Bman's Blues Report

Friday, December 20, 2024

E-H Records artist: Eliza Neals - Colorcrimes - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Colorcrimes, by Eliza Neals, and it's high energy blues. Opening with Heal This Land, featuring Neals on vocal and Michael Puwal on guitar really generate a lot of energy based on original blues. Solid opener. Title track, Colorcrimes, is a strong, soulful track with nicely blended vocals by Neals and featuring Puwal on guitar, Doug Woern on bass, Mark Leach on B3, and Justin Headley on drums. Very nice. Shuffle, Candy Store, has a super feel and nicely showcases Neals vocals. With Puwal on guitar, Skeeto Valdez on drums, Paul Randolph on bass, John Galvin on B3, and Kymberli Wright on backing vocal, this track really hits the groove. Wrapping the release is Friday Night (All Day Long), a blues rocker with a funky backbeat. With it's memorable melody and solid harmonies, this is the radio track for the release and a solid closer.

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Curley Mays has passed - My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends

I was informed this morning by Curley's son that Curley has passed. I am very sorry to hear this. Here is another notice of Curley's passing from Patrice Villastrigo:

Patrice Villastrigo

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Sadness ensues at the passing of dear friend, Curley Mays

A kind and integrous man, he always had a smile on his face

I've known Curley over 30 years. Often, he'd join us, me, Spot Barnett and Tony Lara, as we performed around San Antonio. One never forgets a Curley Mays performance! What he could do with a guitar, simply amazing

Curley made the world a better place

When asked, he regaled us with stories of his fascinating musical history. A sense of pride shone on his face as he did so. An icon, he will be very much missed, by so many

Many blessings and much love to Curley 's family

Visitation:

December 28

10 - 11 am

Calgary Baptist Church

Funeral Service:

Calgary Baptist Church

11 am

Curley's Obituary

Thursday, December 19, 2024

Ears & Eyes Records artist: Matt Booth - Sun Prints - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sun Prints, from Matt Booth and it's a stimulating sonic adventure. Opening with In Tongues, Peter Varnado on drums and Matt Booth on bass lay down a strong rhythmic theme, joined by Steve Lands on trumpet and Sam Taylor on tenor sax creating an ever building intensity, anchored by Oscar Rossignoli on piano. Strong opener. Ice Bear has a crisp, glistening feel with tight drum work by Varnado and a great bass line by Booth. Lands creates a really nice melodic theme on trumpet and Taylor sails on tenor sax. Very nice. You Came Along has a progressive drum, bass, piano anchor with a stimulating feel and Lands and Taylor exchange soloing on trumpet and sax making for on of my favorite tracks on the release. Wrapping the release is Happenstance, an intricate track with whirling piano, sax and trumpet and articulate drums and guitar. A fruitful closer.

Wednesday, December 18, 2024

Gritbiscuit Records artist: Christopher Lockett - A Town We Painted Blue - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, A Town We Painted Blue, by Christopher Lockett and it's a solid gumbo of folk, blues country and Americana. Opening with title track, A Town We Painted Blue, Christopher Lockett on vocal and rhythm guitar sings a folk tune with strong violin work by Scarlet Rivera and Kitten Kuroi on backing vocal. I really like the pedal steel work on Bob "Boo" Bernstein on Santa Ana Winds Are Good For Cryin', a cool folk rocker with Fernando Persomo on drums behind Lockett and Kuroi on vocal. Death Ain't Nothin'/No Mercy is a cool blues structured track with a powerful guitar riff by Perdomo and terrific vocals by Lockett and Kuroi. I like Lamp Posts with it's Americana structure, spartan rhythm, pure vocals by Lockett and Kuroi and sweet violin work by Rivera. Lockett pulls out his blues harmonica on Down By The Riverslide, a cool harmonica jam backed by Perdomo on drums. Wrapping the release is another American style rocker, Long and Troubled Road, with a solid melody and vocals by Lockett and Kuroi. I think that this release is quite interesting and has it's own flavor.

Tuesday, December 17, 2024

Judy Sings The Blues - Backstage Pass Live!!! - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Backstage Pass Live!!!, from Judy Sings The Blues and it's has great kick. Opening with Help Me, a blues rocker with plenty of swagger, Judy Mangini on lead vocal and percussion really takes control. Joined by Jan Zukowski on bass, Ray Lombardo on drums and featuring some potent guitar work by Lin Doughten and Brian Cunningham on sax, this is a tight opener. Rocking boogie, Guess I Was Wrong, has a firm droning bass line by Zukowski and a tight drum beat by Lombardo leaving a great platform for Mangini's vocals, and sweaty guitar soloing by Doughten and a soulful sax solo by Cunningham. Very nice. Soul track, Come Over Here really showcases Mangini's vocal style and the band with it's moving rhythm sets a terrific feel. Cunningham on sax sets the bluesy moody and Doughten rips a real nice guitar solo giving the track real teeth making it one of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is blues rocker, 52 Years with a driving drum rhythm and rock guitar riffs. Cunningham breaks loose a saucy sax solo with Mangini closing the set.

Monday, December 16, 2024

Mike Goudreau Band - Just Wanna Have Fun - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Just Wanna Have Fun, from Mike Goudreau Band and it's a swinging blues release. Opening with Don't Wanna Go To Work, Mike Gougreau on lead vocal and guitar leads the way with Dany Roy on trumpet responding to his call, backed by Norman Lachapelle on bass, Richard Irwin on drums and Paul Shrofel on keys. A cool shuffle, this track gives Goudreau plenty of space to run the frets. Solid opener. With a nice lope, How Can I Change Your Mind, really hits the slot. Singing just behind the beat, Goudreau gives the track a real laid back feel and Shrofel on keys lay out a sweet solo of his own. Rockin blues, Big Black Dog, plays nicely with Goudreau putting out some of his best vocals and crisp guitar riffs over the funky rhythm of Shrofel on keys and Irwin on drums. With a light, easy pace, Happy Since You're Gone, is a jazzier piece with Goudreau crooning and nice muted trumpet and flute by Roy. Next up is Come Home Baby with a great swing, featuring some of Goudreau's best guitar riffs and Guy Belanger on harmonica. My favorite track on the release is Au Revoir Not Goodbye with a slow bluesy pace. With stinging guitar riffs and smooth vocals by Goudreau and warm keys by Shrofel this track is a real standout. Wrapping the release is trumpet led, Hoppin The Blues, with jazzy guitar riffs by Goudreau and organ riffs by Shrofel. Roy stands tall with a great blues laden sax solo for a solid instrumental closer.

Friday, December 13, 2024

Darren Barrett - The Get Down 4 Real: Step Step Steppin' _ New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Get Down 4 Real: Step Step Steppin', from Darren Barrett and it's really strong. Opening with The Get Down 4 Real, Youngehae Jeong, Paul Reinhold, Clara Moser on bass and Julian Miltenberger set an evil groove, with Warren Pettey and Santiego Bosch on keys setting the stage for Darren Barrett on trumpet to set a great melodic groove on trumpet. Quite exciting. Barrett leads the way on Flow Against the Flow with a loose but structured trumpet melody with obtuse yet perfect key strokes and electronic overflow on a tight drums rhythm. Excellent! My favorite track on the release is funky, DSYWJ funky organ and keys over an intense rolling drum/bass groove. Barrett with muted trumpet really coaxes an understated melody giving this track a Headhunters feel. Wrapping the release is We Out No Doubt a laid back groove with a excellent drum line and recurring melodic theme by Barrett. I really like this release. Check it out.

Thursday, December 12, 2024

Scott Weis Band - Live In Europe - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live In Europe, from the Scott Weis Band and it's a solid blues based rocker. Opening with Raise Your Hands, a solid rocker, Scott Weis on lead vocal and guitar really gets the show going. With Robert Kopec on bass and vocal and Roger Voss on drums, this is a great sound. On ZZ Top's Just Got Paid/Jesus Just Left Chicago, Weis on vocal and lead guitar gets that Gibbons grit and cruises into his well known shuffle. This is a great concert track and nicely developed. Pride and Soul is a strong track opening with stripped down guitar, vocal and tambourine. Growing as it develops, this track is a potent blues rocker. With a driving bass line by Kopec and tight drums by Voss, this is one of my favorites on the release. Sam and Dave's deep soul track, Something is Wrong With My Baby, is really developed nicely here with well blended vocal harmonies and an extended guitar solo by Weis. Funky, Bitch Please, breaks a nice groove and with a rolling bottom and relentless guitar riffs, this track really moves. Wrapping the release is Freddie King's Have You Ever Loved A Woman, with Weiss hitting stiff and hard on guitar. Spanning over 10 minutes, this is a great jam and a strong closer for this solid concert release.

Wednesday, December 11, 2024

Denise La Grassa - Sundown Rising - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sundown Rising, from Denise La Grassa and it's a solid blues rocker. Opening with title track, Sundown Rising, Denise La Grassa onlead vocal and organ leads the way with a tight rhythm by Mike Gee on drums, and Steven C. Manns on bass and John Kregor on guitars and featuring Pierre Lacocque on harmonica. Solid opener. On Big Bill Broonzy's Key To The Highway, La Grassa gives the track a twist with a funky bottom, adding Stephen Ryan on guitar some real nice harmonica work by Lacocque. Charging rocker, Vision Of Good Rule Makers features some real nice guitar work by Ryan and La Grassa on vocal and organ and backing by the Nunn Sisters. My favorite track on the release is funky, Sweet Talk, with bluesy vocals by La Grassa, flashy guitar riffs by Ryan and strong bottom by Gee and Manns. Wrapping the release is easy shuffle, Loving For Love's Sake anchored by by Gee's tight drum work.

Tuesday, December 10, 2024

Quarto Valley Records artist: Dominic Quarto - Happy Little Accidents - New release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Happy Little Accidents, by Dominic Quarto and it's an energetic blues rocker. Opening with Wanna Good Time, Dominic Quarto is on lead vocal joined by Rip Carson on bass and excellent rockabilly guitar riffs and Jeff Taylor holding the rhythm in line on drums. Strong opener. In the slot, La Verne, has real swagger with Quarto on lead vocal, Bob Gothar and Carson on guitars, Taylor on drums, Jorgen Carlsson on bass and Tyler Nickeas, Daniel Fritts , Richard McGowen and Chris Edwards on backing vocals. With thunderous drums by Kenny Aronoff and a firm hand by Carlsson, Ely May rumbles. Quarto on vocal and Pettibone on guitar and harmonica, gives this track a definite 50's feel. With a country and western twist, Outlaw really has a great feel. With strong vocals by Quarto, Pettibone and Carson on guitars, and Taylor on drums, this is one of my favorites on the release. Closing the set is easy paced, country flavored, Song For Nick. Quarto sings it like it's his music base and with Gary Brandon adding tasty pedal steel work to Gothar's lead and Carson on bass, this is an excellent closer.

Monday, December 9, 2024

Richard Wilkins - Empty Seats - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Empty Seats, from Richard Wilkins and it's a cool fusion of blues, rock and country. Opening with Duncan McGillvray, a traditional Scottish tune and leading directly into Coming In For A Landing, a country two stepper with a rock edge. Richard Wilkins on vocal, sax, bass and guitar is joined by Paul Brainard on guitar and lap steel, Brian Harris on piano, and Jimi Bott on drums. Rocking opener. I particularly like Rainy Sunday Morning with Wilkins and Rhonda Steele on vocals and cool, slide guitar by Wilkins and Ed Neuman on organ. Shuffle, Daylight Train, has a great feel, with Wilkins on vocal and Brainard on lap steel, and Joe McCarthy on brass. Crossroads Of Love is a cool rocker with edge. Wilkins keeps it raw with edgy vocals and stripped down guitar riffs and Bott keeps it tight. Jump track, Rock This House really moves with excellent guitar lead by Brainard and Wilkins and Neuman on piano. Wrapping the release is traditional track, Will Ye No Come Back Again with it's traditional boned but rocky sound. Featuring Wilkins on sax, and Bott on drums this is a solid closer.

Friday, December 6, 2024

Ubuntu Music artist: Omer Lesham - Play Space - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Play Space, from Omer Leshem and it's fresh. Opening with world influenced, Twilight Hymn, Latin meets Mediterranean rhythms and Omer Leshem on tenor is blowing some warm melody. Joined by Naday Remez on guitar with a beautiful Spanish flavored solo, Moshe Elmakias on piano, Elam Friedlander on bass and Ben Silashi on drums this track is terrific. Cape Town Swag really moves with a stimulating bass line and tasty sax lead by Leshem. Elmakias evolves the melody nicely with imaginative piano exploration and Remez settles into a cool groove with Friedlander on bass and aggressive drumming by Silashi really cooks, making this one of my favorite tracks on the release. Framing in 3/4, Go You Maniac has a really flowing feel. With Lesham creating the melody and a nicely floating melody, and percussive sub melody, this track is really nicely done. Wrapping the release is Back Home, with a soothing, quiet melody, presented by Lesham on sax. With nicely blended bass, guitar and piano solos, this is a strong closer for a very pleasing release.

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Reali Records artist: J.P. Reali - Blues Since Birth - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues Since Birth, by J.P. Reali and it's a stripped down blues rocker. Opening with The Devil's Take, J.P. Reali digs in with a grinding boogie. His own vocal and dirty guitar riffs and slide guitar, Chris reali on bass, Josh Borden on keys and Jim Larson on drums make for a cool opener. A bluesy take on Bob Dylan's It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry, is one of my favorites on the release with some of the best vocals by Reali, hot slide styling and keyboard soloing by Borden. Contemporary blues track, Blues In A Minefield, is soothing and would work nicely into a radio playlist. Santana like phrasing on guitar and low key backing by Borden on keys, Gill Glass on bass and Larson on drums. Another favorite is Eileen Left with it's country rock flavor. Wrapping the release is title track, Blues Since Birth, featuring Reali on vocal and steel hollow body guitar and slide and simple kickdrum by Glass. This is a cool closer for an enjoyable release.

Tuesday, December 3, 2024

Davy Knowles - The Invisible Man - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Invisible Man, from Davy Knowles and it's a strong blues rocker. Opening with contemporary rocker, Good To Know Ya, Davy Knowles on lead and rhythm guitar and vocal lays down a solid track with hints of the Dickey Betts and twin guitar leads backed by Tod Bowers on bass and Mike Hansen. Tell Me What You Want Me To Be has a great back beat and a low slung rhythm. Knowles' vocals are tops and his guitar lead had plenty of spunk. Driving rocker, Running Out Of Moonlight, has strong radio appeal with compact guitar riffs and a memorable melody. Hansen and Bowers hold a solid bottom and Knowles cuts loose on lead with broad swath guitar intensity. Very cool. Heavy bottomed, No More To Weep, is my favorite track on the release with soulful vocals and bluesy guitar lead, accented by a solid bass hook and snappy drum work by Hansen. Wrapping the release is quiet ballad, Wonder You Are, with a strong melody, light backing and sweet, resonator slide work by Knowles. This is a solid closer for a real nice release.

Monday, December 2, 2024

CNY Jazz Arts Foundation artist: The CNY Jazz Orchestra - If A White Horse From Jerusalem - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, If A White Horse From Jerusalem, by The CNY Jazz Orchestra and it's an interesting mix of Big Band, Coltrane with Jewish and Arabic scalar, rhythmic and harmonic materials. Opening with Ahava Raba, Eddie Severn, Scott Harrell, Rob Robson and Paul Merrill blazing on trumpets and the smooth sound of David Liebman on soprano sax and Charles Pillow on clarinet. The addition of Seth Carper, Mike Dubaniewicz, John Jeanneret and Frank Grosso on sax, Rick Montalbanl on piano, Spencer Phillips on bass and Larry Luttinger on drums for the full ensemble. Real Klezmer rhythm on Ki Lo Noeh / Maqam Saba Liebman and Luttinger set the pace with reed backing and trumpet and trombones (Bill Palange, Greg McCrea, Angelo Candela and Mark Anderson) create musical tension, then soloing over the tight rhythm of Phillips and Luttinger. Very cool. Bernstein's classic composition, Somewhere, is really lushly orchestrated and flows from the band. Liebman really lays it out there backed by flugelhorn and trombone for an excellent, warm romp. Grosso digs in nicely on Hip-Hop Shuffle with a lot of encouragement by Phillips on bass. Wrapping the release is Rogers and Hart's Where or When featuring Montalbano on piano solo with warm sax and horn backing and complimentary melodic lines. Solid closer for a real cool release.