Origin Records artist: Anthony Branker & Other Ways of Knowing - Manifestations of a Diasporic Groove & Spirit - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (March 20, 2026), Manifestations of a Diasporic Groove & Spirit, by Anthony Branker & Other Ways of Knowing, and it's complex and intriguing. Opening with The Children of Lyles Station, Anthony Branker is once again creating highly intelligent music with exceptional musicians. Simona Premazzi opens with an interesting piano line, reinforced by Steve Wilson on sax. Premazzi further develops the theme with Rudy Royston on drums and John Hebert lays out an excellent bass solo anchored by the piano vamp and Royston really punching high. Strong opener. Freedom Water March has a real lyrical theme that develops between Wilson and Premazzi. Wilson, on soprano sax, creates a jagged melody, reinforced and elaborated by Premazzi on piano with only light but authoritative support by Hebert and Royston. Aimee Allen sings the intro on Stolen Sisters, and a floating flute melody by Wilson sets the intro. Breaking into a rhythmic, far more structured melody led by Pete McCann on guitar and then Wilson on flute, Premazzi on piano, Hebert on bass and Royston on drums, this track really moves. Allen's "Brazilian style vocals, and a strong solo by Hebert make this one of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is Afro Mosaic Soul Babies with it's monster bass line by Hebert and tight drum work by Royston. I really like the delivery by Wilson on sax, contrasting with Premazzi's piano. McCann breaks loose with some exceptional guitar lead really kicking this track. Developing an excellent groove with Wilson, Hebert and Royston, this is a very solid closer. 

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Ruf Records artist: Mitch Ryder - Songs From The Road - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Songs From The Road, by Mitch Ryder and it's a solid rocker. Opening with Lilli May, Mitch Ryder fronts the band on vocal with Laura Chavez and Sean Athens on guitars, Tomek Germann on bass, Denis Palatin on drums and Lea Worms on keys. On bluesy, All The Fools It Sees, Ryder digs deep with nicely phrased soul vocals with glistening keyboards by Worms and Athens on acoustic guitar lays in some real tasty riffs. Latin flavored, Oh What A Night has really great movement focused by Palatin and Germann and a sweet piano solo by Worms really works nicely. Chavez dishes up a blistering guitar solo and Worms' backing vocals with Ryder make this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Chavez and Athens pair up nicely for dual guitar leads on War and the texture of this track really suits Ryder's vocal style. Athens steps up with a real nice guitar solo on this one and Worms ramps up the heat on organ. Country flavored, It Wasn't Me, features Athens on slide guitar. Ryder crafts the tale with stinging guitar lead by Chavez and Worms on organ and the tight drum rhythm of Palatin. Wrong Hands is another solid rocker with quite a bit of swagger. Chavez and Athens dish on the Richards style rocker with mean intent and Worms on electric piano adds real brightness. A jam on The Doors', Soul Kitchen really is pretty strong giving Chavez a wide berth to lay down some soulful riffs and showing her chops. Worms creates a Manzarek feel on keys and Ryder does a real nice job on the Lizard Kings' lyrics. Very cool. Wrapping the release is ballad, The Artist featuring Ryder singing with Worms on electric piano and keys. Solid closer for a cool concert.

  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