Big Joe and the Dynaflows Are Throwing a "Rockhouse Party" and Everyone Is Invited!

Big Joe and the Dynaflows Are Throwing a Rockhouse Party and Everyone Is Invited!

New Blues/Roots Album Set for February 15 Release on Severn Records

ANNAPOLIS, MD - Severn Records announces a February 15, 2019, release date for Big Joe and the Dynaflows’s new album, Rockhouse Party, featuring acclaimed blues singer/drummer Big Joe Maher. With distribution by MRI/The Orchard/Sony, Rockhouse Party will be released on both CD and vinyl formats. The colorful album cover graphics were designed by Big Joe’s good friend, Marty Baumann, who works for Disney-Pixar Films.

The new album was produced by Big Joe and Kevin McKendree, who also contributed piano and organ on the sessions, which were recorded at McKendree’s Rockhouse Studio in Franklin, Tennessee (hence the album’s title). The rest of the players on Rockhouse Party included three-time Blues Music Award bassist “Mookie” Brill (who also sings lead vocals for the first time on record), plus the talented guitar tandem of Robert Frahm and Yates McKendree, Kevin’s then- 16-year old son (who’s now a ripe old 17). Another teenage phenom, Erin Coburn, adds her tasty guitar licks on one song and backing vocals on three more. The tracks showcase both a number of original songs as well as several cool covers.

“Rockhouse Party represents my love of pure blues and R& B,” states Big Joe Maher. “The songs I write come from my heart and tell the same story as all the great blues artists have done for the last 100 years: the story of life!”

Big Joe is also proud and honored to announce that he’s playing drums on Delbert McClinton’s upcoming CD and will be performing for the 15^th time on McClinton’s legendary “Sandy Beaches Cruise” in early 2019. Additionally, Maher has been playing gigs with his long-time buddy Anson Funderburgh, and will be performing with him in Europe next month.

Rockhouse Party also reunites Big Joe Maher with Severn Records, the label that released his 2011 CD, You Can’t Keep a Big Man Down, 1998’s I’m Still Swingin’ (which won a Washington Area Music Association award for “Best Blues Recording”) and his 2000 release, All Night Long.

“This album was something I have wanted to do for a while,” relates Maher. “It brings together some of my favorite musicians - the McKendrees for one. I gave Kevin his start in the music business with his first gig with the Dynaflows back in 1987. We have played together off and on since then; and then his genius son, who I have known since his birth, he’s simply the best. Only way I can describe Yates is that he’s a 50-year-old man in a 17-year-old body. I have known Robert Frahm since he was about 17 and now at 37 is a true bluesman on the guitar. I met Tom “Mookie” Brill playing the now-defunct Double Door Inn in Charlotte, North Carolina, in about 1982. From the minute I met him, we hit it off. We are kindred souls who think alike, love great singing and follow the same deal. If you can sing we love you! Tom had never sung solo on a record before and I felt it was my duty to feature him on this project. The end result - he knocks it out of the park!”

Based in the Washington, DC area, Big Joe Maher has been performing blues and jazz for almost 50 years. In his high school jazz band, he was able to play with such jazz greats as Clark Terry, Urbie Green, Mundell Lowe and James Moody, which helped develop his innate style of swing playing that permeates his music to this day. Over time, he’s shared the stage and backed up a diverse group of blues, R&B and soul performers such as Jimmy Witherspoon, Willie Dixon, Lazy Lester, Bullmoose Jackson, James “Thunderbird” Davis, Nappy Brown, Otis Rush and Earl King, among others. In the late ‘80s, after performing (and managing) a nine-piece DC swing band, The Uptown Rhythm Kings, as well as several years as the drummer in the Tom Principato Band, Joe formed his own five-piece jump-blues group, Big Joe & the Dynaflows. In between touring and recording sessions, Joe was musical coordinator for Mick Fleetwood’s club in Alexandria, Virginia, in the mid-90s. His knowledge of local and national blues and jazz performers made him a natural for that gig, and the club was booked with top-notch talent during his tenure. Joe’s also produced a number of blues, jazz and R&B albums, including one by local DC saxophone legend Joe Stanley.

In addition to his previous releases on Severn Records, among the other labels Big Joe has recorded for include Black Top Records out of New Orleans (his Layin’ in the Alley album won the 1994 WAMA award for “Best blues Recording”), as well as the DC-based Powerhouse label, which released his Good Rockin’ Daddy CD.

“I have always loved blues; it’s like an infatuation with me,” Maher proclaims. “I have been blessed to have played with some of the greatest blues and R& B artists ever. All in all, this CD is ME.....this is the music I love and will play till my last breath.....so sit back pour your beverage and let the Rockhouse Party begin !!”

Kirk Fletcher - Hold On - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Hold On, from Kirk Fletcher and it's quite good. Opening with R&B style track, Two Steps Forward, Fletcher shows his power as both a soulful lead singer and excellent lead guitar player. His guitar style is warm like cray, fluid like Clapton and funky like Hendrix but all original. Super opener. Sad Sad Way has a Jimmy Reed style with plenty of enthusiasm, hot guitar riffs, and super backing by Matt Brown on drums and Jonny Henderson on keys. One of my favorite tracks on the release is soulful ballad, The Answer with warm, rich guitar accompaniment over a soft bed of organ and Fletcher's solid vocals. Fletcher really knows how to milk the blues from his guitar and this track is an excellent example of his chops. Really nice. Time's Ticking is a great slower blues/rock number with clever drumming which, with organ tension sets a terrific stage for Fletcher to unleash the fury...and unleash he does. Terrific! Dupree is a super jazzy/blues track in the manner of JG Watson or WW Washington. Excellent! Wrapping the release is a terrific soul track, Hold On with beautiful backing vocals by Jade McCrea and an excellent guitar interlude by Fletcher. 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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Stony Plain Records artist: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne - Inspired By The Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Inspired By The Blues, by Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne and it swings. Opening with solid blues opener, I Know I'd Be Playing The Blues, Wayne on piano, organ and lead vocal leads the way backed by Russell Jackson on bass, Joey DiMarco on drums, and Yuji Ihara on guitars. Billy Branch adds some real nice licks on harmonica to spice up this fine opener. Opening it up on Start Rockin' Dave Babcock on sax and Bob Tildesley on trumpet pump up the action and Wayne's piano playing really rolls, balanced nicely against Yuji's guitar. Laying way back on I Like That Woman, Wayne sets a great pace on piano and his vocals are excellent. Jump track, Jimmy and Johnny has great feel with a trumpet solo by Tildesley and really nice piano work by Wayne. Very cool. Lake Country Boogie, led by the warm sax work of Babcock gives Wayne a wide open road to ply his trade. Wayne isn't shy and shows he really is the blues boss and Babcock stays toe to toe with him making this a terrific instrumental. an Old Brick Wall is another great boogie but with rich warm guitar chords and super soloing by Duke Robillard, great organ work by Wayne and power sax by Babcock. One of my favorite tracks, That Raggedy Shack, on the release features a nice paired lead vocal over a solid boogie beat. Babcock hits the sax solo square and the band is tight. Wrapping the release is a traditional take on Georgia On My Mind with solid vocals over electric piano by Wayne, Mati Vaarmann on Hammond, Mait Paldra on bass, Raul Ukareda on guitar, Jevgeni Lamba on guitar and Jaak Ahelik on drums. Veery 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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PIERCE PETTIS Announces First New Album In Nearly A Decade

Songwriter Pierce Pettis Announces First New Album In Nearly A Decade FATHER'S SON Set To Release January 18, 2019 On Compass Records "Unlike a lot of his contemporaries, singer-songwriter Pierce Pettis doesn't belong to the 'me generation.'  He's more likely to sing of his surroundings than himself, and frequently draws on his Southern background for inspiration and color." Washington Post  A witty, heartfelt lyricist, Pettis has a voice that carries the acoustic folk tradition, but is refreshingly hard to pigeon-hole." Charlotte Observer “Pierce Pettis has created a musical body of work that is wide and deep. Dip your toe in anywhere and you will want to hear more of my friend Pierce Pettis!"  — John Gorka “I have loved Pierce’s music for many years now - he has the gift of a true inner compass.”     — Eliza Gilkyson “Pierce Pettis bares a gentle soul with a keen eye, a soulful voice, and perfect guitar accompaniment for his beautiful songs - a masterful poet treasure.”  — Darryl Scott November 15, 2018, Nashville, TN -- A songwriter’s songwriter, Pierce Pettis is back with his first new studio album in nearly a decade with FATHER’S SON, out January 18 on Compass Records. You can listen to the opening track, "Wouldn't Change It For the World," HERE. Featuring 10 tracks, including a cover of Jesse Winchester’s “A Showman’s Life,” the Alabama songwriter writes about friends he’s lost, childhood memories, and the relationships he’s experienced both as a son and a father on these deeply moving, literate songs. FATHER’S SON, reuniting Pettis with producer Garry West, was recorded “live on the floor, with the band, with minimal overdubs, to capture the energy and authenticity of Pierce's performances.” "I began my alleged career at Muscle Shoals Sound in the late 70s," Pettis deadpans."I was signed as a writer and had an artist development deal." From there, he was a part of the “Fast Folk” movement in New York that featured such fellow artists as Shawn Colvin, John Gorka and Suzanne Vega, going on to record three albums for Windham Hill. He spent several years as a staff writer for Polygram Records before signing to Compass Records.   Pettis and West combed through some 40 songs, old and new, to come up with the songs on FATHER’S SON. The album opens with the upbeat “Wouldn’t Change It For the World,” where he embraces where he finds himself at this time in his life – “sometimes you’re blessed, Sometimes you’re burned, But that’s OK, I woudn’t change it for the world.” Pettis’ daughter Grace Pettis contributes backing vocals on the refrain. Along with the title track, “Your Father’s Son,” a song about never forgetting where you came from, Pettis reaches back into his childhood memories to tell the story of one kindly Mr. Ziedman, the “one and only Jew” in his little town, who always wore long sleeves to “keep an ugly thing from view.” The song is enhanced by Andrea Zonn’s poignantly beautifully string arrangement, as Pettis ends the song by lighting a candle for “our one and only Jew.” ”More” is a song about the great mystery – he likens death to “just a seed that had to fall” – and concludes that “there is more than we can guess … forever more." And, as always, he includes a song by his late friend, musician/producer Mark Heard, whose sudden death in 1993 left its mark on Pettis. “The song I chose this time, 'Look Over Your Shoulder,' has a special meaning for me as it was the last song Mark ever performed," Pettis says. "I know this because Kate Miner and I were with him at a festival in Illinois and on stage with him at the time.”  Pettis was joined in the studio by a cast of old friends and veterans from his previous albums: Reece Wynans, widely known for his work with Stevie Ray Vaughan and Joe Bonamassa, contributed piano and Hammond B-3 tracks.   Longtime collaborator Stuart Duncan contributes his multiple Grammy-winning fiddle skills along with some beautiful mandolin parts. Also back is violinist Andrea Zonn (James Taylor Band), who contributed the string arrangement for “Mr. Ziedman.”   "Adding backing vocals for the second time is my daughter, Grace, who last recorded with me on EVERYTHING MATTERS when she was 9 years old! “ Pettis says. And of course, my long-time producer and friend, Garry West, joins us on bass and produced for the fourth time.” Some newcomers to Pierce's world are guitarist Doug Lancio, known for his work with John Hiatt and Patty Griffin, drummer/percussionists Josh Day (Sara Bareilles, John Oates) and Jordan Perlson (Adrian Belew, Alison Brown, Blue Man Group), and vocalist Ruth Moody from renowned vocal trio, the Wailin’ Jennys. At this point in his life, as a career touring artist and father of four, Pettis has reached a period of reflection and peace with his life as well as a comfort zone as an artist.  “The biggest change,” he says, “has been getting over myself and realizing this is a job and a craft. And the purpose is not fame and fortune but simply doing good work." TRACK LISTING 1. Wouldn’t Change It for the World 2. Very Same Moon 3. A Showman’s Life 4. Don’t Know Where I Am 5. The Adventures of Me (and this Old Guitar) 6. Your Father’s Son 7. Mr. Zeidman 8. More 9. Look Over Your shoulder 10. Instrument TOUR DATES Fri, NOV 30      Tallahassee, FL - The Almost Christmas Concert with Del Suggs & Pierce Pettis Thu, DEC 6       Fort Payne, AL - Johnny Whitley's Rockin' Lil' Christmas RadioVizions Show Sat, DEC 8        Duluth, GA - Red Clay Music Foundry Sun, DEC 9       Carrboro, NC - Pierce Pettis at Birdland NC Thu, DEC 13     Sarasota, FL - Fogartyville Community Media Arts Center Sat, DEC 15      Coral Springs, FL - Boumel House Concerts  2019 Sat, FEB 2         Panama City Beach, FL - amp Helen State Par Sun, FEB 3        Lynn Haven, FL  - Roberts Hall Fri, FEB 8          Waco, TX - "Fundraiser for the Waco Partnership for Psychological and Spiritual Care" Sat, FEB 9        Houston, TX  - 2nd Saturday Concerts Sat, FEB 16      Fayetteville, AR  - Cove Concerts Thu, MAY 16     Buffalo, NY - Nickel City Sessions Fri. May 17        Rochester, NY - Lake Effect House Concerts Fri, NOV 15       Austin, TX  - Acoustical Cafe Sat, NOV 23      Edom, TX  - The Old Firehouse Check https://www.piercepettis.com/shows for tour updates. LISTEN TO THE ALBUM OPENER "WOULDN'T CHANGE IT FOR THE WORLD" HERE:

Seth Rosenbloom to Release 'Keep on Turning' - Out January 18th

Boston Blues Guitarist Seth Rosenbloom to Release New CD

‘Keep on Turning’ out January 18th

“For me, playing the blues is all about expressing emotions,” guitarist and vocalist Seth Rosenbloom insists. “What’s always drawn me to the genre is the fact that it allows for an extraordinarily wide range of emotion. That, I think, is the key to making great music overall, and great blues in particular.”

Rosenbloom knows of what he speaks. Hailed by The Boston Globe as “a searing blues-rock guitarist,” and The Noise Boston as a musician who “makes his guitar growl and has a voice to match,” he’s been compared to “a slightly younger and rawer version of Matt Schofield ,” by the Blues PowR blog, which also praised him for “his gravelly, forceful vocals and stinging guitar work.”

Those assessments were affirmed this past year, when Rosenbloom made his bow with his debut self-titled EP. Now, with the release of his first full length effort, Keep On Turning (January 2019), that promise is indeed fulfilled. An assertive and authoritative artist and auteur, he demonstrates confidence and credence with a set of songs that sounds every bit like a new set of standards. He executes the material in ways that are both riveting and embracing, with his dynamic delivery ensuring an emphatic impression.

Throughout the album, Rosenbloom commands center stage, with able support from Travis Carlton on bass (Robben Ford, Scott Henderson), Scott Kinsey (Tribal Tech) on keys and Gary Novak (George Benson, Chick Corea) on drums. Produced by Josh Smith, a world renowned blues guitarist in his own right, Keep On Turning was recorded at Smith’s Flat V Studios in Reseda, California.

Although firmly entrenched in the blues, Keep On Turning reflects a distinct diversity in the range of sentiment, as expressed in a selection of songs composed by Rosenbloom both on his own and with co-writer Sonya Rae Taylor. He also includes classic covers of B.B. King, Elmore James and Freddie King. From the emphatic wail of “Keep On Turning” and “Right About Now,” to the drive and determination of “Crawling Back” and “I Can’t Help It,” Rosenbloom’s passion and authenticity are on display throughout the album.

Born into a musical family and raised in Waltham, Massachusetts, Rosenbloom began playing classical violin as a child and subsequently took up guitar at age eleven. Initially inspired by the music of Elvis and The Beatles, he earned a performance merit scholarship from Berklee College of Music by the time he was 16.

Rosenbloom has further expanded his reputation by spending much of this year on the road as well, introducing himself to his newly enthusiastic audiences. Whether demonstrating his dazzling guitar riffs and stinging vibrato, or emoting with his soaring and sultry vocals, he brings a distinctive power and personality to each of his performances. Now, with the release of Keep On Turning, he underscores that ability to add several specific hues to the blues.

Keep on Turning to be released by HOLMZ Music on January 18, 2019.

www.SethRosenbloom.com

TOURDATES

Jan 12---Burren Backroom Series---Somerville, MA

Jan 16---Pour House Music Hall---Raleigh, NC

Jan 17---Evening Muse---Charlotte, NC

Jan 19---Open Chord---Knoxville, TN

Feb 1----Theodores'---Springfield, MA

Feb 2----Nectar's---Burlington, VT

Mar 2----9 Wallis---Beverly, MA

Ronnie Spector and The Ronettes Ring in the Holidays With Their Best Christmas Party Ever!

Ronnie Spector and The Ronettes Ring in the Holidays With Their Best Christmas Party Ever!

Spector’s definitive versions of “Frosty” and “Sleigh Ride” dominate the airwaves at Christmas time

Exclusive People Magazine Interview on Newsstands Soon

Now a beloved holiday tradition, Ronnie Spector and The Ronettes’ Best Christmas Party Ever! kicks off in late November, and this year’s tour will coincide with an exclusive profile in People Magazine.

The iconic singer and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee absolutely loves Christmas, and she’ll ring in the holiday season once again when her spirited multi-media show tours the U.S.  – Confirmed dates are here:

11/24              Madison Theatre                    Rockville Centre, NY
11/30              Ridgefield Playhouse              Ridgefield, CT
12/8                El Club                                     Detroit, MI
12/9                Arcada Theatre                       St. Charles, IL
12/12              Musikfest Café                       Bethlehem, PA
12/13              Colonial Theatre                     Phoenixville, PA
12/14              Suffolk Theatre                      Riverhead, NY
12/16              Tildon PAC                              Barnstable, MA
12/22, 23        City Winery                            New York City                                                           

The New York Daily News buzzed, “Go and experience the ultimate sonic stocking stuffer!” And The New York Times raved, “It’s hard to think of a more appealing angel to welcome the season than Ms. Spector.”

For three decades, Spector’s Christmas show has been a cherished holi­day tradition, with a song list that includes her renditions of “Frosty the Snowman,” “Sleigh Ride,” and “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.” Her definitive versions of “Frosty” and “Sleigh Ride” dominate the airwaves at Christmas time and are perennials on ASCAP’s list of the Top 20 Most–Played Holiday Songs for the past decade, and are staples on the Billboard Holiday Hits 100 Chart.  Her Christmas tracks have also been heard in hit movies such as Goodfellas, Joy, and Jingle All the Way.

Ronnie’s Christmas Party is a raucous, rocking blend of her Christmas classics, Ronettes hits including “Be My Baby” (named by Billboard Magazine as the #1 Greatest Girl Group Song of All Time,) “Walking In The Rain,” “Baby I Love You”, cult gems from her back catalog, a splash of doo–wop, and plenty of Ronnie’s inimitable off–the–cuff commentary.  The San Francisco Chronicle proclaimed, “If it takes Christmas to make Ronnie Spector come out and play, let it snow, let it snow, let it snow."

Selected press clippings:
Spector was featured in the June/July issue of AARP Magazine, the #1 print outlet in America, with readership exceeding 47 million. AARP MAGAZINE –‘Sandwich of Love’: http://bit.ly/RonnieAARP <http://bit.ly/RonnieAARP>

NPR Music praised Ronnie Spector as a rock trailblazer:
It's Time To Recognize The Ronettes As Rock And Roll Pioneers  By Hilarie Ashton March 12, 2018
https://www.npr.org/2018/03/12/590891692/its-time-to-recognize-the-ronettes-as-rock-and-roll-pioneers <https://www.npr.org/2018/03/12/590891692/its-time-to-recognize-the-ronettes-as-rock-and-roll-pioneers>

Spector appeared on Bravo TV’s ‘Watch What Happens Live’ with Andy Cohen, during which she shared stories of her extraordinary career. Get a sense of the appearance, which featured guests
Tiffany  Haddish and Cynthia Bailey, here:
https://youtu.be/caz-vr5cooU?t=5m20s <https://youtu.be/caz-vr5cooU?t=5m20s>

People Magazine interview feature:
Ronnie Spector’s Victory Lap: The Original Rock Queen Talks New Music and Reviving the Ronette By Jordan Runtagh, 6/24/17
http://people.com/music/ronnie-spector-ronettes-tour-2017-  new-music-love-power-interview/ <http://people.com/music/ronnie-spector-ronettes-tour-2017-new-music-love-power-interview/>


Long Island Woman Magazine – cover story interview:
https://issuu.com/longislandwoman/docs/march18issuu <https://issuu.com/longislandwoman/docs/march18issuu>
NextTribe interview: https://nexttribe.com/ronnie-spector/?mc_cid=18e514b3ac&mc_eid=51ffbf2789 <https://nexttribe.com/ronnie-spector/?mc_cid=18e514b3ac&mc_eid=51ffbf2789>
LA Weekly interview: https://www.laweekly.com/music/ronnie-spector-puts-her-arms-around-a-lifetime-of-memories-9709883 <https://www.laweekly.com/music/ronnie-spector-puts-her-arms-around-a-lifetime-of-memories-9709883>





More about Ronnie Spector:
Spector’s current high-profile stretch was described by People Magazine as a “Victory Lap” for “The Original Rock Queen”. Billboard Magazine named ‘Be My Baby’ as the #1 Greatest Girl Group Song of All Time, NPR included Spector’s 1964 debut at #20 on their 150 Greatest Albums of the Rock Era, Made by Female Artist, and her busy 2017/18 also included the release of ‘LOVE POWER’, her first single recorded with The Ronettes in decades, a commanding performance at Lincoln Center, an appearance on FOX-TV’s Good Day New York, a Main Stage performance at SF Pride and more. The acclaimed singer was also presented with the Legend Award by The Woman's International Music Network at their "She Rocks Award” ceremony. She was featured in the BBC’s 2018 documentary about Amy Winehouse. Spector was honored with a Lifetime Spirit Award by LSA Family Health Services, in her native East Harlem. In addition, ‘Be My Baby’ has been added to the National Recording Registry of the Library of Congress, preserved as a work of historical and cultural significance, and is also now an official addition to the Grammy Hall of Fame.

As a seminal force in Sixties Rock, Spector’s swagger, moxie and trademark voice (still instantly recognizable from the first note,) defined an era. As the Number One pop group in England, Ronnie Spector and the Ronettes headlined over acts including The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton and The Yardbirds. In the years since, Spector has had songs written for her by George Harrison as well as by Bruce Springsteen, and has recorded with Jimi Hendrix, Springsteen & The E Street Band, members of The Beatles and more. Billy Joel wrote the smash ‘Say Goodbye to Hollywood’ as a tribute to Ronnie, and Eddie Money’s ‘Take Me Home Tonight’ celebrated her trademark Be My Baby vocals, with the duet reaching #4 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart.

Now in her sixth decade as a performer and a style icon, Spector has reached a new level of cultural significance. Critical respect is at its peak, and she continues to thrill -- inspiring and empowering a new generation of fans as an enduring, transcendent figure, who has overcome adversity to build a career that is nothing short of remarkable. Much as B.B. King came to embody the blues, or Chuck Berry was to early Rock ‘n Roll, Spector has solidified her status as the Rosetta Stone for female rock performers of today.


For tour updates and ticket details, visit: http://www.ronniespector.com/shows/ <http://www.ronniespector.com/shows/>

Real Gone Records artist: Ron Spencer Band - Into The Blue - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Into The Blue, from Ron Spencer Band and it's got a great feel. Opening with rocker, Closer To The Bone, Mark Gibson has the lead vocal spot and Ron Spencer revs up his guitar with great tone on guitar. Bob Purdy on bass set a solid foundation with Ross Moe on drums and Dan "Cato" Eaton does a real nice job on piano. Addicted To You is a cool, laid back swamp rocker with low slung vocal lines. This track has a great feel. One of my favorite tracks on the release is So Wrong with its tight Latin rhythms and warm guitar tones. Very nice. It's Time, has a cool T-Bone Walker feel and Gibson's vocals are really nice. Spencer shows his had at blues guitar -" T-Bone style" and he does a really nice job. Eaton gets a real chance to show off on rock 'n roller, Fine Fine Woman with it boogie beat and Gibson of course leads the charge with excellent vocals. Wrapping the release is another Latin flavored track, Cold Outside with a real nice swing showcasing Spencer and Eaton on solid solos for a real strong closer to a really enjoyable release.

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

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Coffeegrinds Records artist: Blue Largo - Before The Devil Steals Your Soul - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Before The Devil Steals Your Soul, from Blue Largo and it's a blues rocker with a dose of swing. Opening with Wash Away with it's spiritual roots. With warm vocal chorus by Alicia Aragon, Eric Lieberman, Nena Anderson, Missy Anderson, Diane McCalester, Jacquelene Haynes, Nathaniel Greene Jr., Andre Buck and Nathan Jones, this is really nice. Opening into a an early sixties style rocker with Eddie Croft on sax, Lieberman on guitar, Marcus P. Boshore on bass, Tanya "T-Bird" Donath on piano and Rafeal Solomon on Hammond, it's a cool opener. Latin rhythm carries Monrovia with cool percussion by Mike Tempo, stylistic trumpet by Steve Ebner and cool solo's by Lieberman and Donath. Instrumental, Bodas De Oro, is a terrific track featuring Lieberman on baritone guitar and really nice percussion and piano. Excellent! Vocal ballad, The Long Ballad has a great melody and is a solid showcase for Aragon's lead vocals. I particularly like the clean piano work of Donath paired with Lieberman's electric guitar soloing on this track. Anthony Newley's Feeling Good is a real nice showcase for saxophonist, Croft. Another instrumental, Grinder's Groove, features the solid sax work of Jonny Viau and stylistic soloing by Lieberman. Nat Adderly's Work Song is a cool, jazzy, instrumental getting the horns and Lieberman on guitar for a solid piece. Wrapping the release features Lieberman and Nathan James on acoustic guitars playing the blues. It's a real nice closer for this 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”

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Ben Rice - Wish The World Away - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Wish The World Away, from Ben Rice and it's light and airy with great guitar riffs and cool melodies. Opening with Dirt Road Home, a driving understated boogie, Rice shows just how much music can be played with just vocal, guitar and drums by Jimi Bott. Cool opener. Peace Will Overcome has a really nice rhythm set up by Bott, Julio Appling on bass and Dave Fleschner on piano, topped by excellent slide work by Rice. Very nice. Mojo Hand feels like hill country with a lot of rag tag and a lot of rockin blues. Rice's vocals are perfect for this track and his resonator guitar work is tight and clean with highlights drawn by Mitch Kashmar on harp and Dave Melyan on percussion. Very nice. Soulful track, Hardtimes is one of my favorites on the release with the best vocals on the release and rich organ tones of Dave Fleschner. Very nice. Stevie Wonder's HigherGround get an acoustic rework and retains a lot of the original energy with only the power of Rice's excellent vocals and tight slide guitar work. Wrapping the release is Don't Worry Mama with the mourning sounds of Rice accompanied by his steel resonator. This is a very strong release with contemporary blues roots.

  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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Stony Plain Records artist: Colin James - Miles To Go - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Miles To Go, from Colin James and it's really good! Opening with Muddy Water's, One More Mile, Colin James puts a funky spin on it and it is a contemporary as they come. With Geoff Hicks on drums, Steve Pelletier on bass, Simon Kendall on Hammond, Chris Caddell on rhythm guitar and Steve mariner on harp, this track is a super opener. Another Waters track, Still A Fool maintains the basic Waters outline but with a solid bass line and fiery guitar riffs, another super addition. Very nice. Big Boy Crudup's Dig Myself a Hole has a super Little Feat, swampy funky feel with real nice slide by James and perfect backing vocals by The Sojourners. James original. I Will Remain, is really solid with a real nice drum track, glistening rhythm guitar, a soulful melody and excellent blues guitar lines bringing to mind BB King or Robert Cray. Excellent! Jessie Mae Robinson's Black Night is my favorite on the release with James' best vocals on the release. His guitar riffs are inspired and Chris Gestrin's piano work is crisp. Wrapping the release is an acoustic take on One More Mile with James on acoustic guitar and vocal with Coleen Rennison on backing vocal. This is a really nice closer for a very nice release.

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