Cordova Bay Records artist: David Vest - Self-titled - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the newest self-titled release from David Vest and it's a rock and roller. Opening with Some Old Lonesome Day, David Vest, who handles piano and lead vocals is backed by Billy Hicks on drums, Ryan Tandy on bass and Tom Bowler and Peter Dammann on guitar. Genevieve kicks into a R&B style with a cool bass and drum rhythm and New Orleans style piano rolls by Vest and tasty guitar work by Bowler and Dammann. Boogie track, Party In The Room Next Door, kicks it up a few more notches giving Vest the open road to really rock out on piano. Following suit is a strong rockabilly style guitar solo making this one of the best tracks on the release. Elvis Presley's Leak In This Old Building really captures that R&B rockin style with gospel style piano. Traditional track, Gotta Travel On gets a Latin jazz remix with lead piano by Vest improvising the melody with tight drum riffs by Hicks giving it a New Orleans flavor. Very cool. Renoviction Man digs right into the old style John Lee Hooker styling with loose vocal phrasing, excellent piano riffs and old style blues guitar riffs. Possibly my favorite track on the release. Wrapping the release is Lomax, a somber ballad highlighting Vest on piano and vocal. This is an interesting release with a broad variety of sounds.

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Cordova Bay Records artist: David Gogo - Vicksburg Call - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Vicksburg Call, by David Gogo and he's blending more rock into his strong blues feel. Opening with Cuts Me to The Bone, Gogo is hammering right out of the gate. With Jay Stevens on bass and Bill Hicks on drums this track does rock. Gogo isn't fooling around with his slashing slide guitar soloing and grinding rhythm. Boogie guitar master, Kim Simmonds joins Gogo on Fooling Myself with his unmistakable guitar soloing style. This is a really cool track with some remarkable riffs. Another Canadian, Neil Young's The Loner has always been a favorite and Gogo does a really nice cover. This track has a moderately different arrangement from the original and a definitely non Young style guitar solo. Harmony vocals with Stevens add warmth and with the track slightly uptempo sounds quite fresh. There's A Hole is a quiet, bluesy ballad with Gogo on resonator and guitar and Shawn Hall on harp. Stephen Stills' Jet Set (Sigh) has a deeper groove that earlier set by Stills and I like the change. Bassist Stevens sets a great heavy line and Gogo literally rips the fretboard to pieces with expressive riffs. Excellent! What's Not To Like? has a pop edge with a steady rock beat and Rick Hopkins adding full Hammond backing. Gogo again gets out the slide and plays as smooth as silk accompanying his radio styled vocals. Our Last Goodbye is a nicely crafted ballad starting off very quietly but building slowly adding drums and guitar lead. This track is very anthem like and with solid backing vocals by Shelley Beeston and Jona Kristinsson and fluid guitar runs, could easily be found as the closing song for a movie. Very nice! Title track, Vicksburg Call, is a simple blues rocker that breaks loose with some very tasty grinding guitar riffs. Rock and roller, Coulda Shoulda Woulda has a taste of Chuck Berry with almost John Lennon like vocals. Nice bass riffs by Stevens really drive this track and Gogo reminds us once again that he's not just a blues player with flashy rockin' riffs. Wrapping the release is a solemn ballad, Why, along the lines of White Shades of Pale. Really nice Hammond work by Hopkins sets the basic tone and Marisha Devoin adds subtle bass defined by a steady drum slap by Hicks. Isolated guitar lead by Gogo at the end of the track caps the soulful conclusion.

   

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What's Not To Like? - David Gogo's Vicksburg Call

What's Not To Like? - David Gogo's Vicksburg Call

New promo video, pre-order instant download and tour dates

David Gogo Introduces "What's Not To Like?" - view on YouTube here Cordova Bay Records and David Gogo are set to release Gogo's 14th album, Vicksburg Call, on September 4th, 2015. Early reviews are already calling it "THE album of his career." (John The Rock Doctor, Gonzo Online) and "one of Gogo’s strongest to date." (Victoria Times Colonist) Pre-Order now and instantly get downloads of " What's Not To Like?", “Cuts Me To The Bone” and “Our Last Goodbye".  www.davidgogo.com/shop Gogo is also heading out on the road for several tour dates throughout Western Canada and Europe. Dates detailed below.  About Vicksburg Call For over two decades David Gogo has been recording and performing all over the world, bringing his magnetic and accessible groove-fueled blend of blues and rock to audiences of all ages.  The British Columbia based guitarist and vocalist's name has become synonymous with the Canadian blues scene, and with good reason.  Vicksburg Call (September 4) is Gogo’s 14th release and is poised to add even more acclaim to an already impressive inventory.  He’s earned numerous accolades, including five JUNO nominations and multiple Maple Blues Awards.  He has thousands of tour miles under his belt and has played on stage with B.B. King, Johnny Winter, Bo Diddley and Otis Rush as well as opened for ZZ Top, Buddy Guy, Charles Bradley and many others. Undoubtedly a rockin’ blues album, Vicksburg Call was recorded in a studio with a live, intimate atmosphere, which yielded an overall grittier sound with lots of feeling.  "I wanted this album to have more of a “band” feel to it, rather than just going into the studio and basically dictating the parts to the musicians", says Gogo.  "I also wanted as many songs as possible to have a very live feel and be easily transferrable to the stage." With the help of his backing band consisting of Bill Hicks on drums and Jay Stevens on bass, each of the tracks on Vicksburg Call are replete with the grooves, emotion and soulful delivery that David Gogo is known for. From the opening rocker “Cuts Me To The Bone”, the  bluesy “Fooling Myself”, featuring Kim Simmonds and the haunting “There’s A Hole”  with a guest appearance from Shawn Hall of The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer.  Vicksburg Call also highlights Gogo’s aptitude for selecting cover songs that one would not expect to hear on a blues album including Neil Young’s “The Loner”, Stephen Stills’ “Jet Set (Sigh)”, and Annie Lennox’s “Why”. “In the time that has passed since the last album, there has been a lot of loss in my life with the passing of friends and colleagues in the world of music. There were many sad days, but also tears of joy when I think back at fond memories from my time on the road”, Gogo recalls. “Relationships can also have their ups and downs as the years pass by, and many of my new songs deal with this. I tried to write from many viewpoints of love and loss, reconciliation, regret, acceptance and hope for new horizons.” Gogo’s passion for blues and his extraordinary, virtuosic guitar talents are laid bare alongside his emotions on this album - a combination that grabs you from the opening bars and keeps you hooked through all 10 tracks. davidgogo.com  /DavidGogoBlues  @DavidGogoBlues                              Photo by Scott Doubt Track Listing 1. Cuts Me To The Bone (3:19) 2. Fooling Myself (4:12) 3. The Loner (3:55) 4. There’s A Hole (3:26) 5. Jet Set (Sigh) (4:16) 6. What’s Not To Like? (3:01) 7. Our Last Goodbye (6:21) 8. Vicksburg Call (5:06) 9. Coulda Shoulda Woulda (2:37) 10. Why (5:29) Upcoming Tour Dates: August 29 - Woofstock Music Festival, Prince George BC August 30 - PNE Mosaic Concert Series, Vancouver BC September 5 - Fascinating Rhythm, Nanaimo BC *in-store appearance September 11 - Waverly Hotel, Cumberland BC September 19 - The Bassment, Kamloops BC *solo September 25 - Ghost Town Blues - Maple Creek SK *solo October 1 - Ironwood Stage And Grill, Calgary AB October 2 - Vangeli's - Saskatoon, SK  October 3 - B Street Bar, Edmonton AB October 4 - Fratter’s Speakeasy, Red Deer AB October 10 - Tally Ho Sports Bar, Victoria BC October 16 - Canal Bank Shuffle, Thorold ON October 30 - Duncan Showroom, Duncan BC November 28 - De Flint, Amersfoort Netherlands December 4 - Theater De Molenburg, Delfzijl Netherlands December 5 - L’Esprit, Rotterdam Netherlands

West coast blues-rocker David Gogo set to release 'Vicksburg Call'

West coast blues-rocker David Gogo set to release 'Vicksburg Call' September 4th on Cordova Bay Records   Pre-order link: www.davidgogo.com/shop Pre-Order now and instantly get downloads of “Cuts Me To The Bone” and “Our Last Goodbye" View “Cuts Me To The Bone” promo here For immediate release August 14, 2015 (Victoria, BC) - For over two decades David Gogo has been recording and performing all over the world, bringing his magnetic and accessible groove-fueled blend of blues and rock to audiences of all ages.  The British Columbia based guitarist and vocalist's name has become synonymous with the Canadian blues scene, and with good reason.  Vicksburg Call (September 4) is Gogo’s 14th release and is poised to add even more acclaim to an already impressive inventory.  He’s earned numerous accolades, including five JUNO nominations and multiple Maple Blues Awards.  He has thousands of tour miles under his belt and has played on stage with B.B. King, Johnny Winter, Bo Diddley and Otis Rush as well as opened for ZZ Top, Buddy Guy, Charles Bradley and many others. Undoubtedly a rockin’ blues album, Vicksburg Call was recorded in a studio with a live, intimate atmosphere, which yielded an overall grittier sound with lots of feeling.  "I wanted this album to have more of a “band” feel to it, rather than just going into the studio and basically dictating the parts to the musicians", says Gogo.  "I also wanted as many songs as possible to have a very live feel and be easily transferrable to the stage." With the help of his backing band consisting of Bill Hicks on drums and Jay Stevens on bass, each of the tracks on Vicksburg Call are replete with the grooves, emotion and soulful delivery that David Gogo is known for. From the opening rocker “Cuts Me To The Bone”, the  bluesy “Fooling Myself”, featuring Kim Simmonds and the haunting “There’s A Hole”  with a guest appearance from Shawn Hall of The Harpoonist & The Axe Murderer.  Vicksburg Call also highlights Gogo’s aptitude for selecting cover songs that one would not expect to hear on a blues album including Neil Young’s “The Loner”, Stephen Stills’ “Jet Set (Sigh)”, and Annie Lennox’s “Why”. “In the time that has passed since the last album, there has been a lot of loss in my life with the passing of friends and colleagues in the world of music. There were many sad days, but also tears of joy when I think back at fond memories from my time on the road”, Gogo recalls. “Relationships can also have their ups and downs as the years pass by, and many of my new songs deal with this. I tried to write from many viewpoints of love and loss, reconciliation, regret, acceptance and hope for new horizons.” Gogo’s passion for blues and his extraordinary, virtuosic guitar talents are laid bare alongside his emotions on this album - a combination that grabs you from the opening bars and keeps you hooked through all 10 tracks. davidgogo.com  /DavidGogoBlues  @DavidGogoBlues                              Photo by Scott Doubt Track Listing 1. Cuts Me To The Bone (3:19) 2. Fooling Myself (4:12) 3. The Loner (3:55) 4. There’s A Hole (3:26) 5. Jet Set (Sigh) (4:16) 6. What’s Not To Like? (3:01) 7. Our Last Goodbye (6:21) 8. Vicksburg Call (5:06) 9. Coulda Shoulda Woulda (2:37) 10. Why (5:29) Upcoming Tour Dates: August 14 - Class Axe Calabogie Blues & Ribfest, Calabogie, ON August 21 - Moose Hall, Nanaimo BC August 29 - Woofstock Music Festival, Prince George BC August 30 - PNE Mosaic Concert Series, Vancouver BC September 5 - Fascinating Rhythm, Nanaimo BC *in-store appearance September 11 - Waverly Hotel, Cumberland BC September 19 - The Bassment, Kamloops BC *solo September 25 - Ghost Town Blues - Maple Creek SK *solo October 1 - Ironwood Stage And Grill, Calgary AB October 3 - B Street Bar, Edmonton AB October 4 - Fratter’s Speakeasy, Red Deer AB October 10 - Tally Ho Sports Bar, Victoria BC October 16 - Canal Bank Shuffle, Thorold ON October 30 - Duncan Showroom, Duncan BC November 28 - De Flint, Amersfoort Netherlands December 4 - Theater De Molenburg, Delfzijl Netherlands December 5 - L’Esprit, Rotterdam Netherlands

Cordova Bay records artist: David Vest - Roadhouse Revelation - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Roadhouse Revelation, from David Vest and his Willing Victims, Gary Kendall (bass), Teddy Leonard (guitar) and Mike Fitzpatrick (drums). Opening with Freight Train Rolling Fitzpatrick starts the train a rolling and southern-bred boogie woogie piano player Vest brings it on. Teddy Leonard plays a sweet country infused guitar solo firing Vest up for a really nice romp on the keys. Stand Your Ground has a more straight forward pop format with a few slick guitar interludes and a cool piano solo. Hank Williams' Ramblin' Man is kept simple with only light instrumental adornment, but with a few Williams like yodel/vocal inflections. You Came Through is a solid ballad with a nice melody. Aside from a simple guitar solo, this track keeps it straight and serious. Streetcar is a cool vintage piece reminding me a lot of Buddy Bolden Blues with cool guitar work and classic piano riffs. This is possibly my favorite track on the release. Gone Too Far has a real 50's Memphis sound with that underlying boogie piano sound. Crooked Politician is a weave of spirituals music and New Orleans gumbo. Interesting vocal delivery and perfectly directed drums by Fitzpatrick iced by Vest's piano make this track roll. Santa Fe Steamer is a full out piano boogie and expertly executed. That Happened To Me is an easy paced blues track delivered a lot like Dylan would do it. Leonard steps up and really lays down some tasty blues guitar riffs on this track and Vest isn't far behind. Nice job! Heart Full Of Rock And Roll has rocky boogie feel. Both Leonard and Vest give up solos and Kendall and Fitzpatrick rock. Wrapping the release is Pretty Things For Anne, a cool jazz piano composition. This is a fine song which would make a super backdrop for a Miles Davis solo.

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Cordova Bay Records artist: David Gogo - Come On Down - New Release Review

I just received a copy of the newest release, Come On Down, by David Gogo and it's a rocker. Opening with Faces track Bad "n" Ruin, Gogo sets the pace for the release with searing slide work. On title track and original tune, Come On Down, Gogo captures sounds of the south with influences of the mountains and the swamps. Another original track, Call Your Name, has a rockin beat. Directed primarily at airplay the track has a nice hook and paired guitar leads. Worth It has a strong R&B sound with backing vocals by Tina Jones, Amber Handley, Shelley Beeston and Ken Ermter. Clean country influenced blues riffs highlight the track. Natchez Dog has a cool low slung blues feel with Shawn Hall on harp and Gogo on acoustic slide. Kings is an electric blues rocker with solid bass and crisp drums. Reminding me a bit of a Glenn Frey track, this is another track if promoted right could easily gather substantial air following. Grinding guitar work and simple drum rhythms also are strong compliments to this track. Atlanta Rhythm Section hit track So Into You is covered here with a bit of R&B grease and backing vocals. This track was large a umber of years ago and now with Gogo playing a hot guitar riff on top of a newer arrangement could easily do it again. Gogo original Blue Eyed Daisy is a hard driving rocker with some white hot flaming guitar riffs. Ashford and Simpson classic, Let's Go Get Stoned, gets a real nice blues treatment not only providing a nice bed of rhythm for Gogo's best vocals on the release but also some terrific blues guitar riffs. Really nice. Taking another direction, Gogo covers Robert Palmer's pop track Looking For Clues. keeping with the original uptempo and underfunk, Gogo adds some understated but slick guitar riffs throughout the track. Christine McVie's Spare Me A Little has a nice soul/R&B groove which is preserved. Vocal duet work and soulful guitar work makes this a memorable track that Gogo made his own very nicely. Completing the release is Lindsay Buckingham's World Turning. Maintaining the original tempo but spicing it up substantially with super slide work takes this from a traditional pop tune and makes it a nice blues interpretation track with multiple faces. Harp solos by Hall and slide solos by Gogo make this another hot track for the blues lover.

  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”