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I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!


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Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Cleopatra Records artists: Legends Play The Beatles - Various - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Legends Play The Beatles, from Cleopatra Records, and it's an interesting mix of Beatles covers by notable rock, pop and folk icons. Opening with Here Comes The Sun, Richard Page has the lead vocal and Steve Morse has the guitars, backed by Jay Schellen on drums and Billy Sherwood on keys. With a nearly identical arrangement to the original, Page sets the stage. Heart's Ann Wilson does an acoustic cover of Across The Universe backed by acoustic guitar and percussion. Very nice. Surprise rockers Molly Hatchet Cover Back In The USSR... Beach Boys style backing vocals and all. Air Supply covers, A Long And Winding Road with a bit more theatrical vocal lead by Russell Hicthcock and nice bass work by Billy Sherwood. Another interesting cover is Tomorrow Never Knows by Electric Moon. Komet Lulu's FX, Sula Bassana synth and drums by Marcus Schnitzler rocks this track. My disappointment on the release is Jack Bruce's take on Eleanor Rigsby. Bruce is one of the truly great vocal icons of the rock era but this track just doesn't float. Howard Jones takes a straight ahead approach on And I Love Her and with simple vocal strength carries one of the Beatles top pop songs nicely. Folk/rock superstar Judy Collins' cover of Yesterday is beautiful and her vocals are clear and mesmerizing. Wrapping the release is Beatles anthem, Let It Be, covered handily by Deep Purple vocalist Glenn Hughes. With quiet finesse and backed by Geoff Downes on piano, this is a solid closer. 


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Tuesday, September 28, 2021

Roadhouse Redemption Records artist: The Porkroll Project - Papa Didn't raise Me Right - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Papa Didn't Raise Me Right, from The Porkroll Project, and it's a solid mix of rock, blues and country. Opening with title track, Papa Didn't Raise Me Right, lead singer and guitarist, Neil "Porkroll" Taylor is up front setting the mood, backed by Walter Runge on organ, Anthony Pieruccini on bass, and John Thomas on drums. With a Latin rhythm on Down In Mexico, Taylor tells a pretty good story and Thomas does a real nice job on keeping the rhythm tight. Taylor's Santana flavored guitar lead feels good and backing vocals by Runge, Pieruccini and Thomas really work nicely in the mix. Blues ballad, Crescent Moon, sports nice sax work by David Renz and Taylor's lead guitar lead is firm and smooth. Funky mix, Mama Put The Gun Down, really works nicely due to Pieruccini's bass and Runge's organ, under the clever vocal work and some of Taylor's best guitar lead on the release. With a swagger, Sentenced to The Blues, hits with Chris Neal and Paul Matecki on trumpet. Taylor's lead vocal is nicely matched with Buddy Cleveland on harmonica solo. A breakout sax solo by Renz and a real nice solo by Taylor on guitar tie this package together nicely. Wrapping the release is cool shuffle, A Taste of Malt Liquor, likely the crowd favorite with it's party feel, group backing vocals, and a memorable melody topped with a studly guitar solo. Solid closer.  


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Monday, September 27, 2021

Earwig Music Company artist: Rusty Ends Blues Band - Self Titled - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent self titled release from Rusty Ends Blues Band and it's a cool blues rocker. Opening with What's Next, a crisp, up tempo shuffle, Rusty Ends on lead vocal and guitar pairs up with some muscular harmonica work by Jim Rosen and backed by Dave Zirnheld on bass and Gene Wickliffe on drums. Cool opener. Secrets In The Street has a warmer feel with  Rod Wurtele on B3 and a fluid guitar lead by Ends. With a bit of a Freddie King, Sinner's Strut is a cool shuffle with Ends leading the way on guitar harmony and with Danny Kelly on drums and added percussion by Barry Shaw. Slower blues, Something Wrong Going Wrong, gives Ends a chance to showcase his blues phrasing. Hi vocal styling reminds me a bit of Mike Bloomfield. One of my favorite tracks on the release is rocker, I'm Searching, with it's driving bottom, Wurtele on piano, solid vocals by Ends and relentless harmonica by Rosen. Latin rhythm permeates High Beams with hot New Orleans style, emphasized by the tight piano riffs of Wurtele. This is a great track with a story line that most guys can relate to and will be a concert favorite. Wrapping the release is ballad, The One Wish, with  a soulful melody over a thick B3 base. Ends shows some really poised phrasing on his guitar solo on this one with traces of Roy Buchanan. Nice closer. 


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Wednesday, September 22, 2021

Blooming Tunes Music artist: Diane Durrett & Soul Suga - Put A Lid On It - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the newest release (September 24, 2021), Put A Lid On It, by Diane Durrett & Soul Suga and it's a blend of soul, blues and gospel. Opening with In My Soul, Durrett works her magic with a soul base and gospel overtones and rich backing vocals over Yoel B'nai Yehuda on B3, Melissa Junebug on drums/percussion and Gregg Shapiro on bass. Cool opener. I like Sweeter Love Grows as the releases best radio track due to it's sweet melody and nicely blended vocals, a solid guitar solo by Daniel  Groover and some of Durrett's best lead vocals on the release. Another track with gospel overtones, Wish It Would Rain has really solid footings, soulful lead vocals and great, piano and organ work by Yehuda. Very nice. Wrapping the release is punched up funky rocker, Make America Groove, featuring Mike Burton on sax, Melvin Jones on trumpet, Fuji Fujimoto on bass and Ian Schumacher on guitar and a chorus of backing vocalists including Adam McKnight, Peggy Still Johnson, Ian Schumacher and Mike Burton. 




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Tuesday, September 21, 2021

Earwig Music Company artist: Elly Wininger - The Blues Never End - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Blues Never End, from Elly Wininger and it's a solid take on traditional blues. Opening with Sister Rosetta Tharpe's, Let That Liar Alone, Elly Wininger on lead vocal and guitar and Lou Pappas on upright bass set the bar for the entire release. Elly's riffs are tight and her playing shows her enjoyment for the real deal. Skip James' Special Rider Blues is a particularly cool track with Wininger's voice being nearly as high as James' falsetto vocal. Her acoustic guitar, the only accompaniment for this track is really solid. Title track, The Blues Never End, is a really melodic ballad by Wininger. It's purity and structure make it my choice for radio track on the release and possibly Wininger's best vocals on the release. Tony Joe White's As The Crow Flies is one of my favorites with Wininger on slide/resonator, Mike Merenda on banjo and Eric Parker on percussion. Matching the vocal melody note for note on guitar is a great technique and not used often enough today. Very nice. Lonnie Johnson's, Range In My Kitchen, is great rework with nicely presented vocals and clean and lean guitar accompaniment. Pure blues. Wrapping the release is Ledbelly's lively folk blues, Old Riley and Wininger really gets it hopping with the help of Ed Marris on accordion, Lou Pappas on bass and Eric Parker on percussion. Solid closer for a solid release. 


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Monday, September 20, 2021

Motherwest artists: The Bowmans - Scrutiny - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (September 24, 2021), Scrutiny, by the Bowmans, and it's a warm vocal release. Opening with Digger, twin sisters, Sarah and Claire Bowman weave beautiful melodic harmonies. Joined by Christian Winiker on electric guitar, Mathias Kunzli on drums and Wolfgang Zwiauer on bass as well as Partik Zosso and Daniel Somaroo on beat programming, this is an interesting. Sarah opens Wildfire accompanying herself on acoustic guitar, backed with cool keys by Claire. Their voices blend so nicely and a strong melody, this track having that special dynamic that really gets your attention. A burst of electric guitar soloing by Winiker drives the point home making it one of my favorite tracks on the release. Very nice. Blue Light is a particularly nice track with lush vocal harmonies and a very delicate keyboard backing. Very nice. Wrapping the release is When It Breaks, a cool track with a simple yet effective melody and subtle piano accompaniment. Sarah's cello soloing is very effective in creating the ambiance in this track which is a very nice closer. 


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Friday, September 17, 2021

Mascot Records artist: The Georgia Thunderbolts - Can We Get A Witness - New Release Review

 


I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Can We Get A Witness, from The Georgia Thunderbolts and it's a southern flavored rocker with plenty of swagger. Opening with Take it Slow, lead singer T.J. Lyle hits the road running with solid harmonica lead and a powerful voice. Backed by Zach Everett on bass and keys and Bristol Perry on drums and the grinding guitar work of Riley Couzzourt and Logan Tolbert this track has punch. One of my favorites on the release is Lend A Hand with it's firm footed attack and vocal attitude. The hard drum slam and solid vocal backing works really well with the aggressive guitar work of Couzzourt and Tolbert. A modern remake of the Allman's Midnight Rider really works the vocal pairing of Lyle and Everett with a heavier, more "rock guitar" feel. Another track with a heavy bottom is Half Glass Woman. Perry really sets the pace on this one with overdriven lead guitar, cool slide by Couzzourt and a strong harp line on top. With a potent guitar riff to carry the theme, title track, Can I Get A Witness seems the best candidate for radio track with it's strong guitar front line and classic rock style vocal delivery and some nice pyrotechnics accenting the overall feel. Another radio style track is It's Alright with it's solid melody and straight up rock approach and vocal pairing of Lyle and Everett. Twin lead guitar soloing and grinding rhythm is the ticket. Wrapping the release is Set Me Free, with it's bluesy back beat and cool melody. This track could have been taken from the Paul Rogerss songbook with it's understated bluesy melody and pure vocals. Solid closer.  

 


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Thursday, September 16, 2021

Wise Cat Records artist: Jackson Potter - Restless - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Restless, from Jackson Potter, and it's quite good. Opening with Bird Flu, a quick tempo number with aggressive lead lines. Wiithwriter, Jackson Potter on guitar, Patrick Leavy on bass, Gibb Mandish on drums and Leo Folsom on piano and featuring David Mason on sax. Potter's lead lines are clean and unexpected and Folsom and Mason lead lines are pure. Even Leavy get the floor for a short solo and does a great job over the tight riffs of Mandish. This is a great opener. Latin rhythms grace, Mulberry Tree with Potter laying down the supple melody on guitar. Mandish and Folson hold a tight rhythmic envelope with nicely woven sonic passages. Folsom is the first to break loose with his crystal clear piano solo, followed by an inspired bass solo by Leavy. Very nice. Amalfi has a really nice drum line that drives the entire piece. Leavy lays in a solid bass solo, followed by a light breezy guitar solo by Potter. Very nice. Peace is a beautiful composition by Horace Silver with another soulful bass solo by Leavy and nicely phrased guitar lead by Potter. Joey Curreri sits in on trumpet on Hindsight is 2020. Another track with a Latin rhythm, and blended with mason on sax the melody is complex and dynamic. Potter really takes this one for a ride showing his inventive lead and rich sax lead by Mason compliments this track really well. Wrapping the release is title track, Restless with fusion breath and some of the most agressive "rock style" guitar riffs by Potter. mason's sax solo on this one really works it's way through the mix nicely. I really love the complex rhythm on this one and the addition of Curreri on trumpet and Carter Key on tenor trumpet. Excellent closer for a strong release. 


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Wednesday, September 15, 2021

DLP artist: David Larsen - Deviate from Standards - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (October 1, 2021), Deviate from Standards, from David Larsen and it's primarily built around a modified old school style without the blazing brass section. Opening with A New Thing Comin', David Larsen on tenor and bari sax leads the way, paired with Greg Yasinitsky on tenor and bari sax as well and backed by Kate Skinner on keys, Josh Skinner on bass and Brendan McMurphy on drums. With tasty soloing by David and Greg and a nice piano run by Ken, a solid opener. Smoke Screen is a driving jam with nice extended lead lines by Larsen and and Danny McCollim on keys as well as the  the addition of McMurphy on trumpet and Nick Isherwood on bass. With it's walking bass line by Skinner, He Who Getz The Last Laugh is a real cool track. Larsen sets a real nice statement with his fluid lines and rich tone and Skinner takes a few bars on bass solo really setting this off. Very nice. With a lot of swing, Into The Mild shows Larsen laying in some really meaty lead sax lines over the pouncing piano of Skinner. Stretching out over 7 minutes, Skinner and Larsen trade off the spotlight, punctuated by tidy drum riffs by McMurphy. Wrapping the release is Tensai with some of Larsen's most aggressive playing on the release. Solid closer for a cool release. 


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Tuesday, September 14, 2021

Provogue artist: Eric Bibb: Dear America - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Dear America, from Eric Bibb and it may be his best in years. Opening with Whole Lotta Lovin' with it's rolling acoustic guitar riff and backing instrumentation by Ron Carter on bass and Glen Scott on keys this track had a very friendly warmness. Shaneeka Simon joins Bibb and Tommy Sims on lead vocal, and teamed with Steffan Astner on slide guitar gives this track strong appeal. Slower, lumbering Whole World's Got The Blues features a nice appearance by Eric Gales who lights up his electric guitar and Sims on bass, and Glen Scott on drums fill out the bottom. A modern take on the delta style blues, title track, Dear America pairs Bibbs acoustic guitar and vocal over Chuck Anthony on electric guitar, Scott on drums and percussion, Christer Lyssarides on mandola and Simon and Big Daddy Wilson on backing vocals. Strong ballad, Emmett's Ghost plays to Bibb's strength in songwriting, vocal and acoustic guitar. With a super melody, and message, Bibb delivers one of the best tracks on the release. Another upmix blues track, Talkin' 'Bout A Train fuses traditional blues with just a light tough of modern neo soul. Harmonica wiz Billy Branch steps up and delivers over hot drum beat and some great backing vocals by Scott. Funky! Wrapping the release is One-Ness of Love with the silky vocals of Lisa Mills paired with Bibb's own warm lead vocals. Violin work by David Davidson and David Angell, Scott on piano and Sims on guitar, make this a strong closer. 


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Monday, September 13, 2021

Subcat Records artist: Tas Cru - Broke Down Busted Up - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Broke Down Busted Up, from Tas Cru and it blends blues, rock and rural styling for a unique sound. Opening with Where Do We Go, Cru, on vocal and acoustic guitar is joined by Anne Harris on fiddle, Mike Lawrence on bass and Andy Hearn on drums for a solid rocker. Title track, Broke Down Busted Up blends a bluesy theme, and a funky beat with a jazz approach for a pretty cool track. With a fiddle solo by Harris, solid piano work by Dave Liddy and a funky bass line by Bob Purdy this track would work nicely on the radio rotation. Cru tips his hand with some clean acoustic guitar work on River of Insanity a jazz influenced rocker. Working in response with Harris on fiddle, this track has a real nice balance. Mary Ann Casale is the featured vocalist on All Stays The Same, a ballad with piano, guitar and club like backing. Latin rhythm permeates Stay Home Blues with strong percussion by Ron Keck, a nice New Orleans style piano solo and some of Cru's best guitar work on the release. So Damn Hard To Like is a cool blues rag with a nice piano line and my favorite vocals by Cru on the release. Wrapping the release is Write Me My Own a solid ballad with Cru on vocal paired with Harris on fiddle. A solid melody with a light acoustic guitar accompaniment, a solid closer. 


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Friday, September 10, 2021

Schubert Publishing artist: Nathan Jacques - Loud Mind - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Loud Mind, from Nathan Jacques and it's an interesting blend of acoustic folk, western and pop. Jacques has a potent voice and on the opener and title track, Loud Mind, accompanies himself on acoustic guitar with atmospheric backing by Adam Churilla and Michael Madill on electric guitar, Madill again on glockenspiel, Charles La Cagnina on acoustic bass, Kaya Shaffer and Ed Donnelly on drums and percussion and wailing pedal steel by Tim Fleming. Cool opener. Young Devil has real radio potential with a firm rhythm and forward guitar by Churilla and Jacques on pedal, all presented over a strong melody and nice backing vocals by Tyler Carlson. Bold rock rhythm directs Physical Forever, with Churilla, Jacques, Madill, Donnelly, and John Mueller on electric guitar, deep grinding vocals by Jacques, Donnelly on essential B3, Madill on vibraphone and stiff drum rhythms by Shaffer and Donnelly that really sets this track apart. Rocker, Dream, Dream Away has a driving beat thanks to Shaffer and Chuck Bartels (on bass) and nicely blended lead vocals by Jacques and Carlson. A bit of reverb saturated guitar pyrotechnics gives the track just a bit more edge. Quiet Mind is a solid contemporary acoustic rock closer. With just a touch of western, via Fleming's pedal steel work and the ongoing vocal blending of Jacques with Carlson, this is a solid wrap. 



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Thursday, September 9, 2021

Chocolate Fireguard Music Ltd. artist: Pat Fulgoni -Dark Side of The Blues - Live In Prague - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Dark Side of the Blues, Pat Fulgoni Live In Prague and it's a smoking cover of some of the top blues tracks that you know. Opening with Sonny Boy Williamson's classic, Help Me, Fulgoni on vocal gets this band rolling with Jan Martinek, Lukas Martinek and Richard Mader exchanging guitar riffs over the keys of Boris Secky and Jan Korinek, Brian Regan, Mick Reed, Vladimir Grunt on drums, and Leos Drabek, Robert Mader and Jason Riley on bass. On soulful, Hard Times, Fulgoni really turns on the heat and his guitar arsenal is right there with him creating a steamy, Ray Charles like feel and featuring Jim Corry on sax. Very nice. BB King's hit, the Thrill Is Gone gets a bouncy rework but without losing it's blues intensity. A real nice showcase for Fulgoni's vocals, the track actually seems to strut rhythmically as it rolls and the guitar intensity is tight. John Lee Hooker's boogie, Think Twice Before You Go sets a nice groove and Fulgoni's vocals are full and clipped giving it a bit of old blues, authentic feel. Good jam. Larry Davis' Texas Flood gets a pretty honest SRV cover by Fulgoni band with some real nice SRV style blues rock guitar riffs...sit back. Wrapping the release is a cover Robert Johnson's Crossroads, using pretty much of Cream's arrangement from the 60's. A great blues rocker and driving guitar anthem, this is a solid closer for a live concert release. 


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Wednesday, September 8, 2021

Blue Heart Records artist: Tony Holiday - Porch Sessions Volume 2 - New Release Review

 


I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Porch Sessions Volume 2, from Tony Holiday and it's a great Chicago style blues party. Opening with She's Tuff, Victor Wainwright and his rhythm section really get things rolling with Wainwright on vocal and piano and Holiday on harmonica. With plenty of attitude in presentation and this dynamic duo, this is a strong opener. Willie Buck has the mic on Honey Bee with Rusty Zinn on slide and Kim Wilson on harmonica. Zinn really conjurs Muddy's tone on guitar and Wilson's sound is fat and rich. Excellent! In more of a Delta styling on Recipe for Love Master, Bobby Rush on vocal and Vasti Jackson on guitar really make a great team serving up a heavy helping of blues. Very nice. Going to Court is a real hot number with James Harman on harmonica and Kid Ramos and Landon Stone laying down pure fire on guitar. Lurrie Bell teams up with harpmaster Mark Hummel on a shortened take on Everyday I Have The Blues but not without playing some blistering riffs. Ace guitar man Johnny Burgin and Holiday play Bad Bad Girl with Kid Andersen on bass. With it's 2 step rhythm, this track is a nice change up. Rae Gordon adds a lot of spice on lead vocals on shuffle,  Find Me When The Sun Goes Down complimented by Holiday on harmonica and backed by her own band. Ben Rice does a real nice job on That's How I Learned with his ultrasoulful vocals and deft acoustic steel resonator accompaniment. Very nice. Mark Hummel & Dennis Gruenling do a great duet on Cake Walk a terrific harmonica shuffle. One of my favorites on the release. JD Taylor on harmonica and vocal and his son Alex do a really nice on Family Tree with harmonica/ guitar backing of a great blues vocal. I particularly like the way Alex plucks his guitar accents. Excellent! Wrapping the release is the lush gospel fused Peace Will Come by Memphis based Southern Avenue. To say that this release is packed with goodies would be an understatement. Very strong release.



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Monday, September 6, 2021

Fireplace Recordings artist: Tom Rodwell - Wood & Waste - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (October 22, 2021), Wood & Waste, from Tom Rodwell and I really like it. English artist and writer Tom Rodwell, now living in New Zealand has completed this most recent work and it's diverse and interesting. Opening with Don't Be A Fugitive All Your Life is a cool mix of Hillcountry Blues styling and primitive rock. It's simple structure, which relly sets it on it's way is propelled by Rodwell and simple blues guitar riff and vocal, Chris O'Connor on drums and Jeff Henderson on bass drum. Very cool. Carry On is a simple straight up rocker with a solid radio melody. Henderson on bass drum and O'Connor work great with Rodwell's guitar environment and cool backing vocals by Colleen Davis. Blues rocker, Touch Me Like A Teddybear is a real interesting track with classic blues guitar riffs with a twist and overlayed guitar work making this one of my favorites on the release. With a Latin beat, a great percussive beat and Rodwell on synth, She Got Me Boiling is sure to be a favorite. It's danceability and smooth vocals are intioxicating. Small Town is a cool rocker with Phill Dryson on phased strat and Rodwell on guitar working up a really cool beat track. With simple lyrics, and featured guitar, it really puts me in mind of some early Blondie, Stones and Jeff Beck. Wrapping the release is Dead End Road with a euphoric blend of synth and guitar. This is a hard release to pigeon hole and it keeps yu guessing. Quite interesting...I like it! 


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Thursday, September 2, 2021

Greg Loughman - Re: Connection - New Release Review

  I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (September 24, 2021), Re: Connection, from Greg Loughman and it's fresh and inventive. Opening with Disunion, a song originally titled Darling Nellie Grey when written by Benjamin Hanby during the civil war era about a runaway slave pining for his love. In 1915, Ralph Chapin wrote lyrics for this song then called The Commonwealth of Toil. Loughman has reinterpreted this tune, setting up the composition with an extended acoustic bass intro, adding to it Nathan Kay on trumpet, Dan Elbert on alto sax, Anton Derevyenko on tenor sax, Matt Stubbs on clarinet, Anastassiya Petrova on piano, Tyson Jackson on drums and Max O'Rourke on guitar, weaving in dramatic themes and interpretations on what sums up like an epic theme song. Isolation uses a similar structure of Loughman's acoustic bass line to set the stage on which this track is built. Lead lines by Kay on trumpet and Stubbs on clarinet further the theme with compliments by Elbert and Derevyenko into a loosely woven fabric of melody. Very interesting. With a really cool drum line by Jackson and piano work by Petrova, semi funky, From All Sides is a full blown jam. With a layering theme of one instrument echoing the other and the tight drum line of Jackson this track takes shape. With piano and drums as the constant, the musicians grow slowly apart and more loosely connected and then back together for a solid conclusion. With a slight melancholy overtone, Grow is one of my favorite tracks on the release. Petrova's piano, the dominant pace setter on the track slowly builds with the gradual addition of Loughman, Kay, Elbert and Derevyenko. Nice lead lines by Kay, Elbert and Derevyenko add just the right contrast. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Horizon featuring Faris Ishaq on fey, an end played flute instrument. With tight drum and piano rhythms, Kay's trumpet melody, Nadia Washington on vocal, Jerry Leake on percussion and O'Rourke working the counter rhythms, this is a strong closer.



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Wednesday, September 1, 2021

Benjamin Schnake Ensemble - The Joy of Playing - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (October 4, 2021), The Joy of Playing, from the Benjamin Schnake Ensemble and it's really cool. Opening with Marisol, a hot, South American style jazz number featurning multi instrumentalist, composer and arranger, Benjamin Schnake on nylon string guitar. Joined by Dave Pietro on alto sax, Tim Stuven on tenor sax, John Blevins on trumpet, Eric Quinn on trombone, Jennifer Wharton on bass, Santiago on piano, Gui Duvignau on bass and Paul Shaw, this track is an excellent opener. There is no denying the latin influence on this release, it's band leader being born in Santiego de Chile where he started playing guitar at 10. With a lighter touch, Fragment, features beautiful piano work by Santiego Leibson with Schnake on nylon string guitar Sunhyun Yoo on alto sax and Paul Shaw on drums. Beautiful. She's Gone is a bit more quiet yet features a stunning trombone solo by Eric Quinn and complimentary sax solo by Dave Pietro. Aju features Schnake on electric guitar and his contemporary Latin styling comparable to contermporary player Al DiMeola. Leibson again takes a commanding piano solo and Gui  Duvignau and Paul Shaw each present short solos of their own. Very nice. Mingus' Goodbye Porkpie Hat really gives the Ensemble a terrific opportunity to improvise over a true standard. Leibson shines on piano and the horns are arranged in an unconventional yet extremely interesting way. Wrapping the release is Lakitas, is inspired by the Andean musical tradition of Lakitas. This traditional folk basis is expanded and improvised into a modern jazz beauty. Featuring Schnake on mandolin, Ammon Swinbank on flute, Leibson on piano and Shaw on drums, this is a beautiful closer for a terrific release. 


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