I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Quiet Money, from Al Basile and it has great body! Basile, hot cornet player and legendary first trumpet with Roomful of Blues is back with Duke Robillard on guitar, Mark Teixeira on drums, Brad Hallen on bass, Bruce Bears on piano, Doc Chanonhouse on trumpet, Rich Lataille on tenor sax and Doug James on tenor and bari saxes. Opening with Blues Got Blues, Basile and Robillard lead the way with balanced lead lines making for a solid opener. On Simple Ain't Easy, Robillard lays out some really tasty lead work under Basile's vocals giving it great feel. Basile steps up with muted cornet and plays off the tempo for super accent. On title track, Quiet Money, James has the bari out and the heft really sets the track. With an easy swing, Basile's vocals ride the groove on this laid back number. Put Some Salt On It, a prime 12 bar number, Basile lays in a real nice cornet lead, complimenting his vocals and Robillard's guitar work is stinging. Jump track, The Time Is Now, has a snappy pace and loose, flamboyant guitar riffs by Robiolard, and well punctuated cornet lead by Basile. Swing track, I Woulda Been Wrong is one of my favorites on the release with signature guitar riffs by Robillard and some of Basile's best vocals on the release. Robillard really digs deep and lays out some of the most expressive riffs on Not Today. James really steps up with a fat sax solo on True To Form paired nicely with solos by Robillard and Basile. Wrapping the release is ballad, Who's Gonna Close My Eyes? Featuring the vocals of Basile deep bari work by James, Bears piano finesse and a melodic solo by Basile, this is a solid closer to a solid release.
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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
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
Friday, September 29, 2017
Thursday, September 28, 2017
Trevor Sewell - Calling Nashville - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Calling Nashville, from Trevor Sewell and it builds on his last release, Calling Your Name. Opening with Some Day, singer /songwriter and guitarist, Sewell crafts a track with traces of pop, Charlie Daniels and Jeff Beck for his new release backed by Kellen Michael Weinrich on fiddle and Trevor Brewis on drums. Janis Ian has the floor on Fade To Grey in a vocal duet with Sewell and piano on this cool jazz number. Blues rocker, Matter Of Time has a taste of Dire Straits with grinding guitar tones and ultra cool vocals. With a quick shuffle, You Ain't What I'm Looking For has a super feel and snappy guitar riffs. Stand Next To Him pulls in flavors of western styling and the sounds of the range. Sewell's guitar finesse and the fiddle work of Weinrich pull this off nicely with bass by Justin Kimball and Brewis on bass. Very cool. Wrapping the release is ballad, Shadows, featuring Janis Ian on piano and Sewell showing his vocal prowess. A solid track, a good closer for a solid release.
Labels:
Calling Nashville,
Janis Ian,
Review,
Tracy Nelson,
Trevor Sewell
Wednesday, September 27, 2017
American Blues Artists Group artist: Dudley Taft - Summer Rain - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Summer Rain, from Dudley Taft and it's a powerhouse. Opening with Flying On Love, a power blues rocker, Taft is back with a vengeance.
Heavy overtones, distortion soaked guitar riffs, pounding drums and beefy bass is the ticket. Taft on lead vocal and guitar, is backed by Kasey Williams on bass, Jason Patterson on drums and Reese Wynans on organ. Title track, Summer Rain, is a strong rocker with a memorable melody, strong guitar riffs, nicely harmonized vocals and super drumming by Mike Taponga. I particularly like Edge Of Insane with it's simple vocal and guitar pairing and cool hook as well as some of the best vocals on the release. One of my favorites on the release is Live or Die with it's tone saturated guitar riffs and classic Robin Trower like, rock overtones. This is a track that players will dig into. Very cool. Another standout track is Don't Let It Fade with it's lumbering bop groove, warm vocals, smoky guitar riffs and cool organ. Very nice. Come With Me is another track with a lot of oomph. A wall of sound, great guitar lines and a super melody gives this track just the right feel. I Lost My Way has a haunting melody giving it the right foundation for a super guitar fed melodic solo and a cool rock ballad. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Find My Way Back Home, a heavy footed rocker with nicely blended vocals and strong blues rock roots. This is a strong, evenly balanced release and possibly Taft's best effort.
Heavy overtones, distortion soaked guitar riffs, pounding drums and beefy bass is the ticket. Taft on lead vocal and guitar, is backed by Kasey Williams on bass, Jason Patterson on drums and Reese Wynans on organ. Title track, Summer Rain, is a strong rocker with a memorable melody, strong guitar riffs, nicely harmonized vocals and super drumming by Mike Taponga. I particularly like Edge Of Insane with it's simple vocal and guitar pairing and cool hook as well as some of the best vocals on the release. One of my favorites on the release is Live or Die with it's tone saturated guitar riffs and classic Robin Trower like, rock overtones. This is a track that players will dig into. Very cool. Another standout track is Don't Let It Fade with it's lumbering bop groove, warm vocals, smoky guitar riffs and cool organ. Very nice. Come With Me is another track with a lot of oomph. A wall of sound, great guitar lines and a super melody gives this track just the right feel. I Lost My Way has a haunting melody giving it the right foundation for a super guitar fed melodic solo and a cool rock ballad. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Find My Way Back Home, a heavy footed rocker with nicely blended vocals and strong blues rock roots. This is a strong, evenly balanced release and possibly Taft's best effort.
Tuesday, September 26, 2017
Lucky Bear Records artist: Rob Lutes - Walk In The Dark - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Walk In The Dark, from Rob Lutes and it's quite good. Opening with folk/blues track, A Little Room, Lutes weaves his tale, singing and playing acoustic guitar, joined by Rob MacDonald on guitar, Mark Nelson on drums, Andrew Horton on bass and Bob Stagg on piano. One of my favorite tracks, There's No Way To Tell You That Tonight, is a blues infused rocker with solid guitar soloing and includes Guy Belanger on harmonica. A strong melody and Lutes solid vocals give this track substantial girth. Another particularly cool track is Rocky Mountain Time, a simple ballad with a waltz time. Lutes has a way of telling a story and composing a tune that just sits right. Think JJ Cale and Mark Knopler. Country western / bluegrass styling makes Rabbit another standout track featuring the violin work of Josh Zubot and Joe Grass on mandolin. Very nice. A happy feeling track, Believe In Something, will have you bopping in your seat with loose vocals and flashy, hot club style picking on the guitar. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Better Past, a bluesy shuffle but retaining that rural bluesy feel. This may be one of those releases that you have a hard time putting your finger on why you like it...but you really do. Super job.
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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Labels:
Lucky Bear Records,
Review,
Rob Lutes,
Walk In The Dark
Monday, September 25, 2017
Root Tone Records artist: Dennis Johnson - Rhythmland - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Rhythmland, from Dennis Johnson and it is a slide player's dream. Opening with Walkin Blues, Johnson shows that super smooth sliding technique that he's know for on this updated and fast tempo'd remake. Featuring Tim Metz on drums, Jonathan Stoyanoff on bass and Craig Long on keys, this is a smooth opener. Timbale has a cool, Latin beat and a nice pop melody. Fillmore Street is a clever blues rocker with a snappy shuffle beat. Johnson's vocals and super slide work, coupled with Long's piano work makes for a really cool track. My favorite track on the release is High Heel Shoes with it's driving beat and smoking slide work. Very nice! Wrapping the release is Revolution, a stripped down rocker with some of my favorite vocals and basic rock rhythms. A super 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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Labels:
Dennis Johnson,
Review,
Rhythmland,
Root Tone Records
Friday, September 22, 2017
Nola Blue Records artist: Benny Turner - My Brother's Blues - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, My Brother's Blues, from Benny Turner and it's great! Benny pay homage to his big brother and best friend, Freddie King and does it with style. Opening with Big Legged Woman, Benny is on lead vocal and bass, showing excellent vocal style and tone. A punchy horn section featuring Barney Floyd on trumpet and Jason Mingledorff on sax really sets the track off and the solid foot pedal of Jeffrey "Jellybean" Alexander and the riding organ work of Keiko Komaki plays nicely with rhythm guitar fills by Derwin "Big D" Perkins and lead guitar runs by June Yamagagishi. Excellent! Have You Ever Loved A Woman is a definite highlight on this release with soulful vocals by Turner, backed by Earl Smith and suppressed but critical horn work and organ by Davell Crawford, and Jack Miele plays some real tasty guitar lead to ice the cake. Swinging I'm Tore Down features Otis Clay, Turner and Marva Wright on lead vocals and it's a powerful threesome. June Yamagishi has lead guitar on this one and with Freddie King like flavor, the track rocks. Another of my favorites on the release is You've Got To Love Her With A Feeling when Turner's vocals are particularly strong and Floyd and Mingledorff are so tight it hurts. Joe Krown's piano and organ work is super and Yamagishi is pure in the slot. Mingledorff really shines on sax on See See Baby, a cool laid back boogie. Carolyn Wonderland sits in on Mojo Boogie with some great slide guitar and Krown's piano work is stellar. On Wee Baby Blues, a low slung blues Wonderland and Kathy Murray join Turner for the richest vocals on the release. Turner has lead guitar on this one and solo lap steel is handled by Roosevelt Collier. Very nice! BB King's Ghetto Woman is another super track with super bluesy guitar lead by Yamagishi and super horn reinforcement by Floyd and Mingledorff. Again, Turner's lead vocals are strong and undeniable. Wrapping the release is a powerful rendition of Don Nix's Same Old Blues. Turner is at his most soulful backed by the gospel like piano styling of Chizuko Yoshihiro. Tracy Griffin on trumpet and Greg Dawson on sax add real fullness and Yamagishi's lead guitar work is inspired on this super closer for a strong release. Very cool!
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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Thursday, September 21, 2017
Pretty Good For A Girl Records artist: Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers - The Eastwest Sessions - New release review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (September 15, 2017), The Eastwest Sessions, by Mindi Abair and the Boneshakers and it's a lot of fun. Opening with Vinyl, a high stepper with a rock solid bottom, Mindi Abair has it going on lead vocal and hot sax. Backed by Randy Jacobs on guitar, Rodney Lee on keys, Derek Frank on bass and Third Richardson on drums all joining Sweet Pea Atkinson on backing vocals. Droning bass line and pumped up sax shows the way on instrumental Not That Kind Of Girl. Pop track, Play To Win has a solid melody line and shows Abair's vocal strength. Pretty Good For A Girl has got to be Abair's trademark track with it's practical lyrics, blistering sax work and hot contributions from Joe Bonamassa. My favorite track on the release, Let Me Hear It From You, features Sweet Pea Atkinson on lead vocal. Excellent soul tune with nice backing vocals and real soul town sax soloing. With the feel of Jr Walker, Live My Life has a lot of spank with sassy sax work, some real spicy guitar riffs from Jacobs and a funky bottom. Bluesy, She Don't Cry No More has a super New Orleans deep feeling with warm backing vocals and featuring singer/songwriter Fantastic Negrito on vocal and Abair on wailing sax. Very nice! Wrapping the release is I Love To Play The Saxophone is a lighthearted pop tune along the lines of "Don't Worry, Be Happy". With an almost Boots Randolph tone, this "girl" wails. This is a cool release. Check it out.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
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Wednesday, September 20, 2017
OUT THIS FRIDAY (9/22): EIlen Jewell has the 'Down Hearted Blues' on Signature Sounds
|
Bruce Katz Band on Tour, Kicks off Headlining Big Buggs Island Blues Bash
BRUCE KATZ BAND HIT THE ROAD FOR FALL EAST COAST TOUR; HAMMOND
B-3 KEYBOARDIST/IN-DEMAND SESSION PLAYER IS 4-TIME BMA NOMINEE LATE OF BUTCH
TRUCKS & THE FREIGHT TRAIN, ALLMAN BROS SPIN-OFF BAND LES BRERS
Performs Locally: BIG BUGGS ISLAND BLUES BASH - Sat., Sept. 30
|
(Clarksville, VA) -Bruce Katz, legendary Hammond B-3 organist/keyboardist and four-time Blues Music Award nominee, and his Bruce Katz Band, hit the road for a Fall East Coast Tour, with their first date headlining the 3rd Annual Big Buggs Island Blues Bash, the Lake at Robbins Ballpark, 104 Woodland Dr., Saturday, September 30. 2pm-10pm. Tickets $30. in advance, $35. at the door. Info: (919) 451-4356 or visit www.bbibb.org.
In addition to leading the Bruce Katz Band, Katz has performed
with the Delbert McClinton Band, Jaimoe's Jasssz Band, and John Hammond, the
latter whom he still plays with on occasion. This past Summer found Katz
bringing his cool 'jam-band' sounds to Riverfront Fest, Roots Rhythm &
Blues Fest, and famed BB King's Blues Club in New York City. Katz - who was a
member of the Gregg Allman Band from 2007-2013 - continues to tour as a
member of Les Brers, featuring former members of the famed Allman Bros. band,
and was a full-time member of Butch Trucks and the Freight Train, fronted by
the legendary ex-Allman Bros. drummer who passed away last January.
|
Cassie Keenum & Rick Randlett - Hauntings - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (9/23/17), Hauntings from Cassie Keenum & Rick Randlett and it's aninteresting mixture of blues, gospel and country. Opening with Seventh Day, Keenum is upfront on lead vocal adding acoustic guitar and Randlett adds interesting lap steel work. One More Last Time gets a Latin/rock feel with the addition of Little Mike's cool harp work, Rusty Valentine on drums and Nicole Wagner on bass. Shuffle track, All Along has a cool guitar solo to compliment Keenum's powerful vocals. Not a big fan of Leonard Cohen, but Randlett's slide work on his Hallelujah is pretty cool! On She's Gone, a duet by Keenum and Randlett is my favorite track on the release with just the right blend of texture and tension. Minute Man is a cool swinger with tidy guitar riffs by Randlett. With it's up tempo shuffle feel and laid back soloing, it hits the mark. Wrapping the release is hill country style blues track, How Long, with a modern feel.
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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Tuesday, September 19, 2017
Tone Center Records artist: Jing Chi - Supremo - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the to be released (October 27, 2017) recording, Supremo, by Jing Chi. After a 13 year break Jing Chi, featuring Robben Ford, Jimmy Haslip and Vinnie Colaiuta is delivering their 4th record for Tone Center Records and it's a doozy. Opening with The Majestic, this band is off the hook with a fusion sound made in heaven. Ford has incredible chops and Colaiuta (who coincidentally grew up only a few miles from my childhood home) is one of the best drummers on the planet. On a who's who list of drummers, it's easier to list who he hasn't played with... even Jeff Beck! Haslip sets a great bottom, doing what most great bassists do... setting a great foundation for the track while playing incredible lines that would blow you away if you just listened to them without the band. Mike Haynes on trumpet adds tight trumpet work as well. Powerful opener. Showtime is a super track with a strong bass line and various time changes. With clean guitar lead and punchy horn work by Jeff Coffin and Haynes, this track has great texture. Secrets has a strong underlying R&B feel supported by soulful horns but with contemporary lines and powerful bluesy guitar lead by Ford. One of the nicest tracks on the release is easy going, Casablanca, with it's almost waltz like flow. Warm chords by Ford, with light percussion and bass set the stage and as the track opens Ford lays out some beautiful improvisation lead perfectly appointed by Colaiuta's remarkable sense of drum rhythm. Excellent! Vegas has a country feel with a tight bass line and twangy jazz guitar riffs by Ford. At The Apollo has a real nice groove with a power horn feel. Coffin and Haynes carry the melody set by Haslip and Ford takes the front as the track develops with more adventurous exploration of the theme. Fat rich guitar tones and powerful drum rhythm by Colaiuta anchor this track. Wrapping the release is title track, Jing Xi with a jagged rhythm pattern giving Colaiuta a real opportunity to show his stuff. Anyone who has seen him play would immediately recognize his sound and with masters like Ford and Haslip to work with, this blues infused track is a great closer. If you want to hear something that isn't mainstream but really hits... this is it!
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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Monday, September 18, 2017
Alt 45 Records artist: Big Joe Shelton - Ridin' A Chicken - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Ridin' A Chicken, from Big Joe Shelton & The Black Prairie Blues Ambassadors and it's real cool. Opening with Put The Chairs In The Wagon, a driving rocker, Big Joe Shelton is up front on vocal and harp with firm backing by Bob Damm on percussion, Ed Swan on bass and Ben Ferrell laying down some real strong riffs on guitar. Title track, Ridin' A Chicken, has a real Latin flavor and the tight percussion work of Damm is nicely complimented by Bobby Shannon on keys. Shelton shows solid vocals and Swan lays solid footing under the adventurous guitar soloing of Ferrell. Very nice! Got So Hot is a smokin' blues rocker with shifting keys, nice guitar work and strong percussive punctuation. With a walking bass line and a familiar Sonny Boy Williamson form, Just Let Me Breathe has a great feel. Shelton's vocals are solid and rich key work by Shannon is nicely complimented by the flowing guitar riffs and a nice sax solo by Doug Thomas. No Man's Land is a hot rocker with Shelton leading the way on vocals, tight riffs by Ferrell and cool sax by Thomas. Low slung blues number, Pool Hall Red, features some real nice harp work by Shelton and stinging guitar riffs by Ferrell over percussive key work of Shannon. Heavy bottomed, Too Wet To Plow has super blues roots with the rock edge of Led Zep. A great rock groove and powerful harp work, this is one of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is country flavored, My Future Lies Behind Me Now with it's ballad sensibilities and subtle pedal steel work of Susan Alcorn Lobato. Very nice.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
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Friday, September 15, 2017
Hamilton Loomis - Basics - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Basics, from Hamilton Loomis and it's really great! Opening with blues rocker, Sugar Baby, bassist, Sabrina LaField also takes the mic. With just a bit of swish in the tail this is a snappy rocker with Loomis on harp and lead guitar joined by Armando Aussenac on drums. Getting into a super funky groove, If I Would've, Loomis is back up front on vocal, guitar and harp creating a purely infectious track. His electrifying guitar riffs and bass lines are tight. Super! With an easy sway, Candles and Wine has just the right feel featuring tasty guitar riffs and cool vocal backing by Aussenac, Fabian Hernandez and Chris Eger. Ain't What It Ain't is a solid rocker with cool vocal blending but what really sets this track apart is super harp and hot slide riffs from Eger. Bluesy ballad, Breaking Down, is pure Loomis and it's a thread that you can trace from release to release. Rich composition, super vocals and warm interwoven instrumentation with Loomis' certain hand on guitar soloing makes this one strong track. a really hot sax solo by Fabian Hernandez bouncing back and forth with Loomis on lead guitar coupled with strong vocals makes Looking Into a Dream another of the top tracks on the release. Funky, Cloudy Day has really nicely arranged instrumentation, punchy sax work, great rhythm and vocals. Another super Loomis creation. Quiet ballad, Prayer, has strong R&B bones, featuring Loomis' beautiful lead vocals with rich backing vocals and a slick melodic guitar solo. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Funky Little Brother with Sarah Kimberly on keys and trumpet, Reagan Kimberly on drums, Austin Morris on guitar and Daniel Holder on bass with Loomis on lead vocal and guitar and Alex Mckown, Zach Person and Michael Bryan-Harris on guitars. Almost getting into Sly world, this is a great funky rocker and a super closer for a super release. Excellent!
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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Labels:
Basics,
Hamilton Loomis,
Review
Thursday, September 14, 2017
Out of the Past Music artists: Steve Howell & Jason Weinheimer - A Hundred Years From Today - New Release review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, A Hundred Years From Today, by Steve Howell & Jason Weinheimer, and it's quiet and soothing. Opening with Fats Waller's Lulu's back In Town, Howell shows his clean acoustic finger work and holds down lead vocal while Weinheimer is on bass. Rag style Kansas City Blues has smooth flow and nice tempo. Lightning Hopkins' Going Back To Florida is somber and bluesy with solid vocal emphasis staid guitar accompaniment. Mississippi John Hurt's Louis Collins has super tempo and tight guitar riffs. Blues standard, Basin Street Blues, has an easy pace and nicely articulated guitar lead. Limehouse Blues / After You're Gone has a 20's sound with springy pace and light vocals. Wrapping the release is Hoagy Carmichael's Rocking Chair with a light jazzy sound. Nicely presented chords and lightly peppered fingering by both men make this a cool closer for 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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Wednesday, September 13, 2017
Supersonic Blues Machine Return with CALIFORNISOUL on October 20 - Featuring Special Guests Billy Gibbons, Steve Lukather, Eric Gales, Walter Trout and Robben Ford
SUPERSONIC BLUES MACHINE ANNOUNCE THE GLOBAL RELEASE
OF
CALIFORNISOUL ON OCTOBER 20 VIA MASCOT LABEL GROUP /
PROVOGUE
ALL-STAR CAST INCLUDES BILLY GIBBONS, STEVE LUKATHER,
ERIC GALES,
WALTER TROUT AND ROBBEN FORD
Los Angeles, CA – Supersonic
Blues Machine, featuring Fabrizio Grossi (bass / producer), Lance Lopez (guitar
/ vocals) and Kenny Aronoff (drums) has announced the global release of CALIFORNISOUL!
On October 20 via Mascot Label Group / Provogue Records. The title, available
on CD, double vinyl, download and streaming, presents the sound the band spent
much of 2017 sharing with audiences from Texas to Holland and India to St.
Petersburg, Russia, picking up right where the they left off on their
well-received debut record, West of Flushing, South of Frisco.
Grossi shares, ““CALIFORNISOUL! That’s exactly what it is. It’s the
missing soundtrack to a summertime drive from Los Angeles to San Francisco in
1971!”
Recorded at Fab’s Lab in
North Hollywood, California, the repertoire is all about great songs.
“Cry” is a soul searching, simmering piece of poetry and Lance Lopez preaches
it in the most righteous way. “I Am Done Missing You” is another number that
reaches down deep with a message that will resonate with both spurned lovers
and those who have left their bad habits and ways in the past. Californisoul is
a study and celebration of the human condition, and “This Is Love” could be the
lovechild of Bob Marley and War with some stinging guitar action spread on top.
We’re living in times in which it’s hard to keep on keeping on, and it’s easy
to fall prey to habits, vices, and distractions - “Elevate” takes a close look
at the “high” life, and how one must raise above the temptations and
tribulations if the music is to be made.
Fabrizio Grossi talks about
a soundtrack for an imaginary road trip up the California coastline in the
heady, halcyon days of the early 70s, and that really captures the vibe and
mojo that is Californisoul. The songs Grossi has written for this album are as
top notch as they are diverse. This machine covers a lot of ground. As the
ever-tighter core of Lopez, Grossi, and Aronoff comes together with the elite
of the modern-day blues rock community, this is much closer to Woodstock and
Watkins Glen than it is to a cut and paste A-list vanity session. This is about
friendship, the brotherhood of the blues, and bringing the blues up to this
moment in time.
Lance Lopez is once again at
the front and center. His guitar work is as hot and gritty as anything ever
cooked up down in Texas, and his singing evokes memories of the great soul,
blues, and rock vocalists. You’ll hear the influence and heritage of Bobby
“Blue” Bland, the funk of Sly Stone, and the world-weary rumination of the
late, great Gregg Allman, but Lopez never really sounds like anything but
himself. Kenny Aronoff is truly one of the most in-demand drummers on the
planet, and his work on the album is one of the ingredients that make the
record so special. Aronoff has also brought along his substantial arranging and
compositional skills to great effect. Whether performing with John
Fogerty, BoDeans, Sir Paul McCartney, John Cougar Mellencamp, The Smashing
Pumpkins or Supersonic Blues Machine, he is simply one of the best players on
the planet.
Guests on the album include Billy
Gibbons, who returns with pen and guitar (“Broken Heart”), Steve
Lukather (Toto / Ringo’s All-Starr Band) throws down some stunning licks
(“Hard Times”), Eric Gales is back in the fold (“Elevate”), Robben
Ford brings his bag of soulfully sophisticated chops (“Somebody’s Fool”), Walter
Trout brings some silky slow blues (“What’s Wrong”), and the party is
rounded out with Alessandro Alessandroni Jr. on keyboards, Serge
Simic (co-writer and background vocals on “Love” and “Hard Times”), and Andrea
and Francis Benitez Grossi (background vocals). You may come for the stars,
but you’ll stay for the whole show.
Fabrizio Grossi adds, “Lots
of people have been saying to me ‘why does Supersonic Blues Machine always
bring guests around? You guys can stand your own ground’, and there are three
answers to that – first, we’re all super friends and we're having a blast;
second, most of them don't give lessons and for us it's only way to learn their
secret "ways"; and thirdly, because the inspiration and the challenge
they bring to the table!” Supersonic Blues Machine is truly a family as
well as a band, and these guests don’t mail it in, they stay for dinner. The
community aspect is very real, and one of the band’s great treasures.
The complete track listing
features: “I Am Done Missing You,” “Somebody’s Fool” (featuring Robben Ford).
“Love,” “Broken Heart” (featuring Billy Gibbons), “Bad Boys,” “Elevate”
(featuring Eric Gales), “The One,” “Hard Times” (featuring Steve Lukather),
“Cry.” “The Stranger,” “What’s Wrong” (featuring Walter Trout), “Thank You,”
“This Is Love.”
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