Bman's Blues Report

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...

The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra (APSO) has been keeping the classic '60s and '70s soul-blues vibe alive ever since guitarist Anthony Paule started the band in San Francisco back in 2007. Known for their killer horn section and a history of powerhouse vocalists, the band just welcomed their newest front man, the amazing Willy Jordan . Willy is a massive talent who already has two Grammy nominations under his belt from his time with Elvin Bishop’s Big Fun Trio , and he has even shared the stage with legends like John Lee Hooker . Taking over the mic from former APSO greats like Wee Willie Walker , Frank Bey, and Terrie Odabi, Willy brings a totally real, down-to-earth energy to the stage. When you see them live, his commanding voice and honest vibe make for an unforgettable, heartfelt show.  🎵 LISTEN & SUPPORT THE ALBUM ▶ Listen to Album Samples (Click to Expand)                      ...

Blues powerhouses Johnny Rawls and Dave Keller just dropped their new collaborative album, Tribute to Soul, out now on Third Street Cigar Records. This 11-track project is a high-energy shoutout to the legends of the chitlin circuit, packed with huge vocal duets and blazing horns. It is a masterclass in deep soul-blues, born out of a musical brotherhood that has been cooking for over 15 years.  Johnny Rawls is a living Mississippi legend who was leading the band for soul icon O.V. Wright at just 17. He has backed giants like Joe Tex and Eddie Floyd, and he is still dominating today, recently taking home Soul Blues Album of the Year at the 2026 Blues Music Awards. Johnny brings his signature, velvety-smooth Southern vocals and decades of rhythm guitar mastery to this project. Dave Keller is a Vermont-based singer and guitarist known as one of the finest modern torchbearers of deep soul. Dave has built a fierce reputation for his wild live shows, emotional vocals, and razor-sharp gui...