nice simple pace backed by Welsh on piano and with nicely placed harp riffs throughout. A real nice harp solo carries the melody on this track making it another of the best tracks on the release. On Willie Dixon's I'll Get You Too the band gets a bit of the 60's rock feel with a distinct drum pattern and sax work from Ramos. Kumar on vocal and Kid Anderson on organ nicely embellish the authentic feel of this track. LC Fraiser track, Wish Me Well, has a real nice groove complimented by Welsh and Soubrand and Little Jonny and Kumar does his best harp work on this track. Classic blues track Freight Train finds Litte Jonny on lead vocal and Kumar laying down a great train riff along side of simple acoustic country slide. Very nice! An extremely hot jump track, The Mumbai Express, is up next and a perfect showcase for Kumar to show what he's got. This is a great shuffle track with Soubrand laying in some really nice guitar riffs. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Ajeeb Daastaan Hai Yeh (A Strange Story), which has a definite eastern twist. With it's 50's styling, it shows a world interpretation on our native blues. Unconventional guitar patterns and vocal styling complimented by traditional blues sax riffs make for an interesting conclusion to an otherwise straightforward Chicago blues release.

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

 

Fo'Reel - Heavy Water - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Heavy Water, from Fo'Reel and I gotta say it's spectacular! Opening with one of my favorite all time funky blues tracks, Breaking Up Somebody's Home this band sets a solid groove. C.P. Love is a superb singer and he's gunning hard on the first track. Johnny Neel on organ and Mark Domizio on guitar set the pace and Domizio really makes the guitar squirm with his soulful riffs. A super horn section consisting of Jon Smith (tenor sax), Ward Smith (bari sax) and Barney Floyd (trumpet) really add depth to this already deep recording. Excellent! Next up is the title track, Heavy Water, and it has a funky New Orleans jazz funk feel. Love is again leading the way and Daryl Burgess keeps the bottom really tight pushing David Hyde on bass. Nice solos from Neel and Domizio add nicely to Love's lush vocals. Leave Your Love Alone has a change up on vocals lead by Rick Lawson. A walking bass line by Hyde really sets the tempo for this track and with it's orchestral swing feel the horns fill it up. A real cool solo from Neel and Domizio is nicely complimented by a super sax solo from Smith. Blues is a mid paced R&B style track (think Thrill Is Gone) with solid vocals from Lawson and an excellent guitar solo from Domizio and super slippery riffs from Smith. Gate is a terrific instrumental track that puts me in mind of Clarence "Gatemouth" Brown. Opening with clean guitar riffs from Domizio and followed by Neel on keys, a super sax solo from Smith and cool trumpet work from Floyd... this track is hard to beat! Hot! What I Can Do has a cool Latin flavor and Love on lead vocals. Neel is on electric piano with shimmery overtones and organ for fullness. Domizio skips the natural fall back "Santana" solo and puts up some real nice guitar phrasing and some sultry slide work. Very nice! Luther Allison's What's Goin On In My Home  is a super funky R&B blues style track with a lot of high stepping. Love really grabs the track by the short hairs with his vocal prowess. Domizio plays a bright articulate guitar solo over Neel riding the organ and Hyde laying down the funk.  Super!  Just As I Am opens with a super gospel feel highlighted by the piano and organ work of Neel. Allyn Robinson joins on drums and does a really nice job of sitting on the pace. Love's vocals on this track are even better than ever and with the warmth of the horns, this may be my favorite track on the release! Burgess is back on drums opening Shake N Bake, a TOP style track with hot horn funk. Hyde and Domizio really turn up the funk and with Lawson on vocals, you better be nailed to your seat lest you get fired for dancing at work... "Can't Hep Mysef" ! Excellent! Outside Love has the most traditional blues feel of all the tracks on the release, again with Lawson on lead vocals. Neel really cements the feel on this track and Domizio plays a healthy portion of slide backed by heavy horns giving it a great bluesy sound. Wrapping the track is funky Tater with really nice tandem sax work by the Smiths. Hyde really has the bottom moving on this track and Neel takes the opportunity to smoke the keyboards one more time leading up to an unconventional guitar solo from Domizio. Burgess and Hyde get a nice chance to show their stuff adding to the already smoking fire. This is an awesome release and one that you should really check out... but be ready to groove!

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

 

Vizztone Label Group artist: the Chris O'Leary Band - Live At Blues Now! - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Live At Blues Now! from the Chris O'Leary Band and it has a super groove. This release was recorded live in Basel, Switzerland in March of 2014. Opening with Give It, a one-chord modal blues structure with a repeating guitar figure and Diddley-style rhythm, O'Leary leads the way into this live set on vocal and harp. Joined by Chris Vitarello and Alex Schultz on guitar, Andy Stahl on tenor sax, Chris DiFrancesco on bari sax, Matt Raymond on bass and Jay Devlin on drums this band is tight. On jump track, Trouble, the band ramps it up with Schultz laying down some hot smokin' guitar work. O'Leary cranks it up as well with a mighty solo of his own. Very nice! Louisiana Woman has a swampy sound with a nice bass lead from Raymond. Cool shimmery guitar effects from Vitarello as well as a soulful guitar solo and the masterful harp work from O'Leary make this a really cool track. R&B style track Walk The Walk really invites the horn work of Stahl and DiFrancesco. A thick and juicy sax solo from Stahl and aggressive guitar work from Vitarello highlighted by the tight drumming of Devlin. Water's Risin' is a funky rocker with Vitarello and Schultz trading bluesy chicken pickin' style guitar solos. Billy Boy Arnold's I Wish You Would is a perfect showcase for O'Leary on harp. With solid sax work and complex drum rhythms this track has a life of it's own and even a little tribute to Lee Oscar. Mr. Used To Be has a western style blues swing but with sax instead of steel guitar giving it a totally different flavor. O'Leary lays down a real nice harp solo on this one proving to be a real crowd favorite. My favorite track on the release, Blues Is A Woman, slows it way down and O'Leary really does a hot job on lead vocal. Vitarello plays heavy T-Bone Walker stylized riffs making this track seven plus minutes particularly memorable with DiFrancesco and Stahl giving the track heft. Excellent! King of The Jungle has a real nice lope and with it's Chicago style, gives O'Leary a great chance to play his harp out. Vitarello lays in a few real nice riffs tying it all up. Tchoupitoulas has a real cool New Orleans sound and DiFrancesco really adds bottom. The sax work on this track is over the top and complimented with sly guitar riffs and marching drum style so I really do like it! Waiting For The Phone To Ring opens with some great bari sax and a great story telling style. Overlayed sax and guitar riffs make this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Wrapping the track is History, which has a great new Orleans funk feel. This is a groove that you have to love. Clocking in at 9 plus minutes, this is a New Orleans style lovers dream. Filled with excellent guitar, harp and sax work, this is a super way to wrap up a fine concert recording.

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

 

HAMILTON LOOMIS -- October 2014 Schedule

TEXAS: Come on out and welcome Hamilton & Band back from their Europe tour! Our Houston show  (Last Concert Cafe) on Fri. Oct. 3 features the youngest bands to ever do a show with Hamilton (ages 9, 11, 13, & 13)...see the listing below for details! 10/3/14 Houston, TX Last Concert Cafe (w/guests Campfire Soul & Rusted Avenue) 8pm TICKETS 10/4/14 Houston, TX Guitars N Cars Fundraiser @ Sam Houston Racepark 6pm TICKETS 10/10/14 Breda, NETHERLANDS Blues Night Breda @ Mezz 8pm 10/11/14 Dunkerque, FRANCE Bay Car Blues Festival 11:30pm 10/24/14 Beaumont, TX Madison's 9:30pm 10/25/14 Houston, TX Private Event 10/30/14 Ganado, TX Rear Window Listening Room 8pm 10/31/14 Galveston, TX Crow's Cantina 9pm Halloween Party! 11/1/14 Conroe, TX Dosey Doe Music Cafe 8pm TICKETS Please forward this email to any of your friends/family in these cities!!

www.hamiltonloomis.com

Bloodshot Records artist: Luke Winslow-King - Everlasting Arms - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (September 30, 2014), Everlasting Arms, from Luke Winslow-King and it's quite interesting. Opening with title track, Everlasting Arms, LWK sets an easy spiritual blues feel singing in tandem with wife, Esther Rose. A laid back country blues, LWK handles primary lead vocal and smooth slide guitar work. Very nice. Swing That Thing has a lot of jangle and a feel of the hill country blues. A simple blues holler not unlike Mr Burnside might put down, and clean rhythmic guitar rhythm and slide work ...this is a very cool track. Levee Man has a strong feel of New Orleans jazz and bright trumpet Ben Polcer as well as some nice clarinet and trombone work. A very nice Basin Street feel. Graveyard Blues is a simple ballad with nice piano accompaniment by Polcer. An easy set 3/4 pace really showcases the nice blend between Rose and LWK's vocals. Cadillac Slim digs deeper into the New Orleans feel with drummer Benji Bohannon leading the way. LWK lays down a clean electric solo on this track and upright bassist Cassidy Holden sets a solid bass line. La Bega's Carousel again features really nice vocal blending and the island rhythm which enriches New Orleans' heritage. A featured trumped solo by Polcer over a naked drum rhythm by Bohannon is really cool! The Crystal Water Springs has a much more traditional blues feel and raw guitar sounds. I really like the slide work on this track with it's raggedy edges and earthy feel. Wanton Way Of Loving features Rose in front and LWK echoing on second vocal. Enriched with a country fiddle sound, this track is solid and clean. Interlude (As It Goes) is a very interesting track with what to my ear sounds like Mali guitar work. Excellent! Last Night I Dreamed My Birthday is a strongly written ballad and one that could easily find it's way to multiple genre playlists. Domino Sugar is a sugary sweet rock track that rivals anything that John Mayer puts up but with cool slide work. Very nice! Interlude II is a short experimental instrumental track. A nice break and adds texture. Home Blues has a great St' James Infirmary feel with a super play between the horns and bass line. A beautiful clarinet solo on this track not only gives it a feeling of authenticity but makes you wonder why it doesn't find it's way onto more contemporary tracks. Polcer really finds the groove on this track with his solo trumpet work and LWK delivers on vocals making this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Wrapping the release is Traveling Myself, a bouncy country style blues track primarily LWK on vocal and guitar with improvised percussion. This is a deceptively cool release which you need to listen to a few times to really get... and you should get it!

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page. I use Facebook to spread the word about my blog (Now with translation in over 50 languages). I will not hit you with 50 posts a day. I will not relay senseless nonsense. I use it only to draw attention to some of the key posts on my blog each day. In this way I can get out the word on new talent, venues and blues happenings! - click Here

 

Canadian Singer / Guitarist Drew Nelson Returns With The Other Side

 

  

 

 

 

"Nelson tackles not just traditional blues, but rock, country and even a bit of jazz. It’s quite the mix, but Nelson deftly pulls off the transitions. One thing about Nelson is that he’s a heck of a talent on the guitar: if Brian Wilson thought he was starting fires in the neighbourhood where he was recording Smile just by making music, Nelson pretty much starts infernos every time he touches his instrument’s strings. The guy can shred, particularly at slide guitar, and his voice is somewhat reminiscent of heartland rocker John Hiatt." - PopMatters

Drew Nelson, conceivably one of Canada’s most criminally underrated musicians, is back with his first album in eight years and a renewed determination to reignite a successful career that he had almost turned his back on. The Ottawa based singer/songwriter/guitarist decided to focus on domestic life for a while after many years of playing 200-plus dates. “I grew tired of the constant travel but after a while I began to miss doing the thing I love and am good at,” says Nelson.

 

Steve Marriner, the multi-talented and energetic front man of the Juno Award winning trio MonkeyJunk had also been thinking that it was time for Nelson to return to the spotlight. The younger Marriner had often been invited on stage to perform with Nelson and his band and felt it was time to help reinvigorate his career.

 

The two talked for several months and it was agreed that Marriner should produce the new project. The death of Nelson's father was a pivotal event. “I had been stressed for months and then it was over,” says Nelson, “I knew my Dad would have wanted me to move forward.”  At Marriner's urging, Nelson began writing some new songs, dusting off a couple of old ones and the two got together to do some writing. The result is The Other Side, a polished 11-track album of blues/roots songs of heartache, redemption and love.

 

Influenced by rock & roll and Chicago blues, Nelson began his career at age 16. In his early twenties he co-founded a group with the late harmonica legend Back Alley John. In 1989 he launched The Drew Nelson Band and won over audiences and critics across the country. He became widely known for his slide guitar playing, gritty vocals and well-crafted songs.  Nelson organized tours and recorded with the late Canadian blues pioneer Dutch Mason and has shared the stage with artists including B.B. King, Bo Diddley, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Buddy Guy and others.

 

Each of the 11 songs on The Other Side showcase Nelson’s mastery of the guitar, beautiful, poignant and often hard-hitting lyrics, gruff vocals and a sense that Nelson himself may be the protagonist in the tales within. Opening with a rare and catchy Bob Dylan tune called “Seven Days”, followed by the lively “Make It Right”, a stunning rendition of Leonard Cohen’s “Bird On The Wire” is a highlight, “Please Come Home”, one of the more bluesy numbers, features Marriner on the harmonica, “Get It!” is a barn-burning rocking blues track that was written on the spot and recorded in one, glorious take. “The Other Side” is a tribute to Nelson’s late father, questioning life and death and everything in between.

 

The Other Side is a genre-bending musical narrative that marks Drew Nelson’s triumphant return to the music scene.  

 

  www.drewnelson.ca   

Track List:

1.    Seven Days (3:55) 

2.    Make It Right (3:34)

3.    Stick Around  (3:43)

4.    Bird On The Wire (3:07)

5.    One More Chance (3:30)

6.    Valentine (3:21)

7.    Drifting Away (3:47)

8.    Please Come Home (3:55) 

9.    Did You Ever? (3:30)

10.  Get It! (2:14) 

11.  The Other Side (4:19)

 

RIYL: Bob Dylan, Tom Waits, John Campbell, Steve Earle