Get Along Records artist: Dana Fuchs - Love Lives On - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Love Lives On, from Dana Fuchs and it's a soul drenched release that could have been done by Stax. Opening with Backstreet Baby, a R&B track with just a taste of southern rock, Fuchs winds it up with her distinctive vocals and Reverend Charles Hodges on organ, Jack Daley on bass, Steve Potts on drums, and Kirk Smothers and Marc Franklin on horns. On high stepper, Nobody's Fault But Mine, Fuchs gets into a groove that could have been created by the Queen of Soul herself. Punched up Smothers and Franklin, this track is hot. Sittin' On has solid radio styling with a super melody and balanced instrumental backing and featuring a nice steel solo by Eric Lewis. Ballad, Faithful Sinner, has a strong melody and with the firm horn work of Smothers and Franklin and soothing keyboard work of Glen Patscha, a solid radio entry. Ready To Rise is another of my choices with cool conga work by Felix Hernandez and slick guitar riffs by Jon Diamond. Fight My Way is a stand out track with a totally acoustic approach. Fuchs vocals are crisp and clear, backed by acoustic guitar, and Lewis on mandolin and steel. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Johnny Cash's Wheel Of Fire. Fuchs takes a nice approach on this classic, maintaining it's country roots but in a sensuous way. Her expressive vocals, coupled with slow yet warm steel work of Lewis makes this an excellent closer for a solid release.

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Nola Blue Records artist: Kathy & The Kilowatts - Premonition of Love - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Premonition of Love, from Kathy & The Kilowatts and it's solid. Opening with surf flavored, First Do No Harm featuring Kathy on lead vocal, with Bill Jones on guitar, Nina Singh giving it just the right snap on drums, Jeff Botta on bass, Dan Torosian on sax and Eric Johnson on trumpet. One of my favorites on the release is Beggars Can't Be Choosers with it's sultry blues feel and nice lead with pinched harmonics by Jones. Lightly seasoned with funk, Always Fooling Me has a bluesy Albert King kind of feel without the characteristic King riffs. Very nice. Shuffle track, Black Nights, shows a nice blend of lead vocals, horns and well phrased guitar lead. Deeper into the blues with Final Verdict and JL Hooker guitar riffs, Kathy drills down the lead vocals, Benny Turner lays down a heavy bass line, Jones steps on it with some really nice trem bends and hammer ons and Kim Field adds in just the right harp work. Very cool. Floyd Domino leads the way on rocker, All These Questions, with rock n' roll style piano and Jones answers with excellent rock n' roll riffs of his own. Very cool. Wrapping the release is The Bigger Picture with casual, almost Crisie Hynde, aloof style. A taste of Latin rhythm and electric keyboards give this track just the right boost to close a solid release.

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Little Village Foundation artist: Howell Devine - Howl - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Howl, from Howell Devine and it's quite cool. Recorded at the acclaimed Greaseland Studios by Kid Andersen, this release has a great old style yet current vibe. Opening with Sonny Boy Williamson's The Key, Joshua Howell on vocal, guitar and harp melds nicely with Pete Devine on drums and Joe Kyle Jr. on bass. With it's lumbering pace, the track has deep blues roots. RL Burnside's Going Down South develops a rumble with solid bass lines and super vocals by Howell. Kickin it up a notch, Howell drives his guitar hard without breaking Burnside's basic monumental style. Very nice. Sookie Sookie has that great Booker T feel complimented by Kid Andersen on organ but this track is really a showcase for Howell's harp work. Very cool. One of my favorite tracks on the release is original composition, Sirenic Woman with raw slide playing and tom tom heavy drums and exaggerated bass lines by Kyle. Excellent! a traditional cover of Robert Johnson's Come Into My Kitchen will always be a welcome addition to a rough and ready blues release and HD does a real nice job on this one with clean, under exaggerated vocals and real nice slide work. Very nice. Showing broader influences, The Meter's Funky Miracle is a cool break away from the traditional style blues but tight never the less. Andersen, Howell, Devine and Kyle trade riffs like kids with a ball giving the track a real playful feel. Solid. Blind Blake's Rope Stretching Blues is another really nice primitive style cover with particularly sensitive snare work by Devine, complimenting particularly clean guitar and vocals by Howell. Wrapping the release is original composition, PM Blues with solid strong tension on a traditional, SBW style theme. With the addition of Danny Brown on tenor sax and Fil Lorenz on bari sax this is a great closer with a wide open road for Howell's harp work. Very nice.

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Meg Williams - Maybe Someday - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Maybe Someday, from Meg Wilson and it's a straight up rocker. Opening with Not My Problem, Meg Williams leads on vocal and guitar with funky bass lines from Greggory Garner steady drum rhythm by Kyle Law and backing vocals by Sara Rogers. Shuffle track, Bad Lovin' has a catchy melody and slick guitar riffs by Williams with backing vocals by Sam Gonzales and Chase Walker. Blues rocker, Little Bit Of The Devil blends Charlie Daniels, The Allmans, JJ Cale, and Pat Benetar to come up with a flashy country rock radio track. Title track, Maybe Someday has a bouncy rhythm and slide guitar by Dan Wecht with a lot of the grease characteristic of Derek Trucks. With a solid melody and certain pace, this is definitely my pick for best track on the release. You Let Me Down is a straight ahead rocker with a cool melody but it's the fiery guitar lead that sets this track apart. Wrapping the release is pop rocker, I Feel A Heartache Coming with blended sweet lead vocals and blended lead on the chorus, this track is a positive closer for a mostly radio focused (under 4 min each) release.

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Annie Gator Records artist: J.J. Vicars - Irreverent Dissident - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Irreverent Dissident, from J.J. Vicars and it's solid rocker. Opening with Los Vatos in A,  a sympathetic guitar interlude, this release is off to a good start. Long Way From Home is a ragged garage rocker with Vicars on vocal and guitar, Anthony Lumpp on bass and Danny Lumpp on drums. With the swagger of early Stones, Vicars charges right into Dixon's Wang Dang Doodle. Excellent! Slow blues, Outskirts of Town, has rich guitar chords with Robert Johnson on piano and drums and Denny Wright on bass. Vicars' guitar soloing is full of tension and feeling. Stinky Twinky is a super piano boogie instrumental featuring Big Jay McNeely on sax, Doug Oscard on drums and tasty guitar riffs from Vicars. Instrumental, Downhome stays in the boogie groove with Vicars leading the way on guitar. Excellent! Deguello is an interesting quasi classical composition with cool electric guitar over arpeggiated chords. Very nice. Three-toed Midget is a bluegrass style track featuring Richie Kindler on banjo, Kyle Crison on bassand mandolin and Jen Conley on ukelele. Clever. Wrapping the release is an alternate version of Stinky Twinky putting you in mind of the great Gatemouth Brown. Excellent 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”

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Buffalo Bounce artist: Roughmax and the Steamrollers - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Roughmax and the Steamrollers from Max Pieri and it's different. Opening with Candy Ass Blues (what a great name for a song) is a pop rocker with overdriven vocals and bass by Max, Luciano Lucky Pesce on piano, and Corrado D' Amato on drums. I Am Too Loose (I Want To Stand) is an interesting rocker with over the top drums and aggressive organ work by Pesce giving Max a strong top for his bass and vocals. Sebastiano Lillo adds an additional dimension on jazz rocker, Junk with his cool slide work. One of my favorite tracks on the release is somber ballad, Guilty with a subtle bass line, piano and lead vocal. This track is simple, yet strong. Very nice. High stepping instrumental, The Second Bite is lead by Pesce's electric keys and features strong bass lines by Max and drums by Amato. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Little Stone In My Pocket, a pop rocker with a driving beat. This release has characteristics of progressive, blues, classic, funk you name it. In any case, it's interesting.

  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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Onager Records artist: Ted Hefko And The Thousandaires - Gas Station Guru - New Relese Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Gas Station Guru, from Ted Hefko And The Thousandaires, and it's quite entertaining. Opening with Two Vices, Ted Hefko leads his own flavor of New Orleans jazz on lead vocal and sax with Elliot Slater and Mem Shannon on guitar, Justin Carlo Davi on bass Jasmine Butler on drums, and Beck Berger on organ. With the easy stride of the Night Tripper himself, cool opener. Funky, The Roofer, has a super groove with horns by Hefko on vocal and sax, Antonio Gambrell on trumpet and Carolyn Brussard and Arsene DeLay on backing vocal. Excellent. Billy Joe Shaver's Ride Me Down Easy sits nicely in country waltz style. Smooth vocals by Hefko and solid backing vocals give this track that something special. My favorite track on the release is Clarence and Spencer William's Ain't Gonna Give You Non O' My Jellyroll. Now I can't listen to this track without thinking of Sweet Emma Barrett and her perfect delivery of this track but delivered New Orleans jazz style with Hefko delivering on sax and clarinet, over the snappy drumming of Butler and piano wizardry of Welnick is mighty excellent! Ten Dollar Hat is a cool rocker with a "twist". Butler's drumming is bound to keep you bopping and Gambrell's trumpet is tight and Welnick's piano certain. Very cool. With a different level of composure, Stop Sayin' Unless sounds a bit like Little Feat with Lowell George like slide work under smooth vocals. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Steve Goodman's City Of New Orleans done straight as Goodman wrote it. A solid radio track with a grand melody, Hefko has put together a terrific 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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Joyann Parker - Hard To Love - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Hard To Love, from Joyann Parker and it's solid. Opening with soulful rocker, Memphis, Parker shows a super vocal style and Mark Lamoine on slide guitar has great, fat, tone backed by Tim Wick on keys, Michael Carvale on bass and Alec Tackmann on drums. R&B track Envy is smooth with rich vocals and perfect organ backing by Wick. Another nice R&B track, Home, has a slight gospel taste to it with ideal organ backing. Parker's vocals are excellent and the song writing is super. Lamoine lays in a nicely tailored melodic guitar solo making this my choice for radio track on the release. Jigsaw Heart is nicely blended with wah wah guitar, a solid radio melody and tight vocals. New Orleans influenced Ray, has a super rhythm and of course Parker's vocals are spot on. Carvale's bass line on this track, augmented by Wick's piano lines and some western flavored guitar riffs give this track real spunk. Really stretching vocally on Evil Hearted, Parker continues to impress my ears and Lamoine's guitar lead has great poise over the tight bass lines of Carvale.  Boogie track, Your Mama, has a solid groove, with soulful vocals by Parker, reinforced by Carvale and Tackmann. Bright piano lead by Wick and Atkins like guitar riffs from Lamoine give the track that extra sparkle.   Wrapping the release is title track, Hard To Love which shows the writing style of Stevie Wonder and the clearest vocals on the release, accompanied only by piano. A strong closer for a really strong release. 

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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Electric Hot Tuna Tour w/ special guest Steve Kimock

Electric Hot Tuna's music is unique, an expression of Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady's individual personalities who forge their improvisational sounds with a feeling of significance into a dynamic event. Their electric sound is complete with the addition of drummer Justin Guip,* whose "emphatic yet fluid timekeeping is a true complement." Starting August 25, Steve Kimock, the blazing psychedelic guitarist versatile enough to touch almost all aspects of American music, will join Hot Tuna on tour.       "With Steve Kimock on board for this Hot Tuna Tour you can count on a multidimensional dialogue between musical friends. There’s never a dull moment when Steve is part of the conversation!" says Jorma.       Started as a side project during Jefferson Airplane days, the constant, the very definition, of Hot Tuna has always been Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady. From the ‘Sixties Evolution to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the two boyhood pals have never wavered in one of the most enduring friendships in Rock history. (www.HotTuna.com)       "For a band that traces its roots back to 1969, Hot Tuna can still bring the heat... Jack Casady stomped around the stage totting a bass that is about the same size as him while Jorma Kaukonen lit a fuse and transformed his electric guitar into a firework.” – Live For Live Music       Dubbed “The Guitar Monk” by Relix magazine, Steve Kimock is driven by the knowledge that there is always more. While one can say that his genre is rock, no one niche has ever confined him. From the 80's Jazz/Rock band Zero (regarded as one of the marquee Bay Area bands and architects of jam band genre), or the 90's KVHW through to his latest Steve Kimock recording Satellite City, he has explored various sounds and styles based on what’s moved him, whether it’s blues or jazz; funk or folk; psychedelic or boogie; gypsy or prog-rock; traditional American or world fusion. (www.kimock.com)       "Musicianship, chemistry, history, Jack and Jorma are the real deal on every level. It’s an honor to hang with those guys and play that music," says Steve. Electric Hot Tuna with Special Guest Steve Kimock Tour Aug 25  NedFest, Nederland, CO Aug 28  Center for the Arts, Jackson, WY Aug 30  Neptune Theatre, Seattle, WA Aug 31  Revolution Hall, Portland, OR Sept 01  McDonald Theatre, Eugene, OR Sept 02  Mt Winery, Saratoga, CA Sept 04  Crest Theatre, Sacramento, CA Sept 06  El Rey Theatre, Los Angeles, CA Sept 07  Brooklyn Bowl, Las Vegas, NV Sept 08  Scottsdale Ctr for the Arts, Phoenix, AZ Sept 10  The Rialto Theatre, Tucson, AZ Sept 11  KiMo Theatre, Albuquerque, NM Jorma Kaukonen will release his memoir Been So Long: My Life and Music August 28, 2018 on St. Martin's Press.      The book will chronicle the guitarist's childhood in Washington, DC, and trace his musical journey through his days with Jefferson Airplane and Hot Tuna, along with his work with the Fur Peace Ranch Guitar Camp.      "There are those who talk about writing books and those who actually do it," Kaukonen says in an official statement. "I guess this is my chance to jump from one camp to the other. My story is my story."  – Relix      Many of the venues on this tour are offering a VIP Seating and Book Package. Follow Hot Tuna's Escapades: www.hottuna.com www.jackcasady.com www.jormakaukonen.com www.furpeaceranch.com Twitter: @JormaKaukonen @HotTunaBand Facebook: Facebook.com/jack.casady.5 Hot Tuna - Jorma Kaukonen Fan Club: Facebook.com/groups/JormaKaukonen

Harmonica Ace Steve Krase Expands His Blues Roots on New CD, "Just Waitin'", Coming June 15 from Connor Ray Music

Harmonica Ace Steve Krase Expands His Blues Roots on New CD, Just Waitin’, Coming June 15 from Connor Ray Music

HOUSTON, TX – World-class harmonica player Steve Krase expands his blues music into new territory on his fourth CD, Just Waitin’, coming June 15 on Connor Ray Music. Produced by Rock Romano (who also played bass and sang backing vocals), Just Waitin’ features Steve Krase (vocals and harmonica), backed by a solid cast of additional notables, including David Carter (guitars and backing vocals); Tamara Williams (drums, percussion and backing vocals); James Gilmer (percussion); Brian Jack (accordion); Mike Vee (rubboard); and Kenan Ozdemir (lead guitar).

Steve Krase will celebrate the new album with a special CD pre-release show at Houston’s famed Big Easy Club on Friday, May 18th (5731 Kirby Dr., Houston), where he’ll be joined by several special guests including the legendary singer Trudy Lynn, plus James Gilmer on percussion and Brian Jack on accordion. “I’m so pleased to be showcasing our new CD at one of the finest Blues Clubs in the world, Houston's Big Easy,” says Krase. “This is a new band, a new sound, and I'm excited to roll it out.”

Just Waitin’ spends much time within the blues world, with songs from Howlin’ Wolf and Big Walter Price, among others; but also traverses beyond that into roots and Americana styles, with a song on the new disc from Hank Williams (“Settin’ the Woods on Fire”) and even a Zydeco –flavored take on the theme from the “Beverly Hillbillies” TV show (“The Ballad of Jed Clampett”).

In the liner notes for Just Waitin’, Krase sends a big shout out to all the musicians, production personnel and fans for their work and support. “Thanks to all the great musicians that I am lucky enough to have in my corner,” he says, “especially to my band: David Carter, Tamara Williams and most notably to Rock Romano, who pulled triple duty as bassist, producer and sound engineer on this recording, in addition to penning three of the songs. Special thanks also to Trudy Lynn, who continues to amaze me with her talent and from whom I continue to learn. Very special thanks to the clubs that continue to support live music and KPFT Houston radio for all of their support  Finally, I want to thank all of the people that contributed money to assist the Houston Blues musicians in need after Hurricane Harvey.”

Said producer/bassist Rock Romano about the recording sessions: “Steve really delivered on this CD; great song selections delivered with dynamic heart-felt vocals along with his unique and powerful harmonica style.” And special guest James Gilmer, longtime percussionist for Lyle Lovett, added, “I love this project! It’s like Magic Dick and Peter Wolf meet Howlin’ Wolf and Little Walter!”

Just Waitin’ Track Listing

1)  Settin' the Woods on Fire  

2)  I Don't Mind     

3)  Just Waitin' on My Brand New Baby

4)  Irene Irene   

5)  The Ballad of Jed Clampett  

6)  All in the Mood  

7)  Dirty Dirty  

8)  Blame It All On Love 

9)  Nobody Loves Me 

10) My Baby Walked Off  

Treated and Released Records artist: Reverend Freakchiled - Dial It In- New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Dial It In, from Reverend Freakchild and it interesting. Opening with Opus Earth, with it's early delta sound, Freakchild plays National Steel guitar, organ and bass and performs what is described as a chant but really sounds like Yoko Ono, joined by Chris Parker on drums. Depeche Mode's Personal Jesus gets a solid blues rock remake and it's strong, featuring Hugh Pool on harp. Cool. Original track, Hippie Bluesman Blues, has some country overtones and featuring the rev on national Steel guitar and lead vocal, Pool on guitar, Parker on drums, Robin Sylvester on bass and Mark Karan on lead guitar and vocal. With a light funky edge and distortion, Roadtrance is an simple interesting jam with Rev on vocal and NSG, Pool on guitar, banjo and electronic sounds, and parker on drums. Actually fairly cool. 15 Going on 50 is a driving rocker strongly led by Brian Mitchell on piano and featuring Pool on lead guitar, Rev on NSG and lead vocal, parker on drums, and Rachel Benbow Murdy on backing vocal. One of my favorites on the release. Bob Dylan's It's Alright, Ma gets a great revamp with Jay Collins on tenor and bari sax nicely surrounding (or chasing) Rev's vocals and Parker's firm rhythm. Excellent! Blind Willie Johnson's Soul Of A Man is the closest thing to a down the middle blues track and Rev shows that he knows how to do it right with excellent vocal phrasing and slide NSG, Parker on drums and Lisa Marie on backing vocals. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Opus Space another solid country blues number with tight Kottke like slide and Yoko Ono like vocals. 

  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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Connor Ray Music artist: Ally Venable - Puppet Show - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Puppet Show, from Ally Venable and it's quite good. Opening with Devil's Son, a powerful blues rocker, Venable leads on guitar and vocal, backed by Elijah Owings on drums and Bobby Wallace on bass. Gary Hoey adds some voracious guitar riffs on this track giving it a smoking hot edge. Very nice. Steve Krase joins on traditional delta style, Blackwater Blues, with a stripped down opening and then opening up to a full tilt blues rocker showcasing some of Venable's best riffs on the release. One of my favorite tracks on the release is a cover of Taj Mahal's, He Caught The Katy, with it's super bass line and solid vocal and guitar work by Venable. Excellent! With the swagger of Lynyrd Skynyrd, title track, Puppet Show is a solid rocker with really nice guitar riffs by Venable and warm keys by Eric Steckel. Another of my favorites on the release is slow blues, Comfort In My Sorrows with it's big time San Francisco blues styling and crisp, fluid guitar soloing by Venable. Very very nice! Jazz rocker, Survive, has exceptional bass lines with driving drums and full organ. Venable leads throughout with proud guitar work continuing to confirm her arrival as a serious guitar rocker. Wrapping the release is Sleeping Through The Storm, a straight ahead rocker with a driving boogie beat and heavy bottom. With slashing riffs and stiff, in your face drumming, this is an excellent 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”

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Kris Lager Band - Love Songs & Life Lines - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Love Songs & Life Lines from Kris Lager Band and it's breezy and rhythmic. Opening with instrumental, Aurora Borealis, the band shows influences of world music with intricate guitar sounds by Lager, bass by Aaron Underwood and percussion by Scooby Sha Bo Bo. Adventuresome and soothing. Super ballad, I Wanna Hold You In My Arms has flavors of R&B and The Band. Lager's vocals are strong and his slide guitar adds nicely to the overall feel of the track. Very nice. San Francisco Bound is another strong track a good melody, slide guitar and sax by Lefever with trace sounds of Garcia and Van Morrison. Pickin' Up The Pieces is a bluesy, country flavored ballad. I like the general looseness of the track and blazing sax work of Lefever. Very cool! Another warm ballad, I'm Still Here And I Ain't Lettin' Go, features heartfelt vocals by Lager and Lefever's sax over organ a bed of richness. One of my favorite tracks on the release is I'll Be Thinking Of You, a descending chord pattern supporting a simple but effective melody. Very nice.  Wrapping the release is Journey's Sonata, a tight acoustic guitar track. This is a smart closer to an overall very pleasing release.

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Tim Woods - Human Race - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Human Race, from Tim Woods and it shows strong influences of blues and rock players of note. On Can You Feel It, a solid blues rocker, traces of Cream and Robin Trower permeate the flow and Woods' Leslie West like vocals ride high on the backing by Bobby Lee Rodgers on guitar, bass, drums and keys. Solid! Instrumental, Step has a funky bottom giving Woods a real nice platform to lay down his best rock riffs with snappy drums and bass by Rodgers. Roger Waters like composition, Take A Minute has more of an American flavor but the Brit's clues are there. With a poppier edge, another solid contribution. Title track, Human Race pulls trace sounds from the Yardbirds and the Doors to create an electrifying driving rocker. TW Funk has a cool yet funky vibe fueled by a rich bass groove, clean, tele sounding lead and wah wah guitar backing. Very nice! Trixie is a catchy jam with "Dead like" melody. Woods' tone is very nice and I really like Lavezzoli's drumming on this track. Where Did She Go? is a lumbering blues rocker with real swagger. Wrapping the release is Leave The Earth Alone again draws from Dead influences with melodic guitar lead and loose, funky keyboard work ending with a Revival like break. Very cool.

Peter V Blues Train - Running Out Of Time - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Running Out Of Time, from Peter V Blues Train and it's got style. Opening with Stay On Track, a simple blues rocker, lead vocalist and guitarist, peter v. is backed by Aron Louis Gornish on keys, Sean Graverson on bass and Alex D'Agnese on drums. Danny Walsh on sax lays down some memorable lead on Buzzed Busted & Blue, a modern blues number with solid lead vocals by Peter and real nice piano work by Jeff Levine. Big Maceo's Worried Life Blues, has really nice pace and not only sets a nice stage for Peter's vocals but also gives him space for some of his nice guitar riffs on the release. Very cool. Title track, Running Out Of Time is a funky blues rocker built along the lines of Albert King's Born Under A Bad Sign. With stinging guitar riffs by Peter, solid organ lines by Gornish and rumbling bass by Graverson, this is a very cool track. Funk horn track, Time to Collect is really nice with excellent sax lead by Walsh. Excellent! Blues ballad, Freedom has very clean guitar lead, stinging soloing and a solid melody making it my choice for radio track with bite. Very nice. Wrapping the release is lightly salted funk rocker, Lay Down My Friend, with an ideal radio melody and Latin style percussion by D'Agnese, Latin flavored guitar riffs and again very nice sax lines by Walsh making this an excellent closer for a strong release.

Jesi-Lu Records artist: Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps - Here In Babylon - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Here In Babylon, from Teresa James and the Rhythm Tramps and it got a funky yet soulful sound. Opening with I Know I Ain't Been So Perfect, James on lead vocal and piano really captures the new neo soul feel with a great opener, backed by Jay Bellerose on drums, Billy Watts on guitars, Mike Finnegan on B-3, Terry Wilson on bass. Very cool. Laid back, Head Up, Heart Open has a nice sway (think Doobies) with tight backing vocals by Watts, Wilson, Gregg Sutton, Jessie Wilson and James and the warmth of horns added by Darrell Leonard on trumpet and Joe Sublett on sax. Lumbering, Ground Zero, has a solid bottom, courtesy Wilson and a plucky guitar line by Watts. With it's smoky club feel, You Had To Bring That Up is really the nicest showcase for James on piano and vocal. Relaxed, cool and gritty, a really solid track. Piano boogie, I Gotta Roll is another favorite with a super groove, punched up by Leonard and Sublett. Wrapping the release is Find Me A Bar with a hot New Orleans bottom compliments of James and Bellerose. Watts lays in a distorted guitar solo adding to the texture and with a rumbling bass line by Wilson this track is humming. James has a distinctive voice and her phrasing on this track is exceptional with just the right vocal backing. Excellent 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”

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Freddie Pate - I Got The Blues - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, I Got The Blues, from Freddie Pate and it's quite cool. Opening with Willie Dixonesque, Let the Juke Joint Jump, Pate on lead vocal and guitar has a flashy, yet stylistic guitar style and just enough raggedness to his vocals to give it edge. Backed by Terry Dry on bass, Matt Johnson on drums, Lewis Stephens on keys and Mike Zito on rhythm guitar, this is a cool opener. On Elmore James, Sho-nuff I Do, Pate really belts out the blues and with grinding tone, tells it with his guitar. Stephens' piano work dances above the solid bottom of Dry and Johnson giving this track an authentic feel. Hank William's Hey Good Lookin' gets a 60's rock (Watusi)  make over and I really like it. Alan Toussaint's Nothin Takes The Place Of You has a strong soulful delivery and exhibit's Pate's best vocals on the release. 12 bar number, and title track, I Got The Blues has a strong roll and Elmore James like guitar swagger. R&B track, My Josephine is built on a standard bass riff, answered by stinging guitar riffs. Willie Dixon's My Babe has just a touch of new Orleans back beat mixed in giving it that cool cache and Pate's guitar soloing compliments it nicely. Jolie Blond maintains a lot of it's Cajun origins including language. A rocking beat and driving guitar riffs give it additional spunk. Wrapping the release is shuffle track, Beer Drinkin Dog,  a clever track that you would expect from Elvin Bishop. Well balanced between lyrics and guitar riffs, this is a cool closer for a cool release.

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M.C. Records artist: Marie Knight - The Gospel Truth Live - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Gospel Truth Live, from Marie Knight and it's rich. This performance was recorded on October 19, 2007 at Margaret A. Hart '35 Gospel fest at the Church Street Center in North Adams Massachusetts. Unfortunately, Knight passed in 2009 after a stroke and a bout with pneumonia. Fortunately, these tracks are now available for the public. Opening with Rev. Gary Davis' I Belong To The Band, Marie Knight is pure gospel with strong piano backing from Dave Keyes. Excellent! On Sister Rosetta Tharpe's Beams Of Heaven, Knight shows just how tightly the blues is bound to gospel music. Keyes piano work is terrific and Knight is off the charts. Davis' 12 Gates To The City has a great swing and Knight and Keyes are really rockin'! Knight's rework of Anna Warner's Jesus Loves Me, shows not only pure talent but pure love for the Lord and her work. Another Davis track, Let Us Get Together, has a super gospel swing and exploits the richness of Knight's vocals. Wrapping the release is a powerful cover of the traditional, For Thine Is the Kingdom, a truly excellent closer. if you are even slightly inclined to hear the complimentary work of Tharpe and Davis as performed by Knight, this is a strong release.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

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Sing My Title artist: Steven Troch Band - Rhymes For Mellow Minds - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Rhymes For Mellow Minds, from Steven Troch Band and it's really cool. Opening with The Short End, Belgian harp maestro and lead vocalist, Steven Troch lays out the first of 13 super tracks with a strutting blues rocker. With Steven Van Der Nat using a clean picking style, backed by Liesbeth Sprangers on bass, and Bruce James on drums. Nice opener. Bad Taste has an Otis Rush general feel with excellent guitar riffs and chords by Van Der Nat and super melodic lead harp work by Troch. This is style! One of my favorite tracks on the release is Long Long Beard (check it out Stilladog), an easy paced folk like track with only basic accompaniment and community backing vocals by Van Der Nat, Sprangers and Heirman. Jump track, White Line Express really turns up the heat with a solid bass line, snappy drums and some  of the best vocals on the release. Troch struts his stuff on the harp and Van Der Nat adds just enough to wet your whistle. Excellent! A track with a great bluesy gut is Rabbit Foot Trail with a harmonica melody, country roots and primitive feel. Very very nice! With a walking bass line and great harp work, Mister Jones and another track to be reckoned with.Vertigo is a guitar lovers track with Van Der Nat really kicking up the heat on a new wave meets Robert Fripp kind of track. I really like this voyage. Excellent! With TexMex styling, Rain Rain is a clever, almost Ry Cooder meets the Caribbean effort. With it's pleasant melody and cool beat, a nice addition.  Wrapping the release is blues driver, Walk Away with it's lumbering beat and fluid guitar riffs. Troch wraps the track with his own harp lines and then comes back with an odd little ditty ... a little something to keep you wanting. 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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