Bman's Blues Report

ALBUM REVIEW Jason Ricci and The Bad Kind - 13 Hours Label: Gulf Coast Records Released: May 29, 2026 DR: TBD J ason Ricci has spent the last couple of decades carving out his own lane in the blues world, turning the harmonica into an instrument that feels just as at home in a punk club or a psychedelic jam session as it does in a traditional juke joint. Originally hailing from Portland, Maine, he cut his teeth on the road through Memphis and the Deep South before eventually settling into the vibrant music community of New Orleans. Along the way, he picked up a few Blues Music Awards, recorded alongside legends like Johnny Winter and Walter Trout, and built a dedicated following through his bands New Blood and The Bad Kind.  What sets Ricci apart isn’t just his effortless speed or his mastery of complex overblow techniques—it’s the honesty and grit he brings to the microphone. Whether he is sharing hard-won stories from his...

ALBUM REVIEW Jad Tariq - Precious Company Label: MoMojo Records Released: September 18, 2026 DR: TBD J ad Tariq has been quietly making a name for himself as one of those rare musicians who can pull off classic mid-century blues without making it feel like a history lesson. Based out of Memphis, the singer, songwriter, and guitarist caught the attention of the roots and blues scene by tapping right into the raw, swinging energy of 1950s jump blues. His early studio work put him on the radar as a serious rising talent, mostly because he treats the genre not like a museum piece, but like something that’s supposed to be a little messy, completely alive, and shared in a crowded room.  His style is built on a steady foundation of soulful vocals and fiery guitar playing that feels incredibly natural. Whether he is fronting a full band with a punchy brass section or just keeping things intimate with a couple of acoustic tracks, Ta...

ALBUM REVIEW Chris Whiteman / John Toomey Quartet - Live at Reveler Label: Self-produced Released: October 2, 2026 DR: TBD T he Chris Whiteman / John Toomey Quartet is a fantastic group of musicians co-led by jazz guitarist Chris Whiteman and veteran pianist John Toomey. Whiteman, who grew up in Montclair, New Jersey, is a seasoned performer and educator with advanced degrees from the University of Miami. He’s played legendary spots like Birdland, the Blue Note, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the Hollywood Bowl, playing with a clean, fluid phrasing that feels like a modern nod to masters like Herb Ellis. He shares the driver's seat with John Toomey, a powerhouse behind the keys whose long jazz resume includes touring with Maynard Ferguson's historic big band.  Toomey blends beautiful, melodic ideas with a hard-swinging style that locks in perfectly with Whiteman to shape the group's signature groove. Rounding out t...