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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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Tuesday, November 23, 2021

Lilli Lewis - Americana - New Release Review

 


I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Americana, from Lilli Lewis and it's versatile and enriching. Opening with My American Heart (Prelude), this release immediately comes alive with the rich sounds of acapella voices. Lilli is joined on this intro by Kyshona Armstrong and Mikayla Braun. Very nice. Copper John is an country rocker with a soft easy rhythm, wailing pedal steel by Richard Comeaux, guitars by Wade Hymel, bass by Bryan Webre and strong vocal lead and harmonies by Lewis (Think Marshall Tucker Band). Very nice. Piece of Mine is a beautiful folk tune in the vein of Wayfaring Stranger but with the richness of a gospel tune. With Josh Paxton on keys, Hymel on guitar, and Gina Forsyth on acoustic guitar, backing vocal and fiddle, this is a very strong track. Everyday has a bright jazzy feel with a snappy rhythm by Doug Balote on drums and Webre on bass and Sam Kuslan's key work is really solid with Lewis' lead vocal style, backed by Braun on harmony. Contemporary ballad, Coffee Shop Girl, has a simple but nicely progressive melody. A clean piano accompaniment by Lewis and percussion by Hymel along with Kenny Murphy on backing vocal and bass makes this another really nice track. Wrapping the release is My American Heart (Benediction), a quiet ballad with a solid melody. Lewis' vocals are pure and clear, accompanied by acoustic guitar (Hymel), Gina Forsyth on fiddle,  Dave Easley on pedal steel, Rick Nelson on cello and James Walsh on bass. This is a solid closer for a really warm release.  


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Monday, November 22, 2021

Stony Plain Records artist: Colin James - Open Road - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Open Road, from Colin James and I really like it. On James' landmark 20th release, James covers some classic blues tracks and adds some of his own. Opening with Tony Joe White's As the Crow Flies, James cranks out a real driving boogie with stinging lead guitar, backed by Geoff Hicks on drums, Norm Fisher on bass and Simon Kendall on keys. Strong.  Albert King's Can't You See What You're Doing To Me, is up next and with Chris Caddell on rhythm, Steve Hilliam on sax, this is another potent track with excellent phrasing by James. Magic Sam's That's Why I'm Crying fits in perfectly with it's slower pace, giving James a chance to stretch a bit with soulful vocals and nicely crafted solo lead. Excellent! James original, When I Leave This House, has a country rocking honky tonkin feel that will get you moving. James really plays guitar to this one with a nice flair and the addition of Jesse O'Brien adds real sauce. Very cool! Otis Rush's It Takes Time, a long time favorite on the blues rock scene, gets a moderate workover and James it right there with his guitar to add the spark. Fisher really lays heavy on the bass which is great and the addition of harmonica by Steve Marriner and bari sax by Jerry Cook, cooks the track. Another original James track, There's A Fire, really brings the pace down but turns up the heat. James' vocals are really strong and his lead guitar work is smoking. This is definitely one of my favorites on the release and likely to be a fan favorite in concert. A really cool take on Bob Dylan's It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry brings to mind Leon's redo of this track back in the 70's. I don't think anyone's come close since but this is a real nice deal. The rhythm is loose and slinging and with James on slide, and some hot sax work by Hilliam, a great track. Wrapping the release is Eddie Floyd's classic,  I Love You More Than Words Can Say, again really parlaying the strength of James' soulful vocals and includes a brief but potent dash of guitar edge. This is a fine release and one I really enjoy listening to.



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Friday, November 19, 2021

Vidiclity Records artist: Bill Filipiak - Medicine I Need - New Release Review



I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Medicine I Need, from Bill Filipiak and it's a cool mix of blues, country, bluegrass, rock and folk. Opening with When The Blues Comes Calling, a rock shaped blues track, Filipiak backs his  own vocals with electric guitar, resonator and harmonica. Country style vocals and slide guitar, overlaid with bluesy resonator and harmonica is the trick on Fearing the Dawn. Nicely interwoven and heavily textured, cool track. Home To Baby is a cool boogie rocker with a great beat, driving rhythm and bluesy harmonica under a solid vocal lead. Most likely radio track on the release. I like Thirty Hearts High with it's blues twist on Are You Ready For The Country. Slide resonator, drums and piano by Filipiak really work well with his vocal lead. Wrapping the release is somewhat funky, Hope in Your Heart, with it's chunky drum line and raw slide resonator. Filipiak nicely blends this rhythm with a solid blues guitar lead crafting a cool rocky closer. 


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Thursday, November 18, 2021

Arabesque Recordings artist: June Bisantz - 7 Shades of Snow - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the  most recent release, 7 Shades of Snow, from June Bisantz, and it's a bright and cheery look at seasonal music. Opening with The Merriest, an easy shuffle featuring Bisantz on vocal and backed by The Jon Burr Sextet (Jon Burr on bass, Mike Eckroth on piano, James Chirillo on guitar, Marc Pfaneuf on sax, Brandon Lee on trumpet and Alvester Garnett on drums) this is light radio jazz. A nicely phrased trumpet solo by Lee gives the track a real nice perk for a solid opener. Classic jazz styling on Hang Them On The Tree, makes it my favorite with well poised vocals by Bisantz and a real nice piano solo by Eckroth and a warm guitar solo by Chirillo. Title track, Seven Shades Of Snow is the best showcase for Bisantz's vocal styling on the release. Her vocals are smooth and rich with a well balanced  orchestration from JBS. Wrapping the release is Winter's Got Spring Up It's Sleeve, a solid ballad with complex sax/trumpet blending from Lee and Pfaneuf. This offers a nice break from many of the contemporary holiday tracks that you're likely to hear on the radio. 


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Wednesday, November 17, 2021

M.C. Records artist: Corey Harris - Insurrection Blues - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Insurrection Blues, from Corey Harris and it's particularly strong. Harris, who has released 20 albums during his career is up with a new one and this time on M.C. Records, inspired by the recent events in Washington and certainly influenced by his year long stay in Africa. Opening with Twelve Gates To The City, Harris really pours on the heat. I'm uncertain who wrote this track but I know it as a Rev Gary Davis track and a powerful version of the track with Harris at his vocal blues best. Terrific! Mama Africa could have been written and played on the Continent. The African influences are so evident and beautiful. Harris' singing and playing is top notch. Sunjuta is a traditional song, with a cool arrangement instrumental by Harris. His sensitivity to the African musical style is terrific. John Jackson's Boats Up River has a great, up beat, finger picking blues style and By and By again pulls heavily on Harris' traditional delta style singing. Excellent! Phil Wiggins on harmonica joins Harris on Afton Mountain Blues giving you a solid helping of country style blues. This is a real nice acoustic jam with great feel.  Wrapping the release is Harris' Scottsville Breakdown, a country finger picking blues. If you ever want to know where the original/traditional blues lies in todays world, you need look no further than Cory Harris. Excellent job!


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Tuesday, November 16, 2021

Bible & Tire Recording Co. artist: Elder Jack Ward - Already Made - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Already Made, from Elder Jack Ward and it's full of the spirit. Opening with high energy title track, The Way Is Already Made, with Carla Ward, Francis Ward, Cecila Garrett and Johnny Ward on vocal ( The Elder Jack Ward Company Singers), Will Sexton on guitar, Mark Stuart on bass, George Supplick on drums and Matt Ross - Spang on guitar. Solid opener. R&B fused track, Lord I'm In Your Care, has a real nice feel. Ward's vocals are smooth as silk and the Company Singers are tight and melodic. Very nice. Highly soulful, God's Love is slow gospel at it's best with lush overlaying of voices and organ underpinnings. Excellent! Bluesy, Without The Lord, has a nice slow pace, clean blues riffs by Sexton and a nice warm organ bed by Alex Greene setting a strong bottom for Ward and his troop to harmonize. Very nice. Wrapping the release is I Feel Better Since I Prayed. I have my own feelings about gospel and spiritual music and it's my own thing. If it delivers the word, the vocals are lush and the basic music warms your feelings. It's good. This release checks all of the boxes! 


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Monday, November 15, 2021

Big O Records artist: Joseph and the Velozians - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Joseph and the Velozians and it's way cool. Opening with Pretty is as Pretty Does, bassist and songwriter Joseph Veloz lays down a really funky bass line, complimented by Jim Alfredson on keys, and Donny Brown on drums and percussion. Larry McCray has lead vocal and guitar and does an outstanding job, with trumpet punctuation by John Rickert. Nice opener. Contemporary makeover of Morganfield's Got My Mojo Working features Thornetta Davis on lead vocal and Carlton Washington on guitar as well as some smoking organ work by Alfredson. Then throwing a changeup moving into a Chicago blues/gospel closing.  Great hot redo. The Velozian Shuffle is one of my favorites on the release with solid guitar lead by Washington, a real nice piano solo by Phillip J Hale, strong organ work by Alfredson, Dave Marcaccio on drums, and of course Veloz on bass. Excellent! Just Jammin' Again is a cool, funky, jazz style jam with a great groove. James Anderson and Dave Marcaccio setting the pace. Phillip Hale's piano work is tight and Carl Washington lets it all hang out on guitar over the ultra funky lines of Veloz. wrapping the release is Up In My Ear featuring Veloz on bass and vocal and bluesy guitar riffs by Drew Abbott on guitar. Strong closer. 


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Friday, November 12, 2021

Shakey Trill - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the newest self titled release, Shakey Trill and it's an interesting mix of raw blues and folk music by Mike MacDonald and Tyler Pantlin. Opening with I Love That Woman, MacDonald on lead vocal sets a great fingerpicking lead and Pantlin lays in solid harmonica accents. Lighthouse is a terrific original blues by MacDonald really showcasing MacDonald on slide resonator and Pantlin on harmonica. Very nice. On Morganfield's classic, I Can't be Satisfied, Pantlin has the lead on vocal and MacDonald really works the slide plus the addition of Alec Fraser on bass. Excellent! Lonely is another really solid delta style blues track with balanced contributions between Pantlin and MacDonald on harmonica and guitar. This is a particularly nice showcase for Pantlin's blues styling and MacDonald's vocals are rock solid. Guitar boogie track, Hold On To It has great pace and bound to get you nodding your head. I really like MacDonald's vocals on this track and Pantlin's harmonica work really works nicely. Wrapping the release is Sailing, a bluesy rocker with a contemporary feel. With MacDonald on lead vocal and guitar and a healthy harmonica response from Pantlin, the duo maintains a blues format in a rock delivery. This is a solid release with some great tunes. 


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Thursday, November 11, 2021

Zoho Records artist: Alexis Cole - Sky Blossom - Songs from My Tour Of Duty - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sky Blossom - Songs From My Tour Of Duty, from Alexis Cole, and it's geared to mainstream listeners with a mature taste. Opening with Clifford Brown's Joy Spring with it's classic "big band" attack featuring John Castleman, Vito Speranza, Josh Economy and Rich Johnson on trumpet, Dan Poerce, Ron Fleischman, Jason Miller and Teddy Arnold on trombone, Mike Reifenberg, Derrick James, David Loy Song, Jay Malone and Xavier Perez on sax, Scott Arcangel on piano, Mark Tonelli on guitar, Brandon Nelson on bass and Scott Drewes on drums. Cole's vocals are light and springy with plenty of scat and a cool solo by Castleman on trumpet makes this a power opener. A solid rendition of Miles Davis' All Blues is a strong addition to the release with a really strong sax solo by Derrick James pushing this one this one beyond it's big band formality. Cole pares the band back on Lennon and McCartney's terrific ballad, Across The Universe. Her vocals are crisp and clear and the band is lush. Classic 50's track, Social Call, is as cool as it gets on this release with Cole singing with the ease of Washington. I really like Bob Sheppard's solo on this track, punched up just right by the horns. Very nice. Wrapping the release is contemporary ballad, American Anthem, showcasing Cole, accompanied by Jaehun Kang on piano. Cole has put together a solid set of vocal tracks and swings end to end. 


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Wednesday, November 10, 2021

Endless Blues Records artist: Mick Kolassa - Uncle Mick's Christmas Album - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Uncle Mick's Christmas Album, by Mick Kolassa, and it's quite entertaining. Opening with Mariah Carey's, All I Want For Christmas, and I think its a real solid cover. Never been crazy about pop music and Kolassa's slow bluesy approach with Jeff Jensen on lead guitar, Bill Ruffino on bass, Rick Steff on keys and James Cunningham on drums gives this track a new, fresher life. Original track, The Best Christmas Ever, is up next with a funky R&B approach. Kolassa on lead vocal and with warm backing vocals by Reba Russell and Susan Marshall over cool piano and organ work by Steff set a nice stage and pinched down guitar soloing by Jensen adds spice. Johnny Moore's Merry Christmas Baby really gives Jensen a chance to show some real nice riffs both bluesy and jazzy making it one of my favorites on the release. Tom tom laden rhythm gives Jingle Bells and whole new face. Get far enough from the music that you can't hear the words and I defy you to determine that it's Jingle Bells. This swampy, Dr Joh like approach is really cool and again, Jensen's guitar work adds real shine to the apple. Very nice. Wrapping the release is a Jensen/Kolassa original, Beale Street Christmas Jam, a hot shuffle ala Gatemouth Brown style. Jensen always has great riffs, and here he's complimented by Marc Franklin on trumpet (solo), Cunningham on drums (solo), Ruffino on bass (solo), Eric Hughes on harmonica (solo). This track will get your foot tapping. Excellent closer. 


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Tuesday, November 9, 2021

VizzTone Label Group artist: Ben Levin - Still Here - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Still Here, from Ben Levin and it's really super! Opening with Love and Friendship, a terrific piano boogie with Ben Levin on piano and vocal, his father, Aron Levin on guitar, Chris Douglas on bass and Oscar Bernal on drums. Ben's voice is really strong and his piano lead and Aron's guitar lead work really nicely together. Nice opener. On title track, Still Here, Ben's soulful vocals are accentuated and his New Orleans piano styling is spot on. Aron gets a real nice opportunity to stretch a little on guitar and his phrasing is beautiful. Jimmy Liggins' I Can't Stop It has a great groove with Ben laying down a great up tempo boogie line and some real nice guitar lead by Aron as well. Very cool. Instrumental shuffle, Crown Jewel, features Aron upfront on guitar and he sets a nice pace. Ben digs in on piano setting up some really nice riffs before Aron closes it out. Very nice. Another slow blues with Ben upfront on vocal is Christmas Rain. Ben shows time and again that he's as competent vocalist as he is lead piano player and that's saying something. Aron, using technique rather than speed, lays in some really nice lines making this another of my favorites on the release. With a Latin rhythm, Her Older Brother has a really nice flair. With snappy drum rhythm by Bernol, tight bass by Douglas and paired guitar/piano work by Aron and Ben makes this track stand out nicely. Wrapping the release is I'm Your Essential Worker, a real nice piano boogie with excellent vocal and piano work over the firm bass work of Douglas. This is an excellent closer for an exceptional release. 


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Monday, November 8, 2021

Fabrizio Grossi & Soul Garage Experience - Counterfeited Soulstice Vol 1 - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Counterfeited Soulstice Vol 1 by Fabrizio Grossi & Soul Garage Experience and it's a cool, funky R&B and soul party. Opening with Slave To My Rhythm, a wildly woven musical fabric with rock and soul roots. With Grossi on lead vocal and bass, Diimond Meeks on lead vocal, Kenny Aronoff on drums, Alex Alessandroni JR on piano, Derek Day on guitar, Francis Benttez and Andrea Grossi-Benitez on backing vocals, Chris Hansen on harp and Garrett Holbrook on lap steel, this track is full out. Adding in a funky bass line on Right Down Below, Grossi sets up a real nice groove and Day and Hansen roll in and out with terrific riffs, supported by the rich backing vocals of  Benitez and Grossi-Benitez. Very cool. Bette Smith has the lead vocal on With or Without You and I really dig her voice. With Fabio Drusin sailing on harp, a pounding bass line by Grossi, Stephen Perkins on drums, Dylan Meek on Hammond and Benitez and Grossi-Benitez on backing vocals, this is one of my favorites on the release. Shit Load Of Sugar featuring Diimond Meeks on lead vocal is a rocking track with a funky bottom and a real nice guitar solo by Serge Simic. Wrapping the release is Them and Me,  a driving pop rocker with Diimond Meeks on lead vocal and solid backing by Benitez and Grossi-Benitez on backing vocals over a strong bottom by Grossi on bass and Herman Matthews on drums. 


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Wednesday, November 3, 2021

Cat Food Records artist: Zac Harmon - Long As I Got My Guitar - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Long As I Got My Guitar, from Zac Harmon and it's a guitar soaked blues/soul/R&B/funky release. Opening with Deal With The Devil, a slick, Latin sprinkled blues with a funky bottom. With Harmon on lead vocal and guitar and backed by Bob Trenchard on bass, Richy Puga on drums, Johnny McGhee on guitar and Dan Ferguson keys, it's a really cool opener. On easy soulful ballad, People Been Talking, Harmon really shows off his silky smooth vocals with SueAnn Carwell and Corey Lacey on backing vocal. Easy funky, Soul Land, has a real nice melody and backing vocals making it a prime radio track for this release. Title track, Long As I Got My Guitar has a real slinky Albert King or Robert Cray like R&B feel and he really soars on his guitar leads. Very nice. With a funky R&B bass line, drums and rhythm guitar, New Years Day is bound to get you moving in your seat (if not onto your feet). Harmon, Carwell and Lacey blend nicely on vocal and Puga's percussion work over the drums really adds nice spice. Wrapping the release is Ashes To The Wind, a soulful ballad, showcasing Harmon on lead vocal and gospel like piano and organ by Ferguson. This is a warm, rich closer for a solid release.


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Tuesday, November 2, 2021

Landslide Records - 40th Anniversary - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the newest release from Landslide Records, 40th Anniversary, a two disc compilation celebrating their 40th anniversary and a full house of great artists. Opening with Tinsley Ellis and the Heartfixers and Drivin' Woman. Ellis is a great choice to open this retrospective with his fiery guitar attack and tight rock shuffle beat. Strong opener. The Bluesbusters' track, If The Phone Don't Ring, is up next led by Little feat guitar and vocalist Paul Barrere in collaberation with Dregs keyboardist Lavitz and associated Feat personalities. This is a great track and solid addition to this release. Damon Fowler contributes Make The Best Of Your Time. Fowler was a great addition to Landslides lineup with his rugged vocal, strong rhythm and terrific slide work, I always look forward to his releases. Sean Costello was a unique talent and spectacular blues player. His contribution here is Motor Head Baby with it's slow swagger and Costello's relentless lead guitar work. If you don't know Sean, go find it now! Nappy Brown joins Ellis and the Heartfixers on Hard Luck Blues. Here you get the double whammy with Browns excellent vocals and Ellis' tasty guitar riffs, backed by strong horn work. Dave Bartholomew has a great jam on Jazz Fest in New Orleans with that funky New Orleans sound. David Earle Johnson (drums) brings a really hot Jazz Fusion sound. Partnered with John Abercrombie on guitar, Dan Wall on organ, Gary Cambell on sax these guys really fly on Route Two. Excellent! Derek Trucks Band continues in the jazz mind set with Mr. PC showcasing Trucks' world renown guitar improvisation. Mike Mattison best known for his work with Derek Trucks Band, showcases his soulful vocal work on Midnight In Harlem and it's R&B feel. Really nice. Steam Donkeys really put on the heat on Little Honky Tonks, a strong, Country and Western track with real grit. If you like this kind of music, and I do, you'll love this! Scrapomatic lays down a really hot track, Night Trains, Distant Whistles, with Mike Mattison on vocal, Paul Olsen on guitar and vocal, Dave Yoke on guitar, Ted Pecchio on bass and Tyler Greenwell on drums. Hot funky drumming, a great bass line, well blended vocals and strong lead guitar, great! Sax man Paul McCandless brings The Great Lawn, a new jazz piece featuring Steve Rodby on bass, Davidd Samuels on vibes, Ross traut on guitar and Linda Naimas on claps for an interesting instrumental diversion. Wrapping the release is Col. Bruce Hampton & The Late Bronze Age on Walking With Zambi, a driving country rocker. This is a great mix of music and a lot of hot talent on 2 cds. If you know all of the bands. it's a great mix tape and if you don't it's a great intro. 


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Monday, November 1, 2021

Chickahoming Marsh Records artist: Rusty Gear - Against The Grain featuring Bekka Bramlett - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Against The Grain featuring Bekka Bramlett, from Rusty Gear and it's a solid blend of rock, blues and country. Opening with bluesy ballad, Ashes of Desire, Bekka Bramlett is showcased on lead vocal with a solid bottom. Rusty plays scorching, melodic lead guitar on this track with it's radio ready melody. Rusty and Bekka share lead vocal on Take Another Card, with it's walking bass line and nicely articulated piano lead and some real nice acoustic picking by Rusty. Very nice. Wrapping the release is title track, Against the Grain, a country two stepper with a firm kick drums and gospel overtones. Rusty has the lead vocal and adding steel guitar working with Bekka on backing vocals, this track is a solid closer. 


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Thursday, October 28, 2021

Stony Plain Records artist: Sue Foley - Pinky's Blues - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (October 22, 2021), Pinky's Blues, from Sue Foley and I think it's her best yet! Opening with title track, Pinky's Blues, Foley digs in on guitar, establishing that this is a going to be a blues guitar release right up front. Her riffs are stinging and relentless. Angela Strehli's blues strut, Two Bit Texas Town has a great aggressive, Willie Dixon feel featuring Foley on vocal and with vicious SRV like riffs,  Jon Penner on bass, and Chris Layton on drums. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Southern Men and it's story telling format. Foley not only does a great job on vocal  but with bends and a lot of vibrato, really whammy's this track. Excellent! Another Strehli penned track, Say It's Not So really works nicely with rich vocals and double stopped rhythm work by Foley. Here soloing throughout is really nicely phrased and emotional. Excellent! Clarence Gatemouth Brown's Okie Dokie Stomp is killer with all of the zest in Gate's original. Folley is really rocking the house here and you better bet I'm rocking! Robert Nighthawk's Someday is another terrific cover of a Chicago style blues. Foley's vocals are really solid but her guitar stretching is fresh and gripping. Tell me you aren't stomping your heel. Wrapping the release is Willie Dixon's When The Cat's Gone The Mice Play. Foley sells this one to the max with sweet vocals and fleet fingered riffs. One of the best traditional style electric blues releases that I have heard this year end to end. Excellent! 


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Wednesday, October 27, 2021

Omnivore Recordings release: Mighty Fine: An Austin City Limits Tribute To Walter Hyatt - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Mighty Fine: An Austin City Limits Tribute To Walter Hyatt and it's a star studded release jam packed with great music. This is a recording containing 11 tracks from a tribute show for Hyatt's wife and children in 1977 and broadcast on Austin City Limits. Hyatt was killed in a 1996 ValueJet plane crash in 1996 (as well as bonus recordings). Opening with As The Crow Flies, with Willis Alan Ramsey and King Tears Band the sound is tight and warm. With Rick Plant on bass, guitar and vocal, Billy Block on drums and Rick Gordon on lead guitar and vocal this is a solid opener. Georgia Rose is a strong Country and Western track really featuring Jimmie Dale Gilmore's vocal and Brad Fordham on bass and Rob Gjersoe on guitar. Marcia Ball amps things up on Are We there Yet Momma with her trademark vocal and with John Simon on piano and Jim Hoke on sax. Very cool. Motor City Man features Allison Moorer does a real nice job on lead vocal on bluesy, Tell Me Baby with John Simon on piano and with some real nice guitar lead by Gordon. Junior Brown takes the lead on Diggeroo, a Cajun flavored 2 stepper. This track really is one of my favorites with of trademark pedal work and Champ Hood on fiddle. Shawn Colvin and Lyle Lovett team up on Babes In The Woods, a really nice ballad showcasing their perfectly blended voices. Country blues, Teach Me About Love features Lovett on lead vocal with some really tasty guitar work. Victor Krauss on bass and James Gilmer on percussion add a firm rhythm. Very nice. Another solid ballad, Message In A Bottle, features David Ball on lead vocal with Colvin and John Hagar on cello and Hood on fiddle. I'm Calling has a traditional Lyle Lovett feel and suits him to a tee on lead vocal. The last four tracks on the release are previously unreleased performances by Walter Hyatt. Jungle Flower, In A Christmas Dream, Early Days and Shouldn't Have Told Me That is a great bonus to this release featuring Jerry Douglas on dobro, Byron House on bass, Dianne Killen on harmony vocal, Chris Carmichael on strings, Tom Roady on percussion, kristen Weber on viola and Austin Hoke on cello along with Plant, Block and Gordon. Solid release with a heap of good music. 



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