Blue Canoe Records artist: Rafael Greco - Signs of Life (Dice Que Vive) - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Dice Que Vive (Signs of Life) from Rafael Greco, and it's quite interesting. Opening with Erase Una Vez, saxophonist, composer, singer and keyboard/percussionist, Raphael Greco breaks out with the first track of his debut release. With electrifying rhythms and keyboard structure under a vocal melody, this track is really hot. Joined by Luisito Quintero on congas, timbales, bongos, and percussion, Robert Quintero on Cumaco, Rodner Padilla on bass and Santiago Bosch keys, this track is super. I really like the contrast of the jagged rhythms with the straightforward melody on African Boy. Greco on keys partners with L Quintero timbales, congos and bongos, Robert Quintero on Shekere and bongos, Padilla on bass, the extraordinary Steve Khan on acoustic and electric guitar, Humberto Casanova on drums and Guillermo Carrasco on backing vocals. Really strong. Una Illusion is a synthesis of modern concepts and primitive sounds. Pairing Greco with Luisito this is a standout track in style, simplicity and cohesion. Wrapping the release is Cinco Miniaturas Para Piano Solo is an abstract exploration of the piano by Amaldo Pizzolante, joined by Pimpi Santistevan on whistle, Greco on sax, and Juanma Trujillo on electric guitar. This is an adventurous yet very rewarding release.

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Blue Canoe Records artist: Tritone Asylum - The Hideaway Sessions - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Hideaway Sessions from electro- acoustic collective, Tritone Asylum and it's really interesting. Opening with Grasshopper, a Latin influenced track, the band, made up of Philip Topping on electronic Valve Instrument, Ian Vo on sax and flute, Mitch Forman on keys, Peter Sepsis on bass and Dave Johnstone on drums really get moving. I particularly like lively sax solo by Vo which is a screamer. Off centered, The 54 Blues is one of my favorite tracks on the release with 5/4 time and Topping leading the way on Electronic Valve over a tight drum cadence by Johnstone. Waddell breaks loose with a dynamic guitar solo that speaks nicely and Vo's sax solo is quite soulful. Forman lays in a real nice key solo and precise guitar punctuation really adds a nice touch. Very cool. With a funky bottom thanks to Sepsis and Johnstone Simple is really humming and Topping and Vo carry the melody. I really like Vos' sax work on the solo of this track cutting loos from convention and shining strong. Forman sets up a real nice electric piano phrase and develops it nicely and Waddell steps in with nicely phrased guitar lead of his own giving the track a bit more edge making this another of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is light, springy, First Days Of Summer with a radio style melody and interesting yet controlled soloing by the band. 

  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 Canoe Records artist: Thomas Heflin - Morning Star - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Morning Star, from Thomas Heflin and it's a smooth, pop jazz effort led by trumpet player Thomas Heflin. Opening with title track, Morning Star, the Slavic translation of Heflin's wife's name. Heflin on trumpet, is backed by Gregory Tardy on sax, Dan Hitchcock on tenor sax, Peter Stoltzman on keys, Aaron Matson on guitar, Steve Haines on bass, Xavier Ware on drums and Jorge Luis Torres on percussion. With a step up solo by Heflin and a fluid sax solo by Tardy, this is a solid opener. Interlude is one of my favorite tracks on the release with it's jagged rhythm pattern and adventurous trumpet lead by Heflin. Haiku has a really cool intro ... just Heflin on trumpet derived from a jazz favorite, Stablemates by Benny Golson. As the track progresses, Tardy lays in some really adventurous sax lines, nice trumpet improvisation by Heflin and a strong bass lead by Haines. The Moon Singer is inspired by a book by Clyde Robert Bulla and is an adventurous instrumental with some nice guitar work by Aaron Matson and with strong backing vocal work by Ariel Pocock. Anna Breschine, named after Heflin's daughter is a quiet ballad with lead trumpet and Stoltzman on keys laying the groundwork for Tardy on sax and a melodic solo by Heflin. Very nice. A Radio Outro wraps the release with a hip hop beat and Heflin and tardy trading riffs with Stoltzman. Solid 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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