Conner Ray Music artist: Steve Krase - Buckle Up - New release review

I just received the newest release, Buckle Up, from Steve Krase and it really cooks! Opening with a fast paced 50's style rocker, Jolene, piano man Randy Wall hits the floor running and sets a healthy pace for Krase on harp and vocals. James Henry lays out the slide and this track is on fire! Cherae Lerie adds rockin background vocals with Terry Dry on bass and Michael Morris on drums. Daddy's Got A Cadillac has an eclectic blues rock feel with steady slide work and nice harp riffs. With just a pinch of country, this track reminds me a bit of early ZZ Top. Blues classic, I Just Want to Make Love To You takes on the characteristics of the remake by blues rocker Foghat but with a flavor all it's own. Featuring round harp riffs from Krase and deliberate vocal style of Krase ad Trudy Lynn, this keeps more of the ruggedness of the original with an updated rhythm. Very cool. Misery is a smooth 12 bar with really nice harp work from Krase. With a solid groove this is a great rhythmic romper. Henry opens Night Train (From Oakland) with red hot guitar riffs leading into a slow paced down and dirty arpeggiated blues track. Krase takes center stage vocally and Henry steps up with some really soulful guitar riffs. If you want to hear someone really dig in on guitar, at over 7 minutes, this is it. Excellent! Blueshound has a really cool feel not unlike some of the early blues tracks from Savoy Brown with a taste of country. Rock Romano adds some nice vocal harmonies and Henry some slippery sliding as well. Bobby Markoff leads the way on keys on I Like Them All, a Chicago style blues track. Krase steps up with a hot harp solo and Henry is hot on his heels on slide. Great track! Title track, Buckle Up, has an easy pop country pace with a blues base. Big Bad Woman has a great groove led by Rick Romano on bass and Bobby Markoff on keys. Krase takes the lead on harp and vocal, setting the pace and Henry steps up with a nicely articulated solo of his own. With a full foot stopmer, Henry and Krase take it home. Wrapping the release is Now, a bluesy War like instrumental with Krase riding high on harp. An excellent completion to a fine recording.

  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”