Rocket 88 Records artist: John Fusco - Borderlands - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Borderlands, from John Fusco and I really like it. Opening with Coyote Man, filmmaker/singer/songwriter/musician, John Fusco starts off on this modern, country western, story telling adventure. Accompanying himself on piano and backed by George Walker Petit with some really expressive guitar and bass and Russ Lawton on drums, and backing trumpet by Conner Young, this is a real cool opener. With blues and tex-mex overtones, I really love Dance of the Seven Veils. Fusco's vocals have just the right amount of grit and with Spanish flavored acoustic guitars and percussion by Petit, this track is really tasty. Matthew Backer features some really nice slide work on Bad Luck Rides Shotgun making it a standout track with strong blues roots and solid vocals by Fusco. Very nice. Backer plays dobro on Cyanide Whiskey, a western flavored blues with a warm B3 bottom by Fusco under his vocal. Painting pictures with his words and just the simple track with intense, soulful guitar lead by Petit hits squarely. Wrapping the release is traditional blues track, Ain't No Grave, with Fusco joined by Ashley Betton on vocal with only the basics under the acoustic guitar of Petit. Solid closer for a really nice release. 

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Checkerboard Lounge Recordings artist: John Fusco and the X-Road Riders - John The Revelator - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, John The Revelator, from John Fusco and the X-Road Riders and it's an interesting mix of country folk blues. Opening with traditional blues track, and title track, John The Revelator, with a modern yet raw spin. With leader Fusco on lead vocal and keys, Cody Dickinson on drums, bass and dobro, Risse Norman on vocal and Sarah Morrow on trombone, a solid opener. Shuffle track, Bone Deep opens up with a bit more rock, featuring Magic Mark Lavoie on harp, Dickinson on guitar and some cool Hammond work from Fusco. Ophelia (Oh, I Feel Ya) is one of my favorite tracks on the release. A curious little ballad mostly Fusco on lead vocal, accompanying himself on keys. A radio designed track that could easily be Harry Nilsson or Randy Newman. Very nice. Slow Blues, Bad Dog, showcases some of Fusco's best vocals on the release with Dennis Diego laying down a solid bass line and Spencer Perry on drums. Lavoie's soulful harmonica lead on this track, complimented with firm guitar lead by Kurt Pierson makes this another standout track. A track with a lot of radio appeal is Jacqueline with it's top melody, hip hop delivery and smooth lead guitar. Another of my favorites is Hottest Part Of The Flame with it's Latin rhythm. This track has a seductive feel with lush vocals, and terrific interweaving of horn work by Baby J, Josh Klinger, Dan Alario,  and really nice slide work by Dickinson. Wrapping the release is The Sun Also Rises, another track with radio appeal and a strong melody. Vocal lead and piano accompanied, with clean guitar lead under the melody and rich backing vocals by Brickett Bailey, Cassandra Machia, Julia Simons and Rosalie Wasser. 

  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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