Bman's Blues Report

Stella Blue Music artist: Stefan Hillesheim Band - Live at the Chicago Blues Festival - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 23:17:57 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live at the Chicago Blues Festival, from Stefan Hillesheim Band and I really like it. Opening with, Always Get to Hear from You, Stefan Hillesheim on lead vocal and slide guitar leads the way with super drumming from Dionte McMusick on drums, Darryl on bass and Sumito Ariyo Ariyoshi on keys. With it's cha cha rhythm, its a super opener. Slower, do wop style blues,The Love I Had For You, driven by Ariyo on piano, gives Hillesheim a great stage to showcase his vocals and his slide solo is lush and sensitive. Melvin London's classic, It Hurts Me Too, has s super cover here with strong vocals and slide work by Hillesheim and potent backing piano by Ariyo. Very cool! The radio on this release is clearly, You're My Family with a strong melody, snappy rhythm and restrained rhythm guitar work by Hillesheim. Slinky, When I'm Gone has a funky back beat and outstanding slide work by Hillesheim. The deepest blues track on the release is Better Man, featuring soulful vocals by Hillesheim and rich bluesy keyboard work by Ariyo. Hillesheim really peels it loose on guitar playing some of his most soulful riffs on the release. Wrapping the release is another catchy track with a great rhythm, Sick Of Your Love. Hillesheim really rips some great riffs on this one with super rhythm by Ariyo, Wright and McMusick making this a strong closer.

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Cubeye Music artists: Dave Schumacher & Cubeye - Agua Con Gas - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 01:02:26 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Aqua Con Gas, from Dave Schumacher & Cubeye and it really moves. Opening with title track, Aqua Con Gas, Dave Schumacher on bari sax lays the foundation of the track, with Chegui Metralla on Clave, Joel Mateo on drums, and Yusnier Sanchez on congas. Schumacher sails taking the track for a solid bop ride, with Alex Norris really working the trumpet, Peter Brainin on tenor sax, Manuel Valera adding a strong solo of his own on piano and Alex Apolo Ayala on bass. Terrific opener. Al Rose' is a great track and really showcasing what a hot bari player sounds like. Cooking his lead lines he really sets a groove followed by Norris on trumpet with a crisp contrast, punctuated by Valera on piano. Valero's own lead work is exhilarating with super phrasing and concise execution. Very cool. Punchy, Amosaya's Latin rhythm really highlights the work of Mateo and Sanchez, with solid solos by Brainin and Norris and of course a powerhouse solo by Schumacher. Smoking! Cubism is a real aggressive track, still with a stron Latin rhythm but with the Jesus Ricardo on trumpet and Roger Rosenberg on bari sax section really punching it up. Schumacher digs in on bari sax with excellent backing by Silvano Monasterios on piano Luques Curtis on bass and Mauricio Herrera on congas. Wrapping the release is a lively take on Wayne Shorter's Prince of Darkness. With a super trumpet solo by Norris and Schumacher on bari, a driven bass solo by Ayala, a real nice piano solo by Valera and a contrasting soprano sax solo by Brainin. Excellent closer for a strong release.

Brother John - Johnny Never & John Colgan-Davis - Black Crow - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 23 Apr 2026 00:33:14 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Black Crow, from Brother John (Johnny Never & John Colgan-Davis) and it's thick acoustic blues. Opening with Bread and Salt, Johnny Never leads the way on vocal and slide with Holly Hoffman, Shannon Roberts and Monica Moran on backing vocals and John Colgan-Davis on harmonica. Deep rooted blues and a solid opener. Svelte Man Blues is a great rag style blues. Never on guitar and Colgan-Davis get a great cadence going with Never on vocal. Very nice. Charlie Patton's Dirt Road is particularly cool featuring Colgan-Davis really working the harmonica over Never's vocals. Wandering Eye Blues is one of my favorites on the release with slick slide work by Never and with choppy harmonica work by Colgan-Davis. Very cool. Old Man Mose has a real nice guitar stroll feel to it, reinforced by Jimmy Pritchard on bass and and Hoffman and Moran on backing vocals. Colgan-Davis' harmonica work is particularly soulful under the vocal prowess of Never. Whiskey Glass is a somber ballad that really showcases Never's vocals with strong harmonica work by Colgan-Davis. Wrapping the release is boogie, Cook It To The Bone, with it's driving rhythm. With Never on guitar and vocal, Colgan-Davis on harmonica, Chicago Carl Snyder on piano and Mark Shewchuk on percussion, this is a solid closer for a solid release.

Origin Records artist: Jared Hall - Hometown - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 23:55:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Hometown, by Jared Hall, and it's quite good. Opening with title track, Hometown, Jared Hall on trumpet and Troy Roberts on tenor sax create the melody, joined by Ben Markley on piano, Michael Glynn on bass and Kyle Swan on drums. Hall takes the first opportunity to explore and creates solid, intuitive melodic statements, punctuated by Markley. Roberts' solo is much more sensual and soulful giving the track a nice balance. Bobby Hutcherson's Little B's Poem has a flowing melody in 3/4 time. Hall and Roberts together create the melody before handing off to Glynn who lays down a real nice solo. I really like Roberts' work on this track stretching the melody and a pickup in rhythm by Swan. Monk's Ask Me Now is my favorite track on the release with clean phrasing by Hall, and warm harmonies by Roberts. Markley's solo on this track double times really brightening up the feel and giving it a real spring. Very nice. Wrapping the release is a reprise of Hometown with nicely articulated drum work by Swan and finely interwoven sax and trumpet lines by Roberts and Hall. With it's inviting melody, finely articulated sax solo by Roberts and excellent bass solo by Glynn makes this a solid closer.

New Sun Music artist: Crystal Shawanda - Sing Pretty Blues - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:30:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sing Pretty Blues, by Crystal Shawanda and it's powerful music. Opening with heavy bottomed, Preachin' Blues, Crystal Shawanda leads the way with potent vocal lead, supported by Dave Roe on bass, Nioshi Jackson on drums and Stephan Hanner on harmonica and featuring Dewayne Strobel on guitars. Excellent opener. Bluesy ballad, Would You Know Love, really has a super radio/R&B feel, featuring Crystal on vocal and warm backing vocals by Sarina Joi Crowe and Ping Rose and horns by Chris West. Strobel lays in some real nice melodic guitar work giving the track cool contrast with Peter Keys on keys. Very nice. Title track, Sing Pretty Blues has a classic blues format with Hanner and Strobel on guitar working with Crystal on the lead and Jonathan Nixon on bass and Jackson on drums. Waitin' For My Lover To Call has a funky pop feel with warm B3 support by Keys and Ping Rose and Strobel on guitars. Crystal's vocals really works nicely on the entire set giving it super continuity. Deep blue rocker, Honey Bee is one of my favorites on the release with it's bass/guitar/organ riff. Crystal really works this one and with Hanner joining on harp and Strobel's slide guitar work gives the track a solid kick. Wrapping the release is rich, acoustic blues, Dirty, featuring Crystal on vocal with Strobel on slide resonator guitar giving the track a tangy balance. I really like this track...a great closer for a real satisfying release.

Keeping The Blues Alive Records artist: Joe Bonamassa - BB King's Blues Summit 100 - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 18 Apr 2026 00:18:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, BB King's Blues Summit 100, by Joe Bonamassa and it's terrific! Opening with Paying The Cost To Be The Boss, Kingfish Ingram is featured on vocal and guitar and he really gets it done. With it's laid back BB King style and with the help of Joe Bonamassa on guitar, Lemar Carter on drums, Travis Carlton on bass, Jeff Babko on keys, Steve Patrick and Tyler Jaeger on trumpet, Marc Douthit and Jimmy Bowland on sax and Barry Green on trombone, this is a strong opener. Marcus King does an incredible job on vocal and guitar delivering Don't Answer The Door. (I've bought entire albums based on 1 track that doesn't stack up well against this track). King, Bonamassa and Josh Smith really work the guitar on this track and support from Carter, Carlton, Babko, Patrick, Jaeger, Douthit, Bowland and Green are icing on this very nice cake. Buddy Guy gets Sweet Little Angel and he digs in giving it pure Guy treatment. His vocals are soulful and his lead guitar work impeccable. Joined by Bonamassa, Smith and crew, this is a great addition to the set. Jimmie Vaughan steps up with a great cover of Watch Yourself. His vocals are super and his signature guitar work really show style coupled with Bonamassa, Smith and the addition of Calvin Turner on bass, Lemar Carter on drums, Reese Wynans on keys, Kaz Kazanoff on tenor, John Mills on bari and Al Gomez on trumpet. Jimmy Hall brings some of the finest pipes in the business to Sweet Sixteen, aired up with Larry Carlton on guitar, Bonamassa and Smith on guitars, Turner on bass, Carter on drums, Wynans on keys, Patrick on trumpet, Douthit and Bowland on sax, Green on trombone and Matt Jefferson on bass trombone. Very nice. Larkin Poe is a nice surprise on Don't You Want A Man Like Me with sumptuous vocals by Rebecca Lovell and hot slide by Megan Lovell and Babko on keys. Another great addition is George Benson on There Must Be A Better World Somewhere. Benson's vocals are terrific and Bonamassa is showcased on guitar with Douthit and Bowland on sax and Babko on piano. Very nice. Warren Haynes starts off disc 2 with How Blue Can You Get. His guitar phrasing is excellent and his tones rich nicely complimenting his strong vocals and Wynans on piano. Chris Cain's dynamic guitar riffs and vocal styling really pops on You Upset Me Baby, complimented by Banamassa and Smith on guitars. The powerful horn section including Patrick, Jaegar, Douthit, Bowland, Green and Jefferson really pump up the bottom. Robben Ford lends his extensive blues vocabulary to Ain't Nobody Home joined by Jade Macrae on vocal. Ford, crossing many genre's of music really plays exceptional riffs under the rich vocals of Macrae. Kim Wilson has lead vocals on It's My Own Fault. His soulful vocals, backed by the superb riffs of Bonamassa and Babko's piano riffs make this track stand out nicely. Danielle De Andrea's silky vocals are paired nicely with Bonamassa on guitar delivering excellent phrases, really capturing the essence of King. Excellent! Kirk Fletcher and Bonamassa on guitars wrap the release with Better Not Look Down joined by BJ Kemp and Kim Fleming on vocals.

This is a terrific tribute release with exceptional players and an amazing 40 page book. This is a must have!

MoMojo Records artist: Billy Thompson - This World - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 16 Apr 2026 23:58:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, This World, by Billy Thompson and I really like it. Opening with This World, a rolling rocker, Billy Thompson on lead vocal and slide is joined by Golder O'Neill on bass, Eric Selby on drums and Michael Leroy Peed on keys. A super opener with solid vocals and radio promising melody. Like Rain is another strong track with a great, funky style rhythm. With Kirk Joseph on sousaphone (which is great), Eddie Christmas on drums, Lionel Batiste Jr. on drums, and Thompson on guitar and vocal. One of my favorite tracks on the release is For True with a real swampy, funky blues feel. Thompson's vocals are great and his slide guitar is reminiscent of Lowell George. O'Neill on bass, Selby laying down some terrific drums and and Peed on keys really propel this track. R&B track, Hope, Peace and Joy has a great feel with some of Thompson's best vocals on the track and warm keys work by Peed. Latin rhythm really works nicely on Dinosaur Eggs featuring Doug Belote on drums, Michael Skinkus on congas, and O'Neill on bass supporting Thompson on vocal, harmonica and hot guitar riffs and nice slide. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Of The Angels is a straight up rocker with a lot of characteristics of a Knopler tune. Clever guitar riffs and strong vocals by Thompson, Belote rapping out solid riffs n drums, Luciano Leaes on B3, Tom Worrell on keys, Skinkus on congas and backing vocals by Aduago Ejekwu, Evan Miller, Erin Finnigan, Lami Argueta and Zoe Resendez make for a cool closer. Very nice.

Nola Blue Records artist: Omar Coleman & Igor Prado - Old, New, Funky and Blue - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 22:58:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Old, New, Funky and Blue, by Omar Coleman & Igor Prado and it's a cool funky blues party. Opening with I Only Have Love, Omar Coleman is on the mic laying down his James Brown best, with Igor Prado and his signature guitar riffs backed by Yuri Prado on drums, Denilson on sax and Bruno Belasco on trumpet. Solid opener. Cut You Loose is a super strutting blues track with Albert King like guitar swagger by Prado. Coleman's vocals are super and Ted Furtado rocks the bottom on bass with Felipe Magon on organ. Very cool. Answer Your Phone has a strong R&B undertone but precise stinging guitar riffs by Prado keel it on blues keel and Juninho Isidoro on drums adds critical percussion. Brown Nosin' Man has a real nice funky bottom with Furtado on bass, Isidore on drums and Coleman getting a D'Angelo influenced feel. Very cool. Wrapping the release is easy flowing, Blue Line Train In Chicago, with Coleman on vocal and harmonica and Prado and Rodrigo Belloni on acoustic guitar. This is a solid bluesy closer for a real cool release.

Origin Records artist: Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project - Addis Ken - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 15 Apr 2026 00:28:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Addis Ken, from Abate Berihun & The Addis Ken Project and it's a terrific blend of African rhythms, Ethiopian, Jewish and modern influences. Opening with Tefila, Abate Berihun sings and plays a soulful melody on sax, surrounded by the improvisational piano work of Roy Mor, David Michaeli on bass and Nitzan Birnbaum on drums. Earthy opener. One For Roy has a terrific bottom and rich sax melody. With Mor on piano, working with Michaeli and Birnbaum on rhythm this really is a terrific track. Michaeli steps out on upright bass creating a sub melody and Berihun structures a super vocal melody chased by Birbaum on drums. Nice! Ya Zaman has a move western contemporary feel with a stiff drum kick, and beautiful sax lead. Mor emphasizes the rhythm and stretches nicely on piano creating bringing it back for another terrific entry. Anchi Jazz has a strong klezmer feel with excellent drumming by Birnbaum and strong solo efforts by Michaeli on bass. Mor is again right on it with piano creating super tension and Berihun really makes the sax work on this track making this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Funk laden, Prayer From The Heart, has a really great African jazz beats with Mor on piano and super vocals and sax by Berihun. Wrapping the release is Batti, Mor creates an structure on piano as Berihun kills it on soprano sax. His vocals are ethnic and soulful. This release is not for everyone but very rewarding for those who take the journey.

Nola Blue Records artist: Duke Robillard - Blast Off! - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Mon, 13 Apr 2026 23:29:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blast Off!, from Duke Robillard and it's really swinging! Opening with Floyd Dixon's, When I Get Lucky, Chris Cote is up front on vocal with Duke Robillard on lead guitar, Bruce Bears on piano, Marty Ballou on bass, Mark Teixeira on drums and Doug James and Mark Earley on wailing sax. Strong opener. Robillard original, Feel My Cares has a deeper, BB King feel with stinging guitar work by Duke and again featuring Cote on lead vocal. Bears on organ adds a real nice warmth and James and Earley on sax really fatten the track up nicely. AM Brunner's Play Boy Hop is a terrific sax led instrumental with James really making it wail and Duke's guitar phrasing is dynamic and urgent. Very cool. Guitar Slim's Stand By Me really swings with Cote on lead vocal and Earley and James on horns. James takes command on bari sax really kicking up the dirt and Duke rips a classic solo of his own making this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Percy Sledge's Warm and Tender Love (penned by Bobby Robinson) is a super showcase for Cote on vocal and features easy keys by Bears and compact but meaty solos by James, Earley and Robillard. Wrapping the release is Tampa Red's, Look A There Look A There with a great swing tempo. Wailing sax solos by Earley and James really capitalize on the bluesy feel and Cote's vocals, backed by Duke make this a strong closer.

Davey Jones - Ball Cap Blues - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 23:16:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Ball Cap Blues, by Davey Jones and it's solid contemporary blues. Opening with shuffle, Banks Of The Blues, Davey Jones on lead vocal and guitar sets a nice groove, backed by piano, organ and drums. Cool opener. Easy blues rocker, Walking Easy, definitely has radio airplay characteristics with it's memorable melody and easy beat. Rocker, Mis Memphis Blues has a fine tempo with super vocals by Jones who also grinds in on "JJ Cale" like guitar with organ and drum backing. Real nice. Six Feet In The Ground is my favorite track on the release with a Don Nix feel. Driving piano rhythm and solid guitar work under Jones vocals gives this track a solid kick. Wrapping the release is rockin roller, Woman I Love with Jones grinding out a rocking guitar riff. With super vocals, drums and organ/piano following, this is a super closer.

Origin Records artist: Harvie S - Bright Dawn - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 23:28:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Bright Dawn, from Harvie S and it's light and flowing. Opening with Ghosts of Havana, Miki Hayama on Fender Rhodes creates the fabric on which Peter Bernstein builds the guitar rich melody. Matt Wilson holds a tight rein on the rhythm and Harvie S lays out a really nice solo on bass for a solid opener. Waltz For Vartan showcases Harvie leading the way on bass. Flowing guitar lead by Bernstein adds a real nice lyrical feel to the track and giving the track a lighter feel. I've Got Rhythm and Blues is my favorite track on the release with Bernstein really strolling on lead guitar and a thumping bass line reinforcing all the way. Smoking. On Chick Corea's, Humpty Dumpty, Hayama really rolls on piano and a complimentary bass solo by Harvie makes this one of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is Swithering, a dramatic composition featuring Hayama on piano crafting the melody with interwoven bass lines by Harvie and percussive riffs by Wilson. This is a fine closer for an interesting release.

Sunfish Music artist: Duffy Power & Argent - Hell Hound: The Lost 1971 CBS Album - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 00:26:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Hell Hound: The Lost 1971 CBS Album, by Duffy Power & Argent and it's a great taste of early British blues rock along the lines of Faces, Mad Dogs and King Biscuit Boy (yeah I know he's Canadian). Opening with a rocking version of Robert Johnson's Hell Hound On My Trail featuring Duffy on lead backed by Argent (Rod Argent's band) and Ollie Halsall. Super opener. Leon Russel's Hummingbird, is a great entry to the set with super Russell like piano and organ work, Duffy on vocal and just a bit more rocking rhythm. The backing vocals really add nicely to this classic track. Original R&B track, Love's Prescription, has a great rocking beat and warm backing vocals with perfect piano work by Argent. Taj Mahal and Jesse Ed Davis wrote Corrina, covered here and I've always liked this track. Power's vocals are particularly soulful, accompanied by Argent on electric piano and the King Biscuit Boy like harmonica work makes this one of my favorites on the release. Disc 2 of this 2 cd set has an interesting cover of Motherless Children with a stripped down more folksy version of the well covered track. A cool guitar solo by Sam Mitchell and Power's soft soulful vocals really remakes the track. Rocking cover of Led Belly's Roberta really digs in. Power doing almost a soul shout and the Argent band get the house rocking with super harmonica work. Elmore James', The Sky Is Crying, is one of the more original blues tracks on the release. Power's vocals and harmonica work, with slick guitar riffs by Halsall make this a real gem. Power does a cool acoustic cover of Kokomo Arnold's Milk Cow Blues with vocal, harmonica and guitar. Straight up blues rocker hits square on. A second take on The Sky Is Crying is a great slow blues with hot harmonica work by Power. Halsall digs in on lead and Mitchell on slide adding nicely to a really super cover of a super song. Wrapping the release is a string composition of Love Is Shelter wrapping the release in an unusually dignified fashion.

Waywire artist: Ed Alstrom - This Idea Of Humanity - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 00:08:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, This Idea Of Humanity, from Ed Alstrom and it has blues and gospel influences. Opening with Put You First, Ed Alstrom shows his R&B influences with a Ray Charles feel. Playing piano, organ and singing, backed by Suzuki Andes on drums, Ula Hedwig on vocals, this track swings. Funky, Humans, features Alstrom on lead vocal and keys. Hedwig on backing vocals and Andes on drum give the track a cool texture. Soulful, Understanding, really is a nice showcase for Alstrom's soul shouting style and R&B piano. One of my favorites on the release. Another R&B style track, Go Ahead, has a great feel and Alstrom's vocals, backed by piano and melodica and Andes on drums keeps it light. Straight down the middle, The Way Back, is pure blues with Jimmy Vivino on guitar and Alstrom on vocal and piano. Vivino really digs in on slide giving this track real grit. Very nice. Wrapping the release is jazzy, Worry, with a super bottom by Don Guinta on drums, and Meredith Greenberg on djembe and contributing ethereal vocals to Alstrom's driving melody dominated by his own vocal and keyboard tapestry. Solid closer.

Think Like A Key Music artist: The Burrito Brothers - The Magic Time Machine Of Love - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 23:41:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Magic Time Machine of Love, by The Burrito Brothers, and it's full of solid of good music. Opening with Procol Harem's Whiter Shade Of Pale, Chris P Jones leads the way on vocal and keys, accompanied by Steve Allen on guitars, Peter Young on drums, and featuring Tony Paoletta on pedal steel, with Sherrie James and Terrie Lonow on backing vocals. Bob Camp's Pride of Man is a solid driving track featuring Parsons and James on lead vocal with a wealth of pedal steel by Paoletta and tight drumming by Young. Flying Burritos' original, Used To Do, has a lot of the original spank with James with David James on lead vocal, and Fred James on guitars and Jim Baker on pedal steel, Ian Dunlop on bass and Jody Maphis on drums. Very nice. A Burritos mix on The Beatles' What Goes On which really is some great harmony work by the James'. With Fontana on drums ,and Paoletta on pedal steel this is one of my favorites on the release. Another favorite track on the release is Tales Of Desire with an almost Frank Black feel. James' vocals are dramatic and Paoletta, Allen and Young's instrumentation is perfect. Wrapping the release is Timothy Schmit's Right Where We Belong, a strong closer with real radio appeal. James vocals, blended with Peter Young on drums and vocals, Allen's guitars and especially Paoletto's pedal steel makes this an excellent closer.

Cold Plunge Records artist: Rick Roe - Wake Up Call - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:06:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Wake Up Call, from Rick Rowe and it's a solid jam. Opening with shuffle, Inside Straight, Rick Roe on piano, Robert Hurst on bass and Nate Winn on drums set a solid footing and Marcus Elliot outlines a super melody. Roe steps up on piano stretching the concept nicely and Hurst plucks an exceptional solo on his own. I love Winn's drumming adding that perfect snap to an already super opener. The Return of Mr. Pea is a cool track with a super rhythm. Elliot and Roe lay out the melody and Elliot takes the concept for a ride, handing it off to Roe who really lays it out. A driving line by Hurst and Winn make this one of my favorites on the release. Latin flavored, La Cancion has a really nice groove featuring Elliot on soprano sax and Roe on piano. Hurst plays another inspired bass solo and Winn on drums really takes the track to another level. The Ringer is another terrific track with my favorite Roe piano showcase on the release. Another solo by Hurst on bass makes this percussive duo really shine. Wrapping the release is Double Play, a final cool shuffle featuring a super bowed bass solo by Hurst, Roe really digging in on piano and Elliot wrapping it up. Cool release.

Antidotesounds Artist: Valeria Stewart - Raices/Roots - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 23:40:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Raices/Roots, from Valeria Stewart and it's warm and refreshing. Opening with El Dia Mas Oscuro, Valleria Stewart on acoustic guitar and lead vocal creates a lush track accompanied by Kevin Dudley on acoustic guitar, Eugenio Ibarz on bass, Jason Walker on congas and bongos, Juan Megna on bombo leguero and Grey Jacks on harmony vocals. Very nice. Ballad, Eres Mi Amor, has a rich melody and ready for airplay mix with nicely stylized Spanish guitar by Dudley. No Eres Tu is another track with strong radio appeal with a strong melody and terrific harmony between Stewart and Jacks and a crisp Spanish guitar solo by Dudley. Wrapping the release is an Argentine folklore zamba, Zamba de Usted. Nicely documenting the richness of Stewart's voice, with simple percussion and Dudley's Spanish guitar work, this is a lovely closer.

MoMojo Records artist: Rick Vito - Slidemaster - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:03:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (April 3, 2026), Slidemaster, from Rick Vito and it's great! Opening with Vegas Jump, things are immediately rolling on a Lonnie Chatmon thing with Rick Reed driving on drums, Charlie Harrison on bass and clean and wide slide by Rick Vito. Strong opener. I love the droning bass line on The Danger Zone by Vito who overlays soulful picking/slide reinforced by Charlie Johnson on drums. Very nicely done. Peter Green's, Albatross is a nice addition to the set with warm chords, picked melody and authentic, "Green like" slide work. A real surprise on the release is a beautiful cover of Sam Cooke's, A Change Is Gonna Come. The phrasing is delicate and the tones pure. Excellent! Another Peter Green composition, The Supernatural, has an eastern feel with a Latin beat by Lynn Williams on drums. Vito's slide work seems to just hang in the ether as he tastefully articulates the melody. Very nice. Wrapping the release is a beautiful cover of Malotte's, The Lord's Prayer. With only the quietest of under work by Kevin McKendree on organ, Vito really nails it. Masterful!

Levantine Music artist: Naseem Alatrash - Bright Colors On A Dark Canvas - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 31 Mar 2026 00:23:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Bright Colors On A Dark Canvas, by Naseem Alatrash and it's rich and earthy. Opening with Prelude, Naseem Alatrash, a Grammy nominated cellist plays a deer, rich cello solo with what sounds like a cavernous space. His strokes are crisp and intentional. Very nice. On Ramad, Alatrash is joined by Chase Morrin on piano and George Lernis on on percussion creating an energetic composition with a somewhat eastern/classical feel. Morrin's piano work is vibrant and Alatrash's cello work is tense and rhythmic. Exciting. Echoing In The Hollow is patient with Morrin on piano creating glistening statements, answered by Alatrash on cello. Lernis interjects a tight rhythm on percussion and is joined by Bengisu Gokce, Lilit Hartunian, Greta Myatieva, Heeyeon Chung, Aija Reke,Eric Mrugala, Liubomyr Senyshyn, Helen Sherrah-Davies, Miyu Imai on violins and David Wallace, Anna Stromer and Raymond Dineen on viola. Rich. Wrapping the release is Risla, an upbeat track with a powerful melody led by Alatrash and Lernis. Morrin and Alatrash each execute strong solos backed by the full string orchestra create a brilliant closer.

Origin Records artist: Chenxi Pan - This Very Moment - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 28 Mar 2026 00:30:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, This Very Moment, from Chenxi Pan, and it's quite good. Opening with Hymn for the Spring, vocalist and composer, Chenxi Pan opens with a light and beautiful voice accompanied by Shaonan So on piano and Anders Julsgaard on drums who create a misty atmosphere for her brilliant vocals. Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee on sax and clarinet, creates a more obtuse, yet lush melody joined by Julsgaard and Su handing off to George Grydkovets who elaborates nicely on guitar. Crisp opener. With a light poppy melody and N-Lee on clarinet, Little Bells is a easy flowing song with brilliant guitar work by Grydkovets on guitar, Nicolas Bond on bass and Julsgaard on drums, adorned with cleverly interwoven clarinet and vocals. Very nice. Endless Summer is another standout track with improvisational vocals by Pan with Julie Kim on cello, Peyton Cook on violin, joined by Bond, Julsgaard and Su. Possibly my favorite track on the release. Parachute is rich with full vocals, glistening piano, driving cello, and explosive drums creating a vibrant reflection on an otherwise subdued yet enticing release. Wrapping the release is Endless Summer (reprise) with warm guitar work by Grydkovets and the light, bright vocals of Pan. This is a cleanly executed and nicely composed release with plenty to experience.

Ruf Records artist: Matthew Curry - One For The Ride - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 22:13:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, One For The Ride, from Matthew Curry and it's a solid rocker with a lot of flavor. Opening with high energy, Rum Stumblin', Matthew Curry is back with great vocals and stinging guitars. With Francis Valentine on drums, Tim Brickner on bass, Mark Masefield on keys, Marc Russo on sax, Mike Olmos on trumpet and Mika Rinta on trombone this track has the intensity of Steve Gaines' tracks penned with Skynyrd and all of the commercial polish of Glenn Frey. Top opener. Laid back, Dancing In The Kitchen, is a real nice track with what I consider the kind of writing sure to get Curry real attention as a song writer, I love his articulate guitar work on the track and his vocal are perfect, with the added backing of Rob Archer on B3. I can definitely see other artists covering this track. Very nice. Another favorite track on the release is rock funky, Ballad Of Jesse Ed Davis. It's good to see acknowledgement of this unsung guitar slinger who I enjoyed seeing with the Shelter People and I listened to with everyone from Clapton and Taj Mahal to Bob Dylan. A wicked slide player, this is a strong tribute encouraging Curry to cut loose on slide as well. Excellent! Don't Be A Stranger has that JJ Cale, Oklahoma style guitar picking and swamp funky bottom by Brickner and Valentino with great vocal and slide by Curry, complimented by Mark Masefield on keys. Attacking the Van Zant sound straight on, Curry covers Whiskey Rock A Roller, a great southern rocker adding horns by Russo, Olmos and Rinta but holding to the soulful vocals and guitar snarl. Nice job. Wrapping the release is mostly acoustic entry, The Rambling Kind, a warm ballad with a screaming electric solo and fitting track to wind down an excellent release.

SRI Music artist: L. Shankar - Answers - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 00:42:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Answers, from L. Shankar and it's a cool fusion of jazz, rock, pop and prog. Opening with title track, Answers, L. Shankar on vocal and double violin leads the way with Tony Levin on bass, Scott Seiver on drums and Dave Palmer on keys. On Innocent, Juliette Rose joins on vocals creating a nice pop rocker balance with Shankar vocally with Palmer creating a sea of keys. Keeping it light, Shankar mixes melody with guitar texture and solid drumming from Seiver for a definite radio standout. My favorite track on the release is To Live featuring Levin on bass, Stephen Perkins on drums, and Zac Baird on keys. Wrapping the release is pop rocker, Thinking with blended vocals by Shankar and tight drum rhythms by Perkins, Levin on bass and Palmer on keys. This release is quite pop oriented with strong instrumental backing.

Deko Entertainment artist: Shouse - Jaded - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 22:49:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Jaded, by Shouse and it's a substantial display of metal guitar prowess. Opening with a Synthesizer and electric guitar display by Mike Shouse on Romeo and Juliet theme it wets your appetite for what is to come. On A Bitter Cold, Shouse uses a solid hammer on technique running melodic rudiments on electric guitar. Very cool. On rocker, Smiley Faced Emoji, James Pulli on bass and Charlie Zeleny on drums lay a firm foundation and Shouse shows lightning fast shredding, wide vibrato and wild bends giving the track real commercial appeal. Title track, Jaded, has a real led footed drum kick and a moving bass line providing a firm bottom for Shouse to sculpt a scorching melody, with excellent phrasing, and solid suspended notes, hammering home his thematic concept. Wrapping the release is Upon Looking Back with a traditional rock rhythm and featuring Tony MacAlpine. A concrete bottom courtesy of Pulli and Zeleny really anchors the track and MacAlpine and Shouse take turns leading and the playing dual lead. This is a solid release for those interested in soaring electric guitar.

Charlie Barath - Issaquena Getaway - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Tue, 24 Mar 2026 00:42:00 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Issaquena Getaway, from Charlie Barath and it's a lot of fun. Opening with cool strut, I Gets Around, Charlie Barath on vocal and harmonica leads the way with the confident riffs of Andrew Sherer on guitar and Johnny Burgin on with solid lead guitar, Mark Yacovine on piano, Mike Law on bass and Danny Banks on drums. Cool opener. Slinky, Waitin' For The Queen, featuring a cool story by Barath a signature guitar solo by Burgin and soulful harmonica solo by Barath. Cool interlude. Shuffle, I Might Fall In Love, has a real nice lazy lope with an harmonica and guitar trades. A cool radio track with an easy melody, just perfect for kicking back. I really like Brass Monkey with Banks riding the up beat on drums, Yacavone on organ, and a jangly loose guitar solo by Burgin. On low slung, That Wasn't Me, Barath digs in on vocals and Burgin's guitar work is understated but it scratches the itch and a soulful duet between Barath and Burgin works really nicely. Latin flavored, Can I Have This Dance really has a great rhythm by Law and Banks and Barath really works the vocals on this one. Yacovone's piano work dances and Barath's harmonica is peerfect. One of my favorite tracks on the release is funky, I'm Gonna Let You with perfect interweaving of Burgin, Sherer, Yacovone on organ, Law and Banks and the soulful vocals on Barath. Strong. Sugar is a real nice shuffle featuring Barath on chromatic harmonica. With a great melody, Yacavone on electric piano, jazzy guitar work by Sherer, this is a super change of pace. Wrapping the release is Honey I Got No Money featuring Shari Richards on lead vocal. Burgin torches up some real nice phrasing on guitar, followed by Barath on harmonica. A cool, updated rag style, This is a tight closer.

James JB Barnes - My Mississippi Roots - New Release Review

noreply@blogger.com (Unknown) — Sat, 21 Mar 2026 00:30:11 +0000

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, My Mississippi Roots, by James "JB" Barnes and it's a solid set of blues, rock and soul. Opening with blues rocker, Get Up & Go Blues, Steven Braxton on lead vocals sets the pace with thumping bass by JB Barnes, Anthony Krizan on screaming guitar and drums, Jarred Barnes on keys. A driving ricker this is a solid opener. Brown Eyed Blues Man features Krizan on lead vocal and Steely Dan like guitars. A shuffle style laid back track has strong radio appeal with Barnes on bass and backing vocals, Carmine Diorio on drums, Will Wilde on harp, and Chip Degaard on on keys. Hot footed blues number, The JB Shuffle features Wilde, leading the way on harp and Krizan on guitars. With JB winding in out on bass with Barnes on keys, a smoking solo by Krizan and Dave Moore on drums, this is a ripping track. A bluesy take on Hall and Oates', Sara Smile, featuring excellent vocals by Braxton and excellent vocal backing by Krizan, and JB. Add in Joey Stan on horns, JB on bass and Diorio on drums and soulful, overdriven guitar work by Krizan and this is a real showpiece. Another solid cover is the Stones', Wild Horses also featuring Braxton's silky vocals and lush backing vocals by Oria Aspen, Krizan and JB. Very nice. A super add is Jeff Beck's, Brush With The Blues featuring Krizan on guitar, JB on bass and Diorio on drums. Wrapping the release is R&B track, Stand Up, featuring Kevin Goings and Karen Braxton on lead vocals, Krizan on guitars, Barnes on keys, Stan on horns, Diorio on drums and JB on lead and backing vocals. Solid closer.