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I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!
I just received the newest release, Same Soil, from David Michael Miller and it, like his 2014 release, Poisons Sipped , it's quite remarkable! Opening with All The Blues To You, a smokey, slinky, groove machine this release is off to a real nice start. Miller has a deep but silky voice and a great funky feel. Joined by Mike Brown on drums and mandolin, Jim Ehinger on piano and Tom Vayo on bass this is a real nice opener. Just Ride, jazzy twist on a blues theme opens quietly but opens up with a lot of heat. His own sumptuous guitar soloing, scorching slide work and nice B3 work from Ehinger give this track a spicy flavor. Gospel influenced Got Them Blues, has super piano and B3 work from Ehinger and wicked slide riffs from Miller complimenting the lead vocal. His own hand claps and drums by Carlton Campbell pushes the track along nicely. Easing back into an excellent electric soulful blues ballad, Friend Of Mine, Miller shows what a super voice he has. This track is certainly one of my favorites on the release with beautiful sax work from Jason Moynihan and some of Miller's warmest guitar work on the release. A definite nod to Mr Morganfield, Doing Me In, Doing Me Wrong has the basic components of an original but with modern adornment. Miller does a really smart job of blending the guttural feel of I'm A Man with his own modern styling. Jeremy Keyes lays down some real nice harp work on this track and Miller shows control on guitar, even when the track breaks into a scattered step jazz feel, allowing the track to maintain it's primitive roots yet with today's tastes. Clever pop jazz style track, Shoes To Shine, has a really nice rhythm courtesy of Nick Patterson on bass, Ehinger on Rhodes and Josh Miller really snapping the drums. Sax work from Barry Arbogast and frenzied slide work from Miller really builds the climax on this radio perfect track. Soft and easy is the word on Needle To The Wheel. A nicely written and performed, primarily acoustic ballad makes it a super track for cross radio play. Funky, If'in You Hear Me, keeps a light pace with nicely woven B3 from Ehinger, slide work from Miller, bass by Richii Valentino, drums by Campbell and Moynihan on sax. Emotional singing by Miller complimented by his solid slide work is bound to make this a live favorite. Born To Lose comes out of the gate with Moynihan, Ehinger and Campbell ripping the irregular but really tight rhythm. Miller is riding high with really nice vocals. Moynihan and Miller each gut this tune with laser hot solos making this one of the hottest tracks on the release. Jimmy Reed like, Too Early In The Morning, has an easy shuffle feel. Robert "Freightrain" Parker drives on bass and Ehinger really rolls on piano. Miller 's vocals are bluesy, joined by Keyes on harp before kicking it into high gear for a hot finish. This is really Ehinger's track through and through... nice job! Wrapping the release is acoustic ballad, Man's Got Things To Do. Nicely written and performed, although quiet in stature, this is a really strong track. Featuring Miller on guitar, vocal, percussion, piano, Brown on B3, and John Kibler on upright bass this track leaves you wanting more. Haunting slide guitar work over primitive military style snare work gives this track an extra kick. Very nice!
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band!- ”LIKE”
Louisiana
flavored blues and swampy rock & roll. Musician and band leader
Jerry McWorter comes from the somewhat rare tradition of “singing
drummers” like Levon Helm, Sam Lay and Buddy Miles. Jerry is certainly
steeped in the influences of his friend and hero Levon Helm and in the
spirit of simple story telling blues.
Hot Roux – Stranger’s
Blues is a collection of well written original songs
penned by Jerry and co-writer / bass player Brent Harding. Stranger’s Blues is
a very organic and groove based record at its roots. All of the tracks
were recorded “live in studio” with the aim of capturing the music as
it lives and breathes. The tasty peppering of percussion and harmony
vocals seasons it just right.
Hot Roux is very well known in Southern California and has made a
strong name as a rock solid rhythm section backing artists such as
James Harman, Kim Wilson, Kenny Neal, Lynwood Slim, and countless
performances with country guitar legend and music man, Albert Lee.
Hot Roux often tours as a trio featuring the equally powerful guitar
work of Ed Berghoff or Tommy Harkenrider. Both players have a unique
stamp of originality and style. Also featured on Stranger’s Blues is
the unmistakable guitar work of Franck Goldwasser on loan from “The
Mannish Boys”. Franck’s musical contribution is as greasy and funky as
it gets.
Hot Roux – Stranger’s
Blues. Served up on Hi Hat Records and Entertainment.
“Jerry McWorter and his band, Hot Roux, trust me… they are shakin’ the
place up. The CD “Stranger’s
Blues” hit me like a point blank shotgun blast… I dig every
track! Tommy Harkenrider, Franck Goldwasser and Ed Berghoff all make
serious guitar statements during the seemingly few minutes this disk
plays, before you start it again. I would say just go ahead and buy it,
you can thank me later”
- James
Harman, Award Winning Blues Artist
“A formidable band in the blues and roots world. Hot Roux meets all
expectations of its moniker: a roux is a tasty sauce and Stranger’s Blues serves
up a smorgasbord of ten lively tunes from straight blues to rockabilly
to a nice Cajun flavoring.”
- Steve
Daniels, Big City Blues
“Jerry & his boys have created one of the best roots bands in So
Cal… Watch out for Hot Roux’s new CD!”
- Pete
Anderson, Multi-Platinum Producer/Guitarist
I just received the newest release, Ding Dong Daddy, from John Cocuzzi and it's a mix of swing, boogie woogie, blues, ballads and big band giving it quite a bit of flavor. Opening with piano boogie instrumental, Swanee River Boogie, Cocuzzi shows that he's serious about his boogie woogie. Rattling the keyboard Joe has the place hopping. Next up is Reconsider Baby with nice guitar work from Kevin McKendree complimented by Paul Keller on bass, Frank Cocuzzi and of course John on piano and vocal. Very nice! Ding Dong Daddy features hot solos from Dan Levinson on clarinet, John on vibes and Jerry Krahn on guitar. Slow swing blues, That's Alright, shows John's capability as a serious blues piano player as well who really has the track swinging low. An excellent bass solo from Paul Keller is a real nice touch. Just Call Me has a real nice New Orleans, Dr. John funky kind of feel. Quiet jazzy instrumental ballad, Come Sunday, shows John's sensitivity on vibes, complimented nicely by subtle bass work from Keller and warm sax tones from Dan Levinson. A real New Orleans piano boogie, Ballin' The Jack is up next and John shows just how versatile his style is. Accompanied mostly by tight percussion from Frank Cocuzzi and a real nice bass solo by Keller this is a cool track. Sassy blues track, Kambucha Boogie has a real nice walking bass line and a cool groove. John gets his piano swing on making this a real nice track. Big band style swing track pairs Levinson on tenor sax with John on Hammond and vibes for a real cooker. Wrapping the release is ballad, They Say It's Wonderful for that perfect 40's mood. Featuring John on vocal and vibes this track is a solid closer for a pretty lively 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”
I just received the newest release, Someone Like You, from Albert Cummings and it rocks! Opening with hot rocker, No Doubt, Cummings sets up a great groove with Reggie McBride on bass, Tony Braunagel on drums and Mike Finnigan on organ. Cummings vocals, blended with Teresa James are prime and his guitar riffs are tight and clean. Excellent! Pop rocker, I Found You has more of a tame sound but Cummings puts his trademark guitar riffs on the track giving it just the right amount of spank. Up Your Sleeve is a real cool shuffle track with fluid guitar riffs and nice double stops. Finnigan has such a great touch on organ just playing a note here and there...but it's the right note at just the right time... not an easy thing to do. A swinging guitar solo ensues and the track really does move. Very nice! So Strong is a quiet ballad with a sweet melodic guitar solo making it a clear radio track. Finally In Love is a clean rocker with a 2 step rhythm. Cummings really has a pretty good voice and his guitar tone on this track is rich! Fluid riffs and a solid snare from Braunagel and icing by Finnigan makes this another solid track. Boogie track, Make Up Your Mind, has a great feel and just the right amount of grind on Cummings strat to perk up my ears. A nice feel for just how much to play makes the difference between average and real nice and this track hits! Slow blues track, Little Bird, my definite favorite on the release starts off with a really creamy blues guitar riff by Cummings that makes you just lay back and breathe. McBride's bass line drives the pace and with Finnigan playing the melodic filler, Cummings controls this track with his soulful vocals and his smoking hot guitar riffs. If you've heard Cummings really dig in before and you're wanting to hear it again...this is it. At over 7 minutes this track is steamy! Peppy swinger Meatlocker, is a quick paced shuffle track with nice jazz influences. Excellent chord selections, crisp percussion and nice guitar lead makes this instrumental another of my release favorites. Understated country blues track, I'm In Love With You, has a nice swagger with authoritative guitar riffs and solid melody line from Cummings. Driving blues track, Old Dog, sets a great groove and Cummings hits every edge with slashing guitar riffs. Finnigan helps to pump up the tension and McBride's walking bass line and tight drum work from Braunagel makes this another key track on the release. Wrapping the release is a hot blues shuffle, Stay Away From My Sister, and Cummings kicks it up a notch with stinging guitar riffs pushed along by Braunagel. Excellent finish to a overall strong 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”
Colorado
music mainstays Dr. Izzy Band (l to r: guitarist/vocalist Robert
Morrison, lead vocalist/percussionist Dr. Izzy) are enjoying a
productive summer, with upcoming shows at the Walnut Room in Denver on
Saturday, July 25; and a performance at the Carbon Valley Music &
Spirits Festival in Dacono on Saturday, August 1. Dr. Izzy is
interviewed in the upcoming issue of leading blues publication,
Blues-E-News.
TWO LIVE SHOWS, BLUES-E-NEWS FEATURE FOR DR. IZZY BAND
Saturday, July 25 - The Walnut Room, Denver (8 p.m.)
Saturday, August 1 - Carbon Valley Music & Spirits Festival (4 p.m.)
Dr. Izzy is interviewed in leading blues publication, Blues-E-News'
August issue. The group is also interviewed and performs live on the
"Denver Takeover" program hosted by Henry Archuleta, heard over KUHS Radio/TV on Saturday, August 8 at 2:30 p.m. MST.
LIVE REVIEW OF DR. IZZY BAND - BLUE MONDAY MONTHLY
"Dr.
Izzy started off the event with a collection of songs from her
self-titled issue, and from the opening lines of "Mama Said", it was
clear there was magic in the air. "Trouble With My Old Man" and "Your
Redeemer" followed, and by the time Dr. Izzy got around to singing "Dirt
Bed", there may well have been a few moist eyes in the crowd" - BLUE MONDAY MONTHLY.
THE STORY BEHIND THE ALBUM - "BLIND AND BLUES BOUND"
Dr. Izzy Band's 2013 album Blind & Blues Bound
is aptly named for their female lead singer/band frontperson Dr. Izzy,
who is legally blind. "I always tell people ‘there are so many ways too
see’, says Dr. Izzy, who was born with full vision but began to go blind
at the age of nine. “You can feel peoples’ energy, discern their mood,
through their voices and through the touch of their hand”. Dr. Izzy
adds, “I love to go up into the mountains here in Colorado. I can’t see
them, but I can smell them! I think I remember what things actually look
like, but there’s no way for me to really know at this point. I think I
remember what colors look like, but who knows if I’m correct. I know what my minds eye tells me, so that’s what I have to go by”.
Blind and Blues Bound
features the vocals of legendary bluesman, James Cotton, on the opening
track, "Matches Don't Burn Memories." The well-received disc was
produced by noted Colorado Kenny Passarelli, who co-wrote the hit "Rocky
Mountain Way" and has played with Joe Walsh, Elton John and Stephen
Stills, among others. Passarelli also plays bass, Hammond organ, and
piano on the album, which also features band co-leader Robert Morrison
(guitar/vocals); Larry Thompson (drums); and guest musician, Otis
Taylor, on banjo.
Jon Solomon of Denver's WESTWORD Magazine, in a review of Blind & Blues Bound,
writes, "On the fiery opener 'Matches Don't Burn Memories' Dr. Izzy
digs in, recalling some of Lucinda Williams' grittier efforts...she's
equally compelling on the slower, more soulful cuts, such as 'One Last
Walk.' Read the entire review here - http://www.westword.com/music/dr-izzy-band-5122710. "Dr.
Izzy and her fellow musician's greatest gift is their lyrical and
instrumental talent," writes BLUES BLAST. "One cannot deny the power of
either. When you're 'Blind and Blues Bound,' troubles can bring
triumph!" BMANS BLUES REPORT
says, "Matches Don't Burn Memories" features Dr. Izzy on vocals and
James Cotton ripping some great harp riffs over a solid 60's style
guitar rocker. Sounding at times like Nugent or Marino, (guitarist)
Robert Morrison cranks on the guitar. "Soul Dance" has a sultry feel of
an 18th Century ballad as articulated by the Brits in the 60's. A cool
retro-style track with violin and a crisp guitar solo."
I just received the newest self-titled release from Laser Lloyd and it's quite good. Opening with blues rocker, Burning Thunder, Lloyd shows a definitive sense for contemporary music with a stripped down feel and a rock solid beat. Joined by Moshe Davidson on bass and Elimelech Grundman on drums Lloyd handles vocals and guitar. Suffering still has strong roots in blues but with an almost hip hop vocal delivery the track is a blend of new and old. Opening on harp, Lloyd blends in a little country on Rockin' In The Holy Land giving the track early 60's kind of sound. Fluid guitar riffs and a solid bottom makes this track tick. Bluesy ballad, Never Give Up, has the wholesome sound of "The Band" or Van Morrison. Melodic guitar soloing by Lloyd compliments the track nicely making it a solid radio player. Digging down in the blues mud, Broken Dreams really has a heavy feel. I like the base set by Grundman and Davidson and Lloyds vocal - guitar approach making this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Lloyd's tone and soloing on this track are really quite nice. Title track, Broken Dreams, is a real nice blues ballad along the lines of Lynyrd Skynyrd's Tuesday's Gone. A really contagious melody, crisp drum rhythms, a nice bass line and aggressive guitar work make this another strong choice on the release. Set My Soul Free is a really cool track with an underlying funk and heavy bass riffs along the lines of Mountain. I really like this track for a couple of reasons. 1) it had a great beat & 2) Lloyd really riffs nicely off the beat with aggressive guitar concepts. Very nice! On Otis Redding's The Dock Of The Bay, Lloyd does an acoustic cover which has a soothing feel. Moroccan Woman is a slick blues ballad with a real simple bottom. Davidson runs a hot bass line under the melody and as Lloyd sings the lead, he cuts some really tasty riffs on lead guitar (think Thrill Is Gone). Very nice! Time To Love is as straightforward a blues track a la T-Bone Walker that you are likely to hear. A slow track with plenty of room to breathe, Lloyd sings and plays the blues for soft to hard and from subtle to raucous. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Whole Heart, a ballad but with gospel and R&B features. A quiet but powerful tune, a super track to close a very cool set.
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”
I just received the newest release, Blues Thunder, from Brad Wilson and it's a mix of pop and guitar stylist. Opening with Is It Any Wonder, Wilson, who takes lead vocal and guitar, sings smoothly in quiet pop form but with tasty guitar riffs throughout. Backed by Brian Beal on bass, Amrik Sandhu on drums and Kirk Nelson on keys, this is a perfect radio track. Up tempo, Change It Up has an almost Latin rhythm and Wilson's riff, although not really Spanish in origin, have a kind of Santana feel. Moody blues ballad, Blue Shadow, features Wilson on vocal with really clean piano work by Nelson. This is a pretty classic 50's style jazz track executed in cool form. Taking a page from Robben Ford's book, Wilson rips some pretty nice riffs in contrast to this otherwise subdued track. Very nice! Blues rocker, Step By Step has a nice rhythm to it and Tumbleweed Mooney adds some real nice harp work as well.Title track Blues Thunder is a definite fist pumper throw back to arena rock. Wilson steps out of the box on this one throwing out every riff a good shredder holds. Let's Go Barefootin' It in sharp contrast has a Bo Diddley rhythm and is almost devoid of guitar. Mooney helps to emphasize the already prominent rhythm on harp. My Faith Has Been Broken has a classic rock styling with dominant vocals and a solid melody. Cool Runnin' has an understated feel and a straightforward melody. This track could easily get cross radio play with is easy rhythm and nice melody. Home has a rambling rhythm with rolling tom tom and acoustic guitar. With an almost Bruce Springsteen feel, this track has a nice feel. Rocker, Black Coffee At Sunrise, gets the band hopping with a jump kind of feel. Possibly my favorite track on the release, Wilson spits out some nice fluid hot riffs. Sugar Sweet is a cool jazzy track with an easy rhythm. A real likable track it shows the strongest construction on the release with a tapestry of instruments tightly woven together and a hot guitar solo to boot. Wrapping the release is another straight up rocker, Never Again, with a concrete bottom and solid vocals. Wilson lets out the dog on his fretboard showing that he's not just another guitar player for a nice conclusion to an evenly paced 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”
We have a number of enjoyable events planned for the summer, and
we're looking forward to seeing you at one of the fine venues listed
below. We're especially excited to be the opening act for Delbert
McClinton this coming Friday July 17, at Charlottesville's venerable
Jefferson Theater. We've followed Delbert for years and we own a
small mountain of his CDs – so it's an honor and privilege for us to be
on the same billing with a performer of his caliber and reputation.
There are still tickets available so if you want to save a few $$$ by
purchasing your tickets at the advance price, please click here.
For our friends in the DC/MD/NOVA area, we have a great EARLY gig
scheduled at JV's in
Falls Church for Sunday, July 26 from 4-7:30 pm – so you can
enjoy our music, have time for dinner, and still get home early!
Bandmembers Jon Spear and Andy Burdetsky both used to live in the DC
area and they really enjoy seeing their old friends when we're back in
town.
2015 is shaping up as a great year. Our "Old
Soul" CD has just started its 5th month on the Roots
Radio Report "Top 50" Chart and has also been getting regular
airtime on SiriusXM
Bluesville satellite radio. Come to any of our gigs
and we'll have CDs available for sale and even autograph them if you
want. We've had some great reviews and, on top of that, we're
appearing at events alongside the likes of Debbie Davies, Delbert
McClinton, the Iguanas, the Chris Duarte Group, and Memphis Gold.
So what could make us happier? – seeing YOU at one of these great
upcoming events.
Friday July 17 with
Delbert McClinton
Delbert McClinton is a legend among Texas roots music
aficionados. He's been entertaining appreciative audiences for over
40 years with his formidable harmonica playing, brilliant
song-writing and and super-talented backup band. The Jon Spear
Band is going to get the Jefferson Theater in a rocking good mood for
Delbert's appearance on July 17 and we're looking forward to seeing
you there!
Queen City Brewing Company
Friday July 24 – 7:30-10:30 pm
834 Springhill Rd, Staunton, VA 24401
JV's
Restaurant
Sunday, July
26 – 4:00 to 7:30 pm
6666
Arlington Blvd, Falls Church VA
Charlottesville
Fridays After Five
Friday, August 14 at 5:30 pm
nTelos Wireless Pavilion
Starr
Hill Brewery
Sunday August 23 – 2:30 to 5 pm
5391 Three Notched Rd, Crozet, VA
Chili
Blues n' Brews
Saturday, Sept. 19 – 2:30 pm
Chris
Duarte Group, Anthony Rosano & the Conqueroos, Memphis Gold,
Fatty Lumpkin & the Love Hogs, and the Jon Spear Band @ Lumos
Plaza, Waynesboro, VA
Our
"Old Soul" CD has just entered its fifth month on the Roots
Music Report Contemporary Blues Album "Top 50" Chart.
Meanwhile, across the pond, "Old Soul" was listed at #17 in
the Top 50 list compiled monthly by the UK Independent Blues
Broadcasters Association in March of this year. To date, our CD
has been heard on over 60 stations on every continent except
Antarctica, and we've signed up fans as far away as Japan, South
Africa and Australia. If you'd like to purchase your own copy
of the CD and see what all the excitement is about, please visit CD Baby,
Amazon.com,
or iTunes.
