Take It To The Bridge Records artists: The Boneshakers - One Foot In The Groove - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, One Foot In The Groove, by The Boneshakers, and it's a cool blues rocker with a soulful edge. Opening with funky rocker, Mr. Alice Doesn't Live Here Anymore, Jenny Langer (of Moonshine Society) has total control with her sassy, funky vocals, joined by band leader Randy Jacobs on guitar, Jon Gilutin on keys, Nathan Brown on bass, Sergio Gonzales on drums, Joe Sublett on sax, and Mark Pender on trumpet. Solid opener. I Am The Blues is a real cool blues rocker with a lumbering feel. Langer's vocals are really strong and I love Jacob's guitar approach with wah wah and excellent blues phrasing throughout. Title track, One Foot In The Groove, has a heavy foot by Gonzales giving the track real authority. I think that this track really hits Langer's sweet spot vocally and a sizzling solo by Jacobs and warm organ by Gilutin really hits the spot. Punchy horns by Sublett and Pender on More, More, More and strong backing vocals by Bernard Folwer and Sir Harry Bowens gives extra juice to this radio ready R&B track. Wrapping the release is Powerful Notions, a funky rocker with a solid melody, juicy guitar work by Jacobs and strong vocals by Langer. Nery cool 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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

VizzTone Label Group artist: Deb Ryder - Enjoy The Ride - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Enjoy The Ride, from Deb Ryder and is has a great feel. Opening with high stepper, A Storm's Coming, Deb Ryder is back sounding as powerful as ever. Johnny Lee Schell and Coco Montoya on lead guitar plays nicely off of the steady beat of Ric Ryder on bass, Mike Finnigan on keys and Tony Braunagel on drums. Exceptional ballad, For The Last Time, is a terrific showcase for Ryder's voice and also features Finnigan on vocal as well with the sweet guitar lead of Montoya. What You Want From Me blends New Orleans feel with pure gospel vocals from Maxanne lewis, Ricky Nelson, Leslie Smith and Kudisan Kai Regalot. Very nice. Got To Let It Go has a real nice BB King style groove featuring Cain and Ryder on a cool vocal duet and slick guitar lead. Sweet Sweet Love has a tight Latin beat with nice piano work by Finnigan and featuring fat guitar riffs by Debbie Davies. Wrapping the release is Red Line featuring the strong harp work of Pieter van Der Pluijm. With Schell on bass and lead guitar, this is a solid closer for a solid 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

Moondogg Records artist: Johnny Ray Jones - Feet Back In The Door - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Feet Back In The Door, by Johnny Ray Jones and it's quite good. Opening with title track, Feet Back In The Door, Johnny Ray Jones show strong soul roots with a great rhythm and horn section. His vocals are strong, joined by Mike Finnigan on piano, Hutch Hutchinson on bass, and Tony Braunagel on drums and topped off with Joe Sublett on sax, Darrell Leonard on trumpet and Teresa James on backing vocals. Very nice. I really like the bass work on Come Up And See Me Sometime which really carries Finnigan's organ line and sets a cool stage for Jones to strut. Jones' vocals on High Cost Of Loving and Johnny Lee Schell throws down some stinging blues guitar riffs making this one of my favorites on  the release. Z.Z. Hill's, I'm A Blues Man has a great balance of heavy bass, big brass, snappy drums and warm vocals giving Jones and Schell a wide open slate to sing and play. Very nice. Allen Toussaint's A Certain Girl is always a great track with New Orleans flair, and a real nice sax solo by Sublett. The playful vocal interplay is super. Original track, In The Heart Of The City has a real nice melody and Schell's melodic guitar solo further enhances the radio drive on this track. Wrapping the release is Leon Russell's Hearts Have Turned To Stone. Using classic Leon riffs throughout but with his own signature, Jones closes nicely with smart piano flair from Finnigan, nice vocal highlights by James and tight brass punctuation by Leonard.

  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

VizzTone Label Group artist: Mitch Woods - Jammin' On The High C's - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Jammin' On The High C's from Mitch Woods' Club 88 recorded live on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise and the talent was really flowing. Opening with Big Mamou, Woods, along with members of Roomful of Blues lays down a full tilt boogie. An excellent trumpet, sax and piano solos on this track make it an excellent opener. Next up is Tain't Nobody's Bizness with a stripped down swing. Victor Wainwright and Julia Magness join in giving a different feel vocally... and great piano work contribute to an excellent track. Classic rocker, Rip It Up features Tommy Castro and he really adds some great rockin' guitar riffs to Woods' piano and vocal talents. Backed by the Roomful of Blues horns this track rocks. Lucky Peterson is featured on vocals on Bright Lights Big City, maintaining much of Jimmy Reeds original feel. Breakin down with a little Zydeco, Dwayne Dopsie brings Jambalaya on accordion and vocal. Woods tickles the ivories adding a real nice touch. Billy Branch brings it on Eyesight To The Blind. A lot of real Chicago feel and great harp work are the key to this track. Nicely executed guitar additions and Woods on piano add to the overall blue feel. Boogie track, I Want You To Be My Baby features Popa Chubby on vocal. Woods does an excellent job of driving the boogie and soloing. Popa throws down some wicked rockabilly riffs on guitar making this track shine bright. Coco Montoya takes the lead on Rock Me Baby which has a bit more of a rock swing/boogie feel. He soloing is intermixed with Woods piano work and crisp. Victor Wainwright is back for a real doozie of a boogie, Wine Spo Dee O Dee. This is easily the shining piano track on the release. Woods holds tight on Broke as he sings the story and pushes the rhythm on piano. With audience participation, this track is a lot of fun. Branch and Montoya are back on Boom Boom. A more laid back swing than the Hook wrote it, Woods keeps the rhythm as Branch and Montoya solo. Popa Chubby is back on Wee Wee Hours and a nice easy boogie. Woods takes a particularly nice piano solo on this track giving way to Popa for a plucky guitar solo of his own. Wrapping the release is a hot, fast paced boogie, Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On featuring Dwayne Dopsie. Cool closer for a fun party 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”

 Not from this release:

Heritage Music BluesFest coming soon August 7-9, 2015, Wheeling, West Virginia

Heritage Music Bluesfest 2015 Main Stage Lineup BUY TICKETS HERE FRI 7 ·         11:30am - 1:00pm - Taste of the Blues FREE PREVIEW ·         4:00 pm - GATES OPEN ·         5:00 to 6:00 - Eric Gales ·         6:30 to 7:30 - Nikki Hill ·         8:00 to 9:00 - Albert Cummings ·         9:30 to 11:00 - The Lowrider Band SAT 8 ·         12:00 to 1:00 - Randy McQuay - IBC Solo/Duo Winner ·         1:30 to 2:30 - The Gold Magnolias ·         3:00 to 4:00 - Austin Walkin' Cane ·         4:30 to 5:45 - Mike Zito and the Wheel ·         6:15 to 7:30 - Carolyn Wonderland ·         8:00 to 9:15 - John Nemeth's Memphis Grease Party ·         9:45 to 11:00 - Walter Trout SUN 9 ·         12:30 to 1:20 - Gina Sicilia ·         1:50 to 2:40 - Billy The Kid CD release with special guests TBA ·         3:10 to 4:00 - Jason Ricci ·         4:30 to 5:30 - Samantha Fish ·         6:00 to 7:00 - Coco Montoya ·         7:30 to 8:30 - Victor Wainwright and the Wildroots ·         9:00 to 10:30 - Keb' Mo' BUY TICKETS HERE Schedule subject to change Second Stage with local and regional acts, After Jams and MORE to be ANNOUNCED SOON Keb' Mo' Walter Trout John Nemeth Nikki Hill

Excitement Building For 10th Annual Ventura County Blues Festival

10TH ANNUAL VENTURA COUNTY BLUES FESTIVAL BLENDS AWARD-WINNING ACTS, POPULAR FESTIVAL PERFORMERS FROM THE PAST; SPECIAL 'BENEFIT RIDE' FOR MICKEY JONES; NEW "SECOND STAGE" OF CONTINUOUS LIVE MUSIC; BENEFITS THE AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY              Saturday, April 25, 2015  - 11:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M.    (MOORPARK, CALIF) - Excitement is building for Southern California’s longest-tenured Blues festival, the 10th Annual Ventura County Blues Festival, taking place Saturday, April 25 on the grounds of beautiful Moorpark College, 7075 Campus Rd. in Moorpark, California. Gates open 10 a.m.; music begins at 11 a.m.   “The tenth year is truly a year of celebration of this charity event with repeat performers who supported our festival the very first year, in addition to multi-award-winning acts,” says festival founder/Ventura County Blues Society President, Michael John Basowski. “Also new this year: a Second Stage to insure a full day of continuous live music. Proceeds go to the American Cancer Society along with community charities.”   Scheduled to perform on the Main Stage:  The VCBS All-Stars;  Delgado Brothers; BB Chung King & The Buddaheads; Deanna Bogart; John Nemeth; and the legendary Coco Montoya. The all-new Second Stage features top SoCal talent including Guy Martin Band; Barry G and Grease Fire; Chase Walker Band;  Jim Gustin and Truth Jones; Kelly’s Lot; Crooked Eye; Blues Bullet;  and additional special guests. Also avaialbe that day is a wide array of food vendors, artisans, and much more.   This year also features a special Benefit Ride for Mickey Jones, longtime VCBF Festival Emcee and the “face” of the festival the previous nine years. The well-liked musician-turned-actor has always been there to lend a hand to help so many in need, and now needs a little help himself. His recent bout with a prolonged illness has taken a toll on his finances. Due to insurance restrictions, the next crucial step of his recovery will be impossible without some outside help.    The 10th Annual Ventura County Blues Festival is both family-friendly   and affordable; a Pre-Sale ticket amounts to paying less than $2.00 per band! Pre-Sale tickets online are $26.00 (includes $1.00 convenience fee). Tickets are $35.00 at the Gate. All Pre-Sale ticket purchases available for pickup at Will Call - bring Confirmation Email and your ID. An amazing deal is the all-new VIP Experience at $125.00 per ticket (with no additional fees) that includes early festival entry at 9:30 am; your own private shaded seating area with tables and chairs; catered lunch; private bar; private restrooms; (2) drink tickets; (1) event t-shirt; (1) event poster and complimentary bottled water. These VIP tickets will sell out as there are only a limited amount -  now is the time to go online and purchase yours at:  www.venturacountyblues.com. Festival Hotline: (805) 501-7122.                                                                     10th Annual Ventura County Blues Festival  - Music Itinerary 11:00AM – 11:45AM  VCBS All Stars: A gathering of top SoCal blues musicians showcasing their talents. Featuring Mikey Mo; Ray Jurique; Sandy Scott; Tommy Marsh; Michael John; Eddie Z; Mark “Pocket” Goldberg;  and many others.                                              HEADLINERS 12:00PM – 12:55PM/Delgado Brothers: Driven by fierce independence, unified by family, and fortified by the brotherhood of music, the L.A.-based Delgado Brothers deliver the musical goods with topical anthem-worthy songs complemented by call-to-action lyrics, and East L.A. Soul.  http://www.delgadobrothers.com/. 1:10PM – 2:10PM/BB Chung King & The Buddaheads: Grammy- nominated song writer, producer and one of the hottest rockin’ blues guitarists on the planet.  The Buddaheads' songs have been featured in several movies and television shows. Tye put on a live show you will not want to miss! http://www.buddaheads.com/. 2:30PM – 3:45PM/Deanna Bogart: Multiple award-winning multi-instrumentalist and multifaceted musician whose fans value the diversity of her genre-free zone.  As a bandleader/singer/songwriter/producer/pianist/sax player, Deanna combines the best of boogie-woogie, contemporary blues, country and jazz into a splendid blend she calls “blusion.” http://www.deannabogart.com/. 4:05PM – 5:20PM/John Nemeth: Celebrating six BMA nominations and a new CD titled Memphis Grease, Nemeth is a celebrated electric blues and soul harmonicist, singer, and songwriter. “Classic soul and R&B styles have been revitalized in recent years by a cadre of young and relatively young artists such as James Hunter, Eli “Paperboy” Reed, and Sharon Jones. You can include John Németh on any list of the best of them.” - Nick Cristiano, Philadelphia Inquirer 5:40PM – 7:10PM/Coco Montoya: Legendary guitarist who played the festival during its first year is coming back to celebrate our tenth year. Guitar One Magazine calls Montoya “the hottest southpaw in the blues” and raves about his “master touch and killer tone.” Montoya earned his status through years of hard work and constant touring, starting with a chance meeting in the mid-1970s with legendary bluesman Albert Collins, who offered Montoya a gig as his drummer. Albert took an immediate liking to Montoya, becoming his mentor and teaching his new protégé the secrets of Collins’ “icy hot” style of blues guitar. Five years later, British blues icon John Mayall happened to catch Montoya at a jam session and was blown away. Mayall recruited him as his guitarist in the legendary Bluesbreakers, and Montoya spent the next ten years touring non-stop, proving himself to be a world-class guitar master in one of the most renowned blues bands in existence. Coco and his band will close the festival. 10th Annual Ventura County Blues Festival Media/Photo Passes Available.                                            www.venturacountyblues.com