Murder By Death Debuts New Song "Strange Eyes"

(download artwork for usage)

*Exclusive stream via Entertainment Weekly of lead single from forthcoming album Big Dark Love

*iTunes album pre-order / New tour dates

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Murder By Death will release their seventh full-length album Big Dark Love on February 3rd, 2015. Today, Entertainment Weekly/EW.com is premiering “Strange Eyes,” the first new song from the band’s second release with Chicago label Bloodshot Records.  

http://music-mix.ew.com/2014/12/10/murder-by-death-strange-eyes/

Big Dark Love is now available for pre-order on CD and LP via Bloodshot’s website or digitally via iTunes, in which purchasing parties will receive an instant MP3 download of the lead single, “Strange Eyes.”

Big Dark Love reflects a different, more complex side of the band. As hinted in the title, the 10 songs circle a central theme of love, only in this case, the oft-traveled topic is examined through a non-traditional kaleidoscope: the love of a parent for their child, the struggle between unconditional love and morality, loving to excess. There can sometimes be a dusky patina of despair overlaying glints of hope. For a band that has built its formidable, near 15-year career around a consideration to tension, release, bombast, ecstasy, and highest-highs vs. lowest-lows, it is something to say that this is Murder By Death’s most dynamic release to date. Sonically here, their signature sound – rootsy indie rock, cinematic gothic ballads, and rousing pub rock shout-alongs – mixes with enlivening new stylistic elements - touches of pop, synth-y electronics, and psych rock - only hinted at on previous albums.

In support of the new album, Murder By Death will embark on a U.S. tour in late January, the first time fans will be able to hear new material in full. The lengthy stretch of dates begins on the West Coast in Seattle on January 30, continues across the continental U.S. to the East Coast in February, and eventually doubles back and wraps up in Bloomington, IN in mid-March. The band will also tour through the Midwest in late May. All tour dates can be found listed below, or on the band’s tour page.

Murder By Death Big Dark Love album release tour dates:

30-Jan	Seattle, WA	The Crocodile
31-Jan	Portland, OR	Star Theater
3-Feb	Salt Lake City, UT	Bar Deluxe
5-Feb	San Francisco, CA	The Independent
6-Feb	Santa Cruz, CA	The Catalyst Atrium
7-Feb	Los Angeles, CA	The Roxy
8-Feb	Santa Ana, CA	The Constellation Room
9-Feb	Phoenix, AZ	Crescent Ballroom
10-Feb	Albuquerque, NM	Launchpad
12-Feb	Dallas, TX	Club Dada
13-Feb	Austin, TX	Red 7
14-Feb	Houston, TX	Fitzgerald's Downstairs
15-Feb	Memphis, TN	Hi-Tone Café
24-Feb	Pittsburgh, PA	Mr Smalls
25-Feb	Cleveland, OH	Grog Shop
27-Feb	Boston, MA	Paradise Rock Club
28-Feb	New York, NY	Bowery Ballroom
1-Mar	Brooklyn, NY	Music Hall of Williamsburg
4-Mar	Hamden, CT	The Ballroom at The Outer Space
5-Mar	Charlottesville, VA	The Southern
6-Mar	Philadelphia, PA	Union Transfer
7-Mar	Washington, DC	Black Cat
8-Mar	Raleigh, NC	Kings Barcade
10-Mar	Tampa, FL	The Orpheum
11-Mar	Orlando, FL	The Social
12-Mar	Atlanta, GA	Terminal West
13-Mar	Nashville, TN	Mercy Lounge
14-Mar	Bloomington, IN	The Bluebird
28-May	St Paul, MN	Turf Club
29-May	Milwaukee, WI	Turner Hall Ballroom
31-May	Chicago, IL	Subterranean

Flying Machine Records artist: Anne McCue - Blue Sky Thinkin' - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (February 10, 2015), Blue Sky Thinkin', from Anne McCue and it takes you to a different place. Opening the release is Dig Two Graves, a swinging blues track with smooth vocals and slick guitar work from McCue, joined by Dave Raven on drums, Carl Byron on piano, Dusty Wakeman on bass and Deanie Richardson on violin. Things You Left Out In The Rain is a cool period blues style track with silky vocals and great jazz style horn work from Jim Hoke (clarinet), Steve Herrman (trumpet) and John Hinchey (trombone). Spring Cleaning In The Winter Time is a light hearted track with some fleet fingered guitar work from McCue. Devil In The Middle, co written by Dave Alvin and David Olney features McCue and Alvin in duet and classic early blues instrumentation. This is that "New Orleans Jazz" in it's classic form. Featuring Hoke on clarinet, Randy Leago on sax, Steve Herrman on trumpet and John Hinchey on trombone ...Terrific! Long Tall Story has thata Memphis Minnie sound with McCue on vocal and dobro. lightly backed by Carl Byron on piano and Dave Raven this track has a nice swing and cool melody. Little White Cat is a bit more upbeat with some hot lap riffs by McCue. With backing vocals by Szu Wong and bass by Djordje Stijepovic this track almost has a gypsy sound. Very cool! It Wasn't Even Fun While It Lasted has a theme which most everyone can relate to. Strong piano by Byron and violin by Richardson dress this simple melody making it quite a pleasant venture. Save A Life has a 50's jazz sound with only basics for backing with finger snaps and cool bass riffs by Dave Pomeroy. Uncanny Moon has a really nice Latin feel with stylized drums and piano. McCue's vocals are very nice but her guitar work is beautiful on this track. My definite favorite. Cowgirl Blues has a memorable melody and simple instrumentation with basic blues fundamentals but presented in a more modern manner. Knock On Wood again gets that moody horn soaked feel and it is performed flawlessly. With McCue on vocal and guitar with Tisha Simeral on bass, Bill Huber on trombone, Herrman on trumpet and Hoke on clarinet, this is quite a cool track. Title track Blue Sky Thinkin', is a poppy track really allowing McCue to step forward on guitar with clever jazz riffs, blended with Byron on piano and Hoke on clarinet. A very nice conclusion to a solid contemporary yet rootsy blues based release.

Also want to comment that I really like the cover art which is also by McCue.

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

 

JE Gagne Records artist: Mike Osborn - In The Dog House - New Release review

I just received the newest release, In The Dog House by Mike Osborn and it's a cool blend of country, rock and blues. Opening with Love vs Ego vocalist, lead guitar player Mike Osborn, joined by Johnny Griparic (bass), Lee Spath (drums), Teddy Andreadis (keys) and Randy Mitchell (slide and electric guitars). A rocker with a twist of country, Osborn flashes some of his bluesy riffs surrounded by Andreadis on organ. On Hooker like boogie track Company Graveyard, Osborn breaks loose with some real nice guitar riffs and Osborn's vocals have a Gibbons grit. Spath keeps the track on point with tight rhythms and Griparic rides the bass hard. Very cool! Light rocker Lovin' Time has some swingin' guitar riffs and a catchy melody which could easily make radio airplay. Cold Man Cold has a nice swagger and wah wah guitar effects. Blues rock guitar riffs give the track a nice edge. Fire and Gasoline is a country rocker with a definite blues edge. Hot blues guitar riffs weave in and out of the track. Tied Up is a down and dirty blues track with flaming hot riffs. Osborn's vocals on this track are gritty and his guitar expressive. Cheap Women is a rock and roller featuring nice piano work by Andreadis. With JLL roll and SRV flame, this track smokes. Veterans Song has a Dire Straits flavor and some wailing guitar soloing. Satan & St. Paul has the distinct feel of a western ballad. It actually may be my favorite track on the release but for no particular reason than I really like the simple construction and iridescent guitar work. Jump In Your Fire is a hot boogie track again with that Hooker heat! Gnashing guitar work caps this bad boy off and leaves you wanting more! Wrapping the release is title track, In The Dog House, a surf rocker track with a straight beat. You all know that I have a soft spot for these surfer instrumentals so I gotta say I really think it's a cool closer for a pretty cool release!

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

 

Keyesland Music artists: Harlem Street Singer - Empire Roots Band - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Music from the film, Harlem Street Singer, Music by Empire Roots Band it's it's quite well done. This film and consequently this cd celebrates the music of Rev. Gary Davis. Opening with Keep Your Lamps Trimmed and Burning, this band features the robust voice of Bill Sims Jr. guitar work by Woody Mann, piano by Dave Keyes and bass by Brian Glassman. Each of the performers shows their individual virtuosity on this track. On Search My Heart, Sims Jr. holds a strong line vocally but it's Keyes that shines on through on piano on this track. Opening with really clean piano riffs by Keyes, Mean Old World gets a super rework by Sims jr. and may be my favorite track on the release. Both Keyes and Mann lay down some exceptional riffs. There's A Destruction In This Land has a particularly strong spiritual overtone with it's gospel feel. Genre specific piano riffs and warm harmonies accentuate Sims jr.s lead vocals. I particularly like Mann's lead guitar take off on this track. Opening with some cool slide riffs by Mann, Soon My Work Will All Be Done, is a quiet contemplative track with subtle overtones. Nice finger picking by Mann opens Trying To Get Home and Sims Jr. lays down some of my favorite vocals on the release. A nice blend of Mann's guitar, Keyes on piano and a cool solo by Glassman makes this one of my favorites on the release. An extremely precise chord intro by Mann gives Sunday Church Medley a certain sophistication before breaking into a simple revival feel with blended male vocals and Keyes, Glassman and Mann sharing in the resulting musical bounty. A great intro by Mann and Keyes and a nice bass line by Glassman gives on Hesitation Blues a terrific posture. Excellent! Twelve Gates To The City has a nice almost New Orleans strut thanks to Keyes. Glassman lays out a solid bass solo on this track, lightly punctuated by Keyes and Mann plays close to Sims Jr. really capturing the feel of RGD. On I Am The Light Of This World/I Belong To The Band, Sims Jr.s vocals are more neatly tucked into the basci feel of the music with solid piano throughout. Mann has a few hot riffs but this track is about it's swing. Wrapping the release is Orangitang Rag. This is a really crisp guitar lead guitar track with tight bass riffs and a quick piano solo from Keys. An excellent track to conclude an uplifting release.

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

 

Ruf records artist: Mike Zito & the Wheel - Songs From The Road DVD - New Release Review

I had promised a follow up on Mike Zito and the accompanying DVD to the CD that I reviewed before Thanksgiving. I finally found a spot in my schedule so here we go. The concert opens with Didn't Break A Leg and I have to say it is a terrific opener. Zito and Jimmy Carpenter really smoke the place and that's no crap! Second up is Greyhound, a Keith Richards flavored country style rocker and Zito lays down some really nice slide work. Although the video quality isn't spectacular, the musical quality more than makes up for it. I Never Knew A Hurricane is a quiet ballad and Carpenter harmonizes nicely with Zito on vocal as well as plays warm sax solo fillers. Hell On Me has a cool boogie beat and Zito grinds out a really nice tele solo driven by Scot Sutherland on bass and Rob Lee on drums. Pearl River is a cool bluesy number with a great melody and light arpeggiated guitar work. Zito steps it up and rips the sack wide open on this track letting all the meat out.... very nice! Dirty Blonde is a swinging boogie with solid piano work from Lewis Stephens and super nice guitar phrasing on multiple solos from Zito. Dueling sax /guitar solo on this track really cooks! One Step At A Time finds Zito moving to a hollow body guitar and more of a ballad track. Vocal harmonies with Carpenter and strong piano support from Stephens make this a cool radio track. Subtraction Blues has a cool swampy funk sound and a real nice extended piano lead from Stephens. Zito's vocals on this track are particularly cocky and his guitar spanky. Very cool! Judgement is a solid rocker with full over the top horn work from Carpenter and manic guitar work from Zito. Smokin! Gone To Texas is a basic country rocker with straight up vocals and melodic guitar soloing. On Let Your Light Shine On Me, Zito takes center stage with only his hollow body guitar accompanying himself on vocal lead. The band rejoins Zito back on stage for Natural Born Lover and he breaks out his Fender necked v. Laying down some real nice slide work this is a great track for an extended jam. Excellent! Wrapping the concert and the release is Texas Flyer, a hot funky number with Carpenter chasing Zito's vocals with hot sax riffs. Changing keys and ripping a hot stinger of his own Zito gives the track extra zip. Carpenter really shows the power of the horn with a hot solo of his own. Zito steps back up and these guy cumulatively raise the roof. Excellent!

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

DAVE RAY (Koerner, Ray & Glover) "Legacy" this SUN, 12/07 on NPR Weekend Edition

DAVE RAY    The late songwriter and guitarist's legacy remembered this Sunday, December 7  on NPR Weekend Edition, click here for regional air times   LEGACY,  a deluxe 3-CD package with 32-page booklet, is out now on Red House Records A collection of rare and unreleased recordings from 1962 - 2002 from an American Blues Master    “Hopefully this collection does what it set out to do; illustrate just what an amazingly gifted musician and vocalist Dave was, and how wide he rode through the musical spheres.” - Tony Glover (Koerner, Ray & Glover)   December 5, 2014:  One of the first white artists to study and learn the then little-known blues tunes from the 20s, 30s and 40s and part of the Minneapolis folk and blues revival that spawned Bob Dylan, Dave "Snaker" Ray brought an enthusiasm and raw, raunchy earthiness to his performance style which set the stage for artists that followed. Koerner, Ray & Glover’s recordings were enormously influential among their fellow musicians, with artists from David Bowie and John Lennon to Bonnie Raitt, Lucinda Williams and Beck citing them as an influence. Ray's career, celebrated on Legacy, a three-CD collection of rare and unreleased songs by the influential acoustic bluesman painstakingly compiled by Ray’s longtime bandmate/collaborator Tony Glover, will be featured on NPR WEEKEND EDITION this Sunday, December 7.  The piece will also be archived online at http://www.npr.org/programs/weekend-edition-sunday/.   NPR's Jim Bickel speaks to Tony Glover about Legacy, a 10-year-in the-making tribute to his friend and former bandmate. The 55-song collection features a 32-page booklet with rare photos and extensive liner notes and additional info by Glover. Legacy spans Ray's career, starting in the 1960s in Minneapolis, MN’s West Bank neighborhood with “Spider” John Koerner and Tony Glover  through his subsequent collaborations, solo albums and untimely death on Thanksgiving, 2002.    To me he was a brother from another family – the family of sound. He brought a vitality to the blues that the scholars who’d been on the scene couldn’t muster,” Glover says.     Along with live recordings and rarities, Legacy includes selections from out-of-print recordings including Ashes in My Whiskey (Rough Trade) and One Foot in the Groove (Tim /Kerr Records).  Unless noted, the tracks on Legacy are previously unreleased and include performances taken from a wide variety of mediums including reel-to-reel analog tapes, old sound board mix cassettes and live broadcasts.    “Since Dave was doing Lead Belly and I was working on my Sonny Terry riffs, people thought it would be a good idea to put us together,” Glover recalls. “We both had very similar tastes in blues, preferring the deep, down-home raw numbers. After the initial learning-by-rote process we made a point of going for the feel of a song, trying to capture its aura rather than doing a note-by-note cover.” It was a musical partnership that ended up lasting four decades.   Since the album's release, the Twin Cities declared November 9 to be Dave Ray Day; that evening, friends and fellow musicians attended a sold-out tribute concert at the Minnesota History Center which included a display of Ray's memorabilia, hand-written lyrics and two of his guitars. The City of St. Paul held a street-naming ceremony on November 24 dedicating a stretch of Franklin Avenue as Dave Ray Avenue. QUOTES   "Nobody has topped them for feel or drive or humor or sheer affection for their folk-blues forebears like Leadbelly and Memphis Minnie - four stars." - Rolling Stone   "As a trio, Koerner, Ray and Glover brought a raucous, highly rhythmic approach to the acoustic blues that effectively captured the essence of their forbears." - Playboy   "The instrumental work on here is just plain awesome...and really puts up a case for them being reclassified from upstart revivalists onto American roots music greats." - Folk Roots (U.K.)     RED HOUSE DISCOGRAPHY   Dave Ray Legacy: Rare and unreleased recordings 1962 - 2002 from an American Blues Master  (2014)    Koerner, Ray & Glover  Blues, Rags, and Hollers (re-issue of the classic 1963 release with four bonus tracks)  Lots More Blues, Rags, and Hollers (re-issue of the 1964 classic)  The Return of Koerner, Ray & Glover (re-issue of the 1965 classic)

DANNY MARKS TO HOST 18th ANNUAL MAPLE BLUES AWARDS

DANNY MARKS TO HOST 18th ANNUAL MAPLE BLUES AWARDS   Performers include nominees Downchild, Joel Johnson, Steve Hill, Angel Forrest, Brandon Isaak, and Harpdog Brown   Toronto, ON – Celebrated guitarist, Toronto’s own Danny Marks, is set to take the stage for a second turn as host of the 18th annual Maple Blues Awards on January 19th, 2015. A renowned musician and broadcaster with a lengthy career on the Toronto music scene, Marks is the long-time producer/host of radio program Bluz FM and the face of the 8-part series Cities in Blue on HIFI TV. The not-to-be-missed gala is Canada’s national blues celebration, recognizing outstanding musical achievement and gathering blues musicians and music fans from across the country each year. A cast of some of Canada’s notable and emerging new blues talent will be performing at the gala concert and are all current or past nominees. This year the performers include Ontario’s Downchild, Joel Johnson, Montreal’s Steve Hill and Angel Forrest. Also performing are British Columbia’s Brandon Isaak and Harpdog Brown. The performers will all be backed by The Maple Blues Band, comprised of Gary Kendall, Michael Fonfara, Teddy Leonard, Al Lerman, Tom Bona, Chris Whiteley, Pat Carey and Chris Murphy. Following the awards and concert will be the popular after-party nominee jam with Irene Torres & The Sugar Devils. The January 19th gala event is considered to be the premier blues event of the year. Tickets for the Maple Blues Awards, held at The Royal Conservatory's Koerner Hall in Toronto, are on sale now for $35 - $65 and can be purchased at the Weston Family Box Office, located in the TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning at 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto, by phone at (416) 408-0208 or online at https://tickets.rcmusic.ca/public. Charter members of Toronto Blues Society can purchase tickets at a discount of $28.00. Voting for the Maple Blues Awards started on November 5th and over 2000 Canadian blues fans have registered their votes. Voting is open to Canadian blues fans 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time on December 5, 2014. The Maple Blues Awards gala is presented on the final night of Blues Summit 7. Blues Summit is a biennial music conference for all members of the blues music community including artists, presenters, agents, festival bookers, event organizers, and industry representatives of all kinds. Blues Summit 7 will take place January 16-19, 2015. Heading in to its 30th anniversary year, The Toronto Blues Society is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Blues. The Maple Blues Awards is Canada's national blues awards program. Its goal is to promote blues music across Canada, and to recognize outstanding achievement in the field. Located along the Bloor Street cultural corridor, The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of the largest and most respected music performance and arts education institutions in the world. Its breathtaking Koerner Hall, "the jewel in the crown of Toronto's Cultural Renaissance," along with two other concert spaces, presents 70+ concerts annually from acclaimed classical, jazz, pop, and world music and hosts an additional 100+ concerts and events from a wide range of not for profit arts groups, charities, and corporate clients.

Montrose Records Signs Gulf Coast Bluesman Brad Absher & Will Release His Label Debut CD, "Lucky Dog," on January 13

Montrose Records Signs Gulf Coast Bluesman Brad Absher & Will Release His Label Debut CD, Lucky Dog, on January 13

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Montrose Records announces the signing of blues singer/guitarist Brad Absher and an upcoming January 13 release date for his label debut CD, Lucky Dog. The new album was recorded at Montrose Records Studio in Houston and produced by label head Richard Cagle and acclaimed bassist Larry Fulcher (Taj Mahal), who also adds his trademark bass lines throughout the disc. The rest of the musicians involved in the recording are primarily members of Absher’s solid touring band, rightly dubbed “Swamp Royale” for the earthy, soulful sounds they create around Brad’s masterful guitar work and vocals.  

Brad Absher’s Gulf Coast sound recipe includes equal amounts of blues, soul, and gospel, stirred up just right into a magical gumbo that goes down easy and has a spicy kick to it, recalling the best of Memphis and Muscle Shoals, too. The dozen songs on Lucky Dog include a healthy dose of Absher originals that showcase his songwriting prowess in the blues/R&B/gospel field, as well as several outstanding covers of songs by William Bell (“You Don’t Miss Your Water”), Leon Russell (“I’d Rather Be Blind”), Allan Toussaint (“Lipstick Traces”), the traditional gospel tune, “Jesus on the Main Line,” and Bill Withers (“Same Love”). Interestingly, Brad’s warm vocals recall the great Bill Withers in timbre and grit throughout the entire CD. And his guitar work stands out all over Lucky Dog with some greasy lines, strident fills and tangy solos that drip with soul/blues power.

Brad Absher and Swamp Royale have been a fixture throughout the Gulf Coast area for the better part of the past 20 years, becoming a Top Ten Finalist at the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis that featured competition for all over the world. Other accolades they’ve won during that time period also include Best Local Album, Best Male Vocals and Best Blues Band in various music polls.

Based in Houston, Brad Absher was raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and his unique sound reflects the area’s “swamp pop” influence he first heard listening to South Louisiana radio stations. After moving to Tulsa in the late ‘70s, a young Brad Absher came under the tutelage of several players, most-notably guitarist Tommy Tripplehorn of Gary Lewis and the Playboys fame. Brad soon added slide guitar to his repertoire after seeing the great Ry Cooder perform live.

Absher’s musical expertise has been recognized throughout his career, and was referred to frequently during his time in Tulsa as a “guitar god.” In 2013, he competed and was selected as Houston’s International Blues Challenge regional winner and later performed during the competition that year in Memphis.

Bad Absher and Swamp Royale’s current set lists include songs from his five previous albums spanning the course of 20 years. Brad can lead his band throughout a show that covers greasy swamp pop to urban blues, all the while keeping the fans groovin’ on the dance floor.

When he’s not gigging in the Gulf Coast area or playing at festivals around the country, Brad shares his guitar knowledge as a staff member at Houston’s well-known Rockin’ Robin Music Store.

Rip Cat Records artists: Blue Lunch - Above The Fold - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Above The Fold, from Blue Lunch and it's lush! Opening with Ain't Trying To Kill Nobody, a cool groove with cool guitar work from Bob Frank and hot sax work from Chris Burge. With a cool story on vocals Frank makes for a cool track. On more laid back jazz track,  One Fine Day, Burge is joined by Bob Michael on trombone and Mike Rubin on trumpet for some real nice solo work. Pete London lays down cool harp work and Mike Sands on piano with Ramond DeForest on bass and Scott Flowers on drums make this a tight instrumental. Very nice! On boogie track The Long Game, London gets the chance to really blow out his harp and Frank takes a nice stretch on the fretboard. On swing track, Everybody's On The Phone, these guys really set a super groove with great harp work and solid vocals. Sands steps up with a cool piano solo coaxed along by the horn section. Excellent! On bluesy ballad, Woman I Bleed, the band pulls a nice contrast between a slow tear jerker and a hot swing. Frank sets the pace with his fast fingered guitar riffs. Very nice! No Time Like The Present opens with a strong big band sound featuring Burge, Michael and Rubin. Burge takes the lead and flies high on a super sax solo. Michael steps up right behind with smokin slide bone. Frank is tight on his heels with a cool jump solo of his own. Burge circles back as does Michael clearing room for hot riffs from Flowers and DeForest. Rubin rips a nice one of his own both open and muted. Hot! On spiritual/R&B styled track Where Do You Think It's Going, the band really hits it's stride with crisp vocals and warm organ work backing. London steps up on harp and with emphasis on bass and drums the band is almost in Ike and Tina land. Lake Erie Highball is another great jump track with hot horns. Michael is first up with his bone flaring. Burge slips in a never misses a step. With his warm sax tone and fluid runs, he's on fire. Excellent! Venita opens with beautiful chord work from Frank. A slow T-Bone Walker like track, this track oozes the blues. The horns are behind the vocals and Frank is at the ready with his blue jazz chords. Frank leads the way on this track instrumentally and plays those double stopped guitar riffs squeezing out the blues. Clocking in at over 6 minutes, this track seems to end too shortly. Very nice! With an almost calypso march, Love No More is short and sweet with tight horns and vocals. All I Needed is a classic pop ballad with standard jazz structure. An open invitation to radio airplay, the horns are strong and a super sexy sax solo by Burge sets the track off. Tossin' & Turnin' & Burnin has a bit of a Jimmy Reed feel but of course with a solid horn base. Burge again pulls out some super sax riffs and Frank fans the guitar with a tasty riff of his own. Vocal duet gives the track a more complex feel. Kattin' Around With Moe gets London back up front with harp and a cool blues swinger. Franks is chasing the beat on rhythm guitar and he and London duel their way down the blues trail. Very cool. Wrapping the release is the traditional Good News acapella with all male vocals - almost barbershop style. London, Frank, DeForest blend nicely for an memorable conclusion to another stellar release from Blue Lunch.  

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

Obviously not from this release but a good representation of the band's work: