|
Exclusive Blues Interviews, Blues Reviews, Blues Videos, Top Blues Artists, New Blues Artists.
Pages
CLICK ON TITLE BELOW TO GO TO PURCHASE!!!!
CD submissions accepted! Guest writers always welcome!!
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, January 19, 2018
Announcing the 1st Annual Temecula Blues Festival
Billy Thompson - BT - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, BT, from Billy Thompson and it's terrific! Opening with Burn It Down, Bernadette, Billy is smoking right out of the can with an extremely funky rocker. leading the way on vocal and slide guitar, backed by Michael Leroy Peed on keys, Daryl Johnson on bass, Eric Selby on drums, DK Kelly on percussion and Xzantiny Grant on vocals, these guys are hot. On blues shuffle, Phoine, Billy is backed by a stacked deck with Mike Finnigan, James Hutchinson on bass and Anthony Braunagel on drums. Finnigan really winds out the keys giving Billy plenty of air to pound with screaming riffs. Very nice. Cool R&B number, Silent Warrior has a great feel with excellent guitar riffs pushing the intensity during the beef of the track. Thompson's vocals are soulful and spot on. Very nice. With it's slick R&B tempo, Mud Island Woman is infectious and with Thompson's stinging harp riffs, crisp guitar lead and vocal lead, this may be the best track on the release. Bluesy, Stranger really showcases Thompson's soulful vocals and solid vocal phrasing. Finnigan's organ work nicely surrounds Thompson's shimmering guitar riffs, nicely accenting the suspense of the track. This track is really hot giving Thompson a great opportunity to not only showcase his vocals but to stretch on guitar. Excellent! In The Back Of Garage is a definite radio style track with an excellent melody with a soulful sound, and precise guitar work. Children Of The Sun is a smooth ballad with biting guitars riffs and rich piano faire developing into a progressive jazz tune based on a Whipping Post like rhythm. Very nice. Wrapping the release is cool, stylistic blues number, Reason For Goin' Fishin', with it's rural feel. Peed's bouncy piano work and Selby's stumble drums give the track a nice Lusiana country feel. This is a real nice closer for a real strong release.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Jim Shaneberger Band - Above and Below - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Above and Below, from the Jim Shaneberger Band and it's quite good. Opening with Jimi Hendrix flavored rocker, My Way has a classic Stone Free feel but with a more modern polished delivery and melodic rock feel. Super opener. Shanebereger is upfront on lead vocal and guitar but this is a definite group collaboration with a solid bass line from Jeff Baldus, and tight rock lines from Steve Harris on drums. Pat Travers comes to mind as I listen to Indifference with powerful swags of guitar lead and flavorful drum riffs over a swaggering bass line. Solid ballad, Bright Side shows real strong radio appeal with a super melody, nice harmonies and acoustic guitar lead. Shuffle track, Ain't Your Daddy's Blues, gives Shaneberger a chance to use a totally different vocal style not unlike Jonny Lang. His low slung guitar riffs have plenty of sting and Carl Schantz on drums does a great job. Another real cool rocker is Way Down South with it's blues style drone note and lumbering feel. Very nice. Just Sayin', Bro is a loose guitar jam with a great bass line making it tuff to sit still. Wrapping the release is Whole Lotta Soul, a contemporary R&B style track with a feel that I would associate with Wolfman Washington for example. This track has a lot of personality with a snappy beat, nice harmonies and a warm jazz like guitar interlude. This is 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”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
Labels:
Above And Below,
Jim Shaneberger Band,
Review
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
Orleans Records artist: Rockie Charles - Born For You
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Born For You, by Rockie Charles and I really like it. Opening with title track, Born For You, Rockie Charles quickly establishes that he is going his own route with influences from many reaches. I am first taken by his smooth vocals and JL Hooker like phrasing, complimented by Jerry Embry on sax. Old Black Joel feels a lot like 60's soul and Clarence Carter. A solid backing band made up of Jerry Pekinto on bass, Rick Allen and Wayne Lohr on organ, Tony D'Alessandro on drums, not to forget Charles' own Spartan guitar playing and with really sweet backing vocals by Karlene Arena and Rhea Kahler, this sound is really earthy. Excellent. On easy paced, Oh My Darling, Look What You're Doing To Me, Charles sings with the ease of Al Green in a style more like Willie Nelson. Smoky Greenwell adds a soothing harp overtone giving the track just the right hint of spice. Please Tell Me It Ain't So is one of my favorite tracks on the release with Hooker like phrasing and Green like vocal tones...an unbeatable pair. R&B track, I Need Your Love So Bad has a terrific groove with a super lead line and tight horn work by Wilber Tank on trumpet and solid vocal backing by Arena and Kahler. Don't Let Me Go calls to mind the great Wilson Picket and his vocal work over arpeggiated guitar work. One of the most soulful tracks on the release is I Just Called To Wish You A Merry Christmas. Charles falsetto vocal and Sean Kenny's bari sax are a really nice pair supported by Lohr's organ sea. Very nice. Wrapping the release is There Is A Rainbow Hangin' Over My Shoulder, a super soul track with Charles adding some really nice guitar riffs. Horn phrasing on this track really gives it that 70's Wilson Pickett feel but it's all Charles and a super track to close 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”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
https://www.amazon.com/Born-You-ROCKIE-CHARLES/dp/B000003TXK
Labels:
Born For You,
Orleans Records,
Review,
Rockie Charles
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Janiva Magness' 'Love is An Army'
|
|
|
The Jimmy Zee Band - What you see is what you get. - New release review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, What you see is what you get, from The Jimmy Zee Band and it's a solid rocker with diverse flavors. Opening with title track, What you see is what you get, Jimmy Zee shows a cool, laid back story telling style as lead vocalist not unlike Jackie Lynton, backed by Rob MacDonald and Tim Porter on guitars, Miles Hill on bass, Joel Fountain on drums and Darryl Havers on keys. I Ride Alone is a power rocker featuring Harpdog Brown on harp. I really like this tracks heavy footed bottom, snarling guitar and swaggering feel. Money has cool, almost Stones like rhythm and a great rock beat. Zee's vocals are tight and sax by Steve Hilliam, a cool track. My Old Lady Is A Freakshow that is a blend between ZZ Top and hiphop. I really like this track and backing vocals by Annabelle Chvostek. With it's laid back funk, She's A Mystery to Me, is one of my favorites on the release with Zee's raspy vocals contrasting against Chvostek's, a cool rocker with a slippery back beat and choice harp work by Brown. very cool. Wrapping the release is ballad, I'm No Good Without You with a much more somber feel overall. Understated resonator slide work sets the mood and Havers' key work provides a nice cushion for Zee's vocals with Chvostek. A nice melody and a solid feel, this is a cool closer for an interesting release.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
Monday, January 15, 2018
Swirl Disc artist: Freeworld - What It Is - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, What It Is, from Freeworld and it's a horn infused party. Opening with Deeper By The Minute, Richard Cushing, lead vocalist and bass player sets the pace with Dr. Herman Green on tenor sax, Peter Climie on tenor, bari and alto sax, Andy Tate on guitar, Chris Stephenson on keys, Jared Dover on trumpet, Freedman Steorts on trombone and Greg Lundy on drums. A funky rocker with tight horns and a funky beat, cool opener. Shrimp N' Grits is a solid horn saturated instrumental. One of my favorite tracks on the release it features a real nice flow of trumpet and sax solos by Dover and Green as well as a vicious guitar solo by Tate. Another of my favorite tracks blends funk and neo soul on It's Alright. A great bass riff and shimmery piano work shine and punchy horn work keeps it tight. I fat guitar solo by Tate really hangs out against the somewhat conservative horn backing making it all the more impactful. Taking a jazzier route on For The Moment, Cushing's bass line is terrific, Dover's muted trumpet work is very cool, and flanged guitar soloing by Tate really pushes it over the top with anxious horn punch. Very nice! A great sax lead on Sideswiped really digs in over a subdued funky key rhythm and punchy horns. An expanded electric key solo adds to the overall tension of this cool instrumental and then it's back to Tate who is not bashful throwing down a bold guitar solo. Very nice. Wrapping the release is eastern influenced, Eve Waits. A creative, classical jazz track with lead bass and instrumental weaving over a solid western drum rhythm. Interesting conclusion to a really cool release.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
Labels:
Freeworld,
Review,
swirldisc,
What It Is
Friday, January 12, 2018
Johnny Max Band - Roadhouse Soul - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Roadhouse Soul, from the Johnny Max Band and it's a cool boogie rocker. Opening with shuffle track, Couldn't Happen To A Nicer Guy, Johnny Max shows his solid vocals skills upfront as lead vocalist with nice slide work by Kevin Vienneau and backed by Jim Casson on drums, Rob Gusevs on keys and Russ Boswell on bass. With it's funky, jazzy rhythm, (I'm Your) 911 has a super groove, getting you hopping around in your seat. Boswell's bass line is tight and backing vocals by Quisha Wint really warm up the mix. Two stepper, I Wish I Could Write You A Love Song had a driving rhythm and Keith Richards like guitar riffs, and cool piano work adds nicely to Max's lead vocals. Title track, Roadhouse Soul is a super rocker with a grinding guitar rhythm. Gusevs' piano work really sparkles on this track and the track presses hard on the drive button with a cool overdriven guitar solo by Vienneau. With a bit of swagger and barrelhouse piano, Time Well Wasted has a real nice feel. A boogie guitar line and a tight handle on the drums gives Max full rope to swing and he does. Vienneau lay out some real nice bluesy guitar slinging here giving the track a nice kick. Wrapping the release is We've Been Together For Such A Long Time with it's mysteriously bluesy rhythm. Complex rhythm and a cool piano part make this a real nice closer for 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”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
Labels:
Johnny Max Band,
Review,
Roadhouse Soul
Thursday, January 11, 2018
VizzTone Label Group artist: Heather Newman - Burn Me Alive - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Burn Me Alive, from Heather Newman, and it's a cool blend of cool tracks. Opening with country flavored, Willie James, vocalist/bassist Heather Newman shows rich contemporary vocal styling, backed by Keith Ladd on guitar, Ryan Ladd on keys and Cole Dillingham on drums and guitars. shuffle track, Howling For Love again shows the richness of Newman's voice complimented by some cool guitar riffs by Ladd. Latin influenced, Burn Me Alive is one of my favorites on the release with snappy drums, tight guitar riffs and sassy vocals. With it's slinky belly, How Many Times? really has a solid bottom and a super melody. Blended vocals and stinging guitar soloing make this another of my favorites on the release. Newman's own bass line sets the pace on Dirty Blues and Michael Lefever's sax work throws fuel on an already smoky fire. Stepping up with a R&B bottom, Share Your Love has a real cool feel. Newman's vocals are even more amped up and Ladd pushes the fever up with some real nice organ work. Wrapping the release is I'm Through With You and it's snappy beat. Newman really commands the floor and Dillingham's drumming is tight and precise. Ladd adds in some really flavorful guitar lines making this a real nice 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”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Ilya Portnov - Strong Brew - New release review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Strong Brew, from Ilya Portnov and it's quite good. Opening with shuffle track, Sunny Afternoon Blues, Ilya Portnov leads on melody on harmonica, joined by Kid Anderson on bass, Chris Burns on keys, Ben Andrews on violin and June Core on drums. Cool key work and sinuous violin work give this track an earthy feel. Surfin' the Baltic Sea is a real cool surf track with a definite twist. Dynamic harp work and a great melody, spanked along by snappy drums and a smoky organ solo and a super guitar add by Andersen makes this a real killer. Dance of a Lonely Doll is a particularly cool track featuring Portnov on chromatic harp and it's old world charm makes it one of my favorites on the release. Andersen's bass work and classic handling of piano riffs really emphasize the beauty of the track. Very nice. Rev. Gary Davis' Cincinnati Flow Rag is a cool and loosely flowing acoustic track with slappy drum work giving it real charm. Bouncy harp work by Portnov works really nicely with the rhythm and Rob Vye adds nice guitar work. Another really strong track, In A Town Garden, transports you to eastern Europe and a quieter time. Portnov masterfully plays his harp and Core's drums work is excellent. Burns works in a really nice organ solo and Andersen really captures the spirit on a nicely stylistic solo of his own. Terrific. Chicago style blues, Behind The Wall really gets a groove going with Robby Yamilov on bass, and Portnov really digs in showing a solid feel for the blues. Very nice. Title track, Strong Brew, has blues roots but with a Euro/jazz undertone. Harmony by Portnov is complex and expressive, giving way to the round tones of Burns on organ and the fluid jazz runs of Kid Andersen. Excellent! 1928 has a definitive tango style rhythm and with it's rich melody and Portnov's beautiful harmonica work, complimented by Andrews' violin styling makes for another solid entry. Wrapping the release with a Bo Diddley beat on Till The Early Morning, Portnov creates a cool, train like tone and Andersen's shimmery guitar work, and bouncy piano contributions by Burns and drumming by Core and percussion my Vye make this a solid closer. I really like this release, not only for it's musicianship and execution but for it's unique melodic beauty. Very nice 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”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
Labels:
Ilya Portnov,
International,
Kid Andersen,
Review,
Russia,
Strong Brew
Tuesday, January 9, 2018
Mama SpanX - State Of Groove - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, State Of Groove, from Mama SpanX and it moves. Opening with Rocket, a funky dance tune, lead vocalist, Nikki Armstrong is backed by Steve Johnson on guitars, Harlan Spector on keys, Steve Sadd on tenor and soprano sax, Julie Sax on alto and bari sax, Russ Mullen on trumpet and trombone, David Ambercrombie on bass, and Ben Beckley on drums and percussion. With slick sax solos by both players and a tight guitar solo by Johnson, this is a cool opener. R&B strutting, Wild Emotion has an authentic 60's sound with trumpet and sax fillers, a nice bass line, cool backing vocals and a snappy bottom. Blues ballad, Wrong Side Of The Garden, is a showcase for Armstrong. Warm sax soloing and tight guitar riffs nail this track. James Brown's influence is really clear on Alligator Boogaloo with it's funky back beat. Julie and Steve both step up with tight sax solos on this one giving it super traction. Wrapping the release is title track, State Of Groove and Abercrombie lays it down. With funky B3 lines and horn punch this track gets into the slot and rides it all the way. Solid closer.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
Labels:
Mama SpanX,
Review,
State Of Groove
Monday, January 8, 2018
Singer/Songwriter Patrick Coman Reflects on the "Tree of Life" with New CD of Blues-Roots Music Coming February 23, Featuring Peter Parcek and Marco Giovino
Singer/Songwriter
Patrick Coman Reflects on the Tree of Life with New CD of Blues-Roots
Music Coming February 23,
Featuring Peter
Parcek and Marco Giovino
CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA – Roots-based singer/songwriter Patrick
Coman announces a February 23 release date for his new CD, Tree of Life,
on his For the Sake of the Song label imprint. Produced by acclaimed guitarist
Peter Parcek and drummer Marco Giovino (Robert Plant, Buddy Miller), who both
also play on the new disc, Tree of Life was recorded at Dagotown
Recorders in Holden, Mass., and features 11 original songs penned by Coman,
plus a cool cover of Leon Russell’s “Magic Mirror.”
Watch a live video in the studio during the recording of the
title track, “Tree of Life:”
In addition to
Patrick Coman on vocals and rhythm guitar, plus Peter Parcek on lead guitar and
Marco Giovino on drums, percussion and organ, the talented group of players
assembled for the recording sessions included Joe Klompus (Letters to Cleo) -
upright and electric bass; Neal Pawley - tuba, trombone, lap steel, baritone
guitar, guitar and electric mandolin; “Beehive Queen” Christine Ohlman - vocals
(who lends her unmistakable grit to the spirited duet, “Don’t Reach”); Kylie
Harris and Abbie Barrett - background vocals; and Tom West (Peter Wolf,
Susan Tedeschi) – keys, organ and accordion.
A
long-time Boston musician and radio personality before recently locating to
Charlottesville, Virginia, Coman was very familiar with both Peter Parcek and
Marco Giovino. “Getting to play with Peter over the past few years has been like
going to school,” states Coman. “From him I’ve learned so much about playing
the blues, but perhaps more importantly I’ve learned what it means to be a
working musician and a bandleader and to create music with power, substance and
integrity.
“Even
though a lot of the songs are pretty heavy, we had so much fun during the
recording process. Marco has this great studio out in rural Massachusetts that
feels like a little clubhouse or what you’d imagine The Band had in mind with
Big Pink. It was a place where we felt comfortable letting our imaginations run
wild and really creating a sonic landscape for each song. No idea was too crazy
for us to try and I think that type of freedom gave us the ambition to strive
for something great.”
Nearly all of
the material on the new CD was written in the months leading up to and directly
following the birth of Coman’s first child. With a new baby in the house, songs
were pieced together late at night or early in the morning in that mystical
twilight period where dreams and reality blur. This cosmic bridge is reflected
in the album’s title and sequence, where haunting opener “Heartbeat” beckons
the listener into this eerie dreamlike landscape, before galloping across a fun
house mirror version of Americana that reflects back in ways that seem both
familiar and strange. It’s clear that Patrick Coman’s Tree of Life has
many musical branches.
“The
‘Tree of Life’ comes up in most religions around the world, often as a bridge
between heaven and earth or between life and death,” says Coman. “In the last
few months before my daughter was born I began to think about her time in the
womb in the same way and how this symbol echoed my own transition between my
previous life and the one I knew I would step into on the day she was born.”
Coman’s
musical foundation was formed at an early age from his upbringing in Oklahoma.
“Like many Oklahomans, I grew up revering Woody Guthrie and his affinity for
the working class,” he recalls. “Today it is eerie to see how his Dust Bowl-era
themes are just as relevant as ever. Although my sound is different, I like to
think that Woody would appreciate songs like ‘Trouble #2’ and ‘The Judge.’ He
was the master of boiling down an injustice to the point where anyone could
understand it and while it doesn’t get mentioned as much, his combination of
folk, blues, and hillbilly music paved the way for those of us who work in the
cracks between genres.”
In an era
where volume dictates attention, Patrick Coman pulls his audience in with a
quiet, unshakable confidence. It’s a confidence built from a decade behind the
scenes with some of the generation’s best songwriters as a booking agent, sound
engineer, and DJ/producer for premier Americana station WUMB-FM in Boston,
before stepping into the spotlight with his debut full- length album, Tree
of Life.
Turning his
back on a career in the music business to spend his time as a stay-at-home
father by day and full-time musician by night has paid dividends for Coman as a
writer and performer. Over the past year he’s opened for a crop of revered
Americana artists like Del McCoury, Robbie Fulks, Larry Campbell & Teresa
Williams, Joan Osborne and John Fullbright, while veteran musicians like Parcek
and Giovino have taken him under their wing.
Coman’s own
vocals bear the laidback blues-inflected style of fellow Tulsa, Oklahoma,
natives JJ Cale and Leon Russell, while the protagonists in “The Judge” and
“Trouble #2” bring to mind Woody Guthrie. The album also stirs in touches
of Lou Reed’s street walkin’ strut, the swampy groove of Little Feat, and
darkly humorous rockabilly rave ups that swing like demented versions of Sun
Studio classics.
“Being a songwriter means
grappling with your inner demons in an incredibly public way,” Coman
summarizes. “That’s something that I have always been afraid of and so I’ve
often avoided writing about myself. One amazing thing about being a parent is
that it forces you to be honest with yourself. Digging into my fears and doubts
in songs like ‘Keep My Soul,’ ‘Tree of Life’ or even ‘Heartbeat’ was painful at
the time, but now when I perform them it feels so cathartic to share those
emotions with other people and I’m always amazed because those tend to be the
favorite songs when people come up after the show.”
Patrick Coman Tour Dates
2/16 – Me & Thee Coffeehouse (Marblehead, MA) *Tribute
to John Prine
2/17 – The Burren (Somerville, MA)
2/23 – Tellus360 (Lancaster, PA)
2/24 & 25 – Purple Fiddle (Thomas, WV)
3/2 – The Southgate House Revival (Newport, KY – Cincinnati
area)
3/14 – Awendaw Green (Awendaw, SC – near Charleston, SC)
3/17 – WDVX’s Blue Plate Special (live radio show in
Knoxville, TN)
Labels:
Patrick Coman,
Peter Parcek,
Tree of Life
Paul Winn Band - Live At Lazybones - New Release Review - CD/DVD
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live At Lazybones, from Paul Winn Band and it shows his diversity in music. Opening with blues rocker, Down So Long, Winn on guitar and vocal winds the place up nicely with Rick Wilson on harp, backed by Emile Nelson on bass and Dom Robinson on drums. Cool opener. Adding a little rhythm to the blues, Take The Long Way Home has a pop like feel with a definite funky bottom. Look Around moves into a more jazz arena with smooth vocals and tight harp riffs. A hot sax solo by Gary Honor really punches this track up giving it a edgy character. Very cool. Shuffle track, I Like A Drink, is another super showcase for Wilson's harp work and the overall tight feel of the band. Wrapping the release is Taylor, a solid ballad showing strong songwriting and Winn's strong vocals and fluid, articulate guitar lead, backed by Johann Willenberg on keys. This is a cool release with a little adventure.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
Labels:
Australia,
International,
Live at Lazybones,
Paul Winn,
Review
Friday, January 5, 2018
Ruf Records artist: Samantha Fish - Belle Of The West - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Belle Of The West, from Samantha Fish and it may be her best effort yet. Opening with American Dream you have an immediate sense that this isn't a typical Samantha Fish release. Produced by Luther Dickinson, this release is in a whole new strata. Laden with fife and drums by Sharde Thomas, and with Trina Raimey and Tikyra Jackson on drums, this track has a distinct Mississippi feel. Blood In The Water showcases Fish's lead vocal and harmonies with Amy LaVere who also plays bass. A swampy track with sparse but distinct guitar work and eerie violin work by Lillie Mae, this is a cool track. Cowtown has a distinct country sound with a certain blues flavor. Addition of Fender Rhodes by Jimbo Mathus gives a nice texture and Fish sounds more comfortable both vocally and with guitar work in this "new" style. I also really like the heaviness of the drums on this track which really punch it right. Very nice. Don't Say You Love Me may be my favorite track on the release with absolute sassy vocal sound. I really love the guitar tone on this one too...excellent! Title track, Belle Of The West is a terrific, country (real country) TexMex flavored track with deep roots. I am hesitant to give Dickinson credit for someone else's work, but when he touches something he can bring out the best in people and whatever caused it, this is really good! RL Burnside's Poor Black Mattie is another terrific track with vocals shared with LM. Keeping the Mississippi sound, adding harmonica, and mandolin, really deep. No Angels balances between pop and country blues maintaining it's solid roots and developing a solid boogie. Vocal duet with Lillie Mae, Nearing Home is a warm blues ballad with healthy country roots. It's hard to describe, but easy to listen to. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Gone For Good, a primarily acoustic foot stomper with rhythmic guitar, slide and light percussion under soulful vocals by Fish. I really like this release and suggest you get this one for your permanent collection.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Juicy Baby Records artist: Bobby Kyle - It's My Life - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, It's My Life, from Bobby Kyle and it's a cool, R&B style rocker. Opening with Johnny Copeland's Daily Bread, Bobby Kyle shows his unique styling in vocal and guitar, backed by Everett Boyd on bass, Joel Perry on guitar, Marc Copell on drums, and Dave Keyes on keys. Driftwood has an almost Allman feel is their early, era. Kyle's vocals are solid and Keyes' accordion work gives it a totally different sound. Soul ballad, Highway Man, is one of my favorite tracks on the release with smooth pace, tension and solid horn backing by Laron Land on tenor sax, Alex Harding on bari sax, and James Smith on trumpet. Radio strong track, Blood From A Stone, is another of my favorites with solid soul roots and super horn backing. Sax solos from Land and Harding as well as a nice trumpet line from Smith give this track a cool edge. Eddie Kirkland's I've Got My Bloodshot Eye's On You is a simple acoustic blues number with Kyle and Perry on guitar, Joey Simon on harp and solid vocals by Kyle. Tripping Out is a real nice R&B track with a light Latin flavor. Copell's percussion work along with Keyes' tight key work really sets the stage for some of Kyle's best vocals on the release. Wrapping the release is Robert Jr. Lockwood's Little Boy Blue performed by Kyle solo on resonator guitar and vocal. This is a super closer for a real 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”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Popa Chubby - Two Dogs - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Two Dogs, from Popa Chubby and it's a straight up rocker. Opening with arena style track, It's Alright, Chubby shows powerful vocals backed by Sam "Freightrain" Bryant on drums, Andy Paladino on bass, and Dave Keyes on keys. With a taste of funk and a rocking backbeat, Tipitina Horowitz on trumpet and Andrew Garrison on tenor sax, punch up the track with Chubby hitting a real nice groove on vocals hot solo guitar riffs. Title track, Two Dogs, has a real cool feel with a slinky dance rhythm and screaming guitar lead under the melody. Very cool. Shakedown is a strong rocker built over a base riff like Heartbreaker/Livin' Lovin' Maid by Led Zep. This is a strong rocker with hot riffs. Latin flavored instrumental, Cayophus Dupree is my absolute favorite track on the release with solid guitar lead throughout over warm organ by Keyes. Excellent! Me Won't Back Down has a jazzy but voodoo sound like a mixture of Dr John and War. I really like this track and it's percussion laden feel and crisp guitar work. Boogie track, Chubby's Boogie has great fluidity with twin guitar leads. Keyes has a nice piano solo to balance out the track and Andy Paladino does a super job on bass giving this track a solid bottom. Very cool. The Stone's, Sympathy For The Devil wraps the release with great tempo, tight piano runs, a solid bass line by Francesco Beccaro, snappy drum work by Andrea Beccaro and a lot of vocal and guitar energy by Chubby. 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”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click
HERE
Labels:
Dave Keyes,
Popa Chubby,
Review,
Two Dogs
Tuesday, January 2, 2018
Jangling Sparrows - 140 Nickels - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, 140 Nickels, from Jangling Sparrows and it's a country pop flavored release. Opening with Party Ain't Over, singer, songwriter, guitarist, poet, performer delivers an American flavored Harry Nielsen style track. Pretty nice. One of my favorite tracks on the release, Burnin' A Hole has a great hook and solid melody. Joined by Todd Omley/Edwin Mericle on drums, Robert Lovejoy on bass, and Eric Ciborski on keys, this is a super radio track. Forward soulful vocals and echoing guitars on Take Home Your Coat make it another of my favorites with real feeling. Cheaper Down The Road is a great country style rocker with snappy drums and hot guitar riffs. Another standout track. Wrapping the release is Pops Is Coming Up, an easy going acoustic number. A cool story teller, this track is a mellow but potent closer for 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”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
Labels:
140 Nickels,
Jangling Sparrows,
Paul Edelman
Friday, December 29, 2017
M.C. Records artist: Duke Robillard - Duke and his Dames of Rhythm - New Release Review
I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Duke and his Dames of Rhythm, by Duke Robillard and it's a mighty swing fest. Opening with From Monday On, Sunny Crownover has the floor, backed by Bruce Bears on piano, Brad Hallen on bass, Mark Teixeira on drums, Jon Erik Kellso on trumpet, Billy Novick on clarinet and alto sax, Carl Querfurth on trombone and of course Robillard on guitar. A bright prance, this track has super clarinet, strong guitar riffs, a powerful bass line and a particularly nice trombone solo by Querfurth. Maria Muldaur had the floor on Got The South In My Soul and again, powerful clarinet soloing by Novick and bright guitar riffs by the Duke really set it off. Kelley Hunt steps up to the mic on Please Don't Talk About Me When I'm Gone, a solid blues ballad with solid vocals, jumping into swing time with Mark Earley's brilliant tenor sax solo. Kellso's trumpet work, Bears' piano work, another clarinet solo by Novick and a tight bass line from Hallen really give this track spank. Madeline Peyroux is a solid choice to deliver the sensuous vocal lines on Squeeze Me. Duke's guitar lines are tight, direct and rich providing a super contrast to the soulful soloing of Novick and the jazzy runs of Kellso. Very nice. Duke steps forward himself delivering perfect lead vocal on Walking Stick. This track has really nice instrumental lead work on it with particularly nice runs by Robillard, Andy Stein on violin and Kellso, with tight instrumental jazz jamming. Excellent! Catherine Russell has the lead on Blues In My Heart, surrounded by the bluesy muted horns of Kellso and Querfurth. On Easy Living, Peyroux has the lead over mild, jazz tones, warm sax harmony, simple piano and tight drums. Novick's tenor sax work on this track is particularly warm and rich and Kellso's trumpet is muted and solid. Ready For The River has a strong Dixieland jazz feel with brassy horns, mellow clarinet undertones and simple cadence. This one of my favorite tracks on the release with really nice balance. Wrapping the release is Call Of The Freaks, an instrumental track with a cool blend of trombone, clarinet, drums and piano stretching out to super guitar and muted trumpet soloing. Strong closer to an interesting release.
If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)