MoMojo Records artist: Carmen Ratti Band featuring Jill Dineen - Come To Me - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Come To Me, from Carmen Ratti Band featuring Jill Dineen and it has a cool groove. Opening with No Delusion, a slinky track with a well woven rhythm backing, Jill Dineen on vocal really holds tight on the reins. Carmen Ratti on rhythm and lead guitar adds tome distinctive riffs feeding Tony Lufrano on keys, Steve Hazelwood on bass and Randy Hayes on drums. Super opener. Bluesy ballad and title track, Come To Me, is a nice showcase for Dineen on lead vocal and Ratti's soulful guitar phrasing drips blues. Organ saturation by Lufrano and solid backing vocals by Lisa Leuschner Andersen adds just the right juice. Riley is real nice instrumental (think Thrill Is Gone) with Ratti laying out the melody with crisp, clear, electric guitar work and Lufrano's organ solo is warm and inviting with a great bass lead by Hazlewood. Really cool track. Blues rocker, Coming Down, has a super funky rocking sound with great lead vocals and nice funky guitar/bass synergy. Lufano turns up the heat on organ and adds backing vocals, Ratti adds some stinging guitar lead and Hayes rhythm is straight and tight. Uncle Joe is a real interesting interesting track featuring Ratti leading the way on slide guitar. With it's hard bop feel and Derek Trucks influenced guitar styling combined with real nice piano work by Lufrano, this is a strong addition to the already solid set. Wrapping the release is down and dirty, Pretty Good Man and Dineen really digging in vocally. Hazlewood and Hayes really cut a solid groove and Lufrano works his piano hard against his organ. I really like how Ratti really hammers his guitar on this track showing real fire. Very nice. There is an extended version of Come To Me which is really nicely done and a super addition to the set.

I should really say, I don't think I've ever reviewed a Greaseland Studios recording that didn't have special sauce... Nice job Kid.

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Blue Sky Tunes artist: Mike Guldin - While I Can - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, While I Can, by Mike Guldin and it really hit's the spot. Opening with Driving Rain, Mike Guldin is upfront on vocal and guitar and this track really has a great groove. Guldin's vocals are soulful and with Steve Mackey on bass and Lynn Williams on drums the strut is heavy. Kevin McKendree really works the organ providing a great back beat and Guldin and James Pennebaker play some stinging riffs making this first track worth the price of admission. Excellent! Rocker, Always A Woman has a cool Latin beat, reinforced by a driving rhythm guitar layer. Guldin was made to sing this music with his natural delivery and Pennebaker really rips it lose on guitar with snappy drum work by Williams. A cool stroll, When The Bills Come Due, has a stiff cowbell strike over Mackey on bass. Gulden on guitar and vocal, and McKendree on keys give legs to this swampy rocker. Don Williams' New Orleans flavored, Oh Lonesome Me, really is moving with great vocal harmonizing by Guldin and Jackie Wilson. Billy Wear on drums and McKendree on keys and piano set a great pace and stinging guitar work make this one of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is rag time, Down The Hatch with Guldin on vocal over nicely stylized piano work by McKendree and crisp guitar riffs ice this rich cake. 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”

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“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