I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Bluish Tide, from the Kristen R. Bromley Quintet, and it's cool and versatile. Opening with swinging, Pillar of Fire, band leader and guitarist, Kristen Bromley shows her chops with fluid lead runs and cool rhythm lead, joined by Ray Smith who lays down a solid solo of his own on sax, Steve Erickson who really does a nice job Matt Larson on bass and Jay Lawrence on drums. Tandem lead guitar and sax and a cool off time rhythm really gives Faith Preceded My Miracle a real leg up making it a firm platform for potent soloing from Bromley, Erickson and Smith. Title track, Bluish Tide is a soft swinger with dual sax/guitar melodic lead. Opening into a bop solo stage, set by Larson and Lawrence, Bromley sets up some of her tastiest lead work on the release. Smith lays in a nice sax solo and Erickson's piano work really grooves. Bromley's rich chord work on the intro of Latin influenced, Paint Me a Picture My Love is as lush as it gets and her duet lead with Smith on alto flute is really nice. Erickson has a really delicate hand on his piano solo delivery melding very nicely into this 10 minute exploration. Very nice. Smith over Bromley on sax and guitar is really nice on Just Walkin' a super shuffle. Erickson again lays in a strong piano lead and Bromley's feel on guitar may be her best on the release. It's also nice to hear Larson and Lawrence step out a few bars on this track making it one of favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is ballad, Through the Veil with pure guitar lead and nicely blended sax by Smith. Erickson's classic piano styling really works nicely on this track and the tight underpinnings of Larson and Lawrence really hold the track together nicely. 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”
For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE"
“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE
