D'Angelo has passed

 

Michael Eugene Archer (February 11, 1974 – October 14, 2025) 

I'm not going to write a lot about this because if you know you already know. I want to acknowledge this guy because he was super talented and I had a lot of respect for what he did with his talent. It is unfortunate that he was sick for a significant time substantially limiting his musical output. If you don't know  him check him out. All cancer is bad but Pancreatic Cancer is one of the worst.

This is the video that was most played on the media at the time. If this ain't the blues... there isn't any...

Sweetspot Records artist: Al Basile - Blues In Hand - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues In Hand, by Al Basile and I really like it. Opening with All of Your Lies, Al Basile on lead vocal and cornet create a real funky groove backed by Mark Teixeira on drums, Brad Hallen on bass, Bruce Bears on keys, Jeff "Doc" Chanonhouse on trumpet, Doug James on tenor sax and a stellar guitar solo by Kid Anderson. Excellent opener. Blues After Blues is another really strong track with a deeper feel and a soulful Albert King kind of vibe. Basile plays a soulful cornet solo and his vocals, along with Anderson's sweltering guitar work and Bears' organ solo give this track real traction. Up tempo soul track, Thank You Fool has a real radio appeal with it's solid melody and smooth organ solo by Bears. Good Rhythm is an easy paced blues track featuring Basile's vocals and a real nice piano solo by Bears. A lower octave, stylized, guitar solo by Andersen adds to the dark feel of the track. My Dearest Dream has a reaal nice bluesy feel with Basile on vocal and cool laid back trumpet work by Chanonhouse and smooth piano work by Bears. Wrapping the release is funky, When You Lose Your Money, has just a hint of BB King with accents by Chanonhouse and a firm bass line by Hallen giving the track a distinct feel. A simple, soulful cornet solo by Basile and his own distinct vocal style and a stylized guitar solo by Andersen makes this a solid closer for an enjoyable release.


  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“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

Sleeping Dog Records artist: Mother Blues with Gerald McClendon - Sleeping While The River Runs - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sleeping While The River Runs, by Mother Blues with Gerald McClendon and it's really strong. Opening with powerful R&B track, Pass You By features Gerald McClendon on lead vocal with Steve Bramer strumming rhythm guitar, Jerry Soto on keys, Gordon Patriarcha on bass and Jim Barklay on drums. A solid ballad with a bluesy feel, super opener. Soulful, Keep You From Harm, has an easy pace and tasty guitar guitar soloing nicely complimenting McClendon's sure vocals. Funk rocker, Common Ground, is another show of McClendon's vocal styling with a chukka rhythm accentuated by Soto on organ and Bramer throwing down on guitar. Bramer lays down a real nice intro on shuffle, Come To Me, and McClendon's vocal phrasing is super. Me & Ian is a real cool instrumental with jazzy textures and full surf like chords for drum and guitar. Habit of The Heart is a straight up rocker with flashy guitar riffs and an aggressive bass drum rhythm. McClendon leads the way on vocal and Bramer shows his chops. Very cool. Another cool rocker is Where's The Fire with fanning guitar rhythm by Bramer and Hurtin' Burt on harp with some funky bottom by Partiarcha on bass and Gikas Marks on drums. Really nice. Wrapping the release is a reprise of Sleeping featuring saturated organ work by Soto and lush vocals by Carole Baskin, Lara Jenkins and LaShann McNicholas. Strong closer.

 


  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“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