Bman's Blues Report

Shirley Horn Born:  Washington D.C. May 1, 1934 – October 20, 2005 Genre Style:  Jazz, Blues Shirley Horn, who lived from 1934 to 2005, was an acclaimed American jazz singer and pianist celebrated for her smoky contralto voice and her masterful ability to perform exceptionally slow, intimate ballads while accompanying herself on the piano. Born and raised in Washington, D.C., she was a child prodigy who trained classically at Howard University before transitioning to jazz and forming her own trio at age twenty. She rose to national prominence in 1960 after legendary trumpeter Miles Davis discovered her debut album, Embers and Ashes, and adamantly insisted she open for him at New York’s Village Vanguard. Although she recorded with major producers like Quincy Jones, Horn famously chose to step back from heavy touring and industry pressures during the 1960s and 1970s to remain close to home and raise her daughter. She experienced a massive global career renaissance a...

Special Video The New Orleand Swamp Donkeys Traditional Jass Band The New Orleans Swamp Donkeys Traditional Jass Band is a wild, high-energy crew that has been keeping the rowdy spirit of early 1900s traditional jazz alive since bursting onto the scene in late 2012. Fronted by the incredible James Williams—whose powerhouse trumpet playing and gravelly, Louis Armstrong-style vocals command the room—this New Orleans outfit serves up a gritty, soulful mix of authentic early "jass," gut-bucket blues, and old-school vaudeville. They respect the city's legendary roots but strictly skip the stuffy museum treatment, bringing a party-first, dance-ready vibe to every single stage they stomp on. They completely broke the internet back in 2014 when their ridiculously catchy, brass-heavy cover of the Game of Thrones theme song went mega-viral. That viral spark launched them out of local French Quarter clubs and onto massive global stages, sending them o...

ALBUM REVIEW Clay Giberson - Moment's Notice Label: Origin Records Released: October 23, 2026 DR: TBD C lay Giberson is a jazz pianist and composer based in Portland, Oregon, with a style that blends thoughtful songwriting, adventurous improvisation, and a strong sense of melody. Growing up in Washington, with a piano teacher for a mother, music was part of his life from an early age. After studying jazz at the University of Miami and earning a master's degree in music technology in New York, he went on to develop his own voice as a performer, bandleader, and recording artist. Giberson has worked with an impressive range of musicians and explored everything from intimate solo piano to lively, modern jazz with his groups Upper Left Trio and Go By Train. His recordings reflect a curiosity about sound and a willingness to follow an idea wherever it leads, without losing sight of the melody. Now part of Portland's vibr...

ALBUM REVIEW Miss Robin Banks - Lost In Austin featuring The Moeller Brothers  Label: Independent Released: July 1, 2026 DR: TBD R obin Banks isn't your average blues singer—she’s a powerhouse with a voice that can stop you in your tracks and a stage presence that completely commands a room. Growing up in Windsor, Ontario, she fell hard for the raw, soulful sounds of legends like Etta James and Koko Taylor, and she's been chasing that authentic groove ever since. Instead of waiting around for big labels, Robin took the wheel herself, self-producing her own records and hitting the road to tour across Canada, the US, and Europe. She eventually found herself drawn to the legendary music scene in Austin, Texas, soaking up the local vibe and jamming with top-tier players. That laid-back, lone-star energy directly inspired her 2026 album, Lost in Austin, proving that no matter where she wanders, she knows exactly how to del...

ALBUM REVIEW Haruna Fukazawa - Plays at the Wrong Time Label: Orange Paw Records Released: July 31, 2026 H aruna Fukazawa is a killer jazz flutist who grew up in Tokyo and eventually made the leap to the New York jazz scene to really stretch her creative wings. She actually started out with a heavy classical background, but her musical world completely flipped when she discovered jazz and ended up being mentored by the absolute legend Frank Wess. That classical precision combined with a deep, soulful love for swing gives her playing this amazing edge. Whether she is leading her own quintet at iconic rooms like Blue Note or drop-kicking a groove on the alto flute, she just has this incredibly warm, expressive style that makes complex jazz feel totally welcoming and fun. Add this Record to Your Collection Available in CD and Vinyl Formats. 🛒 Purchase via Amazon Store ...