Little Village Foundation artist: Sonny Green - Found! One Soul Singer - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Found! One Soul Singer, from Sonny Green and it's a super dose of soul. Opening with  the thumping bas line of Endre Tarczy and a tight simple drum line from Ronnie Smith, on I'm So Tired, Sonny Green's deep and rich vocals are so hot they catch you flat footed. Backed by Kid Andersen on guitar, Jim Pugh on B3, Chris Burns on piano, Mike Rinta on trombone, Jeff Lewis on trumpet and Aaron Lington on sax, this track is explosive! Rick Estrin's I Beg Your Pardon has a strong blues feel with excellent guitar guitar lines, a potent B3 solo and strong vocal work by Green. Very nice! Funky, Cupid Must Be Stupid, penned by Jojo Russo, Terry Hanck and Kid Andersen, really has a great feel. With clever lyrics, a punchy bass line, a great sax solo by Hanck, and a strong trombone solo by Rinta, Burns on piano and Anderson's key guitar work, this is another really strong track. I really like soul shout, Blind Man which really focuses on Green's vocal capabilities and phrasing. With warm horn backing, this is one of my favorites on the release. Back For A Taste Of Your Love has a real Al Green feel. With the high stepping pace, fonky keyboards and guitar and punchy horns, this track is great! Dropping back into a more conventional blues, Trouble features Alabama Mike and with it's lead bass line and glistening piano, this track has a strong groove. The ever present Rinta/Lewis/Lington horn set on top and Kid Andersen working under the vocal on lead guitar, this is yet another strong entry. Wrapping the release is soul ballad, Be Ever Wonderful with the band dropped back and Green really pushed forward on vocal. A strong track and an excellent closer. 

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

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

Provogue Records artist: George Benson - Weekend In London - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Weekend In London, from George Benson and it's a solid show. Opening the show, one of Benson's biggest sellers, Give Me The Night which not only showcases his famous vocal work but also his incomparable guitar work. Benson grew up in my home town (Pittsburgh) and continues to play his mix of traditional and contemporary jazz. Love X Love is a another lightly funky track with that fluid guitar soloing that is so trademark Benson. He is gotten miles of publicity for his smooth, soulful vocals but it's his incredible chops that get me going and this track has it. Backed by Randy Waldman on keys, Stanley Banks on bass, Thom Hall on keys, Michael O'Neil on guitars and Khari Parker on drums, he can do it all.  New Orleans R&B singer Dave Bartholomew's I Hear You Knocking, made popular more recently by Dave Edmunds gets a warm R&B cover and is always a crowd pleaser. James Taylor's Don't Let Me Be Lonely Tonight is a terrific track and Benson's cover has a real nice feel. It's not just what he does vocally but his guitar phrasing is absolutely beautiful. James Moody's, Moody's Mood is the hidden gem on this release with Benson breaking away from the vocal style that made him popular and showing his incredible improvisational style, joined by Lilliana De Los Reyes. Very nice! One of my absolute favorite instrumental tracks from Benson's "popular" period is Affirmation, from his Breezin' release and his guitar runs are clean, fresh and indisputable. Should we riff on it... 7 minutes flies by! Closing the release is Cruise Control with Benson's signature guitar/scat soloing and tight drums work by Parker. Electric piano work by Waldman adds a bright texture but this is classic late period Benson showing why he's still in high demand. Very nice. 

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

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

Kurt Allen - Whiskey, Women & Trouble - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Whiskey, Women & Trouble, from Kurt Allen and it's a solid rocker. Opening with Graveyard Blues, Allen wastes no time showing the grit in his voice and his guitar rumble. Backed by Lester Estelle Jr. on drums, Craig Kew on bass and Beaux Lux on keys, a super opener. Slick shuffle, Watch Your Step, has a a cool pace and tight horn unit made up of Pete Carrroll on trumpet and Trevor Turla on trombone giving Allen a broad stage to lead both vocally and on slide guitar and with solid work by Estelle and Kew. Slow blues, How Long has a nice melodic guitar lead, working nicely with Allen's vocal and horn compliment. With it's potent lead bass line and electrifying soloing, this is likely a crowd favorite for the release. Tom tom driven title track, Whiskey, Women and Trouble has an up tempo shuffle beat and plenty of blues riffs to go around. My favorite track on the release is bass driven, Funkalicious, with it's ultra funky sound. Great rhythm guitar and perfect horn work surround those raspy vocals. Excellent! With a Latin rhythm, Cry Mercy, moves nicely. Allen's vocals are solid and hi-sticking drum work really sets the track apart. Wrapping the release is rock n roller, Sweet T with it's driving rhythm guitar and keen piano work by Lux. Allen really winds it up on guitar under his lead vocal and gets the blood pumping. 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

Steve Strongman - Tired of Talkin' - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tired of Talkin', from Steve Strongman and it's his best release yet! Opening with title track, Tired of Talkin' with a wicked blues fused, southern rocker feel Strongman up front on lead vocal and guitar shows swagger. Backed by Dave King on drums, James Haggerty on bass, Jesse O'Brian on piano, Pat Sansone on on keys, and with Audrey Freed on guitars, excellent opener. Laid back, Still Crazy 'Bout You, is really cool with it's JJ Cale or Levon Helm texture. Strongman's dobro work complimenting his vocal work is the key. Funky, Just Ain't Right, is really fun with some strong slide work by Strongman, and tight bass/drum work by Haggerty and King and heavy organ by Sansone. Excellent! Hi octane blues rocker, Can't Have It All with Strongman on harmonica and guitar and snappy drumming by King really moves. Highway Man falls back into a more pure delta sound with dobro and vocal. This is stripped down and fluid. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Al Green's Let's Stay Together in it's original R&B format. Strongman does a real nice job on this track vocally and his added fusion style guitar soloing is tight. 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 

Justin Saladino Band - Live - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live, from Justin Saladino Band and it's a cool rocker with plenty of radio potential. Opening with Take What You Need, Saladino on lead vocal and guitar, joined by Antoine Loiselle on guitars, David Osel-Afrifa on keys, Denis Paquin on drums, Gabriel Forget on bass, and Lucie Martel on vocal and percussion. Continuing with it's happy go lucky pace and beat, Honey has a great melody and some real nice guitar work. On Tom Petty's You Don't Know How It Feels, Saladino adds in a little slide and some heavy organ giving the track a more bluesy feel. On blues ballad, Peace With You, Saladino really works the vocals laying down the best track on the release. Nicely phrased lead guitar soloing and a quiet background really elevate this track. Very nice. Another favorite on the release is Purple Girl with overdriven guitars with traces of Jimi or Gary Clark Jr. Really a cool blues rocker. Wrapping the release is No Worries a springy rocker with heavy overtones. I like the Haynes like guitar accents to the vocal lead and tight rhythm section on this track. This is a cool closer for a solid release. 

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

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

Dustin Arbuckle and the Damnations - My Getaway - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, My Getaway, from Dustin Arbuckle and the Damnations and it's a solid blues rocker.  Opening with Say My Name, Dustin Arbuckle, formerly of Moreland and Arbuckle, is upfront on harmonica and lead vocals, backed by Branden Hudspeth on guitars, Dr Mark Foley on bass, and Kendall Newby on drums. With a solid rhythm and the strong vocals that M&A was known for, this is a strong opener. With a familiar Muddy Waters like melody, ramped up tempo and Arbuckle's soulful vocals, Across The Desert is a great follow up. You Got To Go crosses further into the rock arena with R&B rhythm and soulful vocals. With a strong harp vamp and a cool guitar riff, Arbuckle's vocals ride high on top like Peter Wolf on JGB. Very cool. Darlin' Dear is a really nice radio track like Jackson Browne meets Marshall Tucker Band. Nicely blended vocals, and a strong melody are the key to this track. Another interesting track is When A Song Comes Along with just a bit more country and western flavor. It has just the right amount to make it cool and works well with Arbuckle's voice. Very nice. Wrapping the release is jazz influenced instrumental, Swingling featuring Arbuckle on lead harmonica over Hudspeth on guitar. Foley's walking bass line sets a great anchor and an eventual solo is tight. Hudspeth shows he knows a thing or two (at least) about jazz structure taking the track to another level. 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

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

Highlander Records artist: Kerry Kearney - Tales from the Psychedelta - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tales from the Psychedelta, by Kerry Kearney and it's a cool mix of laid back delta style blues and contemporary blues rock. Opening with blues rocker, Five Time Man, Kerry Kearney shows real chops on guitar with fluid lines and crisp riffs, supporting his solid vocals. With Louie Appel on drums, Peter Bennett on bass, and Jeff Naimoli on percussion this is a strong opener. Driving rocker, Mississippi River Stomp with it's slick slide work is a great track, backed by Mario Staiano on drums, David Bennett Cohen on piano, and Ken The Rocket Korb on harmonica, this track will have you rocking in your seat (if not on your seat). Thank You Jesus is one of my favorites on the release with it's easy blues feel, acoustic slide and excellent vocals by Kearney and The Great Sam Taylor, harmonica by Charlie Wolfe Pete Kiernan on harmonica and Eileen Murphy on drums. Memphis High has a lot of the modern southern blues rock feel with it's jazzy rhythm courtesy of Murphy and Frank Celenza on bass. With it's excellent blend of Africa and New Orleans, Voodoo Down The River has a terrific feel with gripping guitar soloing by Kearney and Tony Campo on organ really reinforces the overall sensation. Taking a bit more of a bluegrass approach, with Kearney on slide and lead vocal, Wolfe on harmonica, Papa Jim Fleming on mandolin, Frank Calenza and Murphy on drums, World Train is a cool foot tapper. Wrapping the release is Schaefer Time/Duck House an acoustic guitar showpiece with excellent fingerpicking, harmonic finger work, acoustic slide and foot tap. Kearney is an accomplished singer, guitarist and writer and you don't have to listen very long to hear that. Very cool release.

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

   

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

Phenix Fire Records artist: Vanessa Collier - Heart On The Line - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Heart On The Line, from Vanessa Collier, and it's quite good. Opening with James Brown's, Super Bad Collier is off to a strong start morphing a quick tempo driver into a slow, funky instant hit. This track has it all with movement, great vocal, a great bottom, and saxy solo by Collier. Backed by Nick Stevens on drums, Scott Sutherland on bass, Laura Chavez on guitar, William Gorman on keys, Quinn Carson on Trombone, Doug Woolverton on trumpet, this track is hot! With a delta feel on Bloodhound, Chavez lays down a cool slide riff and Colliers vocals really take over. With CC Ellis on bass and Stevens on drums, this track has oomph. Randy Newman's You Can Leave Your Hat On gets a really nice rework with plenty of spunk. I really like the horn work on this one pushing it along and Chavez's guitar solo just just right in the groove. Excellent! Original track, Weep and Moan has a really great feel with a slower tempo, tasty guitar trem and solo work by Chavez and Carson, Woolverton and Colliers working the horns under death defying vocals. Very nice! Funky, Who's In Power really pours on the horn sauce with Colliers working up the band with choice vocal and sax work over a pumped bass line by Ellis. Hot! Wrapping the release is the most pop oriented track on the release, Heart On The Line, with Cornell Williams really working the bass line, punchy horn work by Carson and Woolverton and great vocal work, revival style by Colliers. Excellent closer for her best release yet.

  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 

Tony O. - Blues O' Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues O' Blues, from Tony O. and it's solid old school electric blues. Opening with You Upset Me Baby, Tony O, who has played with a who's wo of blues greats including Pinetop Perkins, Jimmy Rogers, Victoria Spivey, and James Cotton (to name a few) is upfront on vocal and guitar and his playing style, quite reminiscent of BB King keeps you bopping with super backing by The Uptown Horns. On rolling blues number, So Excited, Tony takes an extended intro and a driving bass line and great horn support to Tony's solid guitar lead. Very cool. One of my favorites on the release, My Love Strikes Like Lightning, has strong tempo, punchy horns and really tasty lead guitar phrasing. Jimmy Rogers', You're So Sweet, is up next and Tony leads with solid harmonica and vocal. Excellent piano and snappy drum and bass work give this track real zing. R&B style track, It's Just A Matter Of Time, is a real showcase for the tasteful guitar work of Tony with excellent sense of style. Very nice! Wrapping the release is fast boogie, Just Drive, with Tony playing both guitar and harmonica solos. This is a cool 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 

Delmark Records artist: Johnny Iquana's : Chicago Spectacular! - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the newest release from Johnny Iguana, Chicago Spectacular! and it's a cool mix of styles and packed with blues notables. Opening with Roosevelt Sykes' 44 Blues, featuring John Primer, Bob Margolin and Michael Caskey, Iguana does a great job on keys and Primer's lead vocals are super. On Willie Dixon's Down In The Bottom ,Primer has the mic again and with cool guitar lead and with Michael Caskey on drums another cool entry. Gil Scott- Heron's Lady Day and John Coltrane has a cool, laid back jazzy feel and features Phillip-Michael Scales on lead vocal and guitar. Iguana really rocks the piano on this one with simple rhythms by Caskey. Lil' Ed guests on Burning Fire with flaming lead guitar and vocal. Rolling piano work by Iguana and solid drum work by Kenny Smith makes this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Lil' Ed is back on Elmore James' Shake Your Moneymaker and Ed knows how to make that slide talk. Very cool. Sonny Boy Williamson's Stop Breakin' Down slides in nicely with Matthew Skoller on harmonica and lead vocal and Billy Flynn on lead guitar. Closing the release is Big Bill Broonzy's Hot Dog Mama with lead vocals by Billy Boy Arnold and lead guitar by Billy Flynn. Iguana did a really nice job putting htis set together and his piano work throughout is strong. 

  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 

Nola Blue Records artist: John Nemeth - Stronger Than Strong - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Stronger Than Strong, from John Nemeth and it's tasty. Opening with Chicago bluesy, Come On And Take It, with Nemeth on vocal and harmonica, Danny Banks on drums, Matthew Wilson on bass and Jon Hay on guitar. With it's tight rhythm and classic styling, it's a solid opener.  With darker overtones and Nemeth's soulful vocals, Sometimes is a strong player that is a great showcase for Nemeth's vocal strength and harmonica reinforcement. Throw Me In The Water is a great rocker with a rockin beat and a moving bass line by Wilson, potent vocals by Nemeth and some flashy guitar work by Hay on guitar. Very nice. I really like Chain Breaker with it's blues vamp driven by Wilson and plenty of room for Nemeth and Hay to cruise. Very cool. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Work For Love with it's infectious bass line and Nemeth's soulful vocals. Adding a little bounce to a classic blues pattern, Nemeth crafts a real nice track here with extended harmonica soloing and a bit of hot guitar work by Hay. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Sweep The Shack, a hot paced R&B track with nicely harmonized vocals and bluesy, Texas style guitar riffs. This is a solid closer for another super release from Nemeth. 

  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

Valcour Records artist: Johnny Nicholas - Mistaken Identity - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Mistaken Identity, by Johnny Nicholas and I really like it. With it's kooky lyrics, blues overtones and country western flavor, it's packing. Opening with, She Stole My Mojo, Johnny Nicholas on vocal, guitars, piano, and harmonica tells a wild tale with a loose riff, joined by Scrappy Jud Newcomb on guitars and vocals, John Chipman on drums, percussion and vocals and Chris Maresh on bass and vocals. This is a wacky track but a memorable one. Nice opener. With it's country strut, Mule and the Devil is a cool track with Newcomb on mandolin and the addition of Chris Stafford on organ. With a funky New Orleans feel, title track, Mistaken Identity is not only a clever story but has nicely blended backing vocals and cool Clavinet work by Eric Adcock. Tight Pants is a super rocker with a high octane rhythm. With it's rock n roll feel and free wheelin' vocals, it's hard not to bop. One of my favorite tracks on the release is She Didn't Think Of Me That Way with it's Tex-Mex feel and soulful guitar lead, featuring Max Baca on Bajo Sexto and Josh Baca on accordion. Excellent! Another cool rocker is Highway 190 with it's laid back rockabilly feel. Nicholas lays down a cool piano solo and some cool guitar riffs but it's his vocals that carry the tune. Very cool. Wrapping the release is River Runs Deep, a ballad that blends all of the music on the release into one. With solid vocals, a strong melody and warm organ under the melodic guitar lead, this is an excellent closer. 

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

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

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

Reference Recordings artist: Doug MacLeod - Brand New Eyes - New Release Review

 

I just  had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Brand New Eyes, from Doug MacLeod and it's super. This release on Reference Recordings, Fresh label captures MacLeod alone on acoustic guitar and resonator in a pristine setting. Opening with title track, Brand New Eyes, MacLeod uses his vocal and finger picking pace to stimulate the track and a foot tap to stabilize the pace. Easing into a John Lee Hooker like trance with resonator and a solid foot stomp, MacLeod really captures the feel of Delta Blues on Something Dark Is Walking. An obvious student of the old masters, this track is spot on. With a traditional rag style and strong finger picking, Zu-Zu Woman is a terrific track and one of my favorites on the release. With raw emotion, I Rolled A Nickel feels delta authentic with the jangle of the resonator and slide, foot stomp and wailing like vocal. Very nice. Story telling country blues, The Nature of the Man has a great tempo and solid vocals making it the most radio friendly track. Wrapping the release is Welcome In Your Home with it's contemporary, folk blues feel. MacLeod maintains a strong pace and his energy is vibrant.

  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 

Blue Empress Records artist: Fiona Boyes - Blues In My Heart - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues In My Heart, from Fiona Boyes and it's very good. A remaster of her first solo release from 2000 this is just releases by Reference Recordings and a tight mix. Opening with original track, Blues In My Heart, Boyes on acoustic guitar and vocal shows real finesse, a strong voice and clean execution. On Leadbelly's, Pig Meat, Boyes lets loose on it with much less controlled vocals and really fans the guitar with hot clean runs. Very nice. One of my favorite tracks on the release is ballad, Have Faith, with it's sensitive melody and quiet vocal and guitar blending. In Memphis Minnie style, Honey You Can Take My Man and joined by Kaz Dalla Rosa on harmonica, Paula Dowse on drums and Gina Woods on piano, Boyes really gets a swing on. Excellent! Boyes does a real nice job on Rev. Gary Davis' Mean Old World. Her guitar fingering, thumped accents and bluesy vocals really come together nicely on this one. Another particularly sensitive guitar work is JB Lenoir's Mercy. Boyes really works the guitar for every expression and in concert with her vocals produces another of the top tracks on the release. Wrapping the release is Hotel Room, a contemporary blues with a strong melody. Boyes really does have a strong voice and this last track is the radio track that can showcase it best with a real nice harmonica solo by Dalla Rosa. 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

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

Blue Heart Records artist: Malaya Blue - Still - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Still, from Malaya Blue and it's a solid release with plenty of soul. Opening with title track, Still, UK singer/songwriter, Malaya Blue is joined by Nat Martin on guitar, Stevie Watts on keys, Mike Horne on drums and Eddie Masters on bass. Really nice vocal phrasing and a solid melody makes this a strong opener. With a funky beat and and some cool organ work, Down To The Bone has a great groove and Martin's guitar soloing is really tasty. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Why Is Peace So Hard with it's gospel overtones. Malaya really works this track and the organ work on Watts drives it home. Excellent! R&B track, You Kiss My Troubles Away has a great beat and with it's rhythmic vocal delivery, a solid radio presence. Another of my favorite tracks is jazzy R&B track, Settle Down Easy with a strong bass line from Masters and a solid vocal delivery by Malaya. Wrapping the release is rocker, Hot Love, with it's grinding guitar tones and driving rhythms. Blue has put together a solid release here. 

  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 

Whitaker Blues Records artist: The Barrett Anderson Band - HypnoBoogie - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, HypnoBoogie, by The Barrett Anderson Band and it is a super live release. Anderson, who started his professional career at 15 backing Pinetop Perkins and Bob Margolin before joining Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters at 16. After a few years with Earl and another hand full with Monster Mike Welch, Barrett released his first solo release, All The Way Down in 2007 and another, The Long Fall in 2012. This latest release, HypnoBoogie, was recorded live at The Fallout Shelter in Norwood, Mass on February 1, of 2020. Opening with Bo Diddley's, Mona, this band shows you immediately that no one in the crowd is gonna remain seated. with tom tom's flaring courtesy of Doug MacLeod and thumping bass and harmony vocal by Jamie Hatch, Anderson gets things cranking on his guitar and with energetic lead vocal. On Magic Sam's, Lookin' Good, Anderson's driving guitar vamp, pushed by MacLeod and Hatch drives the energy even higher on this blues rocking instrumental. Whipping out the slide for Son House's classic, Grinnin' In Your Face, Charlie Mallet adds a fat round tone, supplemented nicely by hard working toms by Macleod and nicely blended vocals by Anderson and Emily Anderson. I like the wailing slide tone that Mallet lays down on Blind Faith, an ethereal instrumental with a lot of atmosphere. Springing back with Broken Down with the energy of a Hill Country Blues track, Anderson gets things ramping up working his own guitar nicely with Mallet and the driving snare and cymbal combination of MacLeod and adding in a cool bass solo by Hatch. Wrapping the release is a rowdy version of J Geils' own, House Party. Seems obvious, but this is a perfect track to wrap a live concert with it's driving rhythm, well known lyrics, and the super opportunity to rock out. very cool. 

  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

Blind Fiction - Overlook - New release review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Overlook, from Blind Fiction and it's a cool, blues based rocker. Opening with Better Man, an upbeat, country flavored rocker with a contemporary beat, Tim Wright on lead guitar and vocal, Eric Madunic on bass, keys and backing vocals and Nick Lang on drums set a good pace. Joined by Eric Schoor on sax and Andrew Riehle on trumpet, a solid opener. I really like rocker, Deal With You Later with it's harmonized lead vocals, fanned blues chords and romping bass line. Wright gets loose on this one showing his excellent chops. Mean Old Jack maintains a rock stance but with firm blues footing, and slick slide guitar by Wright. With broad radio styling, Waiting On A Tragedy, utilizes harmony vocals, a strong guitar riff and nice additional keyboard work by Joe Howard, to create the perfect hit combination. Closing the release is You Never Know, with it's basic R&B feel but with a cool hitch rhythm giving it a more contemporary feel. I really like Wright's vocal on this one and his guitar work is understated but very effective. The addition of Schoor's sax solo, Jamie Breiwick's trumpet solo and Tim Preuss on bass gives this track a cool jazz edge. Very nice 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