VizzTone /SWMAF Records artist: John Primer and Bob Corritore - Crawlin' Kingsnake - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Crawlin' Kingsnake, from John Primer & Bob Corritore and it's a full house, blues release. Opening with Take A Message, John Primer on lead vocal and guitar starts off this dynamic shuffle. Bob Corritore steps up pretty quickly on harmonica with great Chicago style blues chops that he's well known for, adding a nice solo by Jimi Primetime Smith on guitar, and joined by Bob Stroger on bass, Anthony Geraci on piano and Wes Starr on drums. Super opener. Willie Dixon's Down In The Bottom is up next with a cool bass line by Stroger and potent piano rhythm by Geraci. Primer's vocals are solid and Corritore trades solos with Primer and Smith adding nice balance. John Primer's shuffle, Hiding Place has a really great feel with vocal swagger by Primer and a driving guitar/ piano feel. Corritore lays out a real nice harmonica solo and Primer's solo nods to Elmore James. One of my favorite tracks on the release is BB King's Chains and Things with it's more soulful bluesy approach. Primer's vocals are always terrific and Geraci's piano really adds nicely to the mix. Corritore lays down a soulful harmonica solo and Geraci matches it with a beautiful solo of his own. Primetime and Primer are both solid blues guitar players adding nicely. Jimmie Lane's blues rocker, You're The One has a really nice rhythm pairing Primer on vocal and guitar with Corritore who sails on harmonica. This tracks stands out nicely with an additional guitar solo by Primetime. Magic Slim's Gravel Road has a driving Chicago feel with Primer singing in the slot. Corritore chides Primer on harmonica as he belts out the melody and Smith lays down a real nice rocky blues solo. Wrapping the release is Muddy's, Feel Like Going Home with a solid jam. Primer on lead vocal and slide, trades riffs with Geraci on piano and Corritore again showcasing some of his excellent soulful playing. Geraci rolls in nicely with traditional blues piano improvisation presented nicely and Primer on slide adds a lot of grease. 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”

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Endless Blues Records artist: Mick Kolassa - Wooden Music - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Wooden Music, from Mick Kolassa and it's chocked full of of blues talent. Opening with shuffle, Educated By The Blues, Mick Kolassa on vocal and guitar lays down a cool melody, with Doug MacLeod and Jeff Jensen on guitar, Carl Casperson on bass, Tom Lonardo on drums, Rick Steff on piano and featuring Eric Hughes on harmonica. Up-tempo, If I Told You, has a swampy rhythm with Jensen on guitar, Casperson on bass, Lonardo on drums and Vince Johnson on harmonica. Very nice. Over My Shoulder is a cool little tune with a saunter. With solid vocals by Kolassa and tight guitar melody by Jensen, this track has a great feel. Wrapping the release is country flavored, Gas Station Sushi, with Kolassa on vocal, kazoo and guitar, with straight up slide from Jensen and Lonardo on drums. This is a cool closer for a characteristic Kolassa release.

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VizzTone artist: Bob Corritore & Friends - High Rise Blues - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, High Rise Blues from Bob Corritore & Friends and I really like it. Opening with Last Time featuring Jimmy Rogers on vocal and guitar, this band is in the groove. With Chico Chism on drums, SE Willis on piano, Johnny Rapp on guitar, Bruce Lopez on bass and Bob Corritore on harmonica, this is a solid opener. Title track, High Rise Blues, features Chism on vocal and he does a great job.  Rapp is joined by Luther Tucker who rips some great guitar riffs backed by Gordo Moraga on bass and Chism on drums. Chicago blues, Honey Where You Going has a great feel with Corritore upfront on harmonica joined by Sam Lay on vocal and drums. Rapp and Chris James on guitar Patrick Rynn on bass round on this great track. Pinetop Perkins is featured on vocal and piano leading Grinder Man. His quiet yet firm vocal style provides great balance for his deliberate piano style and Corritore gets the harmonica humming on this one. With Brian Fahey on drums, Rynn on drums and James on guitar, it's a solid Pinetop track. Willie Big Eyes Smith  leads off on She's Alright, a Morganfield classic with Corritore punctuating the lead. Joined by Rapp on guitar, and Fuzz Jones on bass, classic Chicago. Shuffle, Sail A Ship features Eddie Clearwater on vocal and guitar with Chris James on guitar, Rynn on bass and Hiller on drums. Closing the set is Caught In The Act, with Lil Ed on guitar and lead vocal. Ed lays out some really nice guitar soloing, trading with Rapp, Corritore adds harmonica, all backed by Paul Thomas on bass, and Chism on drums. Strong closer.

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VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Corritore - Women In Blues Showcase - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Women In Blues Showcase by Bob Corritore and there are some real gems here. Opening with You're Gonna Be Sorry, Barbara Lynn on vocal and guitar is joined by Corritore on harmonica, Maxine Johnson and Laydee Jai on backing vocal, and Bill Tarsha on drums. A cool, early blues rock sound makes this an excellent opener. One of my favorite tracks on the release is soulful, I Just Need A Friend, by Carol Fran. Johnny Rapp on guitar, Paul Thomas on bass, and Chico Chism on drums really support this excellent vocal track perfectly. Koko Taylor is front and center on What Kind of Man Is This with great Chicago swagger. Joined by Bob Margolin on guitar, Frank Krakowski on guitar, Bob Stroger on bass, Adriana Marie on bass and Willie Big Eyes Smith on drums, a real cool track. Shy Perry does a great job  belting out Dixon's Wang Dang Doodle with Corritore on harmonica and Brian Fahey on drums. Diunna Greenleaf 's rocker, Don't Mess With The Messer really is a mover and Greenleaf's vocals are gritty and powerful, backed by Fred Kaplan on piano, Troy Sandow on bass, Andrew Guterman on drums and a terrific bari solo by Doug James. Wrapping the release is Francine Reed on Why Am I Treated So Bad. I gotta say I really love Reed's voice and the choice to place her last on this release is a great one. With  Kid Ramos on guitar, Johnny Main on guitar, Mike Hightower on bass, Michael Reed on backing vocal and Brian Fahey on drums, this is an excellent closer for a really strong release.

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VizzTone Label Group artists: Jimi "Primetime" Smith and Bob Corritore - The World In A Jug - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The World In A Jug, from Jimi "Primetime" Smith and Bob Corritore and it's a healthy dose of pure Chicago blues. Opening with title track, I Got The World In A Jug, Jimi "Primetime" Smith on lead vocal and guitar really gets this set rolling in Morganfield style. Bob Corritore shares the spotlight and shows the great tone and phrasing that he's know for. With Fred Kaplan on piano, Johnny Rappy on guitar, Bob Stroger on bass and Brian Fahey on drums, this is an excellent opener. Corritore really ramps it up on You For Me with classic high octave octane and with Henry Gray on piano, Rapp on guitar, Troy Sandow on bass and Marty Dodson on drums, this is a definite favorite. Shuffle, Blinded, is one of my favorites on the release really showcasing Primetime's excellent guitar phrasing and vocals and a strong solo by Corritore on harmonica, backed by Shea Marshall on organ, Tony Tomlinson on bass and Allen West on drums. Primetime slips on his slide for an Elmore James flavored Walkin'. His vocals are very soulful and Corritore really uses his amp to his advantage getting just that right tone. With Yahni Riley on bass and Fahey on drums, this is a real nice track. Wrapping the release is another great Chicago style slow blues, Fire and Ice. Primetime on vocal shows gripping emotion and Corritore milks the juice out of his harmonica. With Rap on guitar, Riley on bass and Fahey on drums, this is an excellent closer. 

Delmark Records artist: Mud Morganfield - Portrait - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Portrait, by Mud Morganfield and it's a super mix of blues, soul and R&B. Opening with Praise Him, Morganfield on bass and vocal leads the way with really rich vocals, backed by  Felicia Collins, Shantina Lowe and Demetrius Hall on backing vocals, Rick Kreher on guitar, Mike Wheeler on guitar,  Cameron Lewis on drums, Luca Chiellini on keys, and Bob Corritore on harmonica. Solid opener. Upbeat Chicago blues cruiser, Short Dressed Woman, really sounds like his pap with Corritore on excellent harmonica, Kreher on guitar, E.G. McDaniel on bass, Billy Flynn on guitar, Barrelhouse Chuck really hammering the piano, And Beedy Eyes Smith setting an excellent beat on drums. Terrific loping Chicago blues, Love To Flirt is an excellent track with Muddy Like vocals and strong harmonica by Harmonica Hinds. Chuck again on piano and organ, McDaniel on bass, Flynn on guitar, and Smith on drums. Chuck leads off Loco Motor with a great piano boogie rhythm with McDaniel pushing on bass and a real nice stretch by Corritore and solos by Flynn and Chuck. Excellent! Slow blues, Midnight Lover has terrific presence really showcasing Morganfield's vocals with excellent solos by Chuck, Flynn and Corritore. Possibly my favorite track on the release.  Wrapping the release is Sonny Boy Williamson's classic, Good Morning Little School Girl featuring solid vocals by Morganfield, Corritore on harmonica, Chuck on piano, Smith on drums, McDaniels on bass, and Flynn and Kreher on guitars. A track often played by his dad, this is a solid closer for one of Mud's best releases to date.

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VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Corritore & Friends - You Shocked Me - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, You Shocked Me, from Bob Corritore and Friends and it's chocked full of great Chicago based blues. Opening with Hiding Place, John Primer has the lead on vocal and guitar backed by Anthony Geraci on piano, Wes Starr on drums, Jimi Primetime Smith on guitar and Bob Stroger on bass. This is a terrific opener with high energy. Diunna Greenleaf is up front on vocal on title track, You Shocked Me with Bob Margolin on guitar, LA Jones on guitar, Ben Levin on piano, Starr on drums, Adrianna Marie on  bass and Corritore on harmonica. Super track. Alabama Mike has the mic on slow blues, Somebody Stole My Love From Me, a soul jammed track. With excellent harmonica lead by Corritore, Stroger on bass, Margolin on guitar, Fred Kaplan on piano, and Starr on drums, this is one of my favorites on the release. Love Francine Reed's vocals on Don't Need Your Permission, a swinging shuffle with Corritore really humming on harmonica. With Johnny Main on guitar, Bill Fahey on drums and Mike Hightower on bass, this is another great track. Diunna Greenleaf and Jimi Primetime Smith have the mic on Sunny Day Friends, a real nice shuffle with Johnny Rapp on steel, Kaplan on piano, Corritore on harmonica, Troy Sandow on bass and Andrew Gutterman on drums. Very nice.  Wrapping the release is Blues For Hippies featuring Alabama Mike on lead vocal, Stroger on bass, smith on guitar, Kaplan on piano and Fahey on drums. Corritore really winds the harmonica out on this track. This is a great closer for a really nice 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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Blues Review at the Rhythm Room featuring Thornetta Davis and Johnny Burgin

 

We went to an exceptional show on Friday night and if you get the opportunity to see this on tour somewhere, take the time. The show at Phoenix's famous Rhythm Room was booked as Thornetta Davis, Detroit's Queen of the Blues with an allstar blues review but it was so much more. I see and hear a lot of music but this was a lot of talent on one stage. I wasn't familiar with Thornetta's work but I always like to see Johnny Burgin when he's in town so we made the trek. The band was Bob Corritore (harmonica master and club owner), Jimi Primetime Smith, solid guitar player and a great voice, 91 year old Bob Stroger on bass who has a number of releases on his own (Eddie King, Otis Rush Sunnyland Slim, Big Eyes Smith, Carey Bell, Pinetop Perkins) and Dave Keyes on keys who has just released another new album (Popa Chubby, Odettta, David Johansen, Bo Diddley, Ronnie Specter, Eddie Clearwater, Ruth Brown, Levon Helm).

Each prime member of the band got at lease two tracks of his own music and featuring his own lead work. Thronetta, a real powerful performer, took the stage once during each of the two sets for 5-7 songs each set. This was a great night of blues with some of the best blues performers in the blues business (bar none) and Thornetta blew the roof off of the house. They stuck primarily to a Chicago style format with the exception to Keys who do a cool piano boogie. This is not your weekend something to do show. This is a real feature concert. Check it out!

  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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VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Margolin and Bob Corritore - So Far - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, So Far, from Bob Margolin and Bob Corritore with special guest Jimmy Vivino and it's solid blues. Opening with Steady Rollin' On, Bob Margolin leads this acoustic duo on lead vocal and guitar with Bob Corritore on harmonica. Written by Margolin, this acoustic delta style blues is a cool opener. Robbie Robertson's It Makes No Difference is on of the Band's super tracks and one of my favorites on this release, blending vocals by Margolin and Jimmy Vivino who also contributes guitar and showing a totally different side of Corritore on harmonica in a totally non Chicago blues stance. Boogie, Now and Then is a cool mover featuring Corritore on harmonica over the steady drive by Margolin on guitar. Very cool. Bob Corritore's Salt River Stomp is another of my favorites as an instrumental with a lot of hot licks. Wrapping the release is John Lee Williamson's, My Little Machine with Margolin on lead vocal and guitar. His playing is tight a strong and Corritore's harmonica is loud and proud. Excellent 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”

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VizzTone Label Group artist: Louisiana Red & Bob Corritore - Tell Me 'Bout It - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tell Me 'Bout It, from Louisiana Red & Bob Corritore and it's a really strong helping of Chicago blues. Opening with Dora Minter's Mary Dee Shuffle, Louisiana Red is up front on vocal and guitar trading the center spot with Bob Corritore, backed by Buddy Reed on guitar, Matt Bishop on piano, Mario Moreno on bass and Brian Fahey on drums. Corritore plays some real nice riffs on this track making it a strong opener. Louisiana Red original, Alabama Train, has a great rhythm and Red's vocals really carry the track nicely with rich, harmonica soaked backing. Very cool. Another Chicago blues with a slower pace is New Jersey Blues that really nicely showcases Red's vocals. With Paul Thomas on bass, Chico Chism on drums and some excellent soloing by Reed and Red, a strong entry to the set. Red pulls the slide in an Elmore James styled track, Freight Train To Ride. With soulful wailing lyrics, strong slide compliment and Corritore's master harmonica work, this track adds variety and depth to the release. Another of my favorites on the release is Edith Mae with it's Muddy Waters like feel. I particularly like Red's vocal enthusiasm on this track, complimented nicely by Corritore's harmonica and Red's primitive slide sound. Wrapping the release is one final Red original, Bernice Blues, showing strong Morganfield roots. I really like Red's slide playing and Johnny Rapp on guitar throws sown some great riffs as well. Excellent closer for a really solid 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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Blue Heart Records artist: Johnny Tucker featuring Kid Ramos and the Allstars - 75 and Alive - New Release Review

I just had the oppoortunity to review the most recent release, 75 and Alive, from Johnny Tucker featuring Kid Ramos and the Allstars and it's really good. Opening with All Night Long, All Night Wrong, a hot swinging shuffle, Kid Ramos on guitar shows why he is one of the top slingers in the business. Teaming up with Johnny Tucker on vocal, these guys are really humming with Carl Sonny Leyland on piano, John Bazz on bass, Jason Lozano on drums, Bob Corritore on harmonica, and with exceptional backing from Ron Dziubla on sax. Wow! Slow blues, There's A Time for Love, is a terrific track, really showcasing Tuckers soulful feel and giving Ramos a wide open road to show just how good he really is. Been listening to Ramos for years and on the rare chance that you don't know him from his solo work, this is an excellent sampling of his crisp, fluid style and bluesful phrases. Excellent! Chicago style shuffle, Can't You See is another solid vocal blues number with strong piano work by Leyland. Latin fused, What's the Matter gets a real going wit some great bends by Ramos adding great guitar tension a la Albert King. Dziubla's sax really punches up the bottom and Lozano's drum work is snappy. Hot! Snowplow is a strong instrumental with solo breaks for Ramos, Leyland, and Diubla. Strong loping shuffle with toneful jams. High energy, piano boogie, What's On My Mind is a driving from start to finish. Leyland drives the boat with a great bass line from Bazz and Corritore's harmonica work sweet. The band really gets humming on this one and Tucker gets so geared up that he's hooting. Excellent! Ramos breaks out his slide on Dance Like I Should giving it a real Chicago feel and between Tuckers hooting, Corritore's harmonica, and Leyland's piano work, this is another great addition. Wrapping the release is funky blues, Gotta Do It One Time, with a great presence. Bazz's bass is very active and Leyland really stirs the pot on piano. Ramos plays hot riffs under the lead and Tucker's natural excitement gives this final track a great kick. Never like to say this is the best or anything, but this is one of the best blues releases I've heard this year. Congratulations!

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Lost Cause Records artist: Clint Morgan - Troublemaker - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (July 16, 2021), Troublemaker, from Clint Morgan and it's a lot of fun. Opening with Hangman Woman a cool country flavored rocker, Clint Morgan is on lead vocal with a casual Johnny Cash like approach. backed by Wendy Moten and the McCrary Sisters on vocal, Doug Lancio and John Del Toro Richardson on guitar, Kevin McKendree on piano, David Santos on bass, and Kenneth Blevins on drums, this is a hot opener. On traditional track, Go Down, Moses, Morgan's lead vocal, complimented nicely by Ann McCrary and Regina McCrary over a nicely orchestrated backing this track is very strong.  On a cover of Johnny Cash's Big River, Morgan nicely blends Cash's style with Ray Charles and the addition of Lancio's baritone guitar work and Jim Hoke on sax really hits the spot. One track that stands out as totally different is spoken word over a blues rocking rhythm, It's Rough Out Here with jamming guitar riffs, McKendree on piano and a tight drum bottom by Blevins. Very cool. Hoke and McKendree really jam it out on She takes My Money, a rockabilly style track with some really laid our rocking guitar riffs. Another track, Hurricane Harvey, with casual spoken words and echo like spoken vocal and McKendree on percussion but with acoustic slide by John Del Toro Richardson and nicely woven atmosphere is a swampy winner. Kinky Friedman adds guest vocal with Morgan and the McCrary sisters on comedic country blues, Somebody Put A Walmart On The Farm, with sparkeling piano work by McKendree and nice fiddle work by Jimmy Stewart. This isn't your typical top track but I think it has all of the components of a crowd favorite. Another crowd favorite likely is The Cover Of Living Blues, (a take on the Cover of Rolling Stone), with Bob Margolin on vocal and slide and solid backing warmth by The McCrary Sisters. Title track, The Troublemaker is a really interesting overview of traditional track, The Old Rugged Cross with Morgan on vocal and piano. This is a really interesting interpretation and a cool choice for closer with bluesy fiddle by stewart added. A bonus track is a different take on The Cover of Living Blues featuring Watermelon Slim on lead vocal and cool piano by Morgan and margolin on slide. Excellent closer. 

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VizzTone Label Group SWMAF Records artists: The Kid Ramos / Bob Corritore - Phoenix Blues Sessions - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Phoenix Blues Sessions, from Kid Ramos and Bob Corritore and I really like it. Opening with Aw Shucks Baby, Kid Ramos and Bob Corritore really have a jam packed release here. With Nappy Brown on lead vocal, Henry Gray on piano, Mario Moreno on bass, Chico Chish on drums, Johnny Rapp on guitar and of course Corritore on harmonica and Ramos on lead guitar this is a solid opener. Super shuffle, Come On In is a perfect style for Ramos' guitar slinging style with it's swagger and features Gray on lead vocal and piano. Ramos walks it out nicely making this one of my release favorites. Slow blues, 24 Hours features Dr. Fish on lead vocal and he really digs in nicely working in really nicely with the soulful guitar lead of Ramos. Another slow blues, Mother In Law Blues, features Chism on lead vocal, Paul Thomas on bass and Tom Mahon on piano. I really like the piano guitar interplay between Mahon and Ramos on this one. Possum In My Tree is another real nice track, this time featuring Big Pete Pearson on vocal. Ramos pulls out the side on this one and with a Muddy Water kind of styling and with Mahon on piano. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Snakes Crawls At Night with Chief Schabuttie Gilliame on lead vocal with strong guitar lead, piano by Mahon on piano and Corritore on harmonica making for a super 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”

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VizzTone Label Group / SWMAF records artist: Dave Riley & Bob Corritore - Travelin' the Dirt Road - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Travelin' the Dirt Road, by Dave Riley & Bob Corritore and it's solid Chicago real deal blues. Opening with I'm Not Your Junkman, Dave Riley is upfront on vocal and guitar, with Bob Corritore on harmonica, backed by Johnny Rapp on guitar, Matt Bishop on piano, Dave Riley jr. on bass, and Tom Coulson on drums. With it's up tempo rhythm , solid vocal and Corritore's harp work, super opener. Slow blues, Come Here Woman really sits in the groove with strong vocal and guitar work by Riley and Rapp and strong harmonica contributions by Corritore. Shuffle, Let's Have Some Fun Tonight shows Riley at his best on vocal and strong guitar lead and Corritore's harmonica work make this one of my favorites on the release. A lot of rhythm punch, and cool piano riffs by Bishop adds nice texture to My Baby's Gone.  VooDoo Woman, VooDoo Man is another solid shuffle and a real nice guitar solo by Riley sets nicely against his authoritative lead vocal. Corritore riffs off nicely over a solid blanket of rhythm guitar and Bishop on piano.  Doggone Blues has a slower pace and really works the groove. Contrasting guitar lines between Riley and Rapp under the howling of Riley on vocal and solid harmonica riffs by Corritore make this another favorite. Elmore James style track, Friends, romps along with cool slide guitar like riffs and Riley really works his vocal to the max. Very cool. Wrapping the release is slow, acoustic style blues ballad, Safe At Last, with cool, melodic guitar and harmonica, supporting the pure soulful vocals of Riley. With it's gospel overtone and blues roots, this is a strong closer for a solid release.

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VizzTone Label Group artists: John Primer & Bob Corritore - The Gypsy Woman Told Me - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the latest release, The Gypsy Woman Told Me, by John Primer & Bob Corritore and it's a great dose of contemporary Chicago style blues. Opening with Keep A-Driving, Primer on vocal and guitar really does a nice job of setting the stage with Corritore supporting nicely and with solid piano work by Bob Welch, Kedar Roy on bass and June Core on drums. With a bit of boogie built in, Knockin' On Your Door, with Primer again leading on vocal gives Corritore a nice chance to spread a bit with great harp tones and Primer's guitar work is tight and well phrased. Lil Son Jackson's Gambling Blues is one of my favorite tracks on the release with quick paced acoustic guitar and fleet fingered lead by Primer and a fatter harp part by Corritore. Primer's own, Little Bitty Woman falls right from the Muddy Waters tree with a bouncy, Chicago blues pace, riding harp and Waters like slide work by Primer. Very cool. Slow blues, Walking The back Street Crying is one Primer and Corritore can both sink their teeth into with super vocal and instrumentals throughout. Sonny Boy's My Imagination gives Corritore a nice time in the spotlight and his harp is A1. Primer's vocals are of course spot on but this track is here for Bob to shine and he really does a nice job. Another favorite is Left Me With A Broken Heart featuring Billy Flynn on guitar, Ben Levin on piano, Mike Hightower on bass and Brian Fahey on drums. Corritore's harp work is particularly expressive and I always like Flynn's guitar styling. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Ain't Gonna Be No Cuttin' Loose with a driving shuffle pace and featuring a real nice solo by Corritore. Flynn again works the guitar nicely working with Corritore to a powerful ending. Solid release. 

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VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Margolin - This Guitar and Tonight - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, This Guitar and Tonight, from Bob Margolin and it's an acoustic blend of folk and acoustic blues. Opening with delta style title track, This Guitar and Tonight, Margolin, who handles lead vocal and guitar in tandem with Jimmy Vivino on acoustic guitar lays it out like he was Skip James or Robert Johnson, pure and simple. The guitar playing is tight and vocals wailing. Solid opener. Margolin gets his Muddy on with Waters like slide work on Over Time. Margolin spent years in Muddy's band and plays his own soulful take on the classic slide style. Dancer's Boogie is a lively track with hot jazz style guitar riffs and Margolin's best vocals on the release. Harp master, Bob Corritore joins Margolin on Blues Lover, a romping shuffle. One of my favorites on the release is country style story blues, I Can't Take Those Blues Away. Margolin delivers the story over a solid guitar vamp. With a more contemporary sound, Predator, is more of political commentary on the presidency over a guitar vamp. This is a different type of release for Margolin with a definite acoustic flair. 

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VizzTone Label Group artist: Ben Levin - Before Me - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Before Me, by Ben Levin and it's really cool. Opening with Big Bill Broonzy's I Feel So Good, Ben Levin shows how it should be done as a leader on piano and lead vocals. With perfect dynamics and a great team featuring strong lead guitar work by Bon Margolin, and Bob Corritore on harmonica, this track is tight. Backing this star front line is Aron Levin on guitar, Chris Douglas on bass and Oscar Bonal on drums. Super opener. On Freddie King's instrumental, This Morning, Margolin and Corritore lay down really nice solos complimenting Levin's own solo and the tight drum work by Bernal. Excellent! On Confessin' The Blues, Levin shows some of his best vocals on the release. His style is crisp and his style is smooth. Corritore just lays back in the seat on his solo and his tone is excellent. Margolin's guitar solo is smooth and has great feel. Title track, Before Me has really nice New Orleans style blues lines and again super vocals over a Fats Domino kind of feel. Aron Levin's guitar touch on this track is particularly fine. One of my favorite tracks on the release is slow blues, So Soon, giving Ben a great opportunity to really dig in on piano. His vocals are really nice with real style. Excellent! James Cotton's Lightnin' is up next with Corritore taking the lead. His tone and feel are perfect and get Margolin revved up to one of his loosest and most enjoyable solos on the release. Ben finishes it off in concert with Corritore and Margolin. Very nice. Wrapping the release is an instrumental jam, Open Late, cooked up by Levin, Corritore and Margolin. Levin's piano style is so thick in blues you have a hard time believing that he isn't from 40's or 50's Chicago. Setting the framework for Margolin and Corritore, this is a real nice smoky closer for a solid 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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