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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, Kicking Up The Dust, from Walklate & Fuschi and it's solid Chicago style blues. Mat Walklate and Paolo Fuschi play old style blues through old style equipment capturing a unique quality now mostly lost to modern recording techniques. On opener, Ain't No Big Deal On You, W&F bring a train style rhythm with rich vocals, rhythm guitar and charging harp soloing throughout. Excellent start. Going Sown Slowhas a cool Latin beat courtesy of Fuschi on guitar with Walklate leading the way on lead vocal and harp. With fine instinctual harp playing and solid vocals, Walklate carries the lead and Fuschi's blues riffs surface for a fine solo of his own on this track. Very nice. One of my favorite tracks on the release, As Long As I Have You, shows Walklate's most expressive vocals and super harp work. With a soulful melody and a more sophisticated guitar approach, this track is super. Shuffle track, Nothing But Love, has strong Chicago roots giving the duo a super opportunity to show their chops. Walklate's harp work on this track is clean and precise with solid balance. W&F's take on Trouble No More is super with driving blues riffs by Fuschi giving the stage to Walklate for a thick vocal / harp lead. Very nice. Fat Man is an excellent showcase for Walktake's harp work with Fuschi carrying the load on rhythm guitar. Don't You Know Me has a simple R&B feel with each partner taking healthy solos. Fuschi's guitar work is clever and clear. Cool. With a 30's sound and an almost French cafe feel, Black Cat Bone is another of my favorites on the release. With some of Walklate's best vocals and nicely figured guitar work from Fuschi leading to a stylized harp solo, this track is super. Oh Babe (Sick and Tired) / Man uses basic blues fundamentals blended with Ska rhythms to create a cool take on blues classics. Wrapping the release is Money (That's What I Want). With a nice rockin' beat and Ray Charles like vocals, and modern, british bllues style guitar soloing, this is a super closer for a real 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”
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I just received the newest release, Live at The Big Bull, by Reverend Raven & The Chain Smokin' Altar Boys and it's terrific! Opening with R&B style formal opening track, Hot and Heavy, Reverend Raven is crankin' with PT Pedersen on bass, Robert Lee Sellers Jr. on drums and Danny Moore on keys. Raven is screaming on guitar and Westside Andy Linderman blows it out hot on harp. Excellent opener! Shuffle track, Walking To Chicago, is up next and Raven leading the way on vocals and lead guitar. His vocals are electrifying, complimented nicely by Linderman who again does a super job on harp and Moore who's piano work is crisp. Extended lead guitar work by Raven riding on organ by Moore makes this track a terrific track. Two stepping, You Didn't Even Say Goodbye, settles into the groove with a bit more vocal and composure. Moore rides the keys nicely followed by Linderman on harp and Raven on guitar. This band settles down near top speed of most bands. Very nice! Hawaiian Boogie #3 is a super boogie with a lot of Hound Dog Taylor feel. Raven is hip on slide and with just a taste of Hawaiian sound blended in, this is a rip roarin', rockin boogie! Moore's piano work is excellent and you all know good piano boogie. Benny Rickun holds the crowd in the palm of his hands with his hot harp work and leads to a sliding finale. Wow! Giving a classic, Diving Duck Blues, a R&B feel with slide, Booker T style organ, hot harp and guitar and a snappy bottom is a super combo to keep this concert rolling high. Elmore James style, Stomping and Shouting, really showcases Raven's slide work and Rickun's and Moore more than pull their weight. Very nice! On classic Morganfield track, She's Nineteen Years Old, the Chain Smokin' Altar Boys (love that name) really settle down in a deep blues groove. Linderman really hits the harp hard with excellent results and Sellers Jr. takes the mic on lead vocal. With well crafted piano inserts throughout and a beautiful solo, Moore is worth his weight in gold. Possibly my favorite track on the release, this band is hot! On funky, Chicken Heads, Rickun is back on harp sharing much of the floor with Moore on organ. Big Al Groth steps up with a monster funky sax solo closing the track. Chicago style, My Life, features Linderman on harp and Moore on keys. This is a really tight band and keeping this kind of cohesion in a live environment is super. Wrapping the release is blues rocker with a light Latin flavor on Looking For Love. Rickun responds on harp to Ravens vocals and Moore lays out a monster piano solo. I really like Pedersen's bass work on this track giving the track extra oomph. With some of his best harp work on the release, Rickum blows it up and Raven closes the door with nicely crafted guitar riffs traded with Moore. This is an excellent live release and one that you should check out today!
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”
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I just received the newest release, Sounds Like The Blues To Me, from Jeff Chaz and it's got an interesting sound. Opening with title track, Sounds Like The Blues To Me, Chaz creates an bluesy, boogaloo feel with his free wheelin guitar style, Doug Therrien on bass, Doug Belote on drums and John Autin on keys. Wild! Make Love To You In The Sand has a bikini beach sound with rhythmic muffled guitar strums, BB King riffs, and dramatic singing style. A cool track with horn backing by AJ Pittman on trumpet and Ward Smith on sax. Hitchhiking In The Rain, shows a smooth blend of BB King and T-Bone Walker styling with very nice piano work by Autin. Chaz really hits it vocally on this one and his guitar work is tasty as well. R&B track, I Am The Blues has a Mustang Sally chug a lug and BB King flavored blues riffs with cool horn backing. Nice! You Look So Good To Me sounds like it's right out of the Louis Jordan songbook. A rockin' blues with smokin' riffs. Nice! Soul track, Mysterious, Exotic Lady has a definite radio styling with a cool rhythm and jazzy guitar riffs. I'm Goin' After Moby Dick In A Rowboat has a heavy bottom with outrageous guitar riffs and wild vocals. Very different... and cool... think Sam the Shamm. Another R&B style track, Four In The Morning, has a mix of Screamin' Jay Hawkins and Wilson Pickett. Never letting down the fence, Chaz is a big time showman with a big personality and cool guitar riffs. Soul track, Will You Be Mine is the best show of Chaz's serious side with solid vocals and a tight rhythm section. Walkin' With My Baby is a cool shuffle with a great beat. Tight little guitar riffs carry the track and pinched harmonic laden guitar soloing gives the track extra punch. The Mt. Vernon Blues is a cool instrumental with a blues rock flare. Machine gun guitar riffs and nice bass and drum solos by Therrien and Doug Belote tie this one up. Wrapping the release is You're Bound to Get Us Both Hung a log, slow blues number giving Chaz an opportunity to take his guitar for a long walk. His riffs are unconventional and expressive making this track a perfect closer for a different take on the blues.
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”
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I just received the newest release, Delta Pines, from Ivor S.K. (Ivor Simpson-Kennedy) and its relaxing and quite tasty. Opening with Help Poor Me, Ivor accompanies his own unique with acoustic guitar. A modern, simple blues style track, Ivor has a clean guitar style and a slightly gravelly voice. Cool! Missus Green has a cool country blues style and may be my favorite track on the release. With light foot tap for percussion, this track has it all with a great melody and perfectly complimented guitar soloing. Pelican is a sweet instrumental with a perfect blend of picked and slide guitar melody lines. Very nice! A modern blues, I Like The Way is smooth and clear with Ivor's vocals and guitar blending perfectly. Wrapping the release is title track, Delta Pines, with Ivor's gravelly voice over a tight guitar riff and steady foot tap. Clean and seductive slide work brings an additional dimension and Ivor's acoustic solo is tight and precise. A very nice closer to this first release by Ivor.
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”
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I just received the newest release, One For The Money, from Ginger St. James and it's a hoot! Opening with Pour Me, Ginger makes no bones about it. Shes a serious country singer, old style, and it's great to know there are artists out there making "non pop" country. With a super voice and a whole lotta twang, St. James is backed by SnowHeel Slim on guitar, Greg Brisco on piano and organ, Chris Altmann on pedal steel and banjo, Justine Fischer and Rob Foreman on bass and Andre Teller on drums. Super start. Like a runaway train, Slim and Brisco start off Train Whistle and St. James is high on the rail. Slim throws down some super Chicken Pickin and Altmann follows with a real nice pedal steel solo. This is a lot of fun. On ballad, Honeymoon Stage, St. James continues to show that she has no flaws in her vocal delivery and Altmann caresses the track with warm steel licks. Justine Fischer adds warm backing vocals leading up to a shimmery, reverb laden guitar solo from Slim. Very nice! A real instrumental crap kicker, Slim's Jig features some real fancy picking by Slim matched by Brisco on piano and Altmann on steel. Excellent! With a cool Latin flavor, Somebody Shot Me, adds another dimension to this already wild ride. With excellent rhythm work from Tellier and slick steel work from Altmann St. James tells the story as Slim adds a western flavor. One of my release favorites. Simple and straightforward, Best Of Me And You, keeps St. James high in the spot light and she delivers. Following the prime female country singers of the past, Patsy Cline, Wanda Jackson, Loretta Lynn and Brenda Lee, St. James adds her own personal signature to a simple country melody. A hot country rocker, Hair Of The Blackdog, is bound to get you shuffling your feet. With solid JL Lewis like piano style and Slim winding out his guitar this track is on fire! You Were Mine is a real nice track that could have just as easily done by Dolly and Porter. Cool riffs by Slim and Brisco and solid underpinning by Altmann give this track an extra kick. Wrapping the release is Merry Go Round with clear and clean vocals by St. James over nicely articulated guitar work by Slim and Altmann. This is an excellent closer for a surprisingly excellent release. Check it out.
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”
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Please submit your CD and information to:
Bman's Blues Report PO Box 3786
Carefree, AZ 85377
Notice:
I
routinely get 15-30 professionally produced CD's each week. These
come from record companies, professional promoters and independent
artists. I try to review each and every CD that I receive on a first in
first out basis and try to review them in a timely manner. Occasionally I
am unable to keep up with the expectations of some artists in turning
their CD's quickly.
Yesterday I was confronted by an independent
artist regarding my "blatant disregard" of their CD which had not been
reviewed after weeks of waiting. The said CD is in the queue with 40
other CD's.
If you want "your" CD to go to the front of the
line, please include US currency in the envelope with your CD. I will
gladly "expedite" a review more quickly dependent upon the amount of
currency included.
The amount of US currency included in the envelope will help me to determine how badly you want to go to the front of the line. Otherwise, you will have to wait your turn with all of the other artists.
PLEASE
UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS BY NO MEANS TO DETER YOU FROM ASKING THE STATUS
OF YOUR SUBMISSION. THAT IS PERFECTLY FINE. IT IS TO DETER ABUSE OF MY
TIME.
INDEPENDENT RAMSEUR RECORDS HONORS
BLUES HERO JOSH WHITE
WITH VINYL REISSUE OF HIS SEMINAL 1956 LP JOSH AT MIDNIGHT ON AUGUST 19 Album celebrating 60th anniversary
“The incredible Josh White, at the absolute peak of his powers! Universally acclaimed as Josh's very finest album (Elektra 102)” —Jac Holzman, Founder and President of Elektra Records 1950 - 1974
Josh White at Cafe Society, 1947
Courtesy of the Estate of Josh White, Sr.
CONCORD, N.C.. — In a massively influential career that spanned several decades, South Carolina-bred singer-guitarist Josh White
(1914-1969) established himself as a pioneering musical force, a
uniquely charismatic performer and a popular entertainer whose appeal
transcended the racial and social barriers of the time.
At
a time when African-American blues artists were routinely marginalized,
White performed successfully on Broadway and in nightclubs, film and
radio. He also emerged as a respected civil rights crusader and a
trusted confidant of President Franklin D. Roosevelt, who in 1941
invited White to be the first African-American artist to give a White
House Command Performance.
Despite
the fame and success that he achieved during his lifetime, and his
influence upon a diverse array of artists ranging from Nat “King” Cole
to Bob Dylan, White has largely been forgotten by contemporary
audiences. The roots-savvy North Carolina-based independent label Ramseur Records plans to return White and his music to spotlight with its vinyl reissue of the vintage LP Josh at Midnight, originally released in 1956 on the then-fledgling Elektra label. The album will be re-released in a deluxe vinyl edition on August 19, 2016.
Recorded with a single microphone by Elektra founder Jac Holzman over two nights in a converted Manhattan church in late 1955, Josh at Midnight finds
White delivering spare, impassioned performances of a dozen spirituals
and blues numbers. The artist is accompanied throughout the sessions by
noted jazz bassist Al Hall and baritone vocalist Sam Gary.
By the time Josh at Midnight was recorded, White had been blacklisted for his social activism and his career was in decline.This
situation prevented him from recording for larger record companies, but
the idealistic Holzman (who was a staunch admirer of White’s music) was
willing to take a chance. His faith was rewarded when White’s Elektra
recordings became some of the struggling label's biggest sellers,
helping to revive the artist’s career and propel Elektra’s evolution
from tiny indie imprint to successful industry force. Josh at Midnight remained one of Elektra’s top-selling titles for years, and became a fixture in many an album collection at the time.
As Holzman writes in his liner notes, “Josh at Midnight
is probably the finest Josh White recording ever made. Sixty years
later it still dazzles with the radiance of a great artist, thoughtfully
recorded, whose contribution is unchallenged and firmly set in the
bedrock of American vernacular music.”
The Josh at Midnight
reissue is a labor of love for Ramseur Records founder Dolphus Ramseur,
who’s been a committed White fan since childhood, when he first heard Josh at Midnight's
lead track “St. James Infirmary” on a local radio station's blues show.
White’s music has remained a touchstone in Ramseur’s life ever since.
After meeting Jac Holzman through their mutual association with the
Carolina Chocolate Drops, Ramseur became determined to restore Josh at Midnight to the vinyl marketplace with the same attention to quality and detail for which Ramseur Records has become known.
The Josh at Midnight
reissue was mastered with the participation of original producer
Holzman, as well as legendary engineer Bruce Botnick and fabled
mastering engineer Bernie Grundman.
“Josh
was a special artist and this is a special record,” Ramseur
comments. “It wasn’t about making money — I just felt like this music
should be available. Josh was such an important artist and a unique
voice and he was a really big star at one point. I want more people to
know about him, and this is a good place to start.”
All photos must credit: Courtesy of the Estate of Josh White, Sr.
I just received the newest release, Hi Lo-Fi from Dylan Wickens & the Grand Naturals and it's gritty, funky, explosive and real. Opening with Foolish Heart, a solid blues rocker, Dylan Wickens leads the way on vocal and slide guitar. With it's gritty sound and driving beat, these guys mean business. Al Webster on drums and Dennis Pinhorn on bass round out this tight threesome. Next up is Love & Lust, a real cool R&B style track, almost a take on Mustang Sally, with an infectious groove. This track is a real mover and bound to get you moving in your seat. I really dig Wickens' loose guitar flow and blues riffs paired against the ultra tight rhythm section. Very cool. Ultra funky blues number, Run Sister really has it going with it's bad ass bottom and featuring Tortoise Blue on harp. I gotta tell you this is one of those releases that keeps you tuned up by having one constant and that's driving rock. There's a new surprise around every corner to keep you looking. Lo slung blues number, Calamity Jane, has nicely stylized vocals paired with some of the best guitar riffs on the release. Tortoise Blue adds cool organ backing adding even more dimension to this understated blues rocker. Another funky blues number, Fall Apart, shows a whole different side of Wickens as a vocalist and his guitar riffs show influences from all corners. Very cool. She's Back In Town has a shimmery iridescence as Wickens delivers his vocal groove over a rock solid beat. This track conjures influences of George Clinton meets Jimi? Yeah...really. This is some cool stuff! Your Other Man has a solid thumping bass line and cool double stop guitar phrasing. I like Wickens' vocal delivery on this track and he seals it every time with clean guitar riffs. Handling the soloing as a part rather than as the feature gives each track firm balance. Opening with a grimy guitar riff, Rock Bottom is a solid rocker with a bluesy anchor. The grittiest guitar riffs on the release appear here and a cool return shows smart writing. Wrapping the release is a live version of In My Time Of Dying with a distinct feel of Cream and Spoonful. Wickens winds out his slide again and shows he's really up to the task of taking on the big boys. Excellent closer!
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”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
Rising
Long Beach r&b/blues/soul vocalist-singer-songwriter Shy But Flyy
(pictured) performs at the first Blind Lemon Peel Pop-Up Blues Festival
on Thursday, June 9.
Performing on June 9: Long Beach-based music acts, Shy But Flyy (r&b/blues/soul vocalist); The Regular Guys (blues); and the Blind Lemon Peel Blues All-Stars.
Subsequent Pop-Up Blues Festivals are scheduled for Harvelle's/Long
Beach (July 21, August 18, September 15, October 20, November 17,
December 15); Rusty's Surf Ranch in Santa Monica (July 8); and the Blue
Beet in Newport Beach (July 7, August 4, September 1, October 6,
November 3, December 1).
"The Pop-Up Blues Festival is to promote, feature, and give exposure to
local artists. We had been offered to do a monthly third-Thursday at
Harvelle's in Long Beach, which I didn't want to be just about (our
band), explains Blind Lemon Peel front-man David Hale, on how the Pop-Up
Blues Festival concept was conceived. "I saw it as an opportunity to
really reach and focus on local musicians and give them the opportunity
to play on that stage. That, to me, was my dream come true. When I
mentioned it to my publicist, he said, "why don't you position it as a
pop-up blues festival? You can tweak it around and it can pop up in
different places." Confirmed to perform at upcoming Pop-Up Blues
Festivals: New Blues Revolution; Bluespower; SoCal Blues Club; Betty
Rose; Mark Wein; The Hurricanes; BullDawg Band; Celso Salim; Shure Thing
Band; and more.
Blind Lemon Peel All-Stars put on a high-octane blues show second to none.
Blind Lemon Peel All-Stars: Some Background
"This
ain't no sittin' around cryin in your beer blues band", insists
front-man/lead vocalist, Blind Lemon Peel. "We're a kick-a**, funky, get
up and shake your love thang, boogie-woogie blues machine". Blind Lemon
Peel All-Stars have recently headlined some of the top blues rooms in
L.A., including Harvelle's, Catalina Jazz Club, and The Mint.
The
sextet consists of the aforementioned Blind Lemon Peel, self-described
as "an old black man trapped in an ever older white man's body", a
brawny-voiced blues shouter in the same tradition as his heroes, Big Joe
Turner and Howlin' Wolf. Bassist Ray Brundidge toured for eight years
with the legendary James Brown and, says Peel, "is the glue that holds
it all together. He puts the bass in its place and the jump start in
your soul". Guitarist Lucky Lloyd plays a Detroit/Chicago style of
blues, with a taste of Mississippi thrown in. Lloyd attributes his music
style to the influences of Albert king, Stevie Ray Vaughn, and BB King,
among others. "His live performances and killer vocals are authentic
and energized", says Peel. "Lucky is an All-Star among All-Stars".
Renowned drummer Craig Kimbrough "brews up his own blend of magic while
keeping the beat with his fatback grooves", asserts Peel. Kimbrough has
played with greats including Solomon Burke, Swamp Dogg, Jimmy McCracken,
and Lowell Fulson, to name a few. Lead guitarist D.J. Ison is "the
masters of guitar stylings - some Stevie Ray Vaughn here, a little Billy
Gibbons there, a pinch of BB King for spicin' and a whole lotta his bad
old self all over the place", explains Peel. "You never heard nuthin'
like D.J. before; doubt you ever will again". Regarding vocalist Alyssa
Baron, Peel says, "this little fireball brings the stage to life,
embodying influences such as Etta James and Janis Joplin. Don't let her
size fool you - she may be petite, but her voice is like a hard right
jab to your solar plexus".
I just received the newest release (June 17, 2016), All For Loving You, from Alexis P Suter and it's dynamite! Opening with Talk To Myself, Suter kicks it square in the face with a heavy swagger on lead vocal and Jimmy Bennett on guitar. A strong slide undertone throughout gives the track a cool bluesy feel. R&B track, Can't Find A Reason is a grand showcase for how powerful a singer Suter is and Bennett lays in a simple guitar solo backed by John Ginty on organ, Ray Grappone on drums and Peter Bennett on bass. Excellent! Slow blues number, Another Place and Time, is opened by an inviting guitar intro by Jimmy and Suter really grabs it up tight. Given the space, Jimmy takes his guitar for a soulful walk adding to a very strong track. Very nice. Title track, All For Loving You, is a radio track with a smooth melody. A driving drum line by Grappone, slide work from Jimmy and Ginty's organ work make this a magical formula. Shuffle track, Living In The World, opens with a clean guitar line from Jimmy. Suter has such a strong voice, balanced by Ginty on organ and Grappone on drums, this track rocks it southern style. Soulful ballad, Fool For You, is another pure showcase for Suter's vocal with rich organ work by Ginty and clean guitar riffs by Jimmy. Very nice. Don't Ya' Tell is a rockin' boogie with super blues rock style guitar riffs from Jimmy, hot backing vocal by Vicki Bell and slashing drum work from Grappone. Excellent! So Long has a heavy bottom with some funk, compliments of Peter and Grappone and Jimmy really lets the dog off the leash on this one. Smokin! Every Shut Eye is a hot Latin influenced blues number with a hot beat. Jimmy takes a freewheeling run over Grappone's relentless rhythm and Ginty takes a cool run of his own. Suter's vocals are hot and steamy. Wrapping the release is an inspirational rearrangement of the Beatles classic, Let It Be. Ginty's organ work creates nice tension, Jimmy adding gravelly guitar riffs and Suter taking the track in a track not expected... with an almost gospel feel! This is an excellent closer to a very 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”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
I just received the newest release, Wash My Horse In Champagne, from Big Harp George and it's a nice dose of harp. Opening with Home Stretch, George takes the lead on vocal with Little Charlie Baty laying down some real nice guitar along with Kid Andersen on bass and Raja Kawar on drums. Georges vocals are tight and his harp riffs certain and well punctuated. Nice opener. On Road Kill, a bikini beach rocker, George really gets the track swinging and Kid Andersen's guitar work is excellent. Wash My Horse In Champagne is a cool track with stylized Spanish guitar and cool vocal blending with Loralee Christensen, this track sets up nicely for a longer melodic harp lead. Very nice. Swing track, Cool Mistake, has a great beat and George lets his harp do a lot of his talking. With a sweet guitar lead from Baty, this track really hums. Slow blues track, My Bright Future, gives George a really nice opportunity to stretch both vocally and on harp along side the beautiful piano work of Chris Burns. With a nice walking bass line by Andersen, I Ain't The Judge of You, has a real nice boogie beat fostering a super fat sax solo by Michael Peloquin. Burns brings up the heat with his keen organ work and Baty adds his own signature to the guitar line. R&B style blues track, I Wasn't Ready, is one of my favorite tracks on the release with George leading nicely on vocal. Rich sax work from Peloquin, strong lead piano lines by Burns and excellent guitar and harp lines from Baty and George really make this track shine. Excellent! Big band style swinger, If Only, gets a fuller sound with Mike Rinta on trombone and Peloquin on sax. Rolling piano work by Burns really pushes the track and George excels as a lead vocalist with hot solos by Peloquin on sax and Andersen on guitar. Light From Darkness has traces of War (the jazz funk fusion band) with funky wah wah by Andersen and snappy drumming by Kawar. With a natural fit in this style of music of the chromatic harp and a constant interweaving of fluid lines by Andersen and Burns and addition of percussion by J Hansen, this track gives the release even another strong dimension. Mojo Waltz is a really interesting track a jazz oriented feel. George takes the lead on harp on this instrumental with killer solos by Baty on guitar and Rinta on trombone backed by a warm interweaving of horns, bass and drums. Excellent! Big time swinger, Size Matters, is a super opportunity to cut the harp loose and that's exactly what George does. Another of my favorite tracks on the release, This track is a perfect display of just what George can make a 16 hole chromatic harp do. Very cool! Somber blues number, Justice in My Time wraps the track. With clean harp lines and really tight acoustic bass work by Andersen, this is a super track to close a really 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”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
Must be the Mississippi water.
Belgrade born in the former Yugoslavia, now Serbia, and current resident of Memphis Tennessee, Ana Popovic has put together a blockbuster of a triple CD entitled Trilogy that boggles the mind!
I don't know how to start this review. My good friend Bman asked me to review this album while he took a little vacation. And while the album is absolutely phenomenal, it is so unique and diverse I am having trouble finding words to describe it's diversity!
The release comes in 3 parts, hence the title Trilogy. It is all of the description that Ana herself gives. 'In an era where most are skeptic about the current state and future of the music industry, I wanted TRILOGY to tell a different story. The record biz might be broken and Spotify might rip us off, but that can't keep an artist down. Creativity is very much alive, and music is the celebration of life.' Trilogy highlights in musicianship. And tell a different story it does!
Instead of highlighting track by track like Bman usually does, well that is impossible with 23 total tracks, I'll just go disc by disc
The first volume comes out with mostly blues rock with some very tasteful guitar by Ana until you hit track 4, Fencewalk. It's a high energy funk that'll drive you wild. That's when you realize this is not gonna be your normal release. The next track, Train, features Joe Bonamassa. This is where you realize that Joe is a much better contributor to other artists albums than he is with the incessant soloing that he does (and his fans demand) in his own shows and albums. Anyway, I love this volume and it's the weakest one in the set!
Volume 2 hits the streets running with 'You Got The Love' another rocker that should attract fans of Bonamassa and other blues rockers. The second volume continues in this vein until you hit the semi-rap track Let's Do It Again. Then there's 'Who's Yo Mama' which is a total shred rocker instrumental where Ana absolutely annihilates rock riffs! The girl has got my attention! And it doesn't stop there. Wasted on My Way is an excellent blues ballad that follow it up This volume ends with a real blues, 'Cryin'For Me.'
Volume 3 is a jazz infused celebration of a time when jazz and blues were more closely aligned. This is the kind of music I live to hear.
There are too many good tracks to list individually. All I can say is two things. Go out and get all three volumes.
I just received the newest release, My Blue Soul, from Terrie Odabi and it's dynamic! Opening with Gentrification Blues, Odabi fuses blues, R&B, gospel, rock and primitive rhythms to create her own modern feel. This track is upbeat featuring Odabi on lead vocal and percussion, Kid Andersen on guitar, Kirk Crumpler on bass, Derrick Martin on drums, Ken Cooke on clav and piano, Terry Hiatt on rhythm guitar and Courtney Knott on backing vocal. Smokin! Live My Life is a cool uptempo club style blues with a great bass groove by Kid Andersen. Nancy Wright really hits the note on her sax solo on this track backed by Manny Angel on trumpet and Faris Jarrah on trombone. Soul track, Will You Still Love Me, really showcases Odabi's vocal strength and Ken Cook's Rhodes work along with Kid Andersen on organ make the track glow. Funky, He Wouldn't Let Go, has a super bass line from Kirk Crumpler and snappy drum work by Leon Joyce jr. Terry Hiatt lays down some hot lead guitar riffs. Very nice! Traces of Foxy Lady loom on Born To Die with a mixture of the SF sound, soul and Jimi. Andersen on guitar, Crumpler on bass, Darrick Martin on drums and Hickerson Jr, on organ set up a cool soulful rocker. Life Is So Good is a really sweet track with a super bass line by Crumpler, cradling the sensuous vocals of Odabi. Ken Cook's piano, Hiatt's guitar and Angel's trumpet work weaves a super fabric of warm music. Excellent! Super soul track, How Dare You, is one of the hottest tracks on the release with Odabi and Wright harmonizing over a warm bass line by Andersen and cool percussion by Martin Windstad. Lorenzo Hawkins on organ adds substantially on organ with awesome lines and Khalil Doakanthony lays in some critical guitar riffs. Very nice! Big Mama's Ball and Chain gets a new cover and this one has it's own flavor. With Kid Andersen playing soulful blues riffs throughout and a solid bass line by Crumpler, Odabi does an impressive interpretation of this super track with Hickerson Jr. or organ, Ken Cook on piano and Martin on drums. I Bet You Think I Don't Know has a slinky feel with strong vocals, a real nice bass line from Crumpler and nice lead guitar work from Hiatt. On R&B roller, I Can't Keep, Odabi and Knott's vocals are over the top with a great droning bass line from Andersen and Knott's vocal blending with Odabi. Andersen on guitar Lorenzo Hawkins on organ have a nice interplay punched up by Angel and Jarrah on horns. Very cool! Traditional spiritual, Wade In The Water has a real swampy sound with bluesy guitar riffs by Andersen. Crumpler on bass and Cook on piano create a very dark carrier for the rich vocals on Odabi and Knott. Andersen's lead work on this track gives you the feel of BB King and additional slide work by Hiatt makes this my choice for best track on the release. Andersen and AJ Crawdaddy provide guitar accompaniment only for Odabi on the most rural sounding blues style track, When You Love Me, on the release. Wrapping the release is Hold Up The Light, a very strong R&B style track. Hickerson Jr. leads the way on organ and nicely phrased vocals by Odabi are spot on. Cook on Rhodes with the addition of Alison Bailey Streich on violin make this a very special track. Andersen adds mellotron and guitar work complimented by Martin on drums and Crumpler on bass. This is a very strong closer for an excellent 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”
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Pimps of Joytime
If you have yet to encounter the Brooklyn-based band, The Pimps of Joytime, prepare to take a funky ride! The PJT’s live events and recordings have captivated fans all across the country, as they have begun writing their own success story, show-by-show, and track-by-track.
Bandleader Brian J is a charismatic and soulful visionary, whose well-crafted songs invite the listener to enter a world of infectious dance grooves and indelible melodies. Spending formative years in New York City, New Orleans and Los Angeles, Mista J honed his craft, becoming an accomplished live performer, multi-instrumentalist and producer.
In 2005, Brian began to assemble a group of righteously soulful vocalists and musicians to assist in bringing to life the musical concept that would become The Pimps of Joytime. The band’s diverse sound and spirited attitude is strongly influenced by the Brooklyn DJ culture and live music scene from which they emerge. Recent collaborations with legendary artists Cyril and Art Neville of the Neville Brothers and Roy Ayers have helped vitalize the band’s connection to its roots.
Over the course of the past five years, The Pimps have evolved into a road tested and audience approved groove machine. They have excited crowds at over 100 club dates and festivals in 2012 alone, and are on target to exceed that volume in 2013. The exponential growth of the band’s fan base can be partially attributed to an artful blend of musical styles, including elements of afro-beat, salsa, rock & roll and electronica. Brian J’s classic songwriting and the band’s undeniable swagger on stage consistently energize dance parties wherever they appear.
In 2011, The Pimps of Joytime released their second studio album, “Janxta Funk!†through the boutique label Wonderwheel Recordings. With a steadily increasing repertoire and a passionate following of music lovers nationwide, the time was right to fortify their organization. The wall of their Facebook page is constantly receiving enthusiastic posts from fans from around the globe as word of mouth further carries news of this fresh new arrival.
The Pimps of Joytime are poised to bring their audacious sound to savvy audiences around the planet. Their forthcoming third studio album coming this fall will be a new chapter in the book of the Funk and a testament to the fact that real music is alive and kicking!
I just received the newest release, Demolition Day, from Honey Island Swamp Band and it's quite entertaining. Opening with a full blown rocker, How Do You Feel with a Stones vibe, Aaron Wilkinson on guitar, Chris Mule on guitar, Sam Price on bass, Garland Paul on drums and Trevor Brooks on keys get this track rockin. With strong piano support, key guitar riffs and a sassy Bobby keys like sax solo this track is a great opener. Head High Water Blues has a swampy, Band meets Little Feat groove. Price's bass work on this track, nicely balanced with Brook's keyboard really hits on full behind the vocal work of the band. High plains rider, No Easy Way, has an ethereal western sound blended with a jazz flavor. Subdued slide guitar work and nicely accented horn work gives this track a real cool feel. Medicated has a modern R&B feel bringing to mind a lot of the J Geils tracks with solid vocals and horn backing over a solid bass line. A nicely articulated guitar solo gives the track that extra something that sets it apart. Watch and Chain is a funky rocker with a cool Rhodes piano solo over solid slide work. Acoustic guitar work and harp by Wilkinson on Katie has a Louisiana country pop feel. These unconventional textures in music coming to my desk are unconventional. Very nice. Ain't No Fun is a slide driven blues rocker. Prominent bass work by Price stands tall and nice vocal blending makes this a prime radio track. She Goes Crazy has a cool, easy 2 step rhythm and nice horn interplay. Through Another Day is a really interesting track with a bit of a Lynyrd Skynyrd swagger. Wilkinson's mandolin work on this track, contrasted against the slide work and nicely blended vocals makes this one of my favorites on the track. Say It Isn't True has a real full sound in "Band" like fashion. One of the strongest vocal tracks on the release and again with Benoit on pedal steel, Wilkinson harp and a rocky rhythm guitar by Mule, a strong ballad. Wrapping the release is Devil's Den, a blues based, finger picked track with a western flavor with nicely crafted lap steel work by Benoit and mando by Wilkinson. Key rhythm shots by Paul and solid vocals make this a real nice track to close a subtly 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”
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I just received the newest release (June 3, 2016), Good Days A Comin, from Ivas John, and it's warm smooth and inviting. Opening with folk blues track, Goin' Back To Arkansas, Ivas John on guitar and vocal is joined by Robert Bowlin on fiddle and guitar as well as Ross Sermons on bass for a really nice opener. Skillfully played and nicely augmented by Bowlin, this is a great opener. Here I Am has a bit more rural flavor with David Davis on mandolin, Gary Gordon on dobro and Charlie Morrill on drums. Country blues number, Roll Mississippi has a great tempo and a definite country swing with lead fiddle lines from Bowlin and cool dobro soloing from Gordon. A real nice toe tapper that will stick in your head. Merle Travis penned, Dark As A Dungeon, is a very nice track in 3/4 time. Ivas, Gary and Roberta Gordon harmonize giving this track a strong warmth. Tom Paxton penned, Can't Help But Wonder Where I'm Bound, is a straight forward country track with cool fiddle overtones by Tim Crouch. Very solid. James H. Jett track, Greenville Trestle High is a cool bluegrass style number with cleanly woven vocal harmonies, acoustic guitar and mandolin work. Very nice! All Along is a smart ballad with warm vocals and nicely crafted guitar work. Things Ain't Been The Same is a really nice ballad with strong vocals and beautiful Dobro accents by Gordon. Keep Your Train Movin' has blues roots but with folk/country styling. Ivas takes a nice guitar solo on this track with subtle harp work from Gordon. Payday Boogie has a rag feel and with it's springy beat and fiddle riffs toying with hot jazz guitar riffs gives it real shine. Very nice! Alan Reynolds penned, Wrong Road Again, is a simple ballad with only Ivas on guitar and vocal and Bowlin on guitar. Nicely woven guitar pairings and warm vocals from Ivas is really the theme of this release which is wrapped by Sunday Morning Blues which features only Ivas on beautifully played acoustic guitar with supple jazz chords and arpeggios making this an absolutely perfect closer.
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”
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