Mark One Records artist: Milligan-Vaughan Project - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, MVP, from the Milligan - Vaughan Project and it's a cool rocker. Opening with Soul Satisfaction, lead vocalist Malford Milligan teams up with guitarist Tyrone Vaughan for a classic rocker, backed by Chris Maresh on bass, and Brannen Temple on drums. Shuffle track, Driving You, has a cool saunter and low slung guitar work from Vaughan sets the track off nicely. Buddy Guy's, Leave My Girl Alone, is one of my favorite tracks with super gritty vocals and creamy guitar tones. Vaughan really cuts loose on this one with voracious guitar soloing, backed by Temple on drums, Jay Stiles on keys, Jorge Castillo on guitar and Jeff Hayes on bass. Classic jazz track, Compared To What, made popular by Les McCann and Eddie Harris finds new wheels here with solid vocals, a vibrant solo by Vaughan and electric keys by Michael Ramos. Another really nice track is original, Devil's Breath with soulful vocals by Milligan and stinging guitar riffs over heavy bass by Temple. Wrapping the release is Leon's Palace Of the King. Using Leon like guitar phrasing and powerful R&B vocals, this is a real strong closer for a cool new release. 

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CHARLIE PARR Stream the new album, "Dog" premiering at Folk Alley's "Hear it First"  Featuring the blistering picking, offbeat characters and raw emotion that has made him a cult favorite Dog set for release September 8; pre-order at iTunes and Amazon Parr announces fall tour dates including AmericanaFest   August 30, 2017: Charlie Parr is premiering his latest album, Dog, as a "Hear It First" selection at Folk Alley. Dog, out on September 8 on Red House, features the blistering picking, offbeat characters and honest emotion that has made him a cult favorite. It's raw, even painful at times, as on the darkly humorous "Pleasant Valley," sung from the point of view of a hoarder and the title track, which examines the way we treat our fellow creatures.  Stream Dog here in its entirety  Fans who have been following Charlie through his previous 13 full-length albums and years of nonstop touring already know that the Duluth, MN-based songwriter has a way of carving a path straight to the gut. On Dog, however, he seems to be digging deeper and hitting those nerves quicker than ever before on these songs dealing with homelessness, mental health issues and the quest for understanding. It turns out that Charlie’s been grappling with his own demons. “I had some really, really bad depression problems over the last couple years,” he explains. “I've been trying to get fit, trying not to drink so much, trying not to do the rock 'n' roll guy thing. And then I got depressed. Really depressed. And to me, depression feels like there's me, and then there's this kind of hazy fog of rancid jello all around me, that you can't feel your way out of. And then there's this really, really horrible third thing, this impulsive thing, that doesn't feel like it's me or my depression. It feels like it's coming from outside somewhere. And it's the thing that comes on you all of a sudden, and it's the voice of suicide, it's the voice of ‘quit.’” “These songs have all kind of come out of that. Especially songs like ‘Salt Water’ and ‘Dog,’ they really came heavily out of just being depressed, and having to say something about it.” Despite the album’s darker moments, it's also a reflection on how far he’s come — and that he's accepted that some things are simply unknowable. Charlie is on tour throughout 2017. Highlights include two nights at the Cedar Cultural Center in Minneapolis, MN and multiple festival stops including AmericanaFest in Nashville on September 15. CHARLIE PARR on tour TH  9/7      Duluth, MN - Sacred Heart Music Center (with Dave Simonett) TH  9/14    Nashville, TN -  Family Wash - AmericanaFest FR  9/15    Mount Vernon, OH - Ohiolina Music Festival SA  9/16    Bristol, TN - Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion SU  9/17    Newport, KY - Southgate House WE  9/27    Pittsburgh, PA - Club Cafe FR   9/29    South Burlington, VT - Higher Ground MO  10/2    Cambridge, MA - Atwood’s Tavern WE  10/4    New York, NY - Mercury Lounge TH   10/5    Philadelphia, PA - Boot and Saddle SA  10/7     Milheim, PA - Elk Creek Cafe and Aleworks WE 10/11   Washington, DC - Black Cat TH  10/12   Roanoke, VA - 5 Points Music Sanctuary FR  10/13   Asheville, NC - The Mothlight TH  10/19    Indianapolis, IN - The HiFi SA  10/21    Chicago, IL - Schubas FR  10/27    Minneapolis, MN - The Cedar Cultural Center SA 10/28     Minneapolis, MN - The Cedar Cultural Center SA  12/16    Lake City, MN - Oak Center General Store Press: "Parr is a picker -- whether on National resonator guitars, dobro, or banjo -- who cut his musical teeth on Charley Patton, Woody Guthrie, and Lightnin' Hopkins, and his actual teeth on the canned meat packed at the Hormel plant in his hometown. Parr's songs ring out with a working class ethos and a welcome home energy."  - The Bluegrass Situation "Stumpjumper is a deep blues album first and foremost, but it’s Charlie Parr’s master craftsmanship at fingerpicking rhythms, and his folk-leaning songwriting that has liberated him from specific categorization." - Saving Country Music "The native Minnesotan’s style can best be described as new music from an older time – sometimes dark and desolate, sometimes raucous and danceable." - Dan Forte (Vintage Guitar) “Among the contenders in the every burgeoning indie folk, or new folk, genre, there are a lot of pretenders and acts trying desperately to “look and play the part”, but five seconds in front of Charlie Parr and you know you’re dealing with the real thing.” - Jim Beckman (KEXP) “John Fahey described the music he collected on American Primitive Vol. 1 as ‘made under the influence of enthusiasm.’ The enthusiasm he spoke of was a kind of possession … Charlie Parr’s recordings, which make splendid companions to Fahey’s anthology, are similarly enthusiastic.” - Popmatters http://www.charlieparr.com Twitter Facebook Instagram

Kim Wilson Gets Back to Basics on "Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1" CD, Coming October 20 from Severn Records

Kim Wilson Gets Back to Basics on Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1 CD, Coming October 20 from Severn Records

ANNAPOLIS, MD – Legendary singer/harmonica master Kim Wilson has gone back to the basics and old school Chicago blues for his exciting new CD, Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1, coming October 20 from Severn Records. Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1 was produced by Kim Wilson, with most tracks  recorded and mixed by Nathan James at Sacred Cat Studios, Oceanside, California; except tracks 4 and 15 recorded by Big Jon at Big Tone Recording Studios, Hayward, California.

“I want to tell all of the real blues fans out there what a labor of love this project has been,” Wilson writes in the album’s liner notes. “I’ve been recording many, many tracks for a couple of years now and time has just flown by! A couple of the greatest musicians that ever lived, Richard Innes and Barrelhouse Chuck, have passed away during the process of making this CD. One of their dreams was to see this stuff come out.

“So here it is, the first of many to come. This kind of music is very easy and pleasurable for me to perform. I like to surround myself with musicians who like to ‘fly by the seat of their pants.’ People like Richard and Barrel, Billy Flynn, Big Jon Atkinson, Marty Dodson, Nathan James, Larry Taylor, Malachi Johnson and all of the other fantastic blues musicians who are on this CD. I desired to record songs that I have always wanted to do. However, I have to put my own twist on everything.”

The track list includes several Kim Wilson originals that fit like a hand-in-glove along with the deep blues songbook he delved into for the new disc, including tunes by Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson, Elmore James, John Lee Hooker, Jimmy Rogers, Magic Sam and Jimmy Reed.    

A founding member of the legendary Fabulous Thunderbirds and a multiple Blues Music Award winner as a solo artist, Wilson salutes many of his Chicago blues roots influences – in particular his harmonica mentors such as Little Walter, Sonny Boy Williamson and especially James Cotton – on Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1. It’s music that is both timely and timeless.  

“I’m dedicating this CD to my big brother, James Cotton,” Wilson says. “He has always been a great inspiration and a dear friend. When I was a kid, having a great time with all of the masters of this music, I never dreamt I would be living in a world without them. Every time I open my mouth to sing or pick up my instrument to play I am doing it for them! There are hundreds of tracks in the can and still recording, and I really believe that this period of time is the beginning of my legacy. I could never have done it without my family of masters who invented this music and the musicians who are on this CD. I hope you enjoy listening to it as much as I enjoyed making it!”

Kim Wilson and The Fabulous Thunderbirds are managed by Glen Parrish of GP Entertainment.

1. Bonus Boogie - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Bob Welsh; Bass: Troy Sandow; Drums: Malachi Johnson

2. No Love in My Heart - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitar: Nathan James; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Bass: Big Jon Atkinson; Drums: Richard Innes; horns: Jonny Viau

3. Ninety Nine - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Nathan James; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Drums: Richard Innes

4. Worried Life Blues - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Billy Flynn, Big Jon Atkinson; Bass: Kadar Roy; Drums: Marty Dodson

5. You Upset My Mind - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Nathan James; Drums: Marty Dodson

6. Teenage Beat - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Billy Flynn, Big Jon Atkinson; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Bass: Larry Taylor; Drums: Richard Innes

7. Same Old Blues - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitar: Billy Flynn; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Bass: Larry Taylor; Drums: Richard Innes; horns: Jonny Viau

8. Searched All Over - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Billy Flynn, Big Jon Atkinson; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Bass: Larry Taylor

9. From the Bottom - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Nathan James; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Bass: Larry Taylor; Drums: Richard Innes

10. Look Whatcha Done - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Bob Welsh, Big Jon Atkinson; Bass: Troy Sandow; Drums: Malachi Johnson

11. Blue and Lonesome - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Nathan James; Drums: Marty Dodson

12. Sho Nuf I Do - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitar: Big Jon Atkinson; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Bass: Nathan James; Drums: Richard Innes; horns: Jonny Viau

13. Learn to Treat Me Right – vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Billy Flynn, Big Jon Atkinson; Piano: Barrelhouse Chuck; Bass: Larry Taylor; Drums: Richard Innes

14. Edgier vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Nathan James; Bass: Nathan James; Drums: Marty Dodson

15. Mean Old Frisco - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Nathan James; Bass: Kadar Roy; Drums: Marty Dodson

16. You’re the One - vocals & harmonica: Kim Wilson; Guitars: Big Jon Atkinson, Nathan James; Drums: Marty Dodson

Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons with Phil Wiggins - A Black & Tan Ball - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, A Black & Tan Ball, by Ben Hunter & Joe Seamons and it's strong. Opening with classic, Do You Call That A Buddy, Hunter on violin & Seamons on guitar along with Phil Wiggins create the sound of a fine wine with a really nice arrangement. Excellent! Georgian fiddler tune, Shangai Rooster really gets heels high in the air with harp, banjo and fiddle. Super jam. An exceptional hot jazz number, Struttin' With Some Barbeque, features Wiggins on harp trading lead with Hunter on violin with tight rhythm by Seamons on guitar. Very nice. Another super jazz number, Do Nothing Til You Hear From Me features solid vocals and excellent mandolin lead by Hunter and warm harmonica melodies by Wiggins. Guitar Rag is a great jam with Hunter on violin and Wiggins on harp again working with Seamons on guitar for an excellent track. Cool old blues track, Hard Time Blues holds tight and fast to original Lane Hardin styling with vocal, guitar, mandolin and harp. Particularly strong vocals on Bullfrog Blues makes this one of my favorites in the manner of William Harris. Wrapping the release is Stop & Listen Blues, a Mississippi Sheiks tune with great vocals, pure harp, authentic violin and solid guitar. This is a really strong release of authentic blues tracks. 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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VizzTone Label Group artist: Chris "Bad News" Barnes - Hokum Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Hokum Blues, from Chris "Bad News" Barnes, and it's true to the old style 30's blues. Opening with Tampa Red's It Hurts Me Too, Barnes' vocals are solid with super slide work from Jimmy Vivino and Steve Guyer on harp, backed by Will Lee on bass, Shawn Pelton on drums and Bette Sussman on piano. Kicking it into swing mode and getting a little suggestive, Barnes struts Let Play With Your Poodle, featuring a real nice piano solo by Sussman and crisp guitar riffs by Vivino. Very nice. Prohibition style, I'm Gonna Get High, maintains a lot of the "prance" of the area and caller style vocals. Wild slide work on Bo Diddley rhythmed It's Tight Like That really gives this track a great presence. The Hokum Boys',You Can't Get Enough Of That Stuff, is one of my favorites on the release with cool vocal harmonies and easy going rhythm. With a Latin beat, Keep Your Mind On It has really nice percussion by Pelton and particularly nice guitar work by Vivino, topped off by cool piano twist by Sussman and a cool harp solo by Guyger. Another track with a pure 30's style, even a quasi megaphone sound, is Let Me Pat That Thing with it's suggestive yet funny lyrics. Another nice solo by Sussman on piano is topped off by cool trumpet work and a nice clarinet solo. A cool rocker by the Hokum Boys, Caught Him Doing It really has a nice rockabilly flair and strong solos by Vivino and Sussman. Closing with Tampa Red's Christmas and New Years, Barnes hits the spot on vocals and Vivino's slide work is thick and greasy. I cool closer for a nice retro style blues 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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Red Parlor Records artist: Scott Ellison - Good Morning Midnight - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Good Morning Midnight, from Scott Ellison and it's tasty! Opening with New Orleans flavored, Sanctified, Ellison is really hitting the road running. With Chris Campbell on lead vocal and Marcy Levy on backing vocal this band featuring Chuck Blackwell ripping up the drums, Gary Gilmore's funky bass line and hot guitar work by Ellison is smokin'. Soulful number, Gone For Good showcases Ellison on lead vocal and guitar with a strong radio presentation. Very nice. Reggae styling on Hope & Faith really sits down hard on Bob Marley's style. A really nice track with just the right groove features Jon Parris on bass, Danny Timms on B3 and terrific drum work by David Teegarden. One of my favorite tracks on the release is You Made A Mess (Outta Me) along the lines of Nickel and a Nail or Thrill Is Gone. With Jon Glazer on keys, Robbie Armstrong on drums, Jon Parris on bass and real nice lead vocal and guitar by Ellison, this track is super. On Wheelhouse with Mike Bennett on trumpet, Steve Ham on trombone, Robbie Armstrong on drums, Timms on piano and Parris on bass and Ellison on guitar, this is a really hot swinging jazz instrumental. Excellent! Lumbering rocker, Big City really kicks with heavy boots and Ellison's got attitude on vocal and guitar. Very nice. Wrapping the release is shuffle track, When You Love Me Like This, with solid vocals, cool harp by Jimmy Junior Markham, a great beat (Ron Martin - bass and Tim Smith - drums) spurred on by scorching guitar riffs by Ellison giving this just the right pressure to close a super entry by Ellison. 

  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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Boston-Based Guitarist Peter Ward Sets October 20 Release Date for His New CD, "Blues on My Shoulders," on Gandy Dancer Records; Special Guests Include Ronnie Earl, Sugar Ray & the Bluetones and Sax Gordon Beadle

Boston-Based Guitarist Peter Ward Sets October 20 Release Date for His New CD, Blues on My Shoulders, on Gandy Dancer Records

Special Guests Include Ronnie Earl, Sugar Ray & the Bluetones and Sax Gordon Beadle

BOSTON, MA – Guitarist Peter Ward announces an October 20 release date for his new CD, Blues on My Shoulders, on Gandy Dancer Records. Besides Ward on guitar and vocals, special guests on the new disc include multiple Blues Music Award-winning guitar legend Ronnie Earl, Sax Gordon Beadle on sax and the members of Sugar Ray and the Bluetones: Sugar Ray Norcia (vocals and harmonica), “Monster” Mike Welch (guitar), Anthony Geraci (piano), Michael “Mudcat” Ward (Peter’s brother – bass) and Neil Gouvin (drums). 

“It pleases me to present Blues on My Shoulders, my first solo project,” Peter Ward says about the new album. “I wrote the words and music to 12 of the 13 songs. I grew up wearing out the vinyl records trying to understand how Robert Jr. Lockwood, Tiny Grimes, Louis Meyers and Jimmy Rogers made songs sound so good. It's what I wanted to do. I was lucky to sit in often with my friend (and former roommate) Ronnie Earl and play alongside many of my musical heroes. A highlight was touring with the Legendary Blues Band: Joe Willie ‘Pinetop’ Perkins, Willie ‘Big Eyes’ Smith, Calvin ‘Fuzz’ Jones and Jerry Portnoy, who had brilliantly backed Muddy Waters for years. The way they played blues was everything I believed in, then and now. Willie Smith was an inventive drummer — and a wily character. I pay tribute to him in the song, ‘Drummin' Willie.’ The track ‘Which Hazel’ is my homage to Chuck Berry. Sugar Ray Norcia honored me by singing the heck out of ‘Collaborate,’ a tribute to Lockwood and Lonnie Johnson. I appreciate that Ronnie Earl and Sax Gordon Beadle accepted my invitation to perform on two songs: ‘A Little More’ and ‘It's On Me.’ ‘Southpaw’ is my ode to lesser-known left-handed swing guitarist Dickie Thompson, who worked with organist and front man Wild Bill Davis. My instrumental, ‘Shiprock,’ reminds me of a hallowed part of Navajo country I visited with my wife Mai Cramer, who died of breast cancer in 2002 and previously hosted a popular blues program every weekend for 24 years on WGBH-FM. She was an avid supporter of the blues and its purveyors. I think she would have liked Blues on My Shoulders. I hope you do.”

As a teenager growing up in Lewiston, Maine, Peter and his brother Michael (“Mudcat”) listened intently to blues records and went to see Muddy Waters, Buddy Guy, Junior Wells, Taj Mahal and Hubert Sumlin whenever they performed in the area. Peter played blues with Mudcat and did gigs also with his younger brother Jeff, who died in 1991. “Jeff was too young to drink, but club owners would let him in so he could play bass with New York City drummer Ola Dixon and me,” Ward recalls.

Ward later moved to Boston and played in various bands, frequently sitting in with Sugar Ray & the Bluetones, who then featured his brother and Ronnie Earl, and backed blues artists such as Jimmy Rogers, Eddie ‘Cleanhead’ Vinson and Lowell Fulson.

“In the Big Apple, I was thrilled when Otis Rush told me I played chords like an ‘old man,’ Ward remembers. “In 1978, each week I drove across I-90 to Rochester, N.Y. to play blues for three nights with guitarist-vocalist Joe Beard. Beloved there, Joe had once been a neighbor of Son House. In the 1980s, I loved everything about touring with the Legendary Blues Band — the traveling and camaraderie, but especially the way we played blues in an unhurried, improvisational way. We recorded a CD for Rounder Records that featured Duke Robillard, whose brilliant guitar I had first heard at a high school dance.

“I married Mai Cramer, who spun records for Boston station WGBH-FM every weekend from 1978 until 2002, when she died of breast cancer. Her fans and I stage a fundraiser in her honor each spring for charity at the Regent Theatre in Arlington, Mass. Headliners have included Jody Williams, Luther ‘Guitar Junior’ Johnson, Lurrie Bell, Ron Levy and Eddie Taylor, Jr. In 2010, I produced Goodbye Liza Jane: Hello Western Swing, a CD of western swing (a cousin to the blues) with Herb Remington, an original member of Bob Wills and his Texas Playboys. In recent years I've begun writing songs, as I culled the many snippets of melodies and phrases stuck in my mind. It's fun to turn thoughts into songs and then sing them while people dance. It's been a blast, and it's not over.”

Fatmouth Records artist: Joshua Jacobson - Good Little Thing - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Good Little Thing, by Joshua Jacobson and it's got a laid back bluesy feel. Opening with Baby's Mama Really Don't Care, Jacobson on guitar and vocal sets the pace with cool rag style piano by Chris Flowers. Matt Walker on bass and Aaron Fowler on percussion round out the band. With a cool saunter, Codependent Kate, has a nice feel with Mookie Brill on harp, Clark Stern on piano and Pedro Arevelo on bass. Stern's piano work on Long Lonesome Day really stand out nicely and Jacobson's vocals are solid and spot on. Long time Allman Brothers lead guitar player, Dickey Betts, sits in on electric guitar on Pistol Packin' Papa adding his signature style. Damon Fowler steps up on acoustic slide guitar on Bipolar Mama and with Aaron Fowler's clever percussion work makes it one of my favorites on the release. Curley Weaver's Ticket Agent is a great track played by the book with the addition of Allan Jolley on banjo. Very cool. Willie Cobbs' You Don't Love Me is another standout track with Brill on harp, Fowler on slide and Aaron Fowler on percussion. Best original on the release, Mind Blowin' Blues has the melody, solid vocals, Jacobson on slide with definite Allman influence and terrific percussion by Fowler. Swing tune, Baby It Must Be Love by Blind Willie McTell displays Jacobson nicest vocals and gives Stern another solo opportunity and he shines.  Wrapping the release is traditional track, Cross The River Jordan with Jacobson on vocal and slide. I really like his slide style and with his pure vocals makes this a super track to wrap 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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Paradise Kings - Controlled Burn - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Controlled Burn, from Paradise Kings and it's cool, tasteful rocker. Opening with '69 Chevy, Jeff Gring opens the pace with stylized rock n roll guitar riffs joined by George Lambert on drums, Michael Robertson on bass and Henry Garrett on lead vocals. Cool swingin' track. On shuffle track, I'd Sing The Blues If I Had 'Em, Garrett leads the way and Gring's riffs are crisp and playful. On Hooker influenced, Three Strikes, the band gets into a super R&B groove with a really nice guitar line. Definitely one of my favorites on the release. On Patience, a slower blues, it's the soulful vocals of Garrett, warm key lines of Chris Ulep and nice bluesy guitar soloing of Gring that makes this track really sail. Wrapping the release is shuffle track, Money Ain't My Friend, grinding into the blues straightaway. Rugged vocals by Garrett and solid drum contribution by Lambert really give this track it's spine and Gring's double stop leads pushed by Robertson make this an excellent closer for a solid 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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Scottie Miller Band - Stay Above Water - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Stay Above Water from Scottie Miller Band and it's a cool mix of blues, rock, R&B. Opening with shuffle track, Burned All My Bridges, Miller on lead vocal and keys is backed by Mark O'Day on drums, Patrick Allen on guitars and Dik Shopteau on bass. Keep This Thing Going has a funky feel with Larry McCabe on trombone, David Eiland on tenor sax, Scott Snyder on trumpet and John Croarkin on bari sax and special guest Ruthie Foster on vocal. Very nice. It Better Groove has a smooth R&B sound with great bottom by Croarkin. Slick piano and organ work by Miller and chicken style pickin' by Allen sets this track apart. Special ballad, Guardian Angel, has a real nice melody and features simple vocal and mandolin by Miller. One of my favorites on the release is Circles with a real nice funky groove. This track has a slow strut with popping bass, funky guitar, cool organ and nicely blended vocals. Very cool. Lumbering blues rocker, Come Along has a heavy format with just a taste of prog metal adding weight. Wrapping the release is acoustic number, Goodbye. A simple ballad with Miller on vocal and Allen on guitar, a nice closer for a 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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EllerSoul Records artists: The Nighthawks - All You Gotta Do - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, All You Gotta Do, from The Nighthawks legendary blues & roots band and it's quite good. Opening with Jerry Reed's power rocker and title track, That's All You Gotta Do, the band is humming right from the start with Mark Wenner on harp, Paul Bell on guitar, Johnny Castle on bass and Mark Stutso on drums. Hot! On Willie Dixon's, Baby, I Want To Be Loved, the band really has the spirit of Dixon's blues and Wenner's riffs are crisp and smoky. On Randy Newman's Let's Burn Down The Cornfield the band explores the darkness of the blues with super slide work by Bell, nice harp by Wenner and super vocals over a well paced blues rocker. On Sonny Williamson's shuffle track, Ninety Nine, it's all Wenner who really does a nice job of working the harp. Excellent. On original soul track, Three Times A Fool, the band digs deeply into the groove with hot vocals and cool reverb soaked guitar work. Jesse Winchester's Isn't That So has a cool R&B feel and great vocal harmonies over a Tony Joe White feel. Country flavored riffs by Bell and lightly salted harp riffs dress the track nicely. My favorite track on the release is RL Burnside's Snake Drive with saturated guitar tones and super slide riffs, tight harp adds and a great bass/drum feel. Excellent! Wenner's composition, Blues for Brother John has a real cool saunter and gives him an excellent opportunity to blow over a solid bottom and walking bass line. Paul Bell injects some real clean jazz flavor on guitar giving the track a cool feel. Very nice. Standell's hit, Dirty Water wraps the release in pretty straight order. Bell explores classic guitar riffs from the sixties including the Stones and The Yardbirds capping a fun 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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Iris Music Group: Michael Packer - I Am The Blues - My Story Vol 3 - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, I Am The Blues - My Story Vol 3, from Michael Packer and it sums up the stories of his life in song. Fields of Sorrow, sung by Ed Jackson and Irving Louis Lattin has an island feel accompanied by Packer and Jack O'Hara. Yo Staten Island (The Violence Has Got To Stop) has a Booker T, Born Under A Bad Sign remix, stripped down to almost a work song. Packer's rugged voice with band members Guy Powell on drums, Ed Jackson and John Belton on bass is a definitive fell of hardships endured in captivity. Deep blues, Chicago, features Mike Wheeler on guitar, Roosevelt Purifoy on piano, Melvin Smith on bass and Willie Hayes on drums. Taped live at Buddy Guy's Legends, this track features some of the best vocals by Packer with a super guitar solo by Wheeler and super piano work by Purifoy. Wrapping the release is R&B track, Mr Packer and purifoy delivers with great Leon Russell feel. Packer died may of 2017 of liver cancer having lived a full life dedicated to 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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John Pagano Band: One More Round - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, One More Round, from John Pagano Band and it's a funky rocker. Opening with Bottoms Up, John Pagano Band (formerly JP Blues) hits the ground running with contemporary vocal styling, slide guitar and snappy drums. With a reggae beat, Ain't Mine is a cool track with tension and a lot of polish.  With a lumbering rock sense Pagano shows a bit more smoke on guitar backed by Shiloh Bloodworth on drums and Tony Hossri on bass. With a contemporary pop edge, rocker Ain't Gonna Lose You has a springy beat and radio rated vocals. One of my favorite tracks on the release, 99 Problems is a straight up rocker with solid guitar riuffs rooted in the blues. A heavy foot by Bloodworth and heavy reinforcement by Hossri gives the track just the right oomph.  Wrapping the release is driving rocker, Catch That Train. With a heavy bottom, slashing guitar work and powerful drum attack, these guys mean business. This is a definite change for Pagano with a solid rock stance. 

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Compass Records artist: Shannon McNally - Black Irish - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Black Irish, by Shannon McNally and it's quite good. Opening with You Made Me Feel For You, McNally on lead vocal delivers the blues with a country flair backed by Jerry Roe on drums, Michael Rhodes on bass, Micah Hulscher on keys and Audley Freed and Colin Linden on guitars. A solid opener. Stevie Wonder's I Ain't Gonna Stand For It with a country twist is nicely enhanced by closely matched backing vocals  featuring Wendy Moten and Rodney Crowell and the steel guitr riffs of Jim Hoke. Original track, I Went To The Well, is rooted in the blues with a note of Elmore James and reinforced by Lex Price on bass. Another self penned track, Roll Away The Stone has a rock feel and wailing sax by Jim Hoke. J.J. Cale's Low Rider has a soothing touch, enhanced nicely by McNally's smokey voice.  Chapman/Crowell ballad, Isn't That Love, is really a nice track and McNally delivers the goods. On Muddy Waters' Stuff You Gotta Watch, McNally throws a curve giving it country swing. A cool harp solo by Hoke works nicely with interwoven instrumental by Freed, Linden and Hulscher. My favorite track on the release is Robbie Robertson's It Makes No Difference. It's not only an excellent composition but an excellent choice for McNally's voice, complimented by backing vocalists Tanya Hancheroff and Kim Keys. Wrapping the release with Pop Staples track, Let's Go Home, McNally maintains a spiritual feel but adds country spunk. Very nice closer for a cool release. 

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PegLeg Records artist Roy Book Binder - In Concert: Road Songs & Stories - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, In Concert: Road Songs & Stories, from Roy Book Binder and it's very entertaining. Opening with St. Pete Blues Book shows his super story telling skills and well as his strong influence by Rev. Gary Davis. Excellent opener. Rag, Black Dog Blues, is a strong track with a faster tempo, originally recorded by Bayless Rose in the 20's. Sounds fresh as the day it was written. New Age Woman Blues is a funny little track with a good story and quick riffs. Rev. Gary Davis' Candyman is next and Book not only does a real nice job on it but also elaborates on his history with Davis. Another great track is Can't Do That No More. Book tells of all of the stuff you have to do without as you get older.The theme has been covered many times but Book does a particularly entertaining run at it. Blind Boy Fuller's Rag Mama is a perfect track for this set with Books vocal and picking style. Excellent. Travis-Davis Rag is another of my favorites on the release. Book says it is the best of what he learned from Rev. Davis and Merle Travis. Crisp. The first song that Book ever wrote, Travelin' Man Blues, is next and shows that Book was spot on from the very beginning with solid melody and nice bottleneck slide. Wrapping the release is Electricity, written by Jimmy Murphy in 1949. Book really grinds down on this pseudo spiritual track with tight riffs and tempo. This is a real solid conclusion to a totally enjoyable 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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Blind Pig Records artist: Altered Five Blues Band - Charmed & Dangerous - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Charmed & Dangerous, from Altered Five Blues Band and it's quite good. Opening with title track, Charmed & Dangerous, a funky blues track, powerhouse lead singer, Jeff Taylor is off to  great start. Lead guitarist, Jeff Schroedl is on top with a modern day Albert King style flair joined by Mark Solveson on bass, Tom Hambridge on drums and Raymond Tevich on keys these guys pack a powerful punch.   and Hambridge as always sets great pace. An excellent opener. On shuffle track, Mint Condition, Trevich sets a great sound on organ and Schroedl's Texas style blues riffs are spot on. With a nod from Howlin' Wolf, On My List To Quit absolutely struts. Taylor is on top of his game with solid vocals and Schroedl's riffs are crisp. Out of the gate like "Mad Dogs", Gonna Lose My Lady is a strong blues rocker. One of my favorite tracks on the release Cookin' In Your Kitchen, gives Schroedl a super opportunity to show his chops and he does a nice job. Taylor's vocals are strong and soulful with a super bass line from Solveson. Another of my favorites, is bluesy ballad Eighth Wonder, with it's warm melody, super lead vocals and balance. This track is my absolute choice for radio airplay. Three Alarm Desire has a great boogie beat powered by bass player Solveson. and Hambridge on drums. Scorching double stops by Schroedl gives the track real heat. Wrapping the release is low slung shuffle track, Look What You Made Me Do, with great balance by Tevich on keys and slick jazzy guitar work by Schroedl. Showing the best vocals on the release Taylor makes this a fine 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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Multi-Blues Music Award Nominee Al Basile Makes a Loud Statement on New CD, "Quiet Money," Coming September 15 from Sweetspot Records

Multi-Blues Music Award Nominee Al Basile Makes a Loud Statement on New CD,

Quiet Money, Coming September 15 from

Sweetspot Records

RUMFORD, RI – Sweetspot Records announces a September 15 release date for Quiet Money, the new CD from multiple Blues Music Award nominee Al Basile. Quiet Money was produced by Duke Robillard, recorded by Jack Gauthier at Lakewest Recording Studio in West Greenwich, Rhode Island, and features a baker’s-dozen 13 songs, all penned by Al Basile.

It’s been 44 years since Al Basile joined Rhode Island’s legendary jump blues band Roomful of Blues as its first trumpet player, and while his last few solo releases have moved closer musically to the styles Roomful played in: jump blues, urban and Texas blues, swing, and classic R&B, Quiet Money draws directly from that template. Its songs were inspired musically by Buddy Johnson, Lowell Fulson, Jimmy McCracklin, Saunders King, Charlie Rich, and even the Coasters and the Pilgrim Travelers, but as always Al marries the music to his own personal storytelling lyrics, creating songs that are musically familiar to original Roomful fans, but range in theme from the current state of blues in the music business (“Blues Got Blues”) to classic double-entendre blues (“Put Some Salt on It”) to several songs on taking stock near the end of life (“Not Today,” “Who’s Gonna Close My Eyes?”), and in the title song, wondering why money seems to leave the many and hang out with the few (a song influenced by the hipster ‘50s vibe of the Coasters’ classic, “Shopping for Clothes”).

Having his old Roomful boss, perennial producer, and guitar wizard Duke Robillard on board, along with original Roomful alums Rich Lataille and Doug James in the horn section, ensures that the sonic fingerprints will match up for older fans of that band. The rhythm section from the current Duke Robillard Band: Mark Teixeira on drums; Brad Hallen on bass (with the addition of Bruce Bears on piano and Jeff “Doc” Chanonhouse on trumpet) has provided the underpinning for most of Al’s albums over the last ten years, and they continue to nail every style Al asks them to.

“After a few recent songs based on classic R&B models like Louis Jordan, I went into full nostalgia mode for my old Roomful of Blues days when I wrote this group of new songs,” Basile says about the sessions. “We used to listen to all the flavors of ‘40s and ‘50s R&B, and every kind of blues and jazz, especially from swing to bop, in that band, and our set lists reflected that. I decided to write in that spirit musically, but with my modern lyrical bent as usual, and here’s the result. Of course having Duke, Doug, and Rich along didn’t hurt!”

Al’s unusual combination of singer/songwriter/cornetist continues to come to the fore. In 2016, he was nominated for the 6^th time as best horn player by the Blues Foundation, and his 2016 album, Mid-Century Modern, was nominated as best contemporary blues album. His even-more-rare combination of musician and prize-winning poet was underscored by the recent publication of his second poetry book, Tonesmith, by Antrim House.

Al's reviews consistently comment on his strengths as a writer. He uses his lyrics to tell stories with universal appeal, bringing to the task his poet's skills but keeping the words strong, simple, and evocative. There is often a teaching or sharing-of-lessons-learned element in his lyrics. His ease and strength as a singer continues to grow with each release, and his cornet playing is rich, nuanced, and succinct, informed by jazz but instantly communicative as an alternate voice. His songs are all lyrically and melodically deep, and the characters and situations are like compressed theater.

Al is often referred to as the “Bard of the Blues” – he's a rare combination of formal poet and singer/songwriter. He's a model for his generation in showing how to have sequential careers, remain independent, and produce work that is both accessible and thought-provoking. His music sounds good – you can put it on while making dinner – but if you have time for a careful listen – the deeper you look, the more you'll find.