I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tales of a Rich Girl, by Kings & Associates and it's quite good. Opening with slinky blues number, Truth Be Told, Benjamin Cunningham leads the way with slashing lead guitar and lead vocal in duet with Angela Portolesi, backed by Stephen Portolesi on bass, Matt Williams on guitar, Kelvin Sugars on drums and Louie Higuera on Hammond and piano. Very nice. Deadwood is a driving blues rocker with a great bass line and stinging guitar lead. Soul tune, Nitty Gritty, is really well constructed with a great duet with Portolesi and Cunningham and impressive instrumental dynamics. Peace x Peace is a super, gospel based track beautifully featuring Portolesi's vocals. I particularly like the organ and piano work by Higuera adding super tension and the backing vocals on this track are over the top. Excellent! Another real mover is All That's Good has a great bass line and Higuera's Hammond work is tops. Charlie B is a smoking James Brown style R&B track with tight drumming by Sugars. Hot! Live and acoustic, Tales of a Rich Man, features Cunningham on lead vocals along the lines of Delaney and Bonnie. Nicely blended vocals on a laid back blues base. Wrapping the release is 1000 Ways, a strong ballad featuring Portolesia and Cunningham sharing lead. Cunningham's melodic guitar soloing, paired with nice vocal blending and dynamic drumming by Sugars make this an excellent closer for a strong 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”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
