Origin Records artist: Chenxi Pan - This Very Moment - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, This Very Moment, from Chenxi Pan, and it's quite good. Opening with Hymn for the Spring, vocalist and composer, Chenxi Pan opens with a light and beautiful voice accompanied by Shaonan So on piano and Anders Julsgaard on drums who create a misty atmosphere for her brilliant vocals. Nathan Nakadegawa-Lee on sax and clarinet, creates a more obtuse, yet lush melody joined by Julsgaard and Su handing off to George Grydkovets who elaborates nicely on guitar.  Crisp opener. With a light poppy melody and N-Lee on clarinet, Little Bells is a easy flowing song with brilliant guitar work by Grydkovets on guitar, Nicolas Bond on bass and Julsgaard on drums, adorned with cleverly interwoven clarinet and vocals. Very nice. Endless Summer is another standout track with improvisational vocals by Pan with Julie Kim on cello, Peyton Cook on violin, joined by Bond, Julsgaard and Su. Possibly my favorite track on the release. Parachute is rich with full vocals, glistening piano, driving cello, and explosive drums creating a vibrant reflection on an otherwise subdued yet enticing release. Wrapping the release is Endless Summer (reprise) with warm guitar work by Grydkovets and the light, bright vocals of Pan. This is a cleanly executed and nicely composed release with plenty to experience. 

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Ruf Records artist: Matthew Curry - One For The Ride - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, One For The Ride, from Matthew Curry and it's a solid rocker with a lot of flavor. Opening with high energy, Rum Stumblin', Matthew Curry is back with great vocals and stinging guitars. With Francis Valentine on drums, Tim Brickner on bass, Mark Masefield on keys, Marc Russo on sax, Mike Olmos on trumpet and Mika Rinta on trombone this track has the intensity of Steve Gaines' tracks penned with Skynyrd and all of the commercial polish of Glenn Frey. Top opener. Laid back, Dancing In The Kitchen, is a real nice track with what I consider the kind of writing sure to get Curry real attention as a song writer, I love his articulate guitar work on the track and his vocal are perfect, with the added backing of Rob Archer on B3. I can definitely see other artists covering this track. Very nice. Another favorite track on the release is rock funky, Ballad Of Jesse Ed Davis. It's good to see acknowledgement of this unsung guitar slinger who I enjoyed seeing with the Shelter People and I listened to with everyone from Clapton and Taj Mahal to Bob Dylan. A wicked slide player, this is a strong tribute encouraging Curry to cut loose on slide as well. Excellent! Don't Be A Stranger has that JJ Cale, Oklahoma style guitar picking and swamp funky bottom by Brickner and Valentino with great vocal and slide by Curry, complimented by Mark Masefield on keys. Attacking the Van Zant sound straight on, Curry covers Whiskey Rock A Roller, a great southern rocker adding horns by Russo, Olmos and Rinta but holding to the soulful vocals and guitar snarl. Nice job. Wrapping the release is mostly acoustic entry, The Rambling Kind, a warm ballad with a screaming electric solo and fitting track to wind down an excellent 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”

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