Easy Eye Sound artist: Jimmy "Duck" Holmes - Cypress Grove - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Cypress Grove, from Jimmy "Duck" Holmes and it's a excellent slice or real delta blues. Opening with Skip James' Hard Times, Holmes is right there, front and center playing guitar and singing the blues just like God planned it. I mean it doesn't come much fresher than this. Get it while you can! Title track, another Skip James composition, Cypress Grove, has great feel and pace with Holmes joined by Eric Deaton on bass and Sam Bacco on drums and percussion. Don't be expecting a trap set... were talking basic...  Very nice! Muddy Waters' Rock Me has a super grinding bass line and with the addition of Marcus King on guitar and Dan Auerbach on lush slide, has strong texture. Another James track, Devil Got My Woman, is a super showcase for Holmes vocal styling and guitar work. I mean this track hurts it's so good. Excellent! All Night Long is really a short jam track which features so haunting slide work by Auerbach. Very cool. Jessie Mae Brooks' Train Train is a great track with a hill country sound. Pure vocal over just the basic of rhythm guitar and percussion, and then the addition of ghostly guitar work by Auerbach that really sets the track off. This is a track that shows a master working nicely with a master, not changing his style or "jazzing it up" like was so poorly completed with Hooker. It may have gotten him popularity, but it wasn't good. Wrapping the release is original track, Two Women, with it's simple, soulful wailing. Holmes is a treasure and fortunately, Auerbach has captured him in nature and put this perfect cd out. Super job!

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Dov Hammer Blue Soul - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blue Soul from Dov Hammer and it's a harp fueled release full of blues, boogie, rock and country music. Opening with shuffle track, Make It Count, Dov Hammer on lead vocal and harmonica is joined by Gil Katzir and Yair Fine on guitars, Amos Springer on bass, Nir Segal on drums, Assaf Rozov on backing vocals and Sholomo Deshet on percussion. With a New Orleans, Bo Diddley beat, I'm Gone has great rhythm and a solid harp fed melody and Tzafrir Lichinstein on tight, snappy drums. Very cool. Yair Fine's resonator guitar work really digs in on rock solid delta style blues The Fighting Blues under the vocals and harmonica of Hammer. My favorite on the release. Blues rocker, Tear It Down, is a real foot stomper with Deshet adding to the rhythmic undertone on washboard and Dov's reinforcement of the train feel on harmonica. Taking My Time has a funky beat without going bass heavy and interjecting percussion to balance the harp/vocal lead. Wrapping the release is Blue Soul which is a full gumbo of hip hop, soul, swamp, blues, rap and rock with Dov on vocal and harmonica, Naomi Jo Hammer on chorus and Amir Hacohen on all addition instruments. 

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE



  

Gibson Custom and Epiphone "Signature Artist" JOHNNY A. Announces 2020 "JUST ME AND MY GUITARS" WEST COAST TOUR DATES

Gibson Custom and Epiphone "Signature Artist" JOHNNY A.  Announces 2020

“JUST ME AND MY GUITARS” WEST COAST TOUR DATES

Boston, MA – Acclaimed guitarist Johnny A. announces that he will be returning to the West Coast for a series of tour dates beginning on January 9, 2020. “Most of these venues will be a first for me and I'm excited to be bringing the ‘Just Me...And My Guitars’ show to them,” says Johnny A. “As I usually only get to the West Coast once a year, I'm counting on all my friends and fans to please help me get the word out.”

About Johnny A. “Just Me...And My Guitars" A Celebration of the British Songbook of the 60's:

Johnny A. again takes an adventurous musical left turn with his “Just Me...And My Guitars” performances to present his distinct, instrumental guitar approach for the very first time in a completely “solo” intimate atmosphere...combining his keen arrangement instincts and guitar skills with his adept understanding and use of effects for a high--wire, one man tour de force, performance in real time without a net!

In a feature on Johnny in the current Holiday issue of Guitar Player Magazine, writer Craig Anderton said it best: “He brought a level of taste and sophistication to the genre, especially with a version of “Strawberry Fields Forever” that included all the bits — the backward guitars, the rhythms — and then took it even further. If you ever have a chance to see his live looping act, don’t miss it. He’ll change your idea about what’s possible with a guitar.”

“Johnny A. is one of the finest guitarist’s I’ve ever had the pleasure to listen to, and I always learn something when we get together. He is a consummate musician on a world class level. I’ll put him toe-to-toe with anyone!” – Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee  Elliot Easton, The Cars

“Johnny A. has always had such a musical approach to the way he plays the guitar. He arranges his parts sort of like a symphony orchestrator, covering counterpoints and filling out harmonic structures. The tone in his fingers is always comfortable and friendly and a delight to feel. He is a thoroughly accomplished and powerfully effective guitarist.” – 3-time Grammy Award-winning Artist Steve Vai

“Johnny A. is a light in a sea of guitar players. His unique and soulful full approach and his ‘one man band’ chops are peerless. Melody – tone, taste and a trick bag of surprises and a killer choice of material makes him a must see!” - 5 time Grammy Award winning Artist - Steve Lukather, Toto

Johnny A. “Just Me and My Guitars” Tour Dates

 1/09/2020 Bogie's - Westlake Village, CA
 1/10/2020 191 Toole - Tucson, AZ
 1/11/2020 MIM - Phoenix, AZ
 1/12/2020 Blue Frog Studios - White Rock, BC
 1/13/2020 Triple Door - Seattle, WA
 1/15/2020 Belly Up - Solana Beach, CA
 1/16/2020 Yoshi's - Oakland, CA
 1/17/2020 Mitchell Park Community Center - Palo Alto, CA
 1/20/2020 Blue Note - Honolulu, HI

Watch Johnny A. Live on These YouTube Video Links:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eVdSQGcyeZ8

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzSzhVfbc_I

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n5TwWiy7Cng

Johnny A Talking Points:
“Oh Yeah” #1 song from debut release Sometime Tuesday Morning

On the GRAMMY's ballot 2004 with the song “I Had to Laugh" from Get Inside

2010 "Blues Artist of the Year" Boston Music Awards

2014 Inducted into the Boston Music Hall of Fame

Music Director and Lead Guitarist for Peter Wolf (J. Geils Band) Co-Produced Wolf's Long Line album (Warner/Reprise Records) 4 star review in Rolling Stone Magazine

Lead Guitarist for Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Band, The Yardbirds

Music Director Lead Guitarist for Bobby Whitlock

GIBSON GUITAR SIGNATURE ARTIST w/3 models (second best-selling signature model in history out of the Gibson Custom Shop)

EPIPHONE GUITAR SIGNATURE ARTIST

Acclaimed Guitarist/Songwriter Forrest McDonald Unleashes 11 Original Tracks on His 15th CD, "Blues in a Bucket," Due February 7 from World Talent Records

Acclaimed Guitarist/Songwriter Forrest McDonald Unleashes 11 Original Tracks on his 15th CD, Blues in a Bucket, Due February 7 from

World Talent Records

Acclaimed guitarist/songwriter Forrest McDonald announces a February 7, 2020, release date for his new CD, Blues in a Bucket, on World Talent Records. Recorded mixed and mastered at Dogwood Recording & Mastering in Oxford, Georgia, with Ron Benner engineering, Blues in a Bucket showcases Forrest McDonald’s guitar mastery in full bloom, aided and abetted by a stellar cast of backing musicians, featuring the dynamic lead vocals of Andrew Black and special guest vocalist Becky Wright.



Award-winning guitarist Forrest McDonald has been performing and recording earth-shaking, soul-stirring music distilled in the blues for nearly six decades. His insightful song writing skills embrace the journey of an adventurous explorer who plunges head first into every twist of fate life throws his way.



The addition of a full horn section and background vocalists to many of these musical tapestries adds remarkable texture as each song unfurls. The result is an array of finely polished, deeply faceted musical gems contained in Blues in a Bucket – reflecting those personal stories that evolve into universal experiences and outcomes.



“This is actually my 15^th release,” says McDonald about the new disc.  “I will turn 70 this year and feel 2020 is going to be a big year for me and this recording. I have dedicated the CD to my brother, Steve, who I lost in January, 2019, to cancer and to anyone who has lost a loved one to this terrible disease. The song, ‘Blue Morning Sun,’ tells that story. A related song, ‘Go to the Light,” was written with positive and spiritual energy for those that have crossed over after passing.



“’Boogie Me Till I Drop’ has a great New Orleans party feel, so I started the CD with it to get everyone in good spirits. I was in China a few years ago and feeling lonely for the USA. I thought about two great blues towns—Memphis and Chicago and that led me to write ‘Windy City Blues.’ It grounded me. I had some low points like we all do and I wrote ‘Misery and Blues’ to relieve some of that anxiety. I was watching a lot of the series Supernatural at this time and ‘Powerhouse’ just jumped out of me. The title track, ‘Blues in a Bucket,’ is a positive classic. I was full of the blues one afternoon, pondering my problems, when I thought of how fantastic it would be to just put them into a bucket and then toss them away. The closing song ‘Let the Love in Your Heart,’ is what we need a lot more of. It’s an optimistic vision inspired by love.”   



During his extensive career as a musician, Forrest McDonald has recorded with the legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. His playing on Bob Seger’s Stranger in Town, Greatest Hits and Ultimate Hits garnered him three RIAA-certified platinum albums, which combined have sold over 15 million copies. That’s Forrest guitar solo heard on Seger’s classic, “Old Time Rock and Roll.”



McDonald’s other accolades include his induction in the Boston Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, being awarded “Best Modern Southern Guitarist” by Real Blues Magazine (2002), which also voted his band as “Best Southern Blues Band” for three years-in-a-row (1999-2001).



Forrest McDonald has performed with Debbie Davies, Bonnie Bramlett, and Kathi McDonald. He’s recorded with such legends as Bobby Womack, Steve Perry and Doris Troy, and over the years has swapped licks with such guitar greats as Duane Allman, Johnny Winter, Jeff Beck, Bob Margolin, Eddie Van Halen, Jimmy Page and Roy Gaines.



His albums Just Plain Folks, Spirit of the Blues, What’s It Gonna’ Take? and Colorblind all won various awards.    



Forrest’s last CD, Stand My Ground, garnered rave reviews and was described by one reviewer as “a rocking, riveting, soulful new blues release, the latest offering from singer, songwriter, and instrumentalist Forrest McDonald and his award-winning band. Whether you’ve been following McDonald’s career over the last 53 years like I have, or are a new listener, run don’t walk to your computer to download these tunes or order a CD, or both. Your heart and your ears will thank you—it’s outstanding!”



Forrest McDonald has appeared or headlined many popular outdoor festivals such as The Atlanta Blues Festival, The Gasparilla Festival, Spring Fest,  The River Place Arts Festival, Bay Fest, The Vallejo Jazz & Blues Fest, Sun Fest, The Carolina Blues & Seafood Festival, Bluesapalooza, The Montreux Atlanta Festival, The Jacksonville Beach Annual Festival, The Melbourne Art Festival, King Biscuit Blues Festival and many others. 



“McDonald’s fiery guitar licks showcase his vast experience in blues-based rock ‘n’ roll and R&B…the vocals soar above,  around,  and through each tune building to a choke-hold that won’t loosen its grip until you jump up and boogie!” ~ Black Jack, Atlanta Blues Society

Blues Meets Girl featuring Sean Carney - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues Meets Girl featuring Sean Carney and it's pretty cool. British blues veteran, Mr. Downchild, joins forces with Kasimira and Sean Carney on this latest outing. Opening with Nightgown, a solid Chicago blues style number featuring Mr. Downchild on strong harmonica lead, Kasimira on vocal, Sean Carney on guitar, Scott Flowers on drums, and Ray Deforest on bass this is a super opener. Cool swinging rocker, Didn't See It Coming has Downchild on lead vocal and gives Carney a great opening to show Chuck Berry like riffs making this one of my favorites on the release. A cool track with authentic old style foot stomping blues influence is Backstabber, primarily Downchild on vocal, guitar and harmonica with Carney on guitar. Very nice.  With it's Latin overtones, Home To My Baby is a strong blues track featuring Downchild on lead vocal and guitar. Flowers' drum rhythms and Deforest's bass lines make this another top track. Cool shuffle, Swinging With Hank is a tasty instrumental with tight guitar lead by Carney. It's simple beat and nice melody make it another favorite on the release. Kasimira's top vocal track is Fishing Blues with light blues accompaniment by Carney on guitar and Downchild on harp. I'm Your Handyman is pure Downchild and pure blues. With only acoustic guitar and foot drum under early style blues lyrics and accompanying harmonica, as Down (child) as it gets. 

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Gulf Coast Records artist: Odds Lane - Lost & Found - New releae review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Lost & Found, from Odds Lane and it's mixes rock, pop and blues for a catchy set. Opening with Don't Give It Away, a solid rocker with a great bass line by lead vocalist, Doug Byrkit, and spanking drum beat by Brian Zielie with solid guitar work by Mike Zito. Lost and Found is a super radio track with just a sprinkle of country flavor. Byrkit and Zielie have a real flair for radio style melodies and this may be the best one on the release, topped with a straight but cool guitar solo. Moth To A Flame is set over a James Brown style boogaloo beat. This will keep your feet tapping and Zito's slide guitar work hits solid on target. Very nice. A solid blues rocker, Blood On The Van, has a great thumping bass line, underscored guitar lead by Brykit along with smooth vocal blending with Zeilie and nicely executed slide work by Zito. Latin influenced, Little Too Late, has a bright, almost jazzy feel with balanced instrumentals, smooth vocals and a really nicely phrased guitar solo. Wrapping the release is White Castle Blues, so strong a closer that it should be a tv theme song. With it's perfectly balanced melody and vocals, and searing slide work by Zito, a solid closer. 

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Fuel Junkie - All Out - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, All Out, from Fuel Junkie and I really like it. Opening with title track rocker, All Out, with horns blazing. Featuring Mark LcClerc on lead vocal and tenor sax, Philippe Brochu-Pelletier on tenor sax, Patrice Luneau on bari sax, Antoine Loiselle on guitar, jean-Francois Charest on bass and Philippe Fleury on drums and adding Lex French on trumpet, Andy King on trumpet, Jean-Nicolas Trottier on trombone and Olivier Lizotte on bass trombone this leaves a powerful vapor trail. High Stress, Low Money has a strong new Orleans feel with tight march style drumming by Fleury and interwoven tenor sax lead by Leclerc and Brochu-Pelletier over the solid bottom of Luneau on bari for a great follow-up. With a low down funky beat Can You Dig It? is a cool bluesy jam with great lead by Charest on bass and Loiselle on slide guitar. Excellent! Slow blues, Bad Luck, showcases the soulful vocals of Leclerc and allows plenty of room for sax and guitar solos. Very nice. Get Out On The Road is a power R&B style track with strong bari sax reinforcement by Luneau and trumpets by French and King. Luneau and Leclerc's sax solos are hot making this one of my release favorites. My favorite track on the release is closer, Push Me Away with it's heavy bass laden bottom and soaring guitar work by Charest. It has it's smooth parts, but this is Fuel Junkie wide open. Excellent closer for 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Out Of The Past Music artist: Doug Duffey and BADD - Play The Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Play The Blues, by Doug Duffey and BADD and it's straight up with a twist. Opening with shuffle track, The Things That We Used To Do, Doug Duffey takes the basic original blues premise and bends it. With basic piano, bass and drum accompaniment, holds a solid shuffle beat under solid vocal but then in walks Dan Sumner on lead guitar and plays outside of the routine shuffle beat. Pretty cool matrix with cool backing vocals. On Evil, a mod funky blues track, soulful vocals command the spotlight but you can hardly miss the introduction of rhythm guitar riffs that fall more into the pop/punk genre. A fat bluesy guitar solo by Sumner and it's contagious beat makes this one of my favorites on the release. Blues based rocker, Drink It On Down, is another of my favorites with  distinct Keith Richards dirty rock feel. A springy, piano rocker, You Got That Somethin', has a most commercial feel with it's simple bluesy melody and nicely blended vocals. Wrapping the release is A Memory Left To Lose, a soulful ballad that leaves you wanting more. Duffey's vocal and a particularly nice guitar solo by Sumner gives this release a solid sendoff. 

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Mark Crissinger - Believe In Love - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Believe In Love, by Mark Crissinger and it's full of surprises. Opening with Believe In Love, with it's romping bottom, courtesy of Jay Stevens on bass and Bill Hicks on drums, Mark Crissinger has the front on lead vocal and guitar, backed by Darcy Phillips on keys and Pierre Komen on sax. Boogie track, I Hear You're Talking, really gives Phillips the floor to work his magic and Crissinger country style vocal and guitar riffs solidify the sound. Another track with a two step feel is La Hoochie Coo with twangy guitar riffs and smooth harmonica by Marty Howe. Heartache and Trouble has a strong melody and with soothing vocals and melodic harmonica line, a definite radio track. My favorite track on the release is Hard No, with it's cool rhythm and catchy tune. Solid guitar work, drum foot work and warm backing gives it that extra punch.  Wrapping the release is country rocker, Hornby with it's springy pace and tight rhythms. Crissinger's vocal lead is cool and his guitar riffs hot, Komen lays nicely on the sax, Howe on harmonica work and another nice piano solo by Phillips gives it the right juice.  

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Lotus Eater Records artist: Troy Gonyea - Click Click Spark - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Click Click Spark from Troy Gonyea and it's hot. Opening with rocker, (Do The) Curl Up And Die, Troy Gonyea who handles lead vocal, guitar and harmonica is setting this live audience up for a real treat. Backed by Brooks Milgate on piano, Marty Ballou on bass and Marty Richards on drums, this is a great opener. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Magic Sam's That's Why I'm Crying with it's dramatic soulful bluesy lead work. Gonyea's vocals are smoking, with Milgate on B3 and his guitar playing is excellent with strong lead phrasing and glistening fanned chords. On Willie Dixon's Bring It On Home, it's Gonyea's vocal/harmonica pairing that does the ticket. Holding tight to the classic styling, Milgate's piano adds texture. Tell Heaven is a terrific track that makes you sweat. A low, gritty blues, it digs in deep with John Lee Hooker like grip and Gonyea's wailing vocal and contemporary raw blues styling fans the flames. Another of my favorite tracks on the release is Duster Bennett's Jumping At Shadows. Gonyea's vocals are spot on and the tension is thick. His Clapton influenced but clearly inspired guitar soloing is clean and fresh and the overall blend is excellent. Wrapping the  release is Magic Sam's I Feel So Good, with it's guitar vamp and Gonyea coaxing the crowd to boogie. This is a great closer for a really strong live release. 

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Little Village Foundation artist: The Mike Duke Project - ...Took A While - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, ...Took A While, from The Mike Duke Project and it's a soulful southern style release packed with musical elite. Opening with Little Miss Ponytail, a certain radio track, Mike Duke on lead vocal and piano leads the way with Bill Stewart on drums, Phil Yeager on bass, Ronnie Brown on guitar and Rick Kurtz on guitar. Hope You Love Me Like You Say You Do features Duke with Jimmy Hall and the vocals are not only warm and solid but this is really a strong track. Let Me Be Your Fool Tonight is a real cool track with the addition of Lloyd Meadows, Angela Strehi  and Lisa Lueschner Andersen on backing vocal and featuring super accordion work by Bruce Gordon. I'm Not Sad Tonight sounds like it could be pulled right out of Van Morrison's songbook with distinct vocal phrasing and poise and the addition on Jim Pugh on B3. Very nice. Gospel flavored Torn & Scarred is Duke, accompanying his vocal lead on piano with  Andersen on bass. Short but very nice. I Can't Let You Go is a bluesy ballad with all the right notes. Certain radio compositional style and Elvin Bishop's trademark slide work makes this track a release favorite. Another soulful ballad, Coming 'Round Again is certainly one of my favorites on the release with some of Duke's best writing and vocals. Backed by Bill Connell on drums, Paul Hornsby on bass, Ray Honea on guitar Don Finney on sax, Larry Finney on trumpet and Roger Dennison on trombone, this track has real traction. Wrapping the release is Nicasio, a short piano track with Duke showing his stylistic chops. This is really a rich release on one to hear.

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Vizztone Label Group artist: Chris "Bad News" Barnes - Live - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live, from Chris "Bad News" Barnes it's  a full blown boogie rocker. Opening with Back In A Cadillac, Barnes leads with his vocal power, joined by Gary Hoey on lead guitar, Steve Guyger onharp and backed by Sandy MacDonald on piano, AJ Pappas on bass, Matt Scurfield on drums, Mark Earley on sax, Doug Woolverton on trumpet and Gracie Curran on backing vocal. Little Walter's Boom Boom, Out Go The Lights gets a faster rockier pace and a strong harmonica solo by Guyger, nice sax solo by Earley, wicked guitar work by Hoey and full trumpet work by Woolverton give the track real oomph. Gravelly vocals by Barnes on a lumbering version of Morganfield's Hoochie Coochie Man is real nice with a humping bass line by Pappas and greasy solos by both Hoey and Guyger give the track a real grind. With it's Bo Diddley beat, It's Tight Like That, has Curran echoing Barnes lead vocals and wicked slide by Hoey sounds great over the tight horn accent. A Latin beat on Keep Your Mind On It, gives Hoey a great opportunity to show off his Spanish guitar techniques and cues up real nice Cuban style piano playing by MacDonald. Wrapping the release is Steve Cropper's R&B track, Raise Your Hand, with a healthy does of horns. Solid closer.

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Ghost Town Blues Band - Shine - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Shine, from Ghost Town Blues Band and it's a funky, bluesy, rock mix. Opening with rocker, Running Out Of Time, Matt Isbell on lead vocal and slide guitar sets up a radio ready track, backed by Taylor Orr on guitar and vocal, Kevin Houston on sax and vocal, Suavo Jones on trombone, trumpet and vocal, Matt Kramer on bass and vocal, Andrew Mc Neill on drums and vocals and Cedric Taylor on B3, piano and vocal. Title track, Shine, is a horn saturated soul flavored rocker with excellent drum accent and super guitar riffs.  My favorite track on the release is slinky, soul track, Lyin' To Yourself  with Isbell's strongest vocals on the release, warm B3 reinforcement and solid horn work by Jones. I particularly like Isbell's guitar lead on this track giving it a southern sparkle. Another of my favorites is High Again with it's straight forward melody, funky rhythm and "Allman signature twin lead" guitar work. With a soul strut, My Father's Son, has a real nice feel. Taylor's B3 creates a nice tension and Jones' horn work is spot on. Soulful ballad, Carry Me Home is another strong radio style track with a really nice melody and powerful vocal and guitar lead by Isbell. A bluesy B3 solo by Taylor and tight accent work by McNeill and Jones make this another of the top tracks on the release. Wrapping the release is soft spoken, Hey There Lucinda with it's poppy melody, warm vocal blending and slide guitar riffs by Isbell, giving it a polished 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Woodward Avenue Records artist: Jacqui Brown - Love Love Love - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Love Love Love, from Jacqui Brown and it's packed with country style pop tracks and bluesy ballads. Opening with Bend, a two stepper, Jacqui on lead vocal is backed by Paul Brown on lead guitar, Tony Braunagel on drums, Bob Glaub on bass, Lew Laing on drums and Brother Paul Brown on keys. Title track, Love, Love, Love is a smooth radio ballad featuring nicely blended vocals between Jacqui and Paul. Paul sets in a Bluesy country flavored solo on guitar giving the track just a little more spice. Shuffle track, Flow Like A River has some of the most soulful vocals on the release with nice key work by brother Paul and Paul digs in nicely with a solid guitar solo. Wrapping the release is Somebody's Child, a real nice ballad featuring Jacqui on lead vocal with only the minimum of backing, primarily piano under the lead. This is a solid closer for this release. 

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Gulf Coast Records artist: Billy Price - Dog Eat Dog - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Dog Eat Dog, from Billy Price and it's old school R&B. Opening with Funky rocker, Working On Your Chain Gang, Price, who has one of the smoothest voices on the circuit leads the way with strong support from Alex Pettersen on drums, Jerry Jemmott on bass, Jim Pugh on keys, John Halblieb on trumpet, Jack Sanford on sax, Kid Andersen on guitar and organ, and Walter, James and Dwayne Morgan on backing vocals. Very cool. Smooth pop jazz track, Lose My Number sounds like it's right off of a Steely Dan record with it's strong melody and supple vocals over a organ lead backing melody. Eric Spaulding adds a real nice sax solo on this one giving it a real kick. With a smooth dance groove, title track, Dog Eat Dog is really in the groove with great lead vocals by Price, tight backing vocals by Lisa Leuschner Andersen and Alabama Mike, cool congas by Vicki Randell, the super sax work of Spaulding and great harmonica by Rick Estrin. Dark soul track, My Love Will Never Die, is one of my favorites on the release with screaming vocals, and ripping guitar work by Kid Andersen. Excellent! Another favorite is funky, New Orleans flavored, All Night Long Café. Price really rides high on the rhythm on this track with Jon Otis on congas and percussion, and power horn work by Spaulding, Sanford and Halblieb and a funky bluesy guitar solo by Mike Zito. Really cool. Wrapping the release is radio style track, You Gotta Go with heavy tom tom driven rhythm and glistening key work by Pugh. Andersen's guitar attack is direct and essential as always and Price's vocals are as solid as when I saw him in Pittsburgh with Roy Buchanan a lot of years ago. Price's best album in years. 

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Myles Goodwyn - Friends of the Blues 2- New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Friends of the Blues 2, by Myles Goodwyn and it's easy going. Opening with shuffle track, Hip Hip a shuffle track with Kenny Blues Boss Wayne on piano and Blair Mackay on drums, Goodwyn on lead vocal and ripping some tight guitar riffs. Bobby Womack's, All Over Now, gets an interesting rework with John Main on piano, Shrimp Daddy on harmonica and John Canpbelljohn on slide. Very cool. More traditional blues track, Fish Tank Blues, has cool guitar pick and slide technique over a slightly funky rhythm under Goodwyn's vocals. Campbelljohn is back on slide on Daddy Needs New Shoes, a quick paced shuffle with a snappy beat and backing vocals by Reeny Smith and Lisa Macdougall. Up next is I Saw Someone That Wasn't There (And It Was You), a blues rocker with some of the best vocals on the release and likely the best radio track on the release. With it's solid melody, call and response guitar riffs by David Gogo and nice piano lead. Wrapping the release is cowboy style track, Even Singing Cowboys get The Blues with a two step rhythm and yodeling. Jack De Keyzer on guitar and slide by Campbelljohn add a little spice to this closer.

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Northern Social - Northern Social - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the debut self titled release from Northern Social and I really like it. Like earlier work by Wickens and the Grand Nationals this new release has a lot of edge and genuine blues feel. Opening with Waiting, a strong rugged blues rocker, Dylan Wickens, who handles lead vocal, guitar and bass, paired with Mike Rajna on drums and percussion created a sound that is much bigger than two guys. Solid rhythms, vocals and power guitar makes this a great opener. Am I Wrong has a straightforward rock beat with vibrant rhythm guitar with Wicken's vocals carrying the melody. King Of Hearts has a lumbering blues feel with a heavy accent on the 2 and 4 and a fat fat guitar rhythm. Wicken's lead guitar work is tasty and raw where Rajna's drum work is tight and focused. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Dead Neighbor Blues with an easy acoustic country blues feel. Particularly effective is the simplicity of foot drum and tambourine by Rajna under Wicken's traditional acoustic slide work and solid blues vocals. Strong closer. 

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Wentus Blues Band with Duke Robillard - Too Much Mustard - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Too Much Mustard, from Wentus Blues Band with Duke Robillard, and I really like it. Opening with revival style track, Stayed At The Party, these guys are raising the roof. With Robban Hagnas on Bass, Niko Riippa on guitar, Duke Robillard on guitar, Pekka Grohn on piano and Hammond, Daniel Hjerppe on drums and Juho Kinaret on vocal and percussion this track is pumped. Robert Johnson's Judgement Day is up next with a cool modern twist. It maintains the rudimentary feel and Kinaret's vocals are strong, but the interwoven guitars by Robillard and Riippa and Grohn's piano, with harp over the band is terrific. One of my favorite tracks on the release is She's a Killer Hot Blonde, a great boogie with cocky blues guitar style. Excellent! Slower paced, Right In Your Arms, is a super blues ballad and a nice showcase for Kinaret on vocal and with excellent blues guitar solo phrasing by Riippa. High powered boogie and title track, Too Much Mustard, had a great feel and is super platform for Robillard and Riippa on guitar. Shuffle track, You Got My Love, has a great bottom by Hagnas and the rolling piano lines by Grohn give Riippa plenty of room to shine. Wrapping the release is blues rocker, Passionate Kiss with a more radio direct approach. I really like the drum work by Hjerppe on this track strongly featured with a cool piano lead by Grohn under Kinaret's vocal lead. Solid closer. 

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE