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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!


Please email me at Info@Bmansbluesreport.com

Monday, May 15, 2017

Boogie Patrol - Man On Fire - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Man On Fire from Boogie Patrol and it's super. Opening with Players Blues, Boogie Patrol hits the floor with horns blazing (Kim Beachum on trumpet, Gareth Hughes on tenor sax and Carsten Rubeling on trombone) . With a smooth, dance feel, Rott "n" Dan Shinnan really takes the lead on vocal with Yuji Ihara on guitar, Nigel Gale on bass, Emmet VanEtten on drums, Marc Arnault on keys and Chad Holtzman on guitar. On shuffle track, Whole Lotta Gravy, the band hits a nice blues groove and Dan compliments his gritty vocals with cool harp. R&B flavored, Foolish Mind, is a solid radio player with powerful horns and a cool guitar solo from Ihara. Hard To Tell You is a great song with an Al Green feel. Dan's voice doesn't have the polish of Green's (who's does) but I really like it. His style is soulful and his flare is flowing and cool. High energy, Easy To See has a relentless drum beat by VanEtten and with understated guitar work by Ihara and smoky blues harp work by Dan, this track rocks. With a James Brown roll going, Got One On Ya, has a great groove. Warmed up by the horn section and cool rhythm guitar Dan's vocal put me in mind of early Jeff Beck Group and Bobby Tench. Gale stretches out for a nice bass solo giving the track even more grip. Very cool. Let's Get Randy is a real rocking blues party with a great blues lope. This track has a great vibe! Title track, Man On Fire, is and excellent closer, blending Al Green, Tower of Power and Jimi. With creative guitar soloing, excellent vocals, powerful horns and a rock solid bottom, this track leaves me wanting way more. Excellent job!



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Friday, May 12, 2017

Malaco Records artist: Mr. Sipp - Knock A Hole In It - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Knock A Hole In It, by Mr. Sipp and it's a hot funky blues rocker. Mr. Sipp is the the alter ego of gospel guitarist, Castro Coleman and he's a force to be reckoned with. Opening with title track, Knock A Hole In It, Castro Coleman, vocalist and lead guitar player really shows fire with this band. Jeffrey Flanagan on bass, Carrol McLaughlin on organ and Stanley Dixon create an extremely heavy bottom for Coleman to romp and romp he does. Excellent! With up tempo R&B track, Bad Feeling, Coleman is charging vocally and with driving guitar riffs. The supporting organ work of McLaughlin is super over the solid bottom of bass and drums. Dropping back into the slot, Stalking Me is a grooving R&B track. Sounds along the Sam and Dave line, Coleman shows his roots in R&B but shows definite rock influences in rock, especially Hendrix. With a great, SRV style guitar lope, Gotta Let Her Go, is a super blues rocker with stinging blues riffs. Smelly, funky guitar riffs set the pace on Going Down, firmly reinforced by McLaughlin's organ. With a lumbering bass and drum line and fiery guitar licks, this track is smoking. On Soulful, blues ballad, Baby Your Mine, Coleman shows not only his soulful vocals but his fluid blues guitar runs for a solid radio track. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Turn Up, a deep track with exceptional feel,tension and gripping guitar work. In the path of Marvin Gaye, Love Yourself has a real cool R&B feel. Driven by the bass work of Flanagan and exceptional vocals of Coleman, backed by The Jackson Horns (Kimble Funches on trumpet, Jessie Primer III on sax, Robert Lamkin on trombone) this track is smooth. Wrapping the release is an extremely lively cover of Jimi Hendrix's Little Wing. With a bit of orchestration this band really lays out a great eight minute plus workout on this always stellar track. Coleman hits the key blues notes at just the right angle and his lead runs are fluid and meaningful. An abnormally interpretive take on the National Anthem closes the track and leaves your head spinning.  I really like this release and suggest you check it out...definitely! 

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Thursday, May 11, 2017

Cameron Austin - Charging Toward The Sun - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Charging Toward The Sun, by Cameron Austin. Opening with Empress, an easy going acoustic pop tune, Cameron Austin on guitar and vocal, joined by Paul Brennan on drums and Kene Wyatt on bass pave the way of a sure radio release. With a faster tempo and nicely blended vocals, Here, is a real nice track with melodic slide compliments. Lightly funky rocker, Prairie Girl, has a snappier beat and showing again that Austin is a clever pop writer. Bobby Whitlock's Thorn Tree In The Garden has always been one of my favorite ballads. No, Duane Allman isn't here to add his beautiful slide riffs, but this is still a super track. Raise Hell Boogie is a knee slapping country tune with a happy edge. With steel guitar twists and tight drumming, this is my favorite track on the release.  Sweet Corn is a real cool acoustic guitar round that is particularly nice. Jackson Browne's These Days, is up next and Austin's vocals work nicely with this track with slightly different instrumentation including mandolin. Very nice. Country reel, I Know A Guy, features Anne Myers on lead vocal with Austin. Acoustic instrumental, After A Time, reminds me quite a bit of a Jorma track with a special iridescence and warm slide. Very nice.  Wrapping the release is Drought, a very cool resonator slide piece. Cleanly executed and skillfully crafted, it's an excellent track to close a real nice release.

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Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Vizztone Label Group artists: Godboogie - Play Music & Dance - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Play Music & Dance from Godboogie and it's a funky party. Opening with a New Orleans/BoDiddley beat, Play Music & Dance, Jerome Godboo takes the lead on vocal, harp and accordion with Eric Schenkman on guitars, Shawn Kellerman on guitar and Gary Craig on drums. On shuffle track, Honey Badger, the band hits a nice groove with Schenkman taking a real nice ripper of a solo. Slowing it down with a nice lope, Wounded shows a broad range of vocal capabilities by Godboo and of course showcasing his harp work. Ripping loose with another flier of a solo is Schenkman giving the track a nice edge. Breaking down to a smoking funk, It's A Party is really a dancing groove with slashing guitar riffs. Stumble blues track, Kitty has a real cool beat and the edgy vocals of Godboo contrast nicely against the grinding guitar work of Schenkman. Very cool. Hitting right up the middle with slow blues ballad, Sign Of The Times, Godboo brings his soulful blues vocals and Schenkman throws down his best blues chops. Another soulful ballad, The Way to Heaven, is my favorite track on the release with a nice hook, really soulful harp work and a super melody. Soul track, Call On My Love, is another of my favorites with a great melody, lead vocal work and musical tension. Wrapping the release is Tigers, Horses, Kings & Queens, a cool blues rocker with solid vocals. Schenkman plays a fairly outrageous guitar solo on this track over a driving bass line by Kellerman and tight drums by Craig. A real nice closer for a cool release.



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Tuesday, May 9, 2017

Soundview artist: Davis Coen - These Things Shall Pass - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, These Things Shall Pass, from Davis Coen and it's quite good. Mississippi based Coen, decided to put together a spiritual based release and this one is exceptional. Opening with Willie Banks and the Messengers' Working For Jesus, Coen shows an exceptional feel for R&B style backed by Patrick McClary and Ryan Rogers on drums. With a country flavor, Stand By You is a cool track with smart vocals and lush steel guitar riffs. Pop rocker, Diamonds In Your Back Yard, has a simple melody, a catchy hook and warm vocal blending. A cool radio track. Saint Christopher has a real nice New Orleans kind of feel with great piano lines and vocal pairing. On the traditional, What A Friend We Have In Jesus, Coen plays it pretty much by the book but with a nice rhythm acoustic guitar and sweet slide echoes. Very nice. One of my favorites on the release, Shifting The Tide, has a strong soul feel and Coen's vocals are dynamic. Acoustic piano gives the track a real earthiness and warm backing vocals cement the deal. Excellent!
Jesus' Hand has a great revival feel, backed by McClary on vocal and a snappy drum line by Rogers. Another R&B style track, Lord, Let Me Do Right is particularly nice with arpeggiated chords and sweet vocals. The most direct gospel track, You Are The Onliest (God I Know) moderate guitar work but mostly acoustic piano cementing this track firmly on the ground. Very nice. Country blues (and title) track, These Things Will Pass, previously covered by Hank Snow and Johnny Cash is extremely effective. Super solid track. Wrapping the release is the traditional, Old Rugged Cross. Coen sells this track like it's his own with acoustic guitar and mandolin adornment and accompaniment. A really strong closer to a particularly strong release.



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Monday, May 8, 2017

The Mojo Stars - Under The Influence - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Under the Influence, by The Mojo Stars and it's interesting. Opening with title track, Under The Influence, vocalist Randy Clarke with Mark Rankin on guitar, Rob Marr on bass, Shawn Soucy on drums, Steve Soucy on keys and Kenny Boychuck on B3 crafts an updated rock sound pulling from the sounds of and Argent, Humble Pie and the Doors among others. Nice opener. Swinging over to a country approach, Why Can't I Be True has a real honky tonk feel with perfect syncopation, meaty guitar riffs and super keys. Bluesy ballad, No Use In Crying (Live) has the smooth characteristics of Elvin Bishop's Fooled Around And Fell In Love with a solid melody, nice sax work by Tom Gould and strong radio appeal. A cool Latin influenced track, 26 Banks, is one of my favorites on the release. Sassy sax work by Gould, nice vocals by Clarke and a crisp solo by Rankin make this track move. Soulful ballad, Why Didn't You Know is another serious entry for top track on the release with a smooth melody, a nice bass solo by Marr, a ripping lead line by Gould and the smoothest vocals on the release by Clarke. Rock 'n' Roller, I Ain't Feeling As Good As I Look (Live) really gets the house moving with cool rhythm and hot sax. Throaty guitar lead by Rankin opens Love, What Have You Done, a lightly Latin influenced track. Nice B3 work by Boychuck and sax work by Gould give this track a jazzy feel. Cool jazz rocker, Lock The Door Mama has a great walking bass line with slick sax and guitar lead exchange making this one of the hottest tracks on the release. Wrapping the release is boogie woogie track, You Don't Know Me and I Wish You Would. With this band on a roll, these guys hammer it home giving it a super effort and a dynamic closer for a cool release.


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Friday, May 5, 2017

LEGENDARY GUITARIST JOE BONAMASSA ANNOUNCES THE BIGGEST BLUES ROCK PARTY AT SEA





LEGENDARY GUITARIST JOE BONAMASSA ANNOUNCES THE BIGGEST
BLUES ROCK PARTY AT SEA
LINEUP INCLUDES BLACK COUNTRY COMMUNION, LOS LOBOS, JJ GREY & MOFRO, ANA POPOVIC, NORTH MISSISSIPPI ALLSTARS
& MANY MORE

 
KEEPING THE BLUES ALIVE AT SEA IV
SETS SAIL FEBRUARY 26 – MARCH 2, 2018,
FROM MIAMI TO MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA
ON THE NEWLY RENOVATED NCL JADE
ATLANTA, GA – Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, Joe Bonamassa, and Sixthman are proud to present Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea IV, another voyage of the incredible four-day music festival at sea featuring Bonamassa and some of the most celebrated names in Blues. Sailing from Miami, Florida to Montego Bay, Jamaica, 2,100 of the most passionate fans will enjoy performances from some of the biggest names in music, while discovering new favorites among emerging Blues artists on multiple stages throughout the ship. From rare artist collaborations to intimate gatherings with fellow musically inclined cruisers, the festival will have something for everyone to enjoy.

“We’ve had a blast this year and we’ve had a blast every other year…There has been some great music this year and we will carry it on to next year,” declared Bonamassa.



Joining the 2018 festival are a robust mix of new and returning powerhouse names, such as Black Country Communion (Bonamassa, Glenn Hughes, Jason Bonham and Derek Sherinian), Los Lobos, JJ Grey & Mofro, Ana Popovic, North Mississippi Allstars, Sister Sparrow & The Dirty Birds, The James Hunter Six, Matt Andersen, Kirk Fletcher & Josh Smith, Marcus King Band, Greyhounds, Toronzo Cannon, Larkin Poe, Madisen Ward and the Mama Bear, New Orleans Suspects, The Steepwater Band, Jerron “Blind Boy” Paxton, Jack Broadbent, The Bros. Landreth, Juzzie Smith and more to be announced!


Music fans interested can sign up for the pre-sale to get the best available cabins first here:
https://www.sixthman.net/account/presale/bluesaliveatsea

For more details about the biggest Blues-Rock Party at sea, visit here: www.bluesaliveatsea.com

Once onboard, fans can expect to enjoy a performance by Joe Bonamassa, a special reunion of Black Country Communion, multiple artist collaboration shows, activities with many Blues Alive at Sea artists, dozens of live performances by living legends and emerging blues talent, and opportunities to jam with fellow cruisers while sailing an idyllic Caribbean course aboard Norwegian Jade.

A destination of her own, Norwegian Jade offers guests Norwegian Cruise Line’s signature freedom and flexibility during their vacation. Fresh off a dry dock refurbishment where she received enhancements to every part of the onboard experience, Jade now features two brand new restaurants, two new bars and lounges, updated design and décor in many public spaces, and a refurbishment of all staterooms.

Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea’s first three sold-out voyages saw the floating music festival sail to beautiful locations like Key West, the Bahamas, Costa Maya and Cozumel, while entertaining over 5,000 blues aficionados. Performers included many of today’s best blues artists, including John Hiatt, Robben Ford, Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Blues Traveler, Beth Hart, Ana Popovic, Vintage Trouble, Marc Broussard, Shemekia Copeland, Joanne Shaw Taylor, and many more. The sold-out festivals raised a combined $181,000 in donations for Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation, which helps to fund scholarships and music programs for students and teachers across the country.

Music enthusiasts can pre-register for the sailing now at bluesaliveatsea.com/presale before cabins become available. Double occupancy staterooms on Keeping The Blues Alive at Sea IV begin at $1099 per person, plus taxes and fees. For more information about booking your vacation, visit us online at www.bluesaliveatsea.com or call Sixthman directly at 877-379-9170 between the hours of 10AM EST and 6PM EST.

Connect with Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea cruisers on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram #BluesAliveAtSea.

About Joe Bonamassa:
Joe Bonamassa has established himself as one of the world’s greatest guitar players, and proved himself as an incisive and compelling songwriter, a gutsy and soulful vocalist, as well as one of the most popular touring-and-recording artists around, averaging over 100 sold-out shows worldwide each year while amassing a body of work that stands out in the already vast waters of the blues-rock form. Even after 28 years of professionally performing, the two-time Grammy®-nominated bluesman has really just hit his stride. Joe currently has more #1 Billboard Blues Albums than any other artist in history – 17 and counting – and all on his own record label, J&R Adventures. His latest studio solo album, Blues of Desperation, landed at #5 on the Billboard Top Album Sales, his highest charting yet. Joe’s new highly anticipated CD/DVD “Live at Carnegie Hall - An Acoustic Evening” will be in stores June 23rd, 2017. http://jbonamassa.com/

About Keeping the Blues Alive Foundation:
Keeping The Blues Alive Foundation fuels the passion for music by funding programs and scholarships for students and teachers who possess the desire, but lack the resources or access to achieve their potential within music education. Through generous donations from Joe Bonamassa, J&R Adventures, and individual donors, KTBA has been able to fund music projects reaching over 43,500 students with over $224,249 donated so far. We accomplish this by making weekly donations to music projects in education and scholarships all over the country. http://keepingthebluesalive.org/

About Sixthman:
Since 2001, Sixthman has pioneered themed cruise experiences, creating intimate shared encounters for bands, brands, and their fan communities. We are proud to be celebrating our 16th year and the accomplishment of executing 104 festivals, hosting over 230,000 guests for 940,000 days on vacation at sea with world class artists such as KISS, Kid Rock, John Mayer, Zac Brown Band, Train, Pitbull, Paramore, Florida Georgia Line, Diplo, Joe Bonamassa, Lynyrd Skynyrd, 311, Lyle Lovett, Barenaked Ladies, Sister Hazel and for brand partners such as Turner Classic Movies, VH1, SiriusXM’s Outlaw Country, Walker Stalker Con, truTV and others along with Sixthman curated festivals, The Rock Boat and Cayamo!  Our festivals at sea bring non-stop performances, artist collaborations and a truly immersive vacation experience with fan/band interactions throughout the voyage and in port. Our home ports of call include Miami and Tampa Florida to dream destinations such as the Virgin Islands, Belize, Honduras, Mexico and the Bahamas. For more information, visit sixthman.net and connect with us @SXMLiveLoud.  LIVE LOUD.
 

             

 





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Conner Ray Music artist: Steve Krase - Should've Seen It Coming - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Should've Seen It Coming, from Steve Krase and it has great swagger. Opening with Brand New Thang, I'm immediately struck by the stinging guitar work of Mark May backed by Rick Roman on bass, Richard Chokakian on drums and of course the fine vocal and harp work of Steve Krase. On Willie Dixon's  Latin influenced Crazy For My Baby, Krase sits in the groove with James Gilmer on percussion. Very nice. On slow blues number, Let The Four Winds Blow, David Carter lays down a nice guitar lead and Krase plays up the appeal today to zombies in Fat's Dominos classic track. Randy Wall takes a real nice piano solo on this one giving the track a nice sparkle. Title track, Should've Seen It Coming has a cool , voodoo kind of groove with a great bass line by Roman. Again Wall stretches his hands nicely on piano and Carter does some fine fret work, complimenting Krase on lead vocal and harp. With it's light Latin beat, Krase really showcases his harp work on Travellin' Mood. On shuffle track, Make You Love Me Baby, Krase shows his best vocals with cool solos by Carter and Wall. Rich sax work by Alisha Patrillo and the funky beat work of Gillmore gives a great musical envelope for Krase's comical story. Gospel like feel sets a nice table for Krase's harp soloing on Way Back Home, a classic Crusaders tune. Carter absolutely rips a solo on this one providing super contrast to the quiet nature of the basic track. Very cool. Super sax work on bonus track, Should've Seen It Coming Explicit, provides a great opener for an almost 8 minute jam by this talented band. Super closer for a really strong release.


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Thursday, May 4, 2017

Robert Finley Partners with the Black Keys' Dan Auerbach for Graphic Novel Soundtrack!



The Graphic Novel Murder Ballads to Include Soundtrack from Dan Auerbach (the Black Keys) and Robert Finley

Music Maker is thrilled to announce a new project from partner artist Robert Finley. For Free Comic Book Day on May 6th, Z2 comics will release The Ballad of Franklin Bonisteel. The comic will include a free download of the the classic Leadbelly tune In the Pines by Robert Finley & Dan Auerbach as well as a preview for Murder Ballads - the graphic novel that will be accompanied by an original soundtrack by Robert Finley & Dan Auerbach.
Less than two years ago our Executive Director Tim Duffy met Robert playing on the streets of the King Biscuit Blues Festival! Robert's meteoric rise would not be possible without the support we receive from donors like you. Thank you.

Diggin': Dom Flemons - Georgia Drumbeat 

The Next Generation interprets the past with this great tune - here!
Advisory Board Member Col. Bruce Hampton Passes Away
 
A unique musical legend was lost on Monday - here!
Keep up with Music Maker's gigs

See who's playing in your area! You never know when a Music Maker artist will be rolling through your town. Check out the Tour Calendar - here!

Jumping Jack Records artist: Delta Moon - Cabbagetown - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cabbagetown, by Delta Moon and they have a rocking sound with blues influences. Opening with Rock and Roll Girl, Tom Gray on vocal and lap steel, Mark Johnson on vocal and lap steel create a signature sound backed by Franher Joseph on vocal and bass, and Marlon Patton on drums. With a swampy feel, Just Lucky I Guess features Steven Stills like vocals and swift resonator guitar soloing. Kicking it up a few, Coolest Fools has a country rock/pop feel with a cool hook. Tandem slide work maintains a country rockin' feel throughout and nicely blended vocals give this track additional appeal. Refugees stands alone for me as the absolute best track on the release. With it's solid one bass line, slide work and spoken lead vocal, this track just rides the super groove. Excellent!  A modern take on Son House's Death Letter is totally fresh and unique. Very cool with a thumping bass and cool harp work from Jon Liebman. Title track, Cabbagetown is a cool call and response acoustic blues instrumental featuring instrumental retort between  Gray on resonator and harp and Johnson on guitar. Wrapping the release is a powerful blues rocker, Sing Together, with flavors of CCR and Stills. With rich backing vocals by Kyshona Armstrong and slick slide work, this is a super closer for a really cool release.

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Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Membrane Records artist: Jon Zeeman - Blue Room - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blue Room, from Jon Zeeman and it's got heft. Opening with rolling boogie, All I Want Is You, Jon Zeeman hits the ground running with a great walking bass line from Phil Macarthur and tight drum lines from Mr. Butch Trucks. Nice riding organ work by Tom Regis really shines it up and Zeeman's own guitar riffs make for an excellent opener. On Robert Johnson's. Love In Vain, Zeeman follows The Stones arrangement fairly closely which is really nice. Electric piano soloing by Taylor is lush and Zeeman's own guitar work smooth and inspired. George Lilly adds the drums on this one and Zeeman's vocals are top notch. On shuffle track, Next To You, Butch Trucks again lends his impeccable timing and Zeeman lays out some really tasty guitar riffs. Jimi Hendrix's Still Rainin', Still Dreamin' has a smoking James Brown bottom and Zeeman really scorches the fretboard with hot riffs on this one. If I Could Make You Love Me, is a real nice slower blues number. With Taylor adding tension on organ and beautiful accents on piano, Zeeman shines on lead vocal and guitar. All Alone has a subtle Latin influence which really gives it a nice edge. Vocals are smooth and piano and guitar work clean making this the most likely radio track on the release. Very nice. Talking 'Bout My Baby is nice and funky with a cool bass riff and solo. The band is tight and cohesive making this a fun track. Title track, Blue Room, is classical in nature played solely on electric guitar. Short and sweet. Very nice! Wrapping the release is funky rocker, Nothing In The World. Zeeman takes the opportunity to blaze right down the center of the track with a crisp guitar solo but this track is really about the feel and it's a great closer to a real cool release.


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Tuesday, May 2, 2017

Delmark Records artist: Billy Flynn - Lonesome Highway - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Lonesome Highway, from Billy Flynn and it's quite good. Opening with rock n roller, Good Navigator, Flynn hits the road running on lead vocal and guitar with Deitra Farr on second vocal. Roosevelt Purifoy on piano rolls 'em tight with EG McDaniel on bass, Andrew "Blaze" Thomas on drums and horn support from Doug Corcoran on trumpet and Christopher Neal on sax. On Small Town, you can't help drawing comparisons to BB and Albert but Flynn has his own style and his guitar is always hot. Title track, Lonesome Highway is one of my favorite tracks on the release with beautiful guitar phrasing, warm sax and great feel. Excellent! On a cover of Billy Page's, The "In" Crowd, McDaniel sets a solid bass line and Flynnreally sets a juicy groove. Hot! With a firm strut, Never Had A Chance, is a great 70's style blues track with great call and response. Boogie track, Waiting Game is a strong driver with Flynn laying out some Hooker like riffs and harp. Very cool. On Jimmy Reed style track, Hold On, Deitra Farr joins Flynn on lead vocal and Flynn shows his expressive harp style along with some real nice guitar riffs. In the general style of Otis Rush, The Lucky Kind is a real nice modern blues track with warm organ bottom and clean, lush guitar work by Flynn and a cool trumpet solo by Corcoran. Jackson Street has a distinct Muddy Waters feel with some really nice slide work by Flynn. Funky track, I Feel "Um" has really nice jazz/rock feel with cool vocals by Flynn who shows his nicely phrased Mayfield chops, topped off by a super warm sax solo by Neal.  With a stinging Albert King feel, Sufferin' With The Blues is a great track. Flynn's vocals are solid and his solos super. Wrapping the release is Christmas Blues with a BB King like feel. Neal plays a soulful sax solo and Flynn closes it out with a super swinging solo of his own. Super closer for a super release.



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