WildRoots Records artists: The WildRoots - WildRoots Sessions Volume 2 - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, WildRoots Sessions Volume 2, from The WildRoots and it's a lot of fun. Opening with bluesy I.O.U., Patricia Ann Dees and Victor Wainwright on lead vocal, we got a swampy New Orleans style funk, charged by Eddie Zyne on drums and Stephen Dees on bass. With a perfect harmonica vamp by Stephen Kampa and including Charlie DeChant on sax, Todd Sharp on guitar, David Kent on keys and Alberto Cruz on congas, this is a solid opener. Reba Russell and Patricia Ann Dees harmonize nicely on lead vocal on Long Way To Go over cool, acoustic and slide guitar by Greg Gumpel, Stephen Dees on bass and percussion and real nice harmonica riffs by Kampa. Very nice. Shuffle track, The Bad Seed really rocks with Bryan Bassett on lead guitar and Dyer David on second lead and lead vocal. backed by Lucky Peterson on Hammond, S Dees on bass, Top Thomas on rhythm and Scott Corwin, this is one of my favorites on the release. Bryan Bassett steps up on lead guitar on The Threads of Time, a slower paced blues featuring Mark Hodgson on lead vocals. Peterson's piano and organ work on this track create a real tension and fat bass by Dees and Scott Corwin really anchor this piece giving Bassett an open floor for dynamic guitar soloing. Very nice. Another of my favorite tracks on the release is WildRoot Boogie with a driving bass line by Dees and terrific piano work by Wainwright. Anchored by Billy Dean on drums and with Hodgson on harmonica and PA Dees on sax. This track is hot. Bluesy ballad, I Say Amen, gives Patricia Ann Dees the mic and it's a real nice showcase for her vocals. The basic composition has a lot of the feel of an early Steve Winwood ballad and with S Dees on acoustic guitar and bass, Andrews on dobro, Alberto Cruz on congas and Juan Perez, a really nice track. Closing the release is another more acoustic piece, Ready When The Day Is Done,  with Brianna Harris on lead vocal, surrounded by Stephen, Patricia Ann, Beth McKee, Wainwright, and Nick Black on warm, gospel like backing vocals over light accompaniment by Stephen on guitar, Perez on percussion, Joshua Harris on acoustic guitar and Kampa on harmonica. 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

Blue Heart Records artist: Vaneese Thomas - Fight The Good Fight - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Fight The Good Fight, from Vaneese Thomas, and it's a great mix of R&B and soul. Opening with powerful track, Raise The Alarm, with it's hi stepping Al green styling really gets this release amped up. Thomas has a great voice and plays keys with Wayne Warnecke on drums and bass, Al Orlo on guitars, Jon Cobert on organ, Marc Frankiln on trumpet, Kirk Smothers on bari sax,  Lannie McMillan on tenor sax, and with Emily Bindiger and Kati Mac, this track is a home run. My radio choice for the release is Same Blood Same Bone, a soulful track with excellent lead by Thomas and beautiful backing vocals by Lisa Fisher, a hot guitar solo by Orlo and punchy horns. Very nice. Ballad, Time to Go Home has a gospel richness... Thomas' vocal over Orlo on acoustic guitar and mandolin and the addition of Joe Mennonna on Accordion. Wrapping the release is soulful ballad, Lost In The Wilderness. A strong showcase for the versatility of Thomas' voice and the inclusion of Scott Sharrard on pedal steel as well as lush backing vocals by James Williams and Thomas, 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

Southern Shift Records artist: The Kenneth Brian Band - Keys To The Kingdom - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Keys To The Kingdom, from The Kenneth Brian Band and it's a solid blues rocker. Opening with title track, Keys To The Kingdom, Kenneth Brian is back on guitar and lead vocal, joined by Chris Cano on drums, and Brandon Owens on bass and keys. With rowdy lead guitar work and heavy drumming, there's no doubting the southern rock influences. Sweet vocal blending on bluesy ballad, Hard Heart really make this a solid top runner for the release. There was a band in the 70's called Rare Bird that has really nice, not overdone blending like this and it really did carry the band. Solid guitar soloing stays close to the melody yet sets the track off nicely. Very nice. War is a punchy rocker in the vein of Led Zep with heavy snare work by Trey Allred, gangly guitar lead by Dave Catching and driving bass work by Wes Davis. With the addition of slide guitar in the flavor of southern rockers this track kicks butt. Another hot out of the gate track is You've Got To Live with it's more contemporary rock format. Brian's relentless guitar attack, paired with the tight drum work of Cano is sure to get this track some real traction. Wrapping the release is Rimrock a lumbering blues rocker with a cool guitar vamp. With strong vocal styling and deep throated slide guitar work by Brian, this is a 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

Easy Eye Sound release: Son House - Forever On My Mind - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release of Son Houses recordings, Forever On My Mind which was recorded at Wabash College in Crawfordsville, Indiana on November 23, 1964. This recording is incredible but extremely significant for me. I believe that Son House is possibly the best blues player that ever walked the earth and if not, certainly in small company. This release is not only extremely clear, but just looking at the cover brings House to life. I, like most grew up seeing House in those shaggy old films and mostly in black and white photos. Here pictured is House, likely in the late 60's or early 70's bringing him from an ancient blues player to a man who lived during my lifetime. Looking more real than my memory of my childhood friend, Richard Coalman who could easily have been born before House. This release is made up of tracks that House released elsewhere except the opening track, Forever On My Mind, which had never been released by House. With his distinct style on his old National resonator, House sounds like he's right here with me in the room. This is as real as it gets. His humming along with his playing is off the hook. It's not so much that the recording is modern day (it really is quite good), but House's playing and singing is so authentic and human and his resonator so perfect, that you get totally absorbed. Preachin' Blues is another great track and the resonator rings so clearly under House's rich vocal lead. Excellent! Of course included is one of House's trademark tracks, Death Letter. With a much more relaxed pace than I'm used to, it feels more like a country blues than his "traditional" delivery. Another of my all time favorite House tracks is Louise McGhee. His powerful strumming/picking style so nicely compliments his emotional singing it's hard to imagine a more perfect expression of feeling. Wrapping the release is Levee Camp Moan with House lightly sliding on resonator under his own vocals. This is the best release of the year... no matter what else is released... no kidding. Excellent job by Dan Auerbach with Waterman for getting this done. 

  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

Sedajazz Records artist: Sergio Pereira - Finesse - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Finesse, from Sergio Pereira and it's really quite nice. Opening with White Lion, Sergio Pereira on guitar and vocal is joined by Reza Khan on rhythm guitar, Rodrigo Ursaia on flute, Helio Alves on piano, Mark Egan on bass, Mauricio Zottarelli on drums and Emelio Martins on percussion. A relatively smooth track a cool radio opener.  Morning Mist is an uptempo Brazillian Samba with melodic acoustic guitar and vocal by Pereira and marcus Teixeira on electric guitar, Paulo Paulelli on bass and Zottarelli on drums. Very nice. Ralph Moore on alto sax adds in on the intro on Quase 9 and really nice vocal by Pereira makes this a really strong tune. Helio Alves on piano lays in the first line of solo, followed by Moore, joined by Andre Vasconcellos on bass, and Emilio Martins on percussion. A nice breeze of cool air.  Desfilandoa Vitoria is very lively with a punctuated rhythm with the addition of Rodrigo Ursaia on sax and flute, Rubinho Ahtunes on trumpet, Jorinho Neto on trombone and with the addition of Milene Corso and Camilla Pereira on backing vocals. One of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is Dreamsville featuring Pereira on acoustic lead guitar over Paulelli (who also slides in a tasty solo) on bass and Zottarelli on the lightest of drum rhythm. This release is consistently smooth and rhythmic with tasty riffs, cool vocals and nice melodies.  

  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

Wise Cat Records artist: Kenny Shanker - Vortex - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Vortex, by Kenny Shanker and it's a cool bop filled ride. Opening with the title track, Vortex, Mike Eckroth sets the tone with a piano intro and progressive melody, dashed up with Yoshi Waki on bass and Brian Fishler on drums. Kenny Shanker takes the lead on sax with aggressive style taking the track quite a bit higher and then hands off to guitar man Daisuke Abe who crafts a really nice fluid lead line of his own, resolving with Bill Mobley on trumpet for a solid close. Lulu's Back In Town has a laid back feel with Shanker setting up the tune, and Abe and Eckroth each adding very nice solo blocks for a really nice track.  Hunter steps up the feel a bit with an aggressive rhythm and the over the top attack that I'm coming to expect from Shanker. Abe and Eckroth both stretch nicely before returning to Shanker for a solid conclusion. Dave Brubeck's classic, The Duke is in line and Shanker and Eckroth lay down the intro before Shanker really starts to groove over the solid bottom of Waki and Fishler. Accepting the challenge and continuing the feel, Eckroth and Abe each lay down really nice alt melody lines. This is a really super take on a terrific track. Abe really shines on Midnight Snack with a vibrant attack and clean fluid lines. Shanker on soprano rides the wave with intention and fierce riffs of his own before passing to Eckroth who finds a solid groove of his own. Strong. Wrapping the releases is Johnny Mercer's Autumn Leaves. Shanker sets a firm pace, establishing the traditional melody. Abe solos the first leg masterfully with a strong bass line by Waki. When Shanker rejoins, he starts the abstraction and propels the track to another level  with Abe holding the melody line tight. This is really a solid closer for a really nice 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

Aaron Bazzell - Aesthetic - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (April 22, 2022), Aesthetic, by Aaron Bazzell and it's a smooth debut effort. Opening with Tomorrow Today, Boston born, Atlanta raised, Bazzell leads the way of this instrumental journey on alto sax, joined by Keith Brown on piano, Jonathan Michael on bass and Brandon Donald on drums. Given a percussive piano structure, Donald really lays down a creative rhythm and Bazzell's alto work is straight up melodic. Brown breaks loose with a solid piano interlude adding another dimension. Solid opener. Unrequited is a soulful ballad with Bazzell leading the melody, cradled nicely in the piano counterpoint. Again, Brown's sensitive piano aesthetic adds to the track nicely. Latin rhythm by Michael and Donald on Purpose sets a nice oath for the melodic lead work of Bazzell and Brown. This is the most aggressive track on the release with Bazzell pushing the conventional envelope of the release and also being my favorite track on the release. Eventually is easily the radio track on the release featuring vocalist, Rachel Robinson upfront and Bazzell on counterpoint with solid bass lines by Michael. Another particularly strong track is Maktub with it's Brazilian rhythm and super interwork between Bazzell and Brown and shows some of my favorite drum work on the release. Very nice. Hard driving, Increase and Persist shows Bazzell in top form really pushed along nicely by Michael and again an excellent piano lead line by Brown over tight drum rhythms by Donald. 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

Henri Elkan Music artist: Wayne Alpern - Secular Rituals - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Secular Rituals, by Wayne Alpern and it's expansive and thought provoking. I want to start out by saying that the cover for this release has a unique, quiet beauty with hints of a landscape obscured by fog and cleanly designed title and artist notation surrounding a red diamond. Brilliant work by Darline Braz and Kasa Objects. Because the release to me is more a cohesive composition with movements than separate "songs" I will try to describe what I am experiencing aurally rather than isolate specific segments of the passages and note participants. The release opens with Utopia with a varying digital rhythm pattern and notes that seem to hang in the ether. This layering of different digital loops and patterns creates a soothing intro to this release. Victims of Venom is really a cool track with an underlying world music influence. Digital tom tom sounds, jungle sounds and a digital small keyboard create quite an interesting experience. Gomoa Fettah is another interesting cultural trip with African based rhythms and horn/keyboard soloing seeming to be from northern Africa or Asia. Again, a really interesting passage. Sista Re has a more grounded bottom bringing to mind an early Herbie Hancock composition but with a very loose jazz structure and more straight forward keyboards. Afterglow seems to be a quiet exploration in melody with no pronounced rhythm The digital, organ like sound seems suspend on the air. Wrapping the release is Vishvakarma which uses digital sitar, tabla and rhythms to create a pretty convincing journey through India to closure. This is an intellectual adventure in sound and quite entertaining. 

  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

Micah Graves - Pawns - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Pawns, from Micah Graves and it's terrific! Opening with title track, Pawns, Micah Graves leads a group of excellent musicians on a creative path. Based over a central piano/keys vamp by Graves is reinforced by Robby Cruz on trumpet, Dick Oats on alto sax, Yesseh Ali on tenor sax, Zach Guise on bass and Julian Miltenberger on drums. Ali is the first to break loose with a creative solo line with incredibly tight drum rhythms by Miltenberger. Zach Fischer is next in line with warm guitar lead over a subdued, drum/piano rhythm, breaking back to Miltenberger and Graves tight rhythm interaction and horns. Very nice. Adding vocals by Danielle Dougherty and Shafiq Hicks on Lost In Time In Central Square, this track is much more straightforward and radio forward with a carload of instrumental excellence. Ali is first up on solo this time and his tones are fat and rich, followed by a funky keyboard solo by Graves and nicely complimented by Guise and again with over the top tasty percussive work of Miltenberger. Excellent! Dick Oats lays in some really nice alto sax work on this track feeding into Graves with his excellent keyboard lead. Solid head food. Odd Times is one of my favorite tracks on the release with it's driving keyboard lead, relentless bass line by Guise and especially the terrific drumming of Miltenberger. Excellent! Wrapping the release is The Hague with it's pop jazzy feel. A warm bass groove gives Graves a broad road to solo over on keys and Miltenberger holds a tight rhythm. Ali lets it all hang out on Tenor for a wild ride of a 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

Rose Leaf Recordings artist: Richard Wilkins - Life's For Livin' - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Life's For Livin', by Richard Wilkins and it's a good blend of R&B, rock and blues. Opening with Howling Wolf's Howlin' For My Darling, Richard Wilkins is upfront on lead vocal and bass, with power tom toms by Jimi Bott, Kevin Selfe on lead guitar, Steve Kerin on piano. Solid opener.  Original blues rocker, Here I Come Mama, has a solid bottom and rockin' piano by Kerin with a driving guitar lead by Selfe.  Title track, Life's For Livin' is a solid radio track penned by Wilkins with a "Kinks like" rock feel. Super melody and steady beat, cool track. I really like the driving beat of Night Train with Don Reardon and Selfe on guitar and it's "Social Distortion" kind of feel. Lofi and blues rocky... very cool. Wilkins straps up the sax on Joe Hill Louis'  Hydramatic Woman and it's rockabilly style with lively piano by Kerin. On I Don't Drink No More Selfe is channeling T Bone Walker giving the release a real nice addition in the blues department. Excellent! 

  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: Beth Hart - A Tribute To Led Zeppelin - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, A Tribute To Led Zeppelin, by Beth Hart and I really like it. Opening with Whole Lotta Love, Hart shows that Robert Plant has nothing on her belting out the most classic of rock anthems like it's her own. Backed by Dorian Crozier on drums, Chris Chaney on bass, Tim Pierce on guitar, Rob Cavallo on guitar and Jamie Muhoberac on keys, this band is tight. I'm particularly happy with Crozier's handling of Bonham's drum work which is the key to getting this band. Another drum heavy track, "later phase" Led Zep's Kashmir, sounds really strong and Hart fills Plant's shoes better than anyone might expect.  The Crunge, from Houses is a great track with tight little guitar riffs and hot drum rhythms. Anyone passing a shop with this playing would likely do a double take on whether it's Led Zep... the keys are the tale with different intonation but still a really nice job! One of the best rock tracks by anyone is of course Black Dog and Hart and company does a great job. Once again I have to salute Crozier. As a long time Zep fan, it's all about the drums. Covers of Pages guitar solos are really quite accurate and still exciting.  Digging back into early Zep again Good Times Bad Times is still a great rocker. Hart makes a small gender adjustment to the lyrics but her vocals are questionably better than Plants and covers of Pages guitar solos sound great. (Did I mention... great work by Crozier). Wrapping the release is gloomy and moody, The Rain Song with "strings" by Muhobeac and Hart's final chance to showcase her bluesy voice. This really is a strong release of Zep covers and a cool listen.

  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

Jorge Garcia with Richie Cole - Dedicated To You - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Dedicated To You, from Jorge Garcia with Richie Cole and it really interesting. Opening with Minority, a terrific track with Richie Cole leading the way on sax. His articulation and fluid runs are strong, riding high on the glistening guitar chords of Jorge Garcia, backed by Rick Doll on bass, James Cotmon on drums and Paul Banman on piano. Garcia steps up on solo guitar really laying it out there and a nice solo by Doll makes this a great opener. With a very nice Latin rhythm, With You Always has beautiful lines, led by the clean guitar soloing of Garcia and really nice chromatic harmonica soloing by Hendrick Meurkens and backed by Jamie Ousley on bass. Very nice. A really nice double timed take on S'wonderful is a strong showcase for Garcia's inventive guitar runs with an active bass line by Ousley over a tight drum rhythm by Cotman. Wrapping the release is title track, Dedicated To You, a cleanly played guitar ballad surrounded by electric piano and keys by Paul Banman. This is a simple but very enjoyable closer for a rally nice 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 Canoe Records artist: Tritone Asylum - The Hideaway Sessions - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Hideaway Sessions from electro- acoustic collective, Tritone Asylum and it's really interesting. Opening with Grasshopper, a Latin influenced track, the band, made up of Philip Topping on electronic Valve Instrument, Ian Vo on sax and flute, Mitch Forman on keys, Peter Sepsis on bass and Dave Johnstone on drums really get moving. I particularly like lively sax solo by Vo which is a screamer. Off centered, The 54 Blues is one of my favorite tracks on the release with 5/4 time and Topping leading the way on Electronic Valve over a tight drum cadence by Johnstone. Waddell breaks loose with a dynamic guitar solo that speaks nicely and Vo's sax solo is quite soulful. Forman lays in a real nice key solo and precise guitar punctuation really adds a nice touch. Very cool. With a funky bottom thanks to Sepsis and Johnstone Simple is really humming and Topping and Vo carry the melody. I really like Vos' sax work on the solo of this track cutting loos from convention and shining strong. Forman sets up a real nice electric piano phrase and develops it nicely and Waddell steps in with nicely phrased guitar lead of his own giving the track a bit more edge making this another of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is light, springy, First Days Of Summer with a radio style melody and interesting yet controlled soloing by the band. 

  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

Stony Plain Records artist: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne - Blues From Chicago to Paris - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the release, Blues From Chicago to Paris, and it's a strong traditional blues release from Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne. Opening with piano boogie, Rock This House, Wayne really has the keys rolling with his terrific vocals and solid backing by Russell Jackson on second vocal and bass and Joey DiMarco on drums. Great opener. Slowing things down a bit, Willie Dixon's A New Way To Love is a scorcher with soulful vocals and really strong piano work by Wayne. Clocking in at over 7 minutes, this is a showcase tune. Memphis Slim's Messin' With the Blues is a real cool addition to the set with it's jazzy approach but solid blues core. Wayne, again is showcased on vocal but his piano work is really tops, both under the melody and in soloing conditions. Excellent! Up tempo, After While has a revival feel with Wayne and Jackson on vocal and Wayne's piano rolling. Another fun piano boogie, I Ain't Gonna Be No Monkey Man, really rolls along with great piano riffs and solid vocals by Wayne and Jackson. Wrapping the release is Slim's, Wish Me Well, another tight piano boogie. I like how Wayne has really tapped into the flow of these classics and blended them together on a contemporary recording. 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

Professor Louie & The Crowmatix - Strike Up The Band - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Strike Up The Band, from Professor Louie & The Crowmatix and it swings. Opening with A Thousand Ways to Freedom, an uplifting rocker with power vocals by Professor Louie who also provides keys, backed by Miss Marie on piano, Gary Burke on drums, Frank Campbell on bass and John Plantania on guitars. With a island flavor, Golden Eagle, has terrific percussion and solid lead vocal by Marie. Louie on accordion really adds another dimension and trumpet by Danny Coyle and strong guitar work by Plantania. Tick Tock is set to a cool, 60's style rock beat. Louie on keys and lead vocal really makes this track groove. Plantania lays in a nice little slide solo on guitar for some real spice. Very cool.   Radio oriented, End of the Show is a really nice blend of spiritual and soul. I think that it's my favorite track on the release with a strong melody, super vocals by Louie and solid backing vocals. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Flaming Ray, a calm ballad featuring Louie accompanying himself on keys, blended nicely with acoustic guitar and light snare work. With smooth vocal blending with Marie, and nicely intgrated horn work by Jim Buckley on sax and flute, Coyle on trumpet, Chuck Smith on trombone, and Tony Aiello on sax and flute, 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

Karl Stoll and the Danger Zone - The Workhouse - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Workhouse, from Karl Stoll and the Danger Zone and it's a cool blues flavored rocker. Opening with Meet Me In New Orleans, a cool,  NO flavored rocker with a snappy drum line by Brian Alpert. Upfront is Karl Stoll on lead vocal and guitar, backed by John Dickson on harmonica, Dean Dalton on bass, with David Torkanowsky on piano, Joe Brotherton on trumpet, Megan Nortrup on sax, David Sager on trombone, and Josh Howell on percussion. Cool party opener. Title track, The Workhouse is a solid contemporary interpretation of delta blues with Stoll on acoustic guitar and vocal paired with Dickson on harmonica with spartan drums and bass backing. Very clean.  He Was My Dad is a strong, driving boogie with a heavy bass line by Dalton and solid slide guitar work by Paul Bell and a hot harmonica solo by Dickson. Real nice. On a cool, T Bone Walker style track, Bad Girl, Stoll drops the band back with predominant lead vocal, shimmery lead guitar, and cool interwoven trumpet (Brotherton) and harmonica (Dickson). The powerhouse rocker on the release is Great Rain with a solid Hendrix riff driving the train. This is the best track to show off Stoll's vocal and guitar prowess, with a heavy drum  and bass bottom and organ work by Lepson. This is a firm rock release with a little for everyone. 

  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: Mike Zito - Blues For The Southside - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues for the Southside, from Mike Zito and it's really strong! Recorded live at the Old Rock House in St Louis, MO. this band is cranking. Opening with Mississippi Nights, Mike Zito is up front on lead vocal and guitar. Mike has great a super grinding tone and his slide work is great. Backed by Matthew Johnson on drums, Lewis Stephens on piano, Doug Byrkit on bass, this band is smoking. Larry Davis' Texas Flood really gives Zito a chance to put his foot to the floor and he doesn't hesitate a bit. His vocals are firm and his guitar work inspired and scorching! Hell On Me is a great, rolling blues with a solid walking bass line from Byrkit opening up a super land for Zito to wind it up and he's on it. Building a lot tension with his vocals and nice use of a chorus pedal, Zito sets it up nicely. Stephens' organ work adds a lot of lather setting the lob up for a slam by Zito to close. Very nice. Opening side two of this concert is Highway Mama, and adding Tony Campanella on guitar. I really like this track... a perfect example of blues rock at it's best along the lines of Frank Marino's Mahogany Rush. Excellent! Hendrix's Voodoo Chile finds Eric Gales on stage with Zito and a real shootout. This is a 12 minute duel and lots of smoke. Very nice! On Life Is Hard Zito really take his time and works his solo. His chops are excellent and clocking in at over eight and a half minute, it really makes you sad that you  missed this show in person. Wow! Wrapping the release is Chuck Berry's Johnny B. Goode. With nothing left on the table, this is an excellent closer keeping the energy up and Zito keeps the riffs flying. This is a really strong closer for a really potent double live concert. 

  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