New Release RUF 1264: The Ragtime Rumours - Rag ’N Roll

The Ragtime Rumours Rag ’N Roll Release: 19.10.2018 Format: CD Label: Ruf Records GmbH EAN: 0710347126423 Calling all jaded music-lovers. The Ragtime Rumours have come to prick up your ears. In an era when the dead-eyedmusicindustryclings to tired formulas, these time-travelling Dutch visionariestear up the rulebook – and that rebel attitude is all overRag ’N Roll. Anything goes on this revolutionary debut album, as the ghosts of Robert Johnson and Django Reinhardt meet the influence of Tom Waits and Pokey LaFarge, driving eleven self-penned originals and one traditional that could have been written in 1920 or 2018.“We combine our inspiration for ragtime music with the styles of blues, gypsy jazz and rock ‘n’ roll,” explain the band.“We call it rag ‘n’ roll…” It’s been a rocket-fuelled rise for the lineup of Tom Janssen (lead vocals, acoustic guitar, banjo, Niki Van Der Schuren (upright bass, vocals, flute, baritone sax), Thimo Gijezen (electric guitar, accordion, piano, vocals) and Sjaak Korsten (drums, kazoo, washboard, vocals).Rewind just a few short years, and The Ragtime Rumours set out like any other young band: busking, grafting, playing any dive-bar and hell-hole that would have them. But this talentedquartet quickly rose above the pack, announcing their pedigree with a run of high-profile competition victories:they took first place at 2015’s BRUL contest, stormed the finals of the 2017 Dutch Blues Challenge, represented the Netherlands at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee, and – perhapsmost impressively – won this year’s European Blues Challenge in Hell, Norway. All that silverware – plus triumphantinternational tours across Norway, Italy, Portugal, Switzerland and the UK ()– have left no doubt thatThe Ragtime Rumours can shake a live stage. We’ve had early hints, too, of their alchemy in the studio, with acclaimed EP Ain’t Nobody and standout single Love & Lust rarely leaving the radio playlists on their Netherlands home-turf. Now, Rag ’N Roll bottles the exuberance and megawatt energy of watching this livewire band from the front row. “Making this album,” they remember, “was a lot of nonsense, fun and music, as usual. We wanted this album to sound sincere and organic. It’ll give people the live feel, just like it does onstage.” The other thing thatRag ’N Roll gives us, of course, is a fistful of new songs that confirm The Ragtime Rumours as one of the most creative forces in modern music.Way Too Smart kicks off the tracklisting in style with its high-velocity groove and hard-luck lyric, and the gems keep coming, from the bluesy harmonica-driven stylings of Hookman to the quicksilver Django-worthy guitar licks ofThe Cigar. There’s a change of pace with the honky-tonk intro of Stop That Train,while the broken-down jazz of Holly Woedend, sung withheart-rending poignancy by Van Der Schuren, will move you to shivers. The album’s other ace card, of course, is the lyric-sheet.Anything but the usual boy-meets-girl, these words areoften funny, occasionally dark, sometimes surreal (or a combination of all three).There’s the topic of money, represented on both the flat-broke Way Too Smart and tight-fisted Turn Every Dollar (“I’m a cheap, cheap, cheap fucker”). There are failed relationships, addressed by Everywhere I Go, as Janssen tries to outrun an old girlfriend (“Drove planes, boats, trains, cars, rode on a camel’s back, oh, in my head I knew you would be back”). Then there are the classic story-songs like Hookman and Stop That Train, with their mad cast of characters.“The songs are about everyday life very exaggerated,” reflect the band. “And the remarkable and unfortunate people we’ve met.” In a world where you think you’ve heard it all before, The Ragtime Rumours’ talents add up to the freshest debut album you’ll hear this year. This band might roll back the years with their irresistible vintage/modern music – but their time is now.

New Release RUF 1260: Mike Zito, Bernard Allsion, Vanja Sky - Blues Caravan 2018

Mike Zito, Bernard Allsion, Vanja Sky Blues Caravan 2018 Release: 19.10.2018 Format: CD + DVD Video Label: Ruf Records GmbH EAN: 0710347126027 This was no ordinary club tour. This was the Blues Caravan 2018. If you’ve followed Ruf’s rolling revue since it started life in 2005, you’ll already know that these shows are must-see events, throwing together three stellar artists on one bill – then letting the chemistry do the rest. Traditionally, the Blues Caravan lineup has showcased the label’s breaking talent – from Aynsley Lister to Samantha Fish – and given fans a chance to catch the blues titans of tomorrow before they go ‘boom’. But in 2018, it’s time to mix things up. On this year’s Blues Caravan, you’ll not only find one young gun with a dazzling career ahead of her, but also two heavyweights with a sky-high reputation. Let’s welcome them to the stage… This CD / DVD release revives a unique Blues Caravan! A unique live piece to experience the Blues Caravan of 2018 again and again! The accompanying DVD was recorded on 27.01.2018 at Café Hahn in Koblenz! Ruf’s tireless dedication to the blues means it hunts far beyond the US and UK for its new signings – and the label has struck gold with Croatian gunslinger Vanja Sky. Channelling the fire and flair of Rory Gallagher, Albert King and Stevie Ray Vaughan, this 23-year-old hot-tip has already broken out in her home country and bordering Balkan States. On this CD / DVD she presents songs from her first studio album "Bad Penny". Vanja says, „I’m very excited to play on the Blues Caravan 2018,” she says, “and looking forward to meeting a lot of new people and sharing my music with them. My shows are filled with great energy and I always give everything when I’m on stage. I’m gonna play songs from my debut album, and also some cover songs – so people can definitely expect some great music and fun.” Some surnames command instant respect on the blues scene. As the son of the mighty Luther Allison – the late Chicago blues titan who was Ruf’s first signing back in 1994 – Bernard Allison has added to the family legend and carved out his own mythology as a world-class songwriter and performer. For this year’s Blues Caravan, he’ll be drawing on an acclaimed back catalogue that includes 1997’s US debut Keepin’ The Blues Alive and 2000’s classic Born With The Blues, and slipping between genres as only a master can. “My show is all about sharing my musical talent and presenting different styles like blues, rock and funk. There’ll be lots of energy, because I feed off of my fans and love interacting with them on and off stage. You can expect a fun time – the Allison way!” says Bernard. If you’re remotely serious about modern blues, you’ll have followed the twists and turns of Mike Zito’s fascinating career. The Missouri-born bandleader overcame his crippling early addictions to become one of modern America’s sharpest songwriters, and few artists have written with such stark eloquence as he did on 2011’s Greyhound album. In 2012, Mike threw us a curveball, lining up alongside Devon Allman and Cyril Neville as a key member of Royal Southern Brotherhood – and went on to stay with the supergroup for two critically feted albums. But the call of his own muse was too strong, and in 2014, Mike burst straight back into his solo career with Keep Coming Back and Make Blues Not War. “I have long wanted to join the Blues Caravan and run away, so I’m excited,” he says. “My shows are energetic and passionate: I try hard to give everything I’ve got and make every note count. You can expect rocking blues guitar, with a dose of soul vocals, and a mix of my best songs.”

Shemekia Copeland To Sing National Anthem at Giants Vs. Saints NFL Game On Sept. 30

SHEMEKIA COPELAND TO SING NATIONAL ANTHEM AT NEW YORK GIANTS VS. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS NFL GAME ON SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 30

Grammy-nominated singer Shemekia Copeland will perform the national anthem on Sunday, September 30 at the NFL game between the New York Giants and the New Orleans Saints. The game, broadcast live on CBS Television, begins at 4:25pm Eastern time at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Copeland is currently on tour, bringing music from her critically acclaimed, powerful new album, America’s Child (released August 3), to fans all across the country. NPR Music says Copeland is "head-turning and outspoken. America’s Child is a true hybrid of simmering, real-talking spirit and emphatic, folkie-and soul-style statement-making. Copeland sings slow-burning soul and rollicking country-blues with growling vigor and potent conviction."

Produced by Americana Instrumentalist Of The Year winner Will Kimbrough (who also plays guitar on the album) and recorded in Nashville, America's Child is a courageous and fiery statement of purpose, a major step forward for the singer whose musical consciousness continues to expand as her star continues to rise. With guests including John Prine, Rhiannon Giddens, Mary Gauthier, Emmylou Harris, Steve Cropper, J.D. Wilkes, Al Perkins and members of the Time Jumpers, America’s Child bursts with Copeland’s bravado and embraces with her tenderness.

The Philadelphia Inquirer declares, "Shemekia Copeland is an antidote to artifice. She is a commanding presence, a powerhouse vocalist delivering the truth."

Terry Blersh - Play It All Day - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Play It All Day, from Terry Blersh and it's a nice mix of cool tracks. Opening with Treat Me Right with it's Latin rhythm, Blersh on lead vocal flashes some real tasty guitar riffs over Shamakah Ali on drums, Collin Barnett on bass Michael Fonfara on Hammond and lance Anderson on piano. Nice opener. Charging right into R&B track, It's All Right, this track is all about rhythm with Garth Vogan on bass, Al Cross on drums, Anderson on keys, Art Avalos on percussion and smoky sax work by Gene Hardy. The vocal blending of Blersch and John Finley is really super. With a fusion of jazz and R&B and slick guitar lead, title track, Play It All Day, is a top radio choice with really nice backing vocals by Quisha Wint. The Girl Outside My Window has a cool island/reggae/tex mex feel with John Mays on vocal and Denis Keldie on accordion. Boogie track, King Creole has a super stride with solid vocals, tight bass lines by Dennis Pinhorn and stylized guitar work by Blersh with nicely articulated piano work by Anderson and nice horn compliment by Simon Wallis. Tex Mex track, Early Morning Rain has a particularly soothing feel with soft vocals and harmonies and mandolin by Jimmy Bowskill, Keldie on accordion and rimshots by Cross. very nice. One of the nicest tracks on the release is ballad, Only One with an extremely rich melody and certainly the best vocal track on the release with only minimal backing. Excellent! Wrapping the release is I'll See You In My Dreams with a cool "Chet Atkins" feel. Accompanied by Bowskill on mandolin, this is a super closer for a really entertaining 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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Connor Ray Music artist: Trudy Lynn - Blues Keep Knockin' - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues Keep Knockin', from Trudy Lynn and it's solid blues. Opening with two stepping, Blues Ain't Nothin' featuring Bob Lanza on guitar, Steve Krase on harp, Terry Dry on bass, and Matt Johnson on drums. With powerful vocals and a driving bottom, a solid opener. On Jimmy Rogers track, That's Alright, Lynn gets into a solid groove and Randy Wall on piano and Krase on harp lay down nice solos. One of my favorite tracks on the release is One Monkey Don't Stop No Show with clever lyrics, and hot horn work by Dan Carpenter on sax and Jim brady on trumpet. Another powerful track, I Sing The Blues finds Lynn really digging in vocally, with clean guitar work by David Carter. Again Bob Lanza's tasty guitar work comes into play on Pitiful, a super slow blues number. Lynn milks every drop of juice out of this track, working Lanza into a nice guitar frenzy. Very nice.  Hot sax work by Carpenter and smart piano soloing by Wall give this When I Been Drinkin' real juice. Wrapping the release is Would It Make Any Difference, a country style ballad. Lynn's pure vocal styling, supported by Krase and featuring Carolyn Wonderland on guitar make this a solid closer for another solid release from Lynn.

  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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Keith Stone with Red Gravy - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Keith Stone with Red Gravy : Blues with a Taste of New Orleans, from Keith Stone and it's quite good. Opening with jazz blueser, Ain't That The Blues, Stone is up front on lead vocal and guitar spiced up by Brent Johnson on slide and backed by Tom Worell on keys, Kennan Shaw on bass, and Eddie Christmas on drums. Digging in the funk on Love Don't Put Me Down, Shaw really sets a super groove. This is one of those tracks that really makes you wanna move and Worell's keys matched with Shaw and Christmas on drums is hot. New Orleans saucy title track, Red Sauce has a super piano line and that perfect rhythm. Soloing by Worell and strong vocals by Stone give this track solid footing. Ballad, Crazy In Love With You, has a warm mix of organ and electric piano behind some of Stone's best vocals on the release, topped off by a soulful sax solo by Jimmy carpenter. Don't Count Me Out is a solid shuffle with a cool bottom courtesy Shaw. Tight drums and rich organ feel gives Stone a great platform for his guitar and vocal lead. Latin spiced, Blue Eyed Angel has really nice percussion work by Christmas, sprinkled with the bright piano work of Worell and the solid bass work of Shaw. Time To Move On has a great funky bottom that smells like New Orleans. Stone develops a real lather here on guitar and vocal just in time for Carpenter to blow out some rad sax and trade off with Stones guitar soloing. Very cool. Slower blues track, Hard To Have The Blues is one of my favorites on the release with soulful vocals and focused guitar work. Stone really steps up on this one, laying out the blues six string style, complimented by just the right amount of piano and organ. Wrapping the release is another deeply New Orleans flavored, Something In The Water, with excellent percussion/bass exchange and that familiar piano roll. 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”

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Velvet Space Love - Tomislav Goluban, Featuring Toni Staresinic - New release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Velvet Space Love, by Tomislav Goluban, featuring Toni Staresinic and it's quite unusual for items I review. Opening with Zero Gravity, a somewhat spacey, atmospheric, composition featuring Goluban playing soulful harmonic melody over Staresinic's synth work. Space Drive is a continuation of a sonic fusion with what sounds like computer rhythm, Theremin, atmospheric keys and harp and guitar soloing. Very nice. One of my favorite tracks on the release is The Busiest Woman I've Ever Loved with a crisp jazz like rhythm. Goluban solos nicely over the key work of Staresinic backed by snappy drum work of Igor Vugrek, and bass of Damjan Grbac and punched up by Zvonimir Bajevic on trumpet, Robert Pulgar on sax and Mario Sinck on trombone. Very nice. Zero Gravity, Space Drive and Tsmk all get remixes with an emphasis on electronica, my favorite being Tsmk. Wrapping the release is Man With A Harmonica, an interesting track with orchestral style backing by Staresinic and wailing harp by Goluban. This is actually quite interesting. Looking  for something different...this may be 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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Whiskey Bayou Records artist: Damon Fowler - The Whiskey Bayou Sessions - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Whiskey Bayou Sessions, from Damon Fowler and it's quite good. Opening with a modern take on James Brown style, It Came Out Of Nowhere, with it's cool back beat, Fowler's solid vocals, nicely stylized guitar soloing and backing by Todd Edmunds on bass, Justin Headley on drums, and Tab Benoit on rhythm guitar. Excellent opener. Fairweather Friend has some real funky juju on it with a really nice bottom and a guitar lead that really sits in the pocket. Johnny Nash's Hold Me Tight gets a real cool upbeat shuffle rhythm and a new life. This is a cool interpretation by Fowler with country flavored picking giving the track just that right amount of spice. Little Walter's Up The Line has a really strong drive and with just the right touch of guitar is set to get you moving in your seat if not on your feet. So you're itching for some of that famous Fowler slide work...wait no longer. Ain't Gonna Rock With You No More is a straight blues rocker with mean intention slide work by Fowler. Very nice. On traditional track, Just A Closer Walk With Thee, Fowler crosses into both religious and country genres and with nicely expressive lap steel work. Very cool. Another track with a nice funk and a taste of The Dead is Running Out Of Time with rhythmic vocals and lap steel guitar. Wrapping the release is easy shuffle, Florida Baby with some long range sliding. With it's quiet, subdued pace and wailing slide sound, it's an ideal closer for a really nice release.

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

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AMY RAY's new album "Holler" premiering now at NPR Folk Alley (out 9/28)

`  AMY RAY Ray's rootsy solo album HOLLER premiering at NPR Folk Alley  "Hear It First" Featuring guests Justin Vernon, Phil Cook, The Wood Brothers, Brandi Carlile, Derek Trucks, Vince Gill and more Street date 9/28/18: Daemon Records/Compass Records Group  "Melding the urgency of punk with the earthiness of country and the vaunt of Southern soul, Holler embraces more aspects of Ray's influences than any of her past efforts."  -- Folk Alley September 20, 2018; Nashville, TN -- Amy Ray, still thriving as one half of GRAMMY-winning folk duo Indigo Girls, is premiering her upcoming solo album, HOLLER, today at NPR Folk Alley -- "Hear It First" HERE. Containing 14 new songs by Ray, HOLLER will be released on September 28, 2018 on Daemon Records via the Compass Records Group and will include a special double LP version, along with hi-res and MQA versions. Ray and her recording and touring band will kick off a Southeastern tour on October 23 (scroll down for complete dates), with Northeast and West Coast runs coming in Spring 2019. Inspired by her Southern upbringing and her home in rural Georgia, HOLLER finds Ray once again displaying her knack for straddling the line between the personal and the political on these songs. Ray writes: "The songs are all my own compositions and tell stories of late nights, love, addiction, immigration, despair, honkytonks, growing up in the south, touring for decades, being born in the midst of the civil rights movement, and the constant struggle to find balance in the life of a left-wing Southerner who loves Jesus, her homeland and its peoples."   There is a tip of the hat to the great Jim Ford 1969 release, HARLAN COUNTY, and songs inspired by the film Winter's Bone, Appalachian poet Byron Herbert Reece and writer Toni Cade Bambara. Along with her touring and recording band, HOLLER features a horn section on some tracks and appearances by Justin Vernon, Pil Cook, Derek Trucks, Brandi Carlile, Lucy Wainwright Roche, The Wood Brothers, Vince Gill and more, which illustrates not only just how broad Amy’s musical tastes are but how widely she’s respected among her musical peers. Thoughtful and musically fluid, Ray, like many Southern artists, grapples with love for her heritage — both musical and personal — and her own, more inclusive values. It’s that drive and artistic commitment that has made Ray’s career so full of unforgettable songs, and HOLLER feels like a culmination.  Pre-order the album here TOUR DATES TU Oct 23 - Macon, GA | Hargray Capitol Theatre w/Michelle Malone WE Oct 24 - Durham, NC | Motorco Music Hall w/ HC McEntire FR Oct 26 - Nashville, TN | Mercy Lounge w/ HC McEntire SA Oct 27 - Atlanta, GA | Variety Playhouse SU Oct 28 - Asheville, NC | The Grey Eagle w/ HC McEntire TU Oct 30 - Winston-salem, NC | The Ramkat w/ HC McEntire WE Nov 7 - Tampa, FL | Crowbar w/Danielle Howle TH Nov 8 - Ponte Vedra Beach, FL | Ponte Vedra Concert Hall /Danielle Howle FR Nov 9 - Statesboro, GA | Averitt Center for the Arts w/ Tony Arata SU Nov 11 - York, SC | Sylvia Theater w/Danielle Howle TU Nov 13 - Nelsonville, OH | Stuart's Opera House w/Amythyst Kiah WE Nov 14 - Ann Arbor, MI | The Ark w/Amythyst Kiah TH Nov 15 - Chicago, IL | Maurer Hall, Old Town School of Folk Music  w/Amythyst Kiah TU Nov 27 - Akron, OH | EJ Thomas Hall w/Chastity Brown WE Nov 28 - Indianapolis, IN | The Hi-Fi w/Chastity Brown FR Nov 30 - Athens, GA | The Foundry w/Chastity Brown SA Dec 1 - Rocky Mount, VA | The Harvester w/After Jack SU Dec 2 - Charleston, WV | Mountain Stage - West Coast and Northeast Tour dates coming early Spring 2019

Doug Deming's album Complicated Mess out 10/19

Doug Deming Brings His Complicated Mess To Fans

On October 19, 2018

“a stone killer... devastating in every way” - Tom Hyslop

"Deming is a ferocious guitarist, fiery but clean, with a crisp, clear tone reminiscent of Charlie Christian's style." - BLUES MUSIC MAGAZINE

EllerSoul Records is proud to release the new album from guitarist Doug Deming called Complicated Mess, out on October 19, 2018. Along with his road band and some great guests, this album is Deming’s most courageous effort to date, combining traditional blues, jazz, swing, soul and R&B. Delivered in style with ten original Deming tunes along with three familiar covers of Fats Domino, Sam Theard, and the late great Lazy Lester. Complicated Mess is sure to set music fans on fire.

“EllerSoul Records is excited to be working with Doug on his new recording. It is something we've talked about for some time, and the timing finally worked out for us. Doug is just the type of musician/person that EllerSoul is proud to work with. Doug is a deep blues performer, he knows and understands the language. Both vocally and on that 'killer' blues guitar,” says Ronnie Owens, EllerSoul Records.

Captured at Bigtone Records in Hayward, CA, this analog recording achieves the tone and warm, authentic atmosphere ideal for Deming’s style. With a host of top-shelf special guests, this record is “a stone killer... devastating in every way.”- Tom Hyslop

"...here is a cat that is bedrock solid in the blues with inventive guitar licks, clever songwriting, and upbeat, dance-inducing music. As a guitar player, he nails every category: taste, tone, restraint, timing, and phrasing."  - BLUES BLAST MAGAZINE

Doug Deming is an American blues and roots guitarist/vocalist, born and raised in the Detroit area, currently residing on the Gulf coast of Florida. Doug is the 2013 recipient of the Blues Blast Music Awards’ Sean Costello Rising Star Award. Drawing influence from greats like T-Bone Walker, Charlie Christian and Robert Jr. Lockwood, Doug’s traditional taste and style are evident in his original music, with three recordings of primarily original tunes to his credit. Throughout his 20+ year career Doug has enjoyed touring and recording with many top blues artists, including Kim Wilson, Gary Primich, Lazy Lester, Alberta Adams, AC Reed and Johnny “Yard Dog” Jones to name a few; as well as with his own band featuring various artists such as Greg “Fingers” Taylor, Terry Hanck, Steve Guyger, and Dennis Gruenling. Doug Deming & the Jewel Tones play traditional blues, West Coast and Texas swing, and early 50s roots rock. This is real deal rocking’ rhythm & blues! 

“I first heard and met Doug several years ago, and we have since become good friends. We're definitely on the same page musically as our taste in music are pretty much identical. It ain't retro, it ain't old school, it's 'The School.'”- Ronnie K. Owens, EllerSoul Records.

Thoughts On Songs from Doug:

“COMPLICATED MESS” is a stripped down 60’s Chicago blues - inspired tune featuring just the trio. I intended to produce a primarily guitar-focused record. This tune set the pace for that ideal and ended up being the title track.

With “DEEP BLUE SEA” I was trying to recreate some of the magic of Buddy Guy’s Vanguard recordings from the 1960’s, and particularly the interplay between Buddy Guy and Otis Spann.

When writing “SWEET POISON,” I was looking to capture the swamp blues feel of the Excello Recordings out of Baton Rouge, LA in the 50s and 60s. This song was written specifically for chromatic harmonica, which Kim Wilson just nails here.

“HOLD ON” is a stylistic departure from the norm for me. Here I’m delving into the R&B genre much deeper than I have before. 

Doug Deming is comfortable in his musical clothes…  As impressive as his leads are, he always seems conscious of shining the best light on the whole picture.”       – VINTAGE GUITAR MAGAZINE

Dirtshack Records artist: Brigitte Purdy - Still I Rise - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Still I Rise, by Brigitte Purdy and it's a solid hit record. Opening with Hoodoo, a rocker with a driving bass line compliments of Dave Osti, Brigitte Purdy leads charge with powerful vocal melody backed by Drake Shining on keys, Donnell Spencer on drums and Kenny Neal on harp. My Kinda Blues is an uptempo track with a country blues shuffle feel. Hot guitar picking by Osti gives this track some real electricity under the sassy vocals of Purdy. Funky, If I Could has a real nice plucky bass and bump rhythm and Purdy's restrained vocals are spot on. Bluesy, Lucille Don't You Weep is my choice track of the release with it's thumping bass line, electric piano and my favorite lead and backing vocal on the release. Osti's guitar soloing on the track really stands tall. Very nice. R&B style Blues Angel has a real nice hook and smooth radio presence. Wrapping the release is title track, Still I Rise, a somber ballad showcasing Purdy's voice with mostly spartan drum and key backing. An appropriate backing for a primarily vocal 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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Carolyn Fe - Sugat Ko - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sugat Ko, by Carolyn Fe and like every release I've heard by Fe, it's interesting and different. Opening with One Minute To Midnight, with it's somber tone, frank lyrics and minimal backing with percussion, bass and keys, Carolyn goes her own way. Rocker, I Can't Breathe, shows a heavier dose of electric guitar and moody vocals with rock solid guitar and a driving bass line. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Sugar with a loose, aloof vocal style not unlike Lou Reed over an interesting jagged rock sound. Really cool. Another fresh track, Bring You Water has a bit of a swagger with a grinding bass /drum line and strong guitar lead. Howzat is an interesting composition with almost spoken lead vocals but with an underlying melody led on bass and really cool guitar and keys soloing giving the track a bit of an avantgarde feel. Very nice. Rag style, Nothin' Doin', has a nice easy pace with slide, acoustic  guitar, bass and simple vocals. Sweet and simple. Wrapping the release is Prayer with firm warm blended deep vocals and Fe's solitary voice over piano. Filling in as it builds with key/strings and percussion, this is the epic finish. 

  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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Moonbeam Records artist: Travis Bowlin - Secundus - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Secundus, by Travis Bowlin and it covers a lot of territory. Opening with Strange Vibes, Bowlin on lead vocal and guitar has a voice that is somewhere between Tom Jones and John Fogerty with B Mooney on bass, D Johnson on drums and K Gupta on keys laying down a clever funky beat. Kicking up the rock factor, Dancin' With the Devil has strong bones and heavy drum work by Johnson. Blues ballad, All Over Again is one of the richest tracks on the release with lush chords, soulful vocals and bluesy guitar soloing. Very nice. Another solid radio entry is You Know You Are with it's smooth vocals and warm melody. Bowlin's vocals are blended just right. Wrapping the release is Slow Cooker Man, a swaggering shuffle featuring a standard 12 bar blues format and H Aaron on harp. Bowlin's vocals complimented nicely with a potent bottom and solid blues/rock riffs make this a solid 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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Lady A - Doin' Fine - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Doin' Fine, from Lady A and I really like it. Opening with title track, Doin' Fine, Lady A gets things moving with a strong R&B track led by her own solid vocals and backed by Joey Robinson on piano, Dexter Allen on bass and guitar, and Joey Robinson on drums. Slowing things down just a little and with attitude, The Ride has a solid strut and cool funk. Very nice. One of my absolute favorites is Change The World, a powerful soul/gospel fused track. Lady A's vocals are ultra soulful and the backing vocals joined by Dexter Allen give this track that extra oomph. Excellent! That Man has a powerful Al Green like strut. A's vocals are nicely phrased and Allen's guitar work is tight. Throw Down is ultra funky with definite roots to George Clinton and James Brown. Allen lays down some real nice bass lines with Christopher Minter on drums and Joey Robinson on piano. Wrapping the release is soulful ballad, Glad To Know You, with an easy sway. With it's solid melody and vocals and easy musical backing, this is the radio track for the 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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Blue Rock Records artist: Dennis Jones Band - WE3 Live - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, WE3 Live from the Dennis Jones Band and it's a solid blues rocker. Opening with funky blues track, Blue Over You, Dennis Jones on lead vocal and guitar is backed by Sam Correa on bass and Raymond Johnson on drums. Tight and funky with some really tasty bass work and Jones' slashing guitar style, this is a solid opener. Hot stepper, Hot Sauce, has a really snappy drum line with a driving bass line giving Jones the opportunity to play some country styled blues riffs. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Don't Worry About Me with an aggressive bass line and flowing blues guitar soloing by Jones giving the track real bite. Boogie track, Super Deluxe has a real nice flow with components of Texas blues and jazz mixed equally giving it a foot stomping, guitar gripping edge. Very nice. Funky blues rocker, Enjoy The Ride, has a great bottom giving Jones a great platform for his assertive rhythm playing and compelling soloing. Very cool. Wild card track, Kill The Pain shows a lot of Jimi influence with vocal and guitar inflection over a droning bass line. Some of Jones' most choice guitar riffs come out on this track making it another of my favorites. You can feel the tension building as this live show goes on with Big Black Cat and it's powerful drive. Really digging into his bag of tricks over tom tom heavy drum work, Jones is lighting it up on Devil's Nightmare. Shuffle track, I'm Good has great flow with a tight rhythm, solid vocals and crisp guitar riffs. Wrapping the release is Albert King's Born Under A Bad Sign, with Jones pulling out the stops. His Hendrix influence is heavy but not dominant and he really shines. This is a super closer for a solid blues rocker. 

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