Bman's Blues Report

Soul singer Sherri Harding released her newest album, Storyland , on June 5, 2026, through Instant Replay Music . Following up on her previous record, A Million Pieces , this release marks a continuation of her career, offering a collection of blues-rooted and soul-influenced songs. The album is built around a distinct cross-border collaboration orchestrated by songwriter and producer Dick Cooper. While the foundational tracks were recorded in Ottawa, the project intentionally loops in veteran Southern musicians. Legendary guitarist Kelvin Holly traveled north for the sessions, the Muscle Shoals Horns tracked their parts in Alabama, and engineer Jimmy Nutt handled the final mixing in Muscle Shoals . Harding's performance on the record relies heavily on her decades of experience singing in small clubs, Northern Canadian juke joints, and military entertainment tours, resulting in a mature project that focuses on adult themes, love, and resilience without chasing modern radio tren...

 I found Nicole Glover about a 2 years ago when I went to see trumpet player, Ingrid Jensen in one of her side bands, Artemis. Artemis is an all women band that plays jazz and Nicole was a recent addition. Ingrid was terrific but I wasn't expecting powerhouse Glover to blow me out of my seat. Here piano wiz Miki Yamanaka showcases Glover in her Youtube show, Miki's Mood. I was fortunate to see Yamanaka in a small club in Scottsdale and she's great. I've also been fortunate to see Glover with Billy Hart Trio and Ursa Major with Christian McBride.  Enjoy! Nicole Glover is a saxophonist, bandleader, composer, and educator based in New York City. In 2026, Nicole was awarded “Up and Coming Musician of the Year” by the Jazz Journalists Association and #1 Rising Star Tenor Saxophonist & #1 Rising Star Soprano Saxophonist by Downbeat Magazine. Nicole’s trio featuring bassist Tyrone Allen II and Kayvon Gordon headlined the legendary Village Vanguard and released their sophom...

Get ready to groove with Dr. Leigh Pilzer , the Washington, D.C. baritone sax powerhouse who proves that jazz is meant to be a living, breathing party, not a dusty museum piece. Described as a pure force of nature with a gruff, punchy, and assertive sound, Leigh brings a heavy dose of soulful grit to the stage. She has traded licks with the legendary Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and even arranged horns for local legends like Chuck Brown and Eva Cassidy , and now she is bringing that deep, soulful swagger front and center with her vibrant new album, Keep Holding On. This record is a masterclass in pure, undeniable groove, packed with plenty of attitude, low-end bark, and raw energy that blues fans will instantly appreciate. Keep Holding On strikes the perfect balance between paying respect to the jazz heritage and absolutely cutting loose, making it an essential, high-energy addition to your playlist.   🎵 LISTEN & SUPPORT THE ALBUM   Keep Holding On by Leigh ...

If you are looking for an album that completely changes how you think about the double bass , Jon Hamar’s Música Callada is it. Instead of playing the same old classical tracks everyone expects, the Pacific Northwest bassist steps out from the background to deliver something deeply personal, warm, and refreshing. From the very first note, you can tell this isn't an album made for stuffy concert halls or classical music snobs. Backed by pianist Adrienne Fontenot , Hamar takes quiet, hidden-gem melodies and turns them into an easy, soulful conversation. It is a beautifully laid-back record that blends his massive jazz background with classical roots, proving that he is just as incredible leading the band as he is backing up other legends. Here is a closer look at why this album deserves a spot on your playlist.   🎵 LISTEN & SUPPORT THE ALBUM ▶ Listen to Album Samples (Click to Expand) Add this Record to Your Collection Available in CD and D...