Lateralize Records artist: Jo Harrop - The Heart Wants - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Heart Wants, from Jo Harrop, and it's a really nice jazz/blues release. Opening with title track, The Heart Wants What The Heart Wants, British vocalist, Jo Harrop shows incredible poise, as she sings this blues filled track with crystal clarity. Her phrasing is remarkable, teamed up with the piano work of Hannah Vasanth and with cool trumpet highlights by Andy Davies, backed by Tony Kofi on sax, John Spanyol on trombone, Troy Miller on drums and Christian McBride on bass. Very nice. All Too Soon is a cool, easy pop track in jazz and carried only by the bass work of McBride, Harrop shows just how easily her vocals float effortlessly on air. Really nice. Another showcase for Harrop is soulful jazz tune, I Think You'd Better Go with only light acoustic guitar by Jamie McCredie. Brilliant! Jason Rebello on piano joins Harrop on blues number, Red May Janes & A Brand New Hat with Troy Miller on drums, Jihad Darwish on bass, Debs White on violin and Julia Graham on cello. Rebello and Harrop get a great groove on this one making it one of my favorite instrumentally rich pieces on the release. If I Knew is a particularly strong track with rich lyrics. If you've been reading my notes for any period of time, you have probably caught that I'm not particularly lyric conscious but this track caught my attention. Strong lyrics and dramatic music with backing by Rebello on piano, Graham, Hillman and White on strings. Very nice. Wrapping the release is ballad, Weather The Storm, with Nicky Brown on organ, Troy Miller on Drums, McCredie on electric guitar, Vasanth on piano, Dishan Abraham on bass, and a backing vocals. This track has a radio feel and a solid capper for a very 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”

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Jennifer Porter - Sun Come and Shine - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Sun Come and Shine, from Jennifer Porter and it's a fine blend of pop, blues and R&B. Opening with title track, Sun Come and Shine, Porter shows a refined voice with easy presentation and soft clarity, backing herself on B3, and joined by Audrey Wheeler Downing, Layonne Holmes, and Kim Davis on backing vocals, Bernard Purdie on drums, Wilbur Bascombe on bass, Miho Nobuzane on piano, George Naha on guitars and Rob Paparozzi on harmonica. With a full King Curtis like sway, Satin Shoes is a real strong composition. Dan Boone's bass line leads the track nicely and Porter's voice seems to float above the instrumentation with Steve Jankowski on trumpet, Tom Timko on tenor sax  and Downing, Holmes and Davis on backing vocals. Very nice. Another R&B style track, You're So Easy To Be With, features some fine piano work by Porter to compliment he solid vocals. Boone's bass line, complimenting C.J. Chenier on accordion and punctuation by Jankowski on trumpet and Timko on sax gives the track a real New Orleans flavor. Ballad, Something On Your Mind, has a really nice balance between Christian McBride on bass, Timko on soprano sax and Porter's softly phrased vocals. Very nice. Wrapping the release is an easy country waltz like ballad, I'll Be Here, featuring Porter singing backing to her own lead in very nice fashion. With Buddy Savino on bass Nobuane on piano and featuring Cindy Cashdollar on pedal steel, this is a 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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 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE