Bman's Blues Report

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Covered In Blues , by James Buddy Rogers and it's straight forward solid blues. Opening with Bad Boy , James Buddy Rogers lays down a solid 8 bar track with confident vocals and and full strat tone through his own BTone hand crafted pickups . His style has cool swagger and occasional delayed attack adding texture, joined by Kevin Belzner on drums and Bill Price on bass. Solid opener. On I Lied, a potent lope, reinforced by Belzner on drums on the upbeat and stinging guitar riffs by Rogers make this one of my favorites on the release. A cover of Nix's Goin' Down , is a cool change up with it's bluesy edge but a solid rocker. Using a driving " Jeff Beck " approach Price anchors the bottom and Rogers' works between the SVR and the Beck attack with his own blues stew to kick out a real nice track. Another cover is Taj Mahal's She Caught The Katy with a nice laid back feel but featuring a ...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, New Orleans Sessions , by Blue Moon Marquee and it's New Orleans blues, simplistic and raw. Opening with Memphis Minnie's Black Cat Swing , BMM hits the ground running with Danny Abrams on bari sax and BC Coogan setting the tempo for lead vocal work by Jasmine Colette who also plays bass. AW Cardinal on rhythm guitar and Nicholas Solnick on drums rounds out the troop for this enjoyable track. Charlie Patton's lively Shake It and Break It features Cardinal on lead vocal and guitar. A true party rocker with honking sax work by Abrams and a cool upright solo by Colette, this track jams. Slow blues, What I Wouldn't Do , features Cardinal on electric guitar and belting out the blues. With rolling piano work by Coogan and meaty sax work by Abrams, this track wails. A rowdy take on St James Infirmary hosts Cardinal on lead vocal and guitar and highlights the firm piano work of  Coogan and Abrams deep sax work ma...

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Simple Songs For Complicated Times , by Ndidi O and it's quite entertaining. Opening with Get Gone , with it's strong melody, Ndidi O shows how clear and strong her voice is, backed by Dawn Pemberton, Khari McClelland, and Keri Latimer on backing vocals. I really like Gary Craig's drum flair and with Sam Howard on bass, rhythmic key work by Chris Gestrin and dynamic slide work by Steve Dawson, this is a potent opener. Dawson plays acoustic guitar as well as pedal steel adding quite a bit of texture to Light On with it's poppy feel and vocal styling. Stripping it back to pure folk vocal on In May , Ndidi blends vocals nicely over the wailing pedal steel of Dawson. With just light touches of percussion and bass and finger picked National steel body. This is a strong entry to the release. Entering into Al Green territory, R&B infused, Too Late , is one of my favorites on the release with a moving rhythm a...

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Believe In Love, by Mark Crissinger and it's full of surprises. Opening with Believe In Love , with it's romping bottom, courtesy of Jay Stevens on bass and Bill Hicks on drums, Mark Crissinger has the front on lead vocal and guitar, backed by Darcy Phillips on keys and Pierre Komen on sax. Boogie track, I Hear You're Talking , really gives Phillips the floor to work his magic and Crissinger country style vocal and guitar riffs solidify the sound. Another track with a two step feel is La Hoochie Coo with twangy guitar riffs and smooth harmonica by Marty Howe. Heartache and Trouble has a strong melody and with soothing vocals and melodic harmonica line, a definite radio track. My favorite track on the release is Hard No , with it's cool rhythm and catchy tune. Solid guitar work, drum foot work and warm backing gives it that extra punch.  Wrapping the release is country rocker, Hornby with it's sp...

I just had the opportunity to review Gypsy Blues , by Blue Moon Marquee and I really like it. This band takes a fairly fresh look at fusing old style jazz, rock, blues and ragtime coming up with it's own formula. Opening with Trickster Coyote , a blue rocker, this stripped down band of two features A.W. Cardinal on lead guitar with gypsy style lead riffs over a blues beat with an almost Fogerty sound backed by Jasmine Colette on upright bass. Very nice. On rag style track, Hoodoo Lady , a really cool swing and quick little riffs and believe it or not Black Francis sound on vocals. Really nice. Saddle Sore is a simple rocker typical of the 50's. It has it's own sound, not only because of Cardinal's vocals but with with Robert Gordon attack, cool jazz backing and fluid jazz guitar soloing this track is super. Runaway Lane has a theatrical sound with a touch of a French cafe. With it's solid bass line and driving guitar work, this band is rockin'. Punk meets r...

Paul Black is a very accomplished singer/songwriter 'professional' whom my company has been representing internationally for the last couple of years. I found Paul to be highly committed to his music and professionally followed through on all his obligations and/or requirements set forth by my company and/or my industry partners. It is rare these days, finding an act that has his kind of dedication, determination and reliability.   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 favorite band!

Roy Forbes (born February 12, 1953 in Dawson Creek, British Columbia) is a Canadian folk music singer-songwriter, whose music bears heavy influences from classic American genres of acoustic blues and traditional country. Formerly known as Bim, his childhood nickname, he began his musical career in Vancouver in 1971. Initially, he appeared as the opening act for such groups as Supertramp and Santana, but soon came to headline and sell out his own shows. Forbes has appeared as a headliner in most of Canada's major folk music festivals. In 1984, he toured in the US with fellow Canadian Ferron, with whom he performed a duet on the song "Proud Crowd/Pride Cried" for her album, Shadows on a Dime. In 1987, he began performing and recording as Roy Forbes. Forbes is known for his high soulful voice and percussive guitar playing. He is also a member of the supergroup UHF, together with Shari Ulrich and Bill Henderson. Songs written by Forbes have been recorded by Sylvia Tyso...

I've had the opportunity to listen to the newest effort, The Hoodoo Shake by The SOME X 6 Band . This Vancouver based band is made up of Brad Curtis on vocal and bass, Bart Dwyer on guitar and Gordon Cole on guitar. The 14 track release opens with the title track, The Hoodoo Shake , which has a straight up blues rock feel and ethereal slide work behind the vocals. Hey Stranger , another blues rock track has a pretty good hook for potential airplay and some tasty guitar riffing for the guitar guys. Forty Years gets a bit more grimy with some heavy drums and chorded sliding under lead guitar work. Jazzy Hippie takes a little bit of a different turn. It has organ under the band and an unusual melody which is attractive. It reminds me of something that I've heard but I can't put my finger on it exactly. In any case, this is a cool track. Breathless takes the next step away from the blues and into a modern era music with heavier overtones. Heavy bass lines and and monoton...

Smashing out a beat with a rusty chain on a dirty old broiler pan and a suitcase kick drum, this one man show can upstage a full band, without a microphone. A busker on the street-corners and markets of Montréal, you’ll hear him blocks before you see him – whether acoustic guitar or accordion, the intensity and emotion of the voice and songs are as authentic as they come: earned and undeniably strong. Call it folk, blues, soul – it’s even sometimes catchy-as-pop — there’s something for everyone in this music – and it gets better the more times you hear it. There’s an idea behind this guy’s music, an old idea: a social purposefulness underlies Dunbar’s mission in music. Some stories need to be told, beauties need to be protected, social issues need discussing – exuberant joy and righteous anger must be released, and Dunbar is not afraid or ashamed to bring it to our attention. His performances are all about creating a bridge between people to have a good time while gathering around impo...

Steve "Mud Dog" Sainas has been a guitarist/singer/songwriter in Vancouver's cabarets and pubs for the past twenty years. During this time, he has developed a powerful blues guitar and singing style that is instantly recognized by his steadily growing audience. In 1997, Steve began to lay the ground-work for forming his powerful blues band Mud Dog. His vision was to pay tribute to blues masters such as Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, Howlin' Wolf and John Lee Hooker with a fiery contemporary blues sound. The highlight of each concert, however, is when Steve testifies his own life experiences through his original songs, inspired by the sounds of the Mississippi Delta. Mud Dog released its debut CD "Devil's Ride" on March 7th, 2003 at the Terry Fox Theatre to a house full of excited fans. "Devil's Ride" features eleven originals songs written & produced by Sainas and two traditional arrangements. The CD has been featured on both Storman ...

Poppa Dawg is one of those ‘one-man-army’ crusaders that Blues (and all indie music) depends on so dearly. The concept of devoting one’s life to music with the Joy Factor being the no. 1 goal is something that the ‘greed-driven’ just can’t grasp. There’s always hope for music and mankind when there are crusaders like Rick in abundance and in some places (outside of North America) people who devote their lives to making and promoting blues are revered and respected. Besides leading his own band and making his own Blues, Poppa Dawg is ‘The Man’ when it comes to Interior, British Columbia. He keeps everything going, connecting clubs with artists, helping touring bands get gigs in Kelowna or Nelson, encourages venues to at least try live music and runs a website/e-mail newsletter that keeps us all informed. So, even outside of a recording context he is invaluable and irreplaceable. Dawg has an easy-on-the-ears, natural blues voice and his guitar work betrays decades of influences from John...

Vancouver based guitarist, singer and songwriter Jason Buie has been performing live since the age of sixteen. He has honed his skills over the last fourteen years playing throughout Canada, the U.S.A. and Japan. Along the way he has played and performed with such artists as blues legend Buddy Guy, Taj Mahal, former Rolling Stone Mick Taylor, The Jeff Healey Band, John Mayall, The Powder Blues Band, Big Dave Mclean, Jimmy D. Lane, Wild T, Johnny Ferriera and Jerry Doucette. With the Release of his critically acclaimed CD “Urban Blues” his profile continues to grow. Jason's second C.D" "Live at The Blue Gator" was released in 2009. Jason did Spring and Fall European tour's in 2009 with great success. Jason was born and raised in Victoria, BC. As an adolescent he explored the roots of American Blues along with other forms of music that spawned from it. Growing up in an artistic home, Jason had the freedom to explore his passion and talent. He would empty his pocke...

Cousin Harley is the rocking hillbilly persona of Paul Pigat, an accomplished guitarist, vocalist, and songwriter. Hailing from Vancouver, Canada, Cousin Harley has a hard-earned reputation for delivering everything from hot rod rockabilly to foot stomping vintage country and western swing. .... From classic honky tonk and cow punk tinged rippers, to a helping of western swing and classic jump blues, Cousin Harley plays in the old tradition—slugging it out hot and heavy in the trenches of the live music Write on our Facebook Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! -  ”LIKE” .

From Texas to New Orleans, to Chicago, with a stop in Memphis, Summer and the Sinners take you on a musical tour of Blues, R&B, and Funk. Sliding easily between, “Stax” and “Straight Texas Boogie.” With a great choice of songs, Line-up of musicians, and Summers Voice…you know you’ve got something special! The new album "Boogie With The Devil" is certain to raise the stature of both Summer and her Sinners. Hot on the heels of "Stranger's Blues", Summer and the Sinner's have produced another great one! Big-voiced Summer and her band, the Sinners, are a definite "cool breeze" from the Great White North! Based in British Columbia, Summer and the Sinners pound out a brand of blues that took us back to our beginnings of listening to the blues, back in the early Seventies. Summer can really get one's attention with that sly, sexy, sultry growl in her delivery. Backed by some of the west coast's finest... these guys will give you that "ol...

Steve Kozak was born in Vancouver BC Canada in 1956 and since the mid eighties has been a mainstay on the Vancouver scene as a guitarist, band leader, singer, songwriter, and tireless cheerleader and promoter of Blues and Roots music. Backed by some of Vancouver’s top musicians, Steve has built a reputation as one of the premier Blues acts in western Canada. Steve began playing guitar and singing at age sixteen and took to the Blues like a duck to water. His passion for the Blues flourished after meeting and hanging out for a few memorable nights with the legendary Muddy Waters in May of 1977. Muddy encouraged Steve and set him straight on a few things. After that Steve was ‘on a mission’-- his musical future as a Bluesman was sealed. Throughout his career Steve has shared the stage, and played with many Blues greats including; Pee Wee Crayton, Big Joe Duskin, Sonny Rhodes, Eddie ‘The Chief’ Clearwater, ‘Ice Pick’ James Harman, Duke Robillard, Rod Piazza, Rick Estrin, Mark Hummel, Lee...

This young red haired guitar player has monster tone and technique. He moved from his home town of Whitehorse, Yukon to Vancouver, BC in 1999, where he joined the Twisters. He has shared the stage with many great blues artists, including Taj Mahal, Lil' Ed and the blues imperials, Robin Ford, Jeff Healy, Canned Heat, Zora Young, Big Dave Mclean, Rusty Zinn just to name a few. Most recently, Brandon returned from a 2 month European tour, where he played along side Joe Louis Walker, Willie Hayes and Ken Faltonson, on numerous festivals and TV shows. Brandon Played guitar on the 2006 Juno award winning album "let it loose" with Kenny "Blues Boss"Wayne, and appears on 11 albums with many different artists. When he plays, he travels to a different time and space and you can hear it as well as see it. Write on our Facebook Wall or post your Photos of great blues events! -  Here

I just received a copy of the new release by Jesse Roper aka The Roper Show. This is a very entertaining release with strong beat and really tasty guitar. Jesse is a good singer for this genre of music and I will be surprised if he doesn't make a lot of money. The music varies from solid blues to rock infused blues tunes and the worst thing that I could say about it (really) is that one song reminded me of John Mayer. Now hopefully that doesn't doesn't discourage anyone. Just trying to say, this is a very well written and produced release with great tunes and musical inspiration. It doesn't break any rules but has a broad selection of music to choose from without sounding incohesive. Overall, I'd recommend this recording for anyone liking blues oriented music with a bent toward airplay. Great guitar riffs but still vocal in orientation. Great job!

I just got this one today and I really like it. I mean I really like it! This is a well composed rockin blues party. You gotta imagine I listen to a lot of music and a lot of it just plays in the background. This one made me stop and listen. It isn't the next SRV but it is damn great fun! British Columbia Blues Artist Bill Johnson Nominated for Western Canadian Blues Recording of the Year Momentum continues to build for Victoria, BC blues artist Bill Johnson's recent recording Still Blue . Described as his breakout CD, Still Blue has been getting great reviews from critics and fans as well as extensive radio airplay across Canada. On June 30, 2011 BreakOut West announced The 2011 Western Canadian Music Awards Nominees including Still Blue for Blues Recording of the Year. A full list of nominees can be found at www.musicnwt.ca . The Blues Underground Network selected Still Blue as one of the top picks for July 2011, including a five-star review by John Vermilyea. www.bl...

Momentum continues to build for Victoria, BC blues artist Bill Johnson's recent recording Still Blue. Described as his breakout CD, Still Blue has been getting great reviews from critics and fans as well as extensive radio airplay across Canada. On June 30, 2011 BreakOut West announced The 2011 Western Canadian Music Awards Nominees including Still Blue for Blues Recording of the Year. A full list of nominees can be found at www.musicnwt.ca. "I am forty six years old, I believe all you need is love, and I'm still blue." - Bill Johnson Upcoming Performances: August 13 The Saltair City Limits Blues Bash w/ The Twisters The Saltair Pub 10519 Knight Road Chemainus, BC $45.00 includes BBQ dinner August 26 Nanaimo Blues Festival Maffeo-Sutton Park in downtown Nanaimo, BC www.nanaimobluesfestival.com