Bman's Blues Report

ALBUM REVIEW Jad Tariq - Precious Company Label: MoMojo Records Released: September 18, 2026 DR: TBD J ad Tariq has been quietly making a name for himself as one of those rare musicians who can pull off classic mid-century blues without making it feel like a history lesson. Based out of Memphis, the singer, songwriter, and guitarist caught the attention of the roots and blues scene by tapping right into the raw, swinging energy of 1950s jump blues. His early studio work put him on the radar as a serious rising talent, mostly because he treats the genre not like a museum piece, but like something that’s supposed to be a little messy, completely alive, and shared in a crowded room.  His style is built on a steady foundation of soulful vocals and fiery guitar playing that feels incredibly natural. Whether he is fronting a full band with a punchy brass section or just keeping things intimate with a couple of acoustic tracks, Ta...

ALBUM REVIEW Chris Whiteman / John Toomey Quartet - Live at Reveler Label: Self-produced Released: October 2, 2026 DR: TBD T he Chris Whiteman / John Toomey Quartet is a fantastic group of musicians co-led by jazz guitarist Chris Whiteman and veteran pianist John Toomey. Whiteman, who grew up in Montclair, New Jersey, is a seasoned performer and educator with advanced degrees from the University of Miami. He’s played legendary spots like Birdland, the Blue Note, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and the Hollywood Bowl, playing with a clean, fluid phrasing that feels like a modern nod to masters like Herb Ellis. He shares the driver's seat with John Toomey, a powerhouse behind the keys whose long jazz resume includes touring with Maynard Ferguson's historic big band.  Toomey blends beautiful, melodic ideas with a hard-swinging style that locks in perfectly with Whiteman to shape the group's signature groove. Rounding out t...

ALBUM REVIEW Technocats - Passionata: The Music of Gregg Hill Label: Cold Plunge Records Released: August 28, 2026 DR: TBD T he Technocats are a soulful, Michigan-based jazz collective built around a pretty cool mission: bringing the original music of composer Gregg Hill to life. Born out of the tight-knit scene surrounding the Michigan State University Jazz Studies program, the group is all about bridging generations, mixing seasoned jazz veterans with some of the most exciting young players on the contemporary scene. The band actually took its name from a Gregg Hill tune that captured the high-energy vibe of late-night jam sessions, and that same spontaneous, collaborative spirit drives everything they do. They lean heavily into a classic, straight-ahead jazz sound, but they keep things fresh with sharp, modern arrangements that feel like a nod to the past while pushing firmly into the future. Co-led by bass trombonist Chris ...