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.                   + MORE!     JOIN OUR MAILING LISTS

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.

  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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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. Read About Robert Finley's Upcoming Project via Bleeding Cool

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.

  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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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.




  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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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.

  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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Tim Bastmeyer's All Star Blues Band - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tim Bastmeyer's All Star Blues Band and it's got a cool flavor. Opening with What The Woman Does To Me, Tim Bastmeyer on guitar and vocal sets the pace for his newest release with an easy country blues pace. Joined by Julian Fauth on piano, Paul Reddick on harmonica, Sean Pinchin on slide guitar, James Thomson on bass and Cam De Latt on drums, a nicely woven tapestry of acoustics. Northern Boogie Blues has an unusual time signature giving it a less expected resolution. With You is a modern style blues built over a Lonnie Chatmon style track. A cool wandering electric guitar lead by Bastmeyer is nicely complimented by the slide work of Pinchin and the lush bass work by Thomson. Love Turns To Pain has the most primitive blues sound with Pinchin on slide and Fauth on piano under Bastmeyer's classic vocal style and Reddick's harp. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Funky Ten, a light funky jazz tune with lead acoustic guitar melody. Fauth lays out a real nice piano lead and Pinchin isn't far behind with nicely executed slide soloing of his own. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Rough Night At The Office, a cool, laid back track with perfect pace and Lou Reed like feel. Airey piano soloing and a smooth bass solo give this track just the right feel for a smooth closer to a 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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Hector Anchondo Band - Roll The Dice - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Roll The Dice, by Hector Anchondo Band and it's quite good. Opening with Dig You Baby, a cool boogie, Hector Anchondo on guitar and lead vocal leads this cool band. Featuring Amanda Fish and joined by Justin Shexlton on harp, Khayman Winfield on drums, Josh Lund on bass and Matt Russo on percussion this band is cooking. On title track,  Roll The Dice, the band has a cool light funky jazz feel with nicely blended vocals and a Shexlton gets the harp going pretty good leading to a explosive guitar solo by Anchondo. These guys know how to lay down a pretty nice boogie woogie with a super bass line by Lund. Hector's vocals on this Face It Down really remind me quite a bit of Steve Miller so I think that it shows real radio potential and his guitar work is fresh and loose. Very cool. Sometimes Being Alone Feels Right is a cool, bluesy, ballad with smooth vocals and super round guitar tones. Very nice. Surf flavored, That's How it All Goes has a bit of a Otis Rush sound and I really dig it. With Dick Dale guitar runs and blues style harp, this track is strong. With a classical guitar run intro, Peter Green's Black Magic Woman sails. A new take on the original with a taste of Santana, I really like Anchondo's Latin flavoring which differs from Santana's. With a strong bass line, heavy tom tom and latin/classical style guitar work, this track is really special. With TexMex spice, On Your Mic, Get Set, Sing maintains roots in original rock but with heavy border influences, harp accents and stylized guitar. This is a very cool track. Wrapping the release is Here's To Me Giving Up, a super nice, slow blues track to give Anchondo one final opportunity to sing and play the pure blues. His vocals are solid and his playing inspired. I really dig this 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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Jim Gustin & Truth Jones - Memphis - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Memphis, from Jim Gustin & Truth Jones and it's got texture. Opening with Half Past Ten, a cool, low slung blues rocker, Gustin has lead on vocals and guitar with clean backing vocals from partner, Truth Jones and Teresa James. Steve Alterman on piano lays out a nice solo backed by Terry Wilson on bass and Herman Matthews on drums. With a bit of New Orleans style funk, Live With Yourself, Jones has the lead on vocal and Gustin's slide work is warm and fat. Title track, Memphis, is a radio style track with a catchy melody and solid vocals by Gustin. A cool piano and organ interludes leads the way to a nicely styled guitar solo by Gustin. On You Know Me Too Well, another radio track, Jones delivers on vocals over a super solid bass line and rock solid drum. With a funky soul that made the Staples who they are, Gustin leads I Love What I Got, one of my favorite tracks on the release. A cool blend of vocals, funky drums, slide guitar and warm backing vocals is the perfect mix. Wrapping the release is solid soul track, Right Time For Good-bye, featuring the Jones and her best vocals on the release, trading lead with Gustin. Embraced by the warm organ tones of Alterman,  this is a super closer for Gustin's sophomore 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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Vizztone Label Group artist: Adrianna Marie - Kingdom Of Swing - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Kingdom of Swing, by Adrianna Marie and her roomful of all-stars, and it's tasty. Opening with Kingdom of Swing you are transported to the 40's with a great bottom by Kedar Roy on bass and Brian Fahey. The ROOM is FULL with the Roomful Horns and a terrific trumpet solo by Doug Woolverton and excellent solo by Carl Querfurth and of course super sax work by Doug James, Rich Lataille and Mark Earley. Wow! Marie belts away on Better Beware and the warmth of James, Lataille and Earley is super. With super sax solos on this one and the cool piano work of Al Copley and a really nicely styled guitar solo by Jones, this is another winner. Catch the ripping sax solo by James on Sidecar Mama teamed with Earley and Lataille and raw guitar work of Jones for a grand slam. Jones plays some particularly warm solo lead on Duke Ellington's Mood Indigo teamed with some of Marie's best vocals on the release making it a solid classic. Beautifully appointed sax and trumpet solos on this track, backed by the fullness of the Horns is superb.  With a solid bass line and horns blazing, 3 AM Blues struts in taking no prisoners. Another really rich sax solo, followed by nicely articulated guitar lead gives this track real zip. Duke Robillard sits on adding some really nice guitar lead and again, the best sax section on the planet is here with plenty of solo's including a robust solo from James. Memphis Boogie is a real rabid track with super solos from Querfurth, Lataille, Earley and Jones. On Chicago style track, Drive me Daddy, Bob Corritore joins in on harp and Woolverton's muted trumpet as Jones demonstrates some Muddy Water's like slide work. BB King's Jump With You Baby gets a serious guitar job from Junior Watson. With it's serious swing and heavy horn work, it's smoking with woven lines. The Blues are Brewing really gets a big band work over with stretched solos throughout. A particularly jazzy blues track, it stands out nicely. One Sweet Letter has a great strut emphasized by a tight solo by Woolverton. T-Bone Boogie is a wild ride with excellent guitar flash from Jones and great depth from James. Whew! Wrapping the release is Blues After Hours with gripping blues work by Jones. This is an excellent closer to an excellent release. If you love horns, you'll love this 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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Stony Plain Records artist: Eric Bibb - Migration Blues - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Migration Blues, from Eric Bibb and it's a nice package. Opening with Refugee Moan, a modern acoustic blues, Bibb on vocal and guitar is joined by Michael Jerome Browne on guitar and violin, JJ Milteau on harp. With a really solid delta blues framework, Bibb masterfully crafts a beautiful recreation of original delta style blues with vocals smooth as silk. Prayin' For Shore is a really supple ballad with nicely appointed guitar accompaniment to Bibbs vocals and Milteau's harp work. Very nice. Title track, Migration Blues, is a articulate blues instrumental with nice finger and slide guitar work, complimented nicely by Milteau's harp. One of my favorite tracks on the release, Brotherly Love, has really strong soul lines. Bibb's vocals really lends itself to this style and his guitar work blended with that of Browne's is terrific. Nothing could be more appropriate to today's climate than Woody Guthrie's This Land is Your Land. Without changing the general arrangement much but spiced up quite a bit with guitar and mandolin, this track is really nice. Blacktop is another super delta style blues track with Browne on vocal and resonator. Wrapping the release is springy, Mornin' Train, with a clean Piedmont Style.

  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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Blues Rock Release Scores Three Finalist Nods at NMMA

Blues Rock Release Scores Three Finalist Nods At Annual Music Awards Event Winners to be announced May 21st Ruidoso NM (April 24th) - The New Mexico Music Awards recently announced that the 2016 fall release by Montrose Records "DOS" featuring Richard Cagle and the Voodoo Choir has garnered three finalist positions in three separate categories:   "DOS" Best Rock CD of the Year, "Slow Blues" Best Blues Song of the Year, and "Richard Cagle" for Producer of the Year Award.  Excitement continues to mount as the final decisions will be announced on May 21st at the annual music event which is going to be held at the Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque.  Rich Cagle commented, "We are very grateful to have reached such a plateau already, and even if it doesn't go any further, we are honored to have been nominated."  The Beautiful Sandia Resort & Casino will host the 2017 New Mexico Music Awards About the Event - Every year, music industry professionals come from throughout the state to this, the largest and most prestigious music awards show in New Mexico. It is an opportunity for the New Mexico music industry to network and to applaud their peers for the work they do in New Mexico.  This year the 30th Annual New Mexico Music Awards and show will feature a welcome reception, prime rib dinner followed by performances from some of New Mexico’s best artists. During the course of the evening they will recognize those artists, engineers, producers, and music industry personnel who’s recordings have excelled in production, performance, and composition. For More Information About The Event Follow This Link Montrose Recording Studio West - Ruidoso New Mexico Click & check out the NMMA nominated song "Slow Blues" "With a heavy John Lennon meets Billy Gibbons, meets Robin Trower, Slow Blues oozes out a heavy blues rock feel. Cagle's vocals approach those of Axl on this one but the overall feel of this track is very solid and given the super bottom and nicely appointed guitar work by Martin, this track is one of my favorites.” — Bman, Bman's Blues Report January 16th, 2017 For "DOS" Radio Play or Publication Review Copies click here To contact Richard at Montrose Records click here

Chris Antonik - Monarch - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Monarch, from Chris Antonik and it's really good. Opening with I'd Burn It All Down For You, Antonik is joined by Chuck Keeping with a great drum riff reinforced by Guenther Kapelle on bass and Jesse O'Brien on keys. Antonik's vocals are solid and his guitar playing inspired. This lightly funky track is a great opener. On Mike Bloomfield's You're Killing My Love, again a touch of funk and super posturing this track moves. Antonik has great attack and the backing of Richard Underhill on sax, William Sperandel on trumpet and William Carn separates this track from the pack. Slow Moving Train has more of a rock edge, again giving Antonik breathing rook to lay down some real nice guitar riffs. With a rumbling bottom, Gold Star, follows in the Dickey Betts "Southbound" format with it's lightly funky country jam. Antonik peppers the track with hot riffs and his vocals are tops. The Monarch and the Wrecking Ball features really nice backing vocals by Samantha Martin, Sherie Marshall and Stacie Tabb. Antonik's own smooth vocals, super groove/hook and slide guitar work make this one of the best tracks on the release. Strong ballad, Love, Bettike, is smooth as silk and Antonik's guitar sings. Country flavored ballad, All Our Days, has a strong melody featuring Burke Carroll on pedal steel blended nicely with Antonik's own acoustic and electric guitars. vocals and string work by Drek Jurecka and Rebekah Wolkstein on violin, Shannon Knights on viola and Lydia Munchinsky on cello giving the track a quietly Roger Walters feel. Wrapping the release is Everywhere I Go, a simple pop track with a strong melody and quiet and appealing execution. With a nice trumpet solo by O'Brien and smooth backing vocals by Ben Fisher and Paul Olsen, this is a perfect closer to a real nice 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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Nola Blue/Vizztone artist: Billy Price - Alive and Strange - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Alive and Strange, from Billy Price and it's quite entertaining. I was first introduced to Price as the lead vocalist in the Roy Buchanan band and it's good to see Price still out there mixing it up. Opening with R&B track, It's Ain't A Juke Joint Without The Blues, Price takes command on lead vocals backed by Steve Delach on guitar, David Ray Dodd on drums Tom Valentine on bass and Jim Britton on keys. Delach lays down some really hot riffs and the horns of Eric DeFade (tenor sax), Joe Herndon (trumpet) and Matt Ferrero (sax) really liven up the party. Steeling down with radio track, Lifestyles of the Poor and Unknown, Price hits a smooth groove with warm backing vocals by David Avery, DeWayne Chandler, Valentine and Britton.  Really nice soul track, This Time I'm Gone For Good really gives Price a chance to show just how much soul he's got and he's got it good. With a super sax solo from De Fede and a solitary bass line by Valentine, this is one of my favorites on the release. Percy Mayfield track, Nothing Stays The Same Forever, has super strong bones and the band really delivers, and a particular pat to DeFede for his hot sax work. James Brown track, Never Get Enough, has a great groove with a funky bass line, cool key work and that ever so funky rhythm guitar. Magic Sam's What Have I Done Wrong is a real high stepper giving Delach plenty of space to stretch on guitar and again Defede on sax. Very nice. With a big swing, Roy Milton's R.M. Blues is next and Dodd and Jason Hollar on bass set the stage. Joe Herndon really wails on trumpet followed by Dee Fede and Britton. Great track. Wrapping the release is Makin Plans with glistening electric piano work by Britton and George Benson like guitar tones from Delach. Herndon and Defede are joined by Bob Matchett on trombone for a strong radio ready close.




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