Bman's Blues Report

Friday, February 23, 2024

Pilot Light Records artist: Willie J. Laws Jr. - Too Much Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Too Much Blues, from Willie J. Laws Jr. and it's dripping in funky blues. Opening with Regl' Ol' Blues, Willie J. Laws Jr. on vocal and guitar sets the stage for a soulful sort of blues. His phrasing is super and his guitar work mature, backed by Dave Johnson on bass, Brooks Milgate on keys, Justin Blackburn on drums, Erik Lawrence on sax, and Siobhan Magness on backing vocals. Strong opener. Stuck in Traffic is a particularly cool track with that Curtis Mayfield funky stew feel. Laws uses a great blend of vocal and guitar to get just the right mix. Title track, Too Much Blues has a super bass line by Johnson leading the way and Jaws singing in somewhat a BB King style with real nice guitar phrasing, punched up by Milgate on organ. Another funky blues, You Don't Love Me, really has a great feel, alternating Johnson's bass line with Laws' vocals, tied together by Milgate on keys and Blackburn on drums. Wrapping the release is the Isleys' Who's That Lady and Laws gives the track a cool makeover, putting his own spin on the vocal delivery as well as solo guitar approach. Joined by Amalia Ververis on backing vocals, this is a cool 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"

qrcode

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Thursday, February 22, 2024

7D media artist: Tu-Ner - T-1 Contact Information - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, T-1 Contact Information, from Tu-Ner and it's an excellent exploration of a theme. With some of the most prestigious names in Avant-Garde / progressive rock style music, this is quite an exhibition spread over 2 CDs. Opening with Crowfin, Pat Mastelotto, lays out a really interesting rhythm pattern over which Markus Reuter creates an adventurous lead on guitar with atmospheric contributions by Trey Gunn on stick. If you aren't familiar with this trio, Reuters has been pioneering this style of music for quite some time wit this band as well in other endeavors. Mastelotto is widely known for his work with King Crimson as it Gunn who also had his ow band as well as a member of KTU. 31 is a deep groove with a solid funky like bass line from Gunn. Very nice. On Contact Information, an extremely heavy footed track, Mastelotto sets a deep stage and Reuter literally soars. Poem About A Sad Horse is a cool. introspective track with a leading bass line, tightly executed drum line and a floating guitar melody. Excellent! Wrapping the release is, Poodles, a pounding rocker at Mastelotto's command with an excellent lead bass line by Gunn and unearthly melody by Reuter. This is a really interesting release that deserves a strong listen.

Wednesday, February 21, 2024

Cold Plunge Records artist: Technocats - TechnoCats: The Music of Gregg Hill - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, TechnoCats: The Music Of Gregg Hill, by TechnoCats and it's got a real nice feel. Opening with shuffle, Come On Down, the TechnoCats have a solid groove going with Michael J. Reed on drums, Xavier Davis on piano and Javier Enrique on bass. Nathan Borton on guitar sets off with a real nice guitar solo and Chris Glassman on bass trombone, lays out a real nice one as well. Enrique plucks a real nice bass line and gets a stretch to solo as well. Strong opener. After a nicely presented piano intro by Davis on I Want To Live, Glassman takes the lead on trombone, improvising around a strong melody. Davis rolls back in with inciteful piano lead over the solid bass line and soloing of Enrique and tight drumming of Reed. Very cool. Latin flavored, Rista! Rista! is a cool, up tempo track with a lively bass line, tight percussion, and excellent solos by Borton, Davis and Glassman. This is my favorite track on the release. Sunny Daze really has a nice groove with a pumping bass lime by Enrique and showcases Borton, Davis and Glassman exchanging high energy solos. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Thank You Notes a quiet ballad with a warm melody. With Borton and Glassman expressing the melody over the firm bass line of Enrique and Reed on drums and the Davis' complimentary piano work pulling the track together. Another flowing solo by Glassman rides the track to a warm conclusion.

Tuesday, February 20, 2024

Blue Heart Records artist: Chris Beard - Pass It On Down - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Pass It On Down, by Chris Beard and it's a super set of blues, soul and R&B tracks. Opening with funky, Let The Chips Fall, with Brother Wilson on rhythm guitar, Marvin Parker on bass, Carlton Campbell on drums, John Tucker on keys and featuring Chris Beard on lead guitar and vocal. Hot opener. Rocker, Big Girl, has influence of Santana and the Isleys with a solid melody and vocals, a rich lead guitar solo by Beard and backing by Richard Rodolph on bass, Quinn Lawrence on horns, Jonathan Curry on keys and Duane Beard on backing vocals. One of my favorite tracks on the release is House Of Shame with slashing lead guitar work and deep vocal by Beard. Backing vocals by Mary Ellen Haden really add the right element and Parker's bass lines and tight drum work by Campbell make this one of the nicest tracks on the release. Strong bluesy R&B track, Son I Never Knew, has a real nice groove with Beard trading off vocal with guitar riffs over Darnell Neal on bass, Kenny Neal on rhythm guitar, Gralin Hoffman Neal on drums, and Fredrick Neal on keys. Wrapping the release is slow blues, Bitter Baby, with a nicely stated guitar lead on the intro. With Rodolph on bass, backing vocals by Beard, Campbell on drums, the track has a great footing. Beard on lead vocal has terrific phrasing and with a real nice piano solo by Curry and his own guitar work, this is an excellent closer.

Monday, February 19, 2024

Tom Buenger - Blues From Caucasia - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues From Caucasia, by Tom Buenger and it's an entertaining mix of blues, gospel, neo soul, country and rock. Opening with Above The Sun, a hand slapping revival track, Tom Buenger on lead vocal and harmonica, Chris Eger on guitar, Cyrus Zerbe on drums, Richard Williams on bass really gets things moving. On That Ain't Right Buenger hits a solid, old school blues vein with great vocals and rich harmonica accompaniment over tight drum and bass bottom. Another track with a wealth of gospel richness is Don't Stop with backing vocals by Teresa Russell and Rafael Tranquilino. Very nice. With a neo soul arrangement, Feel Alright has a contemporary approach that could easily run high on the air. Excellent vocals by Buenger, Tranquilino and Russell. Wrapping the release is Soul of a Man with excellent vocal blending by Buenger, Russell and Tranquilino blending soul, blues, and gospel for a dynamite closer.

Thursday, February 15, 2024

Little Village artist: Candice Ivory - When The Levee Breaks - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, When The Levee Breaks, from Candice Ivory, and it's a updated rework of the music of Memphis Minnie. Opening with Me And My Chauffeur, Candice Ivory has a different kind of voice that I typically hear in contemporary blues singers but with plenty of sass. Joined by guitar/bass wizard, Charlie Hunter, Da Shawn Hickman on pedal steel and George Sluppick on drums this is a cool opener. I really like the application of African style percussion by Brevan Hampden and Atibe Rorie on You Can't Rule Me continuing throughout the track with Kickman on steel and Sluppick, all supporting to focused vocal of Ivory. When You Love Me has a more traditional feel with Hunter on finger picked guitar and Ivory just singing from the heart. Very nice. One of my favorite tracks on the release is funk soaked World Of Trouble. Not only does Hunter and Hickman really get this thing going and potent percussion backing but Ivory digs deep really punching it out. Excellent! Wrapping the release is New Bumble Bee with a super staggering drum rhythm and rich vocal work by Ivory with just the right guitar underpinnings by Hunter. I think this release is well done and enticing.

Wednesday, February 14, 2024

The Dig 3 - Damn The Rent - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Damn The Rent, from The Dig 3 and it's a cool, rural bules rocker. Opening with Take A Ride, with it's Bo Diddley rhythm, Andrew Duncanson on vocal and guitar sets the pace and drives the train with super harmonica accompaniment by Ronnie Shellist on harmonica and Gerry Hundt on drums, percussion, bass. Big Water is an up step boogie with it's relentless guitar riff and potent vocal call by Duncanson, a firm kick drum and response from Shellist on harmonica. This is a great groove. Chuck & Willie is a great shuffle giving Duncanson plenty of room to stretch on guitar and Shellist to match his groove with a romping harmonica solo of his own. Very nice. Red-Tailed Hawk is another tasty boogie that's just waiting to break loose. With a rumbling bass bottom and snare, Duncanson works his vocals and guitar coaxing the harmonica work of Shellist and he takes the gauntlet and runs. Solid blues. Wrapping the release is R&B flavored, All The Love I Got. Adding Aaron Whittier on bass, Rick King on drums and Lauren Dukes on backing vocal and well as Hundt on organ, this is a solid old school closer.

Tuesday, February 13, 2024

EG Kight - Sticks & Strings - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sticks & Strings, from EG Kight and it's solid release. Opening with Talk With Me, EG Kight sets up a real nice shuffle leading the way with fine vocals and guitar, backed by Ken Wynn on lead guitar and dobro, Gary Porter on drums, Sean Williams on bass and Porter and Wynn on backing vocals. Wynn steps up with a real nice guitar solo on slow blues, If You Have No Reservations, nicely supporting the front work of Kight. One of Kight's best vocal showcases on the release is ballad, All Things Considered with a strong melody, and a super guitar hook. This track should stand tall for radio airplay. Wrapping the release is another radio track, I Won't Ever Give Up, with an easy, pop melody and laid back accompaniment.

Monday, February 12, 2024

Extra Sensory Productions artist: Nick Wade - Feeling Good Is Good Enough - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Feeling Good Is Good Enough, from Nick Wade and it's really strong! Opening with Sky Line Drive, Nick Wade on acoustic guitar and vocal nails it. Wade has excellent picking style and his vocals don't come from this century. Excellent start. Listen to Ease On Down The Road with it's authentic blues guitar riffs and vocal wailing. One of the best contemporary delta style artist I've heard. Ragamuffin, a full out rag is really great with precision picking and timing. Really nice! One of my favorite tracks on the release is When You Bury My Body with it's deliberate, percussive guitar rhythm and excellent phrasing. Another favorite is Down The Way with its ragged Son House approach. With a thumping down beat and strong vocal melody, this track just pulls you in. Check the wailing vocals on Crucifixion. This guy is off the hook. Wrapping the release is up tempo, Raggin' My Blues Away, with all of the bounce and precision of Fuller. If you love the blues, and you love the old school blues... you'll love this release.

Thursday, February 8, 2024

Dom Martin - Buried In The Hail - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Buried In The Hail, and it's a pretty interesting mix of contemporary rock and blues. Opening with Hello In There, an instrumental featuring Belfast born, Dom Martin on acoustic guitar, this really creates a cool setting for what's to come. Martin kicks things up a notch with Daylight I Will Find, a cool rocker with blues overtones. Martin has a strong voice and his acoustic guitar work, along with pounding percussion and a strong melody make this a favorite on the release. Ramping it up a to driving drums and electric slide, Martin shows great finesse on Belfast Blues. His stirring slide work and emotion filled vocals give this track a lot of positive tension. With it's loose, funky rhythm, ragged guitar riffs, concise soloing and tight bottom, Unhinged is the most creative track on the release and certainly is my top pick on the release. Howlin' is a contemporary rag tune with nimble fingered Martin dancing across the fretboard with snare accompaniment and vocal. Very cool. I thank that Lefty 2 Guns is a particularly cool track bringing the style of early Robin Trower or maybe David Gilmore to mind. It isn't Trower's trademark riff or Gilmore's phrasing, not even close. It's the poise and finesse. Very nice. Wrapping the release is another solid acoustic instrumental, Laid To Rest with an imaginative guitar strumming and raking pattern creating a quiet close. Very nice.

Wednesday, February 7, 2024

Mizz Lowe Records artist: Mizz Lowe - Classy Woman - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Classy Woman, from Mizz Lowe and it's a funky, R&B blue party. Opening with Honey Tree, Mizz Lowe on lead vocal is joined by Bobby Rush on vocal, guitar and harmonica, Brother Paul Brown on Hammond, bass and drums and Paul Black on slide. Slinky, Easy Baby, has a soft approach with Lowe on vocal, Brown on bass, guitar and drums and Black wailing on slide. Very cool. Drink Drink is a cool shuffle with Lowe on vocal and Dexter Allen on guitar and bass. 4 Leaf Clover is the radio ballad for the track showcasing Lowe's vocals backed by Rush on harmonica and Brown on bass, drums and Fender Rhodes. This is a cool track with a solid melody. Wrapping the release is Christmas Tears, a nice seasonal track with warm vocals, bass, drums, Rhodes and percussion by Brown and Rush on harp. A solid closer.

Tuesday, February 6, 2024

Tommy Lee Cook - Tommy Lee's Jonesin' - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tommy Lee's Jonesin', by Tommy Lee Cook and it's a solid contemporary blues rocker. Opening with Birds and Bees, Tommy Lee Cook is up front on vocal and guitar. With Danny Shepherd, Rex Bongo and Scott Kamener on guitar, Harry Cassano on keys, Tbone Fonk and Andrei Koribanics on drums this track has plenty of attitude. Bluesy, Let It Rain is the most commercial track on the release with gritty vocals by Cook and nicely crafted guitar lead and including a strong piano rhythm by Bobby Capps and a nice sax solo by Rick Rourke. Swampy, Souleater is my favorite track on the release with a lumbering rhythm and just the right feel. I like the guitar soloing on this track with it's story telling sound and cool backing vocals. Another slower ballad, Satisfied, has a real nice melody and glistening slide guitar work by Justin Richey and Arne England. Another favorite is Working Musician with it's cool strut. Cook's vocals are solid and with England on slide, Capps on piano solid drumming by Fonk, this track just hits the spot. Wrapping the release is The Boys From Buckingham with Cook telling the story. With Capps on piano this is just good fun. Sure to be a crowd favorite and a solid closer.

Monday, February 5, 2024

MVDaudio artist: Bob Holz - Holz-Stathis: Collaborative - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Holz-Stathis: Collaborative from Bob Holz and it's packed with power. Opening with The Tunnel, drummer Bob Holz sets a tight riff joined by Ric Fierabracci with a funky bass line. Randy Brecker is full out on the refrain but when his gets his slot really lays in some nice chops. Dean Brown rips it up on guitar and Billy Steinway on keys give the track it's own glow. World Turned Upside Down has a cool wandering melody featuring John MacLaughlin on guitar, Jean Luc Ponty on violin, Ralphe Armstrong on bass, and James Moody on acoustic guitar. With it's jagged rhythm, Holz really holds it tight and McLaughlin's soloing is excellent and Ponty is always magical when with McLaughlin so this is a treat. Latin flavored, Palo Viejo, features some real nice flute lead and solid sax work from Brandon Fields. With Fierabracci on bass, Alex Acuna on percussion, and Holz really kicking it on drums, this is one of my favorite tracks on the release. Holz and Darryl Jones create a bottom that really kicks on You Can Get It and Brecker's sensitivity on trumpet really shines. David Goldberg and Ada Rovatti on sax are flat out. Hot track for sure. The angular attack of Jamie Glaser on guitar complimented by Holz tight work on drums gives Flight of Fancy real fuel. Armstrong on bass really forms up a strong bass solo and the addition of Karen Briggs on violin works perfectly. Very cool track. Wrapping the release is Lookin' Back over some deep funk by Benjamin Shepherd on bass and Steinway on keys. Brecker, Rovatti and Goldberg pair up nicely on melody and Holz really holds on tight for some rich sax and trumpet soloing and support guitar soloing by Brown. Excellent closer.

Wednesday, January 31, 2024

Scott Weis Band - Raise Your Hands - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Raise Your Hands, by Scott Weis Band and it's a solid blues rocker. Opening with Motherless Child, Scott Weis on slide guitar and lead vocal really gets a great groove going. With a heavy kick drum and snare Roger Voss reinforces the beat and Robert Kopec on bass is joined by Cindy Mizelle on vocal creating a really strong opener. Blues rocker, Judgement Day, opens with a cool rimshot riff and Weiss powers a Gibbons style guitar riff giving this track plenty of fuel. Weis lays in a really nice solo over a rowdy bass line by Kopec and Voss powers up the drums. Very cool. A strong cover of Cocker's arrangement of With A Little Help From My Friends really is a nice surprise. Weis' vocals are strong, with backing by Sarah Smith, John Ginty adds real tension on keys and his Weis' guitar solo phrasing works nicely. Funky rocker, Bitch Please, has just a touch of Jagger in styling with it's rumbling bass and steady drum line. Weis gives the track a turn on the refrain and his guitar pushes outside the brackets just a little giving the track a bit more grit. Wrapping the release is Bring Me Home featuring Weis on banjo, Kopec on bass and Voss on kick drum. With an acoustic, country blues feel Weis carries the melody for a very solid closer to a really cool release.

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Corritore & Friends - Somebody Put Bad Luck On Me - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Somebody Put Bad Luck On Me, from Bob Corritore & Friends and it's another super release from Corritore. Opening with This Little Voice, Corritore, conjures so great harp tone on the intro with Jimi Primetime Smith on guitar and John Primer on vocal and guitar, backed by Bob Stroger on bass and Wes Starr on drums. Solid opener. Bobby Rush has the mic on I'm Good As Gone, a slinky R&B style blues with Smith and Dexter Allen on guitar, Chester Thompson on organ, and Steve Ferrone on drums. Very nice. Thornetta Davis is in charge on Remember Me and I gotta say, she's exceptional. I caught Davis when I went to see guitar master, Johnny Burgin and she really did a great job. Davis is joined here by Smith, Burgin, Keyes, Corritore, Stroger and Wes Starr. Very nice. Lurrie Bell leads off, Act Like You Love Me on vocal and guitar. A slow Chicago style blues with solid harp work by Corritore, is joined by Brian Fahey on drums, Troy Sandow on bass, and Bob Margolin on slide. Very nice. Francine Reed's unmistakable voice leads Draw Me Closer with it's gospel like feel. Her influence is strong, backed by Smith and Kid Ramos on guitar, Shea Marshall on organ, Bill Stuve on on bass, and Stephen Hodges on drums. Wrapping the release is slow blues, Let Me Find Out Your Name with Willie Buck on lead vocal, Billy Flynn on guitar, and some deep harmonica tones by Corritore, joined by Starr on drums, Stroger on bass, and Ben Levin on piano. This is a strong release chocked full of talent and soulful blues.

Monday, January 29, 2024

VizzTone Label Group artist: Chickenbone Slim - Damn Good And Ready - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Damn Good And Ready, from Chickenbone Slim and it's a cocky, blues rocker. Opening with High Ballin' Train, a southern style rocker with plenty of swagger, Chickenbone Slim on guitar and vocal leads the way and Laura Chavez really lets it fly on guitar. With Marty Dodson on drums, Justice Guevara on bass and Kid Andersen on everything else, this is a powerful opener. Low slung, Drink Me has a great lope and Slim's vocals are spot on. Stylistic guitar soloing by Chavez gives the track a nice boot and a heavy bottom by Guevara really is solid. Chavez lays down some searing riffs on Damn Good and Ready with just the right amount of funk from Guevara and Dodson. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Ice In My Whiskey, with it's heavy bottom and guitar reinforced melody. Stinging guitar work by Chavez reverberates over a bass and drum vamp as the band collects for it's refrain. Another track that really catches my attention is Ty Cobb's Chiclets with dramatic vocals and nicely phrased and saturated guitar work backed by Lisa Andersen on backing vocals. Wrapping the release is shuffle, I Don't Want To Talk About It with a terrific guitar stroll intro. Guevara's bass line will have you stomping in your seat and Chavez's double stopped laden guitar soloing will have your head bopping. Excellent closer for a strong release.

Friday, January 26, 2024

Blue Heart Records artist: Willie J. Campbell - Be Cool - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Be Cool, from Willie J. Campbell and it's really strong. Opening with You Better Let Go, Sugar Ray Rayford is upfront on lead vocal, with Willie J. Campbell on bass, Brooks Milgate on keys, Kid Ramos on guitar and Jimi Bott on drums. Ramos lays out a really nice guitar solo on this somewhat funky track, nicely complimented by Condron Hampton on congas. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Can't Stay Away, featuring Janiva Magness on lead vocal and Brian Templeton on backing vocal, as well as Anson Funderburgh showing exceptional finesse on guitar. Also appearing on this track are Mike Morgan and Shawn Pittman on guitars. Excellent! Templeton has the mic on Drone with it's droning bass line and features the harmonica wizardry of Jason Ricci. There's hardly a track that Ricci contributes to that I don't think that he improves substantially so this is another of my favorites. another Texas style shuffle, Docksidin', lets Funderburgh stretch a bit on guitar and the guy can really play. Milgate on keys as well as Pittman and Morgan on guitars really add as well. Very cool. Shawn Pittman has the spotlight on Devil On My Shoulder with super lead vocals and acoustic guitar and excellent slide work by Morgan. Milgate's piano work on She's a Twister is a standout with Templeton on lead vocals and a flurry of guitar by Ramos. Very nice. The release concludes with two equally iridescent tracks. First up, Use As Needed featuring Templeton on lead vocal and Peter Green's instrumental, Albatross, both which showcase the beautiful guitar work of Ramos and include the piano of Pat McDougall. This really is a terrific release, top to bottom and I highly recommend this release of Willie J. Campbell's work (on bass on each track). Campbell died of ALS on December 19, 2022.