Raphael Wressnig & Igor Prado - Live - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live, from Raphael Wressnig & Igor Prado and it's hot! Opening with funky, Bill Withers' Kissing My Love, Raphael Wressnig on Hammond and Igor Prado on guitar set up an excellent jam. Wressnig lays down the melody, backed by Yuri Prado on drums and Igor picks up the melody making this a great opening groove. Wressnig has the mic on Born To Roam with full Hammond backing and Igor's phrasing on solo guitar kicks it up to overdrive. Very cool. Crossfire is an excellent guitar fueled blues jam featuring some of Prado's best chops on the release. Wressnig pushes the heat on organ, making this one of my favorite tracks on the set. Igor gets his shot on the mic on Snooks Eaglin's, swampy, Drive It Home. With New Orleans style he rips some great riffs and Wressnig cements the groove. Bobby Blue Bland's Ain't No Love (In The Heart of the City) is a real nice change up with it's slinky feel, led by Wressnig on Hammond. Igor digs deep for some really soulful riffs on guitar giving the track real balance between the instrumentalists. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Prado's original boogie, Faceslap Swing No.5 when this band really soars. With Yuri driving the beat on drums, Igor and Wressnig go full tilt making this a terrific closer for a really 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”

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Rhythm Royale Records artist: Towner Galaher Organ Trio - Live - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live, from Towner Galaher Organ Trio and I really like it. Opening with bluesy shuffle, One For McGriff has a great groove. Lonnie Gasperini lays down the bass line on organ with Galaher on drums and Marvin Horne leads the melody on guitar. Breaking loose is Gasperini on B3 and Galaher makes a real nice splash on drums for a solid opener. McDuff's Hot Barbecue with it's JB rhythm really is hot with a terrific exchange between Gasperini  and Horne. Excellent! Galaher opens Alligator Boogaloo with the funkiest of James Brown rhythms a drummer beats. With a solid bass line by Gasperini, Horne takes the first lead with smooth articulate guitar runs, leading to more warm B3 from Gasperini. Great groove. North Beach Blues has a terrific walking bass line driving Gasperini's B3 with a healthy solo. Quieting it down a bit, Horne takes a fleet fingered solo of his own making this one of my favorite tracks on the release. The release closes as it opens but with an alternate take on One For McGriff. This is a rich track with a lot of good feel and one that deserves a lot of wear. Excellent 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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AKKU Quintet Manuel Pasquinelli - Live - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live, from AKKU Quintet and it's an exciting compositional piece. Opening with Waves,  featuring Manuel Pasquinelli on drums and Moja Nydegger  on keys the track blooms as it progresses. With the addition of Markus Ischer on guitar, this track ebbs and flows from quiet to explosive. Quite a 28 plus minute ride. Polar has a different approach with the tight underwork of Pasquinelli on drum and more predominant contemporary piano by Nydegger and cool, guitar lead exploration by Ischer. Schneemann has a really interesting time signature with Pasquinelli doing both straight time and a strong accent swat on snare. Again, creative lead by Ischer on guitar holds you in constant anticipation and the bass work of Andi Schnellmann gives the track a pronounced abstract quality. I really like this track. Deep Sleep II is the closer and with it's Frippish jagged rhythm and guitar work the terrific tightness of the key work of Nydegger and the addition of Michael Gilsenan really makes this track an excellent closer. If you have an ear for progressive music... this is a terrific ride.

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Justin Saladino Band - Live - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live, from Justin Saladino Band and it's a cool rocker with plenty of radio potential. Opening with Take What You Need, Saladino on lead vocal and guitar, joined by Antoine Loiselle on guitars, David Osel-Afrifa on keys, Denis Paquin on drums, Gabriel Forget on bass, and Lucie Martel on vocal and percussion. Continuing with it's happy go lucky pace and beat, Honey has a great melody and some real nice guitar work. On Tom Petty's You Don't Know How It Feels, Saladino adds in a little slide and some heavy organ giving the track a more bluesy feel. On blues ballad, Peace With You, Saladino really works the vocals laying down the best track on the release. Nicely phrased lead guitar soloing and a quiet background really elevate this track. Very nice. Another favorite on the release is Purple Girl with overdriven guitars with traces of Jimi or Gary Clark Jr. Really a cool blues rocker. Wrapping the release is No Worries a springy rocker with heavy overtones. I like the Haynes like guitar accents to the vocal lead and tight rhythm section on this track. This is a cool closer for a solid release. 

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Delmark Records artist: Johnny Burgin - Live - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live from Johnny Burgin and it's really good. Opening with brisk shuffle, You Got to Make A Change, Johnny is upfront on vocal and guitar, backed by Aki Kumar on harp, Kid Andersen on guitar, Chris Matheos on bass and Steve Dougherty on drums. Excellent, slow blues, Can't Make It Blues, Johnny really shines with his soulful vocal and blistering guitar riffs. Most people don't think of Chicago bluesmen as hot, slingers with real pyrotechnics but Burgin is here to show you that Buddy Guy is no longer the only game in town. Excellent! There are only a few contemporary players that can really pull off the funky blues like Albert King could and Burgin is one of them. She Gave Me The Slip is a great example with solid blues riffs over a great funky beat. Time for a great Chicago blues instrumental and Kumar is up and ready on harp. Burgin, Andersen and Kumar really kick it on this one with smoke flying. Rae Gordon has the mic on Late Night Date Night and she grips this track by the scruff and shakes it. Burgin and sax ace Nancy Wright add some real nice lead rhythm and Kid Andersen covers on piano. Wright is featured on You Took The Bait and Gordon is back on vocal. Johnny steps up with lush, T Bone Walker styling and rich tone and Wright's sax work is excellent (you listening Stilladog). Louisiana Walk is an excellent instrumental shuffle showcasing Burgin's chops and it's great to see some of that get out here on disc. Wright's tone is unmistakable in the background as Burgin "Walks" that dog around like a king! Charlie Musselwhite is up next on Blues Falling and Burgin steps back letting him take the lead with one short burst of "fancy picking" behind his own vocals. Musselwhite plays with the enthusiasm of a teenager but has the chops of the seasoned blues player that he is. One of my favorite tracks on the release is When A Bluesman Comes To Town. Johnny's vocal phrasing really nicely with Musselwhite's harp work and Burgin not only gets aggressive with his guitar but seems to be grabbing his riffs with real attack and tension. I love this. It's something that smooth players don't seem to get. Very very cool! Wrapping the release is Latin flavored shuffle, Jody's Jazz, with a great mixture of blues riffs, terrific Burgin classic vibrato, and supple chords. Wright steps in with another few rich sax solos and Burgin closes it down with his own run of jazz and blues riffs. It's great that Delmark has caught one of the most dynamic guitar players on the scene in live action. Highly recommended. 

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Jesi-Lu Records artist: Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps - Live - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live, from Teresa James & The Rhythm Tramps and it's jam packed full of blues, R&B and soul. Opening with In The Pink, a funky, R&B number with hot vocal work and keys by Terresa James, Terry Wilson on bass, Billy Watts on guitar, Herman Matthews on drums, Lee Thornburg on trumpet, and Ron Dziubla on sax. Solid opener. Put The Squeeze On Me has great blues feel and James really works it hard, old school style and Watts lays down a real nice guitar lead giving the track James Brown like fever. Soulful, Don't Make A Habit Of It, is a smooth, radio ready, track with a great melody and nicely showing off James' vocal work. With the addition of Paulie Cerra on sax this track has the strength of a Van Morrison track with the super soul of James. Very nice. One of my favorite tracks on the release is ballad, The Day The Blues Came To Call with a strong melody, expressive vocal phrasing and a nice guitar solo by Watts. Very nice. With a calypso feel, I Want It All, has real pizzazz. James vocals are primo and her piano playing is hot. Joe Sublett on sax and Darrell Leonard on trumpet really spice things but it's the drumming of Tony Braunagel that pushes it over the edge. Wrapping the release is Long Way From Texas with it's Chuck Berry style drive. James' piano work is great and Cerra's sax solo pushes it. Add in a dirty guitar solo by Watts and you've got a great 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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Vizztone Label Group artist: Chris "Bad News" Barnes - Live - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live, from Chris "Bad News" Barnes it's  a full blown boogie rocker. Opening with Back In A Cadillac, Barnes leads with his vocal power, joined by Gary Hoey on lead guitar, Steve Guyger onharp and backed by Sandy MacDonald on piano, AJ Pappas on bass, Matt Scurfield on drums, Mark Earley on sax, Doug Woolverton on trumpet and Gracie Curran on backing vocal. Little Walter's Boom Boom, Out Go The Lights gets a faster rockier pace and a strong harmonica solo by Guyger, nice sax solo by Earley, wicked guitar work by Hoey and full trumpet work by Woolverton give the track real oomph. Gravelly vocals by Barnes on a lumbering version of Morganfield's Hoochie Coochie Man is real nice with a humping bass line by Pappas and greasy solos by both Hoey and Guyger give the track a real grind. With it's Bo Diddley beat, It's Tight Like That, has Curran echoing Barnes lead vocals and wicked slide by Hoey sounds great over the tight horn accent. A Latin beat on Keep Your Mind On It, gives Hoey a great opportunity to show off his Spanish guitar techniques and cues up real nice Cuban style piano playing by MacDonald. Wrapping the release is Steve Cropper's R&B track, Raise Your Hand, with a healthy does of horns. 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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"Johnny Burgin Live" Street Date 8.16, Single Available Now!

Johnny Burgin Live" on Delmark Records, CD/LP Street Date 8.16!   This live CD/LP offers twelve brand-new originals and two covers, performed in front of an enthusiastic crowd in Sonoma County, CA on Jan 5 of this year.  The band consisted of my road-tested rhythm section of Steve Dougherty and Chris Matheos in addition to some special guests and friends that I don't get to work together regularly, namely Kid Andersen, Rae Gordon, Aki Kumar, Charlie Musselwhite and Nancy Wright.  We had just one night to nail it, which made this recording a crazy, but thrilling, high wire act!  Blues legend Charlie Musselwhite's driving boogie-woogie harp on L"California Blues" is an absolute highlight.  You could feel a jolt of electricity run through the crowd when Portland, Oregon-based Rae Gordon took the stage.  The end result is a raw, fresh, and original all-star set of blues, shot through with live energy.   PLEASE NOTE: While the CD street date is 8.16, the LPs won't be available for purchase until January.  I'll keep you posted. CHICAGO CD RELEASE PARTY: Sept 19, Martyr's. 8-11, 3855 N Lincoln Ave, featuring the Chicago debut of Portland OR's award winning singer Rae Gordon and a rare appearance by Bollywood Blues star Aki Kumar.  Buy advance tickets here. EXCLUSIVE SWAG BAGS: Twenty 50$ bonus Swag Bags are available.  These will include a Delmark t-shirt, a bit of vintage memorabilia, a gift certificate for the autographed LP, free entry, and a band meet and greet from 7-7.30.  Reserve yours now via Paypal, click here or send payment to rjohnnyband@gmail.com.     THE TOUR CONTINUES...   It's been a great summer-- I had a great time in at one of the world's best blues festivals in Cazorla, Spain with Tail Dragger and Quique Gomez performing in a centuries-old bullring.  We also had a fun swing through the UK and the privilege of appearing with Billy Boy Arnold and Charlie Musselwhite at The Chicago Blues Festival.  For a youtube clip of Billy Boy Arnold with me in Madrid. click here.  Upcoming dates:  Fri-Sat:  July 19-20: Bejar Blues Festival, SPAIN, with Tail Dragger.  Wed July 24: Ina Mae's, duo show w Chris Matheos, Chicago Fri, July 26: The Washington, Burlington, IA Sat, July 27: Merchant St Festival, Kankakee, IL Sun, July 28: The Iron Post, Urbana IL 3-6 Thurs, Aug 1: The Smoke Daddy, duo show, Chicago  Fri, Aug 2: Third Base, Springfield, IL Sat, Aug 3: Elements Wine Bar, Valparaiso, IN Sun, Aug 4: private party, Greencastle, IN Wed, Aug 7: Ina Mae's, duo show, Chicago Thurs, Aug 8: The Smoke Daddy Wrigley, Chicago Fri, Aug 9: Acorn Coffeehouse, Wheaton IL   Sat, Aug 10: Flatted Fifth Blues and BBQ, Bellevue, IA  Sun, Aug 11: Bobber's, Winslow, IL 2-5 I'll have some new shirts and stickers as well on this trip-- here's the style: Aug 12-Sept 17: EU TOUR: Stockholm, Malmo Sweden, Swing Blues Festival Wespelaar Belgium, shows in Kouvola and Lahti in Finland, a house party and MOJO in Copenhagen, a house party in Lucern Switzerland, club dates and The Vinovo Blues Festival with Fast Frank near Turin, Italy, and a string of dates in Rome with Marco di Folco.  FALL TRAVELS: Watch for dates in Chicago, Michigan, Indiana, The Carolina Downhome Blues Festival, Pensacola FL, and then working my way back to Portland, OR by November 1.

Solid Blues Records artist: JW - Jones - Live - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live, from JW- Jones and it's terrific. Opening with A Memo, a cool, well written rocker with a solid melody. Jones' band is Laura Greenberg on bass and vocal, Will Laurin on drums and vocals and Don Cummings on Hammond and vocals. Jones gets the opportunity to stretch a bit and with nicely phrased blues riffs, punctuates this fine opener. On BB King's Need You So Bad, Jones' vocals are firm and his guitar playing sure footed. I have heard each of his previous releases and this one really shines. Howlin' Wolf's Moanin' At Midnight has a steady rolling tempo with aggressive blues stance, breaking into a Hendrix "Voodoo Chile" posture and letting the pyrotechnics fly. Very nice. Dylan's Tonight I'll be Staying Here With You has an approach that blends Dylan, Beck and Garcia styles. Another BB King track, Early Every Morning, has a hard driving bass line putting Jones into boogie mode, dancing across the fretboard in the manner of Gatemouth Brown, but using his own phrasing making it all his own. Very nice.  Albert King's, You're Gonna Need Me, sets up nicely with a cool undertow on bass and subdued King styling on rhythm, allowing Jones to lay it out there "All Jones". Excellent! Reworking Jimmy Rogers' That's Alright, you got pure slow blues. Some of Jones best vocals in years shine here and Muddy Waters styling on slide is extremely effective. Wrapping the release is I Might Not Come Home At All with an extended guitar exploration including the Walk Don't Run, Wipeout, Daytripper, Satisfaction, James Bond Theme, Secret Agent Man, Communication Man, Baracuda, Hawaii 5-O Theme, Batman Theme, Spider Man Theme, Apache, Pipeline,  Brown Sugar, Oh Pretty Woman, Misirlou and Johnny B Goode. Excellent closer for a really solid release. I think his best yet!

  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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No Label Records artist: Steve Hill - The One-Man Blues Rock Band - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The One-Man Blues Rock Band, a new live album from Steve Hill and it's powerful. Opening with Rhythm All Over, a power rocker, Steve Hill wastes no time making you a believer. With an excellent rock voice, the terrific ability to accompany himself as well as any band and fluid slide riffs, this is an excellent opener. His lead guitar on Go On, make you actually sit back and listen. This guy's playing has such presence that it rivals Jimmy Page and Alvin Lee. We're talking strong phrasing and focused notes. With a solid bass line and strong melody, Hill has great energy.  Excellent! Never Is Such A Long Time oozes blues like it was born in the Mississippi hill country but with a firm grip on modern rock and guitar techniques and tight drum rhythm giving it not only an emotional power but also strong musical punch. Very nice!  Little Walter's Hate To See You Go is a great blues rocker with Hill just killing it on guitar. You hear the initial interpretation style of jack White but pushed to the limits and the energy of young Alvin Lee. Terrific! Still Got It Bad is so beefy with tone that this thing is ready to pop. Excellent! The release is wrapped with a super rendition of Hendrix's Voodoo Chile with dynamics and gripping, soaring guitar riffs.

This is a really strong release and one that should easily plant Hill atop the hill!!

  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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VizzTone Label Group artist: Casey Hensley - Live - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, live, from Casey Hensley and it's smokin'. Opening with Big Mama Thornton's, Big Mama's Coming Home, Hensley grinds right into it with gritty vocals and a big presence. Backed by Evan Caleb Yearsley on drums, Johnny Viau on sax and Marcos C on bass this band is first class. I really want to point out that this release features Laura Chavez and I mean it features her. Chavez has always carries a big hammer but this first track has made me a big fan. Chavez really tears it up, reminding me of the style of one of my favorite contemporary players, Rockin' Johnny Burgin and that is a huge endorsement. On original track, Put Your Lovin' Where It Belongs, Hensley digs in her heals vocally with a lot of heft.  Again, Chavez is hot on her heels hot, tasty riffs. A slow grinder with teeth. Classic, You Can Have My Husband, has a cool shuffle feel and again, right with Hansley's front work is Chavez smoking the strings... think Funderburgh. Viau sits in with a fat solo of his own giving the track a wailing kick in the back.  Screamin' Jay Hawkins' I Put A Spell On You is always a welcome favorite and Hensley shares the spotlight with Viau with a cool sax solo. Made famous by Elvis, Hard Headed Woman is a real rocker with a hot solo by Viau and super rockabilly riffs by Chavez. Excellent! Willie Dixon's I Just Want To Make Love To You has a real nice swing to it with some of the best vocals on the track and a free wheelin' guitar solo by Chavez. Very cool. Excellent jump original, Hot! Hot! Hot! really gets you shit moving with a tight bottom by Yearsley and Marcos but it's Hensley's enthusiasm and flaming guitar riffs that makes this track cool! Excellent! Koko Taylor's Voodoo Woman has a real nice funk to it again showcasing Chavez's cookin' style. This track has a great groove and I gotta say I'm glad I'm giving you something this hot before the holiday! Wow! Johnny Guitar Watson's Too Tired has a real nice groove and again Chavez steps up with incredible style. Hensley pounds it out with pro quality and teamed with Viau on sax and with Chavez...oh yeah! Wrapping the release is another Big Mama track, Ball and Chain. Now I gotta tell you, it's hard to beat Big Mama's original and equally hard to compare with Janis' version of this track, but this is a great closer. Clocking over 9 minutes, Hensley gives it her all and Chavez through an extended solo her incredible patience to build intensity slowly until ultimate eruption...I mean goose bumps. Excellent closer for a super 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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Cleopatra Blues artist: Tom Killner - Live - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live, from Tom Killmer ind it's a straight forward blues rocker with a lot of horsepower. Opening with Danny Kirwin's I Like It This Way, Killner on lead vocal and guitar is backed by Jack Allen on guitar, Oliver Tallent on bass, Jake Ashton on drums and Wesley Brook on keys. This is a powerful opener and a solid sign of what is to come. Slim Harpo's King Bee gets a really heavy driving bottom and a low slung guitar rhythm. Very cool. Freddie King's Have You Ever Loved A Woman (also made popular by Derek and the Dominos) is up next and Killner really digs in with some gritty riffs. A lighter solo on keys by Brooks eases the tension but Killner comes back with heavy firepower blowing your hair back. Very cool. Killner breaks out a few Jimi Hendrix tracks in Crosstown Traffic and Foxy Lady exhibiting the dynamics that Jimi intended. Super tracks. Warren Haynes/Govt Mule's classic Soul Shine is up next and Killner again shows exceptional feel both vocally and with his own guitar. The Allman Brothers' Whipping Post gets a driving revisit and stays fairly true to their original Fillmore recording but in a condensed 5:09 timeframe. Very cool. The Band's The Weight is nicely covered as well. Killner not only exhibits his talent as a skillful guitar player and vocalist, but also exhibits an excellent taste and knowledge in some of rock's best music.  Wrapping the release is Lennon/McCartney's With A Little Help From My Friends which was really remade big time by Joe Cocker on one of the best rock releases of all time. Killner does a great job on this track and it's a super closer for this blues rocking 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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TVR/VizzTone Label Group artist: Terry Hanck - From Roadhouse To Your House - Live - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, From Roadhouse To Your House, from Terry Hanck Band and it's outrageous! Opening with Good Rockin' Goin' On, this live release is smoking right out of the block. Everyone knows that Hanck is a great sax player but he's constantly pushing it on this release and I think everyone will be mighty pleased! Hanck lays out squealing sax work over Jimmy Pugh's organ work with Johnny "Cat" Soubrand on guitar, Butch Cousins on drums and Tim Wagar on bass. With Wagar setting a super groove, Hanck takes the lead on vocal, Pugh hits a cool organ solo followed by Soubrand on guitar and Hanck coming back to push it over the top. Excellent opener! Cousins sets the tempo on boogie woogie track, Flatfoot Sam. Hanck has the place rockin' and Pugh plays the boogie like a real pro. Chuck Berry like riffs fly from Soubrand's fretboard and Hanck rips it up on sax. Smokin! Next is a tribute to R&B sax man Jr. Walker, with Junior's Walk 2016. This track really oozes Road Runner and with Pugh covering the organ, Hanck really sets you back in your seat with classic Walker style riffs. Very nice! Chuck Willis' slinky track, Whatcha Gonna Do When Your Baby Leaves You, hits a real nice stride with clean guitar soloing and nice piano work by Pugh. Fifties R&B style track, Smilin' Through My Tears, provides a cool backdrop for some of Hanck's best vocals with excellent guitar work under the melody. Hanck plays a particularly soulful sax solo on this number and Soubrand's guitar work is gripping. Very nice! H B Barnum's, I Don't Love You No More, has a real New Orleans flavor reinforced by the piano work of Pugh and Hanck again grabs the track by the short hairs and shakes it every time he touches his sax. Very cool! Louis Jordan's Ain't That Just Like A Woman is an absolutely perfect track for this band and Hanck really wails it on sax. A super driving bass line from Wagar and Commander Cody tempo gives this track the heat. Excellent guitar work from Soubrand and hot sax work from Hanck really makes this one sail! Classic R&B track, Can I Change My Mind, written by A J Masters, maintains it's light jazzy feel and fleet fingered riffs by Soubrand and Wagar compliment soulful sax lines by Hanck. Excellent! Dave Spector's Octavate'n features rich guitar lead by Soubrand with a healthy dose of organ by Pugh. Hanck's sax work is aggressive and well phrased making this track one of my favorites on the release. Low slung blues track, Peace Of Mind, really gives Soubrand to shine on his blues runs. Soulful sax lines from Hanck close this one out. Super! Wrapping the release is a quick paced Chicago style blues number, Cupid Must Be Stupid. Hanck and Soubrand lead a 6 minute jam making this an ideal closer for a really hot concert. Anyone who walked away from this concert disappointed, passed out.



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Swingsuit Records artist: Jeff Jensen - The River City Sessions - New release review

I just received the newest release, The River City Sessions, a live recording from Jeff Jensen and it's smokin! Opening with T-Bone Walker's, T-Bone Shuffle, Jensen steps right up on lead vocal and guitar and shows what everybody has been talking about for years. This guy can play! Backed by Bill Ruffino on bass and vocals and Bridgeforth Robinson on drums, this is a great opener. Up tempo blues rocker, Make It Through, has a nice running bass line and a bit of the Wet Willie funk. A light breezy track with a cool hook, a definite crowd pleaser. Empty Bottles is a quirky little country style blues with clever lyrics. A casual but deliberate pace winds up into a boogie and Jensen shows a little rockabilly flair. Very nice! JJ Boogie is a cool hard driven boogie with a solid drum lead, working bass line and slick guitar riffs. Excellent! Slow blues, Find Myself All Alone, shows a lot of emotion both vocally and on the fretboard. Sit back and catch the show here... Jensen really swats it! Brunette Woman has a nice swagger driven by the walking bass line of Ruffino. Relentless machine gun guitar work by Jensen gives this track a sound of it's own blending right into Elephant Blue, a quick paced jazz track. Ruffino takes a really tasty bass solo and then Jensen really catches fire making it one of my favorites on the release. Wow! Tom Waits' Heart Attack and Vine is a terrific track with a slow pendulous pace. It's suspenseful timing and of course Waits' theatrical writing make this track ideal for juicing with Jensen on guitar. Full blown guitar wringing is the name and Jensen is the man for the job. Excellent! Can't Believe We're Through has a nightclub jazz approach with rimshots and bass lead. Jensen plays lush chords developing into a solid radio track with shared lead vocals with Ruffino. The band cranks it up as the track nears the end developing more and more power as it goes. Very cool! Ash and Bone is a solid ballad with a fat guitar solo. This is a real nice track with the simplest of melodies but great dynamics. Wrapping the release is Bob Dylan's All Along The Watchtower. Jensen takes a road not far from Hendrix's with a little more jazz influence and openness. His attack and phrasing is all Jensen and the track is a really strong finisher for a super live release!



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Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce - Live - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Live from Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce and it's easy and fun. Opening with Bad Boys, Weeks, joined by Mike Hilliard on lead guitar, Ed Hilliard on drums, Terry Strudwick on bass and Bill White on rhythm guitar, set the pace for a pop country blues concert. Jimmy Dee has a boogie line but roots in country. A two step melody with cool guitar riffs from Hilliard makes this a release favorite. Slide Over Here has a slinky feel and Weeks vocals are top notch. Roll It throws a bit of funk into the mix and I particularly like Ed Hilliard's snappy drum riffs. Mike Hilliard takes a longer guitar solo on this track and although compressed in sound, it does rip! Happy Home is a straight up shuffle led by Mike Hilliard. Weeks gets a rock n roll feel going and Mike H. takes it a step further with stinging riffs. On Randy Newman's You Can Leave Your Hat On, the band puts a bit of funk on the original arrangement and it had a fresh feel. Weeks holds the bluesy road making this a fairly successful cover of a very familiar track. Ike Turner's Strange has a pinch of jazz to a standard R&B track. Hilliard is back again spicing up the track with clean guitar riffs supported by White on rhythm. Ballad Tarantino opens quietly but slowly builds momentum with Hilliard building his riffs to a drop off. Lieber and Stoller track I Can't Hear A Word You Say has a vintage shuffle feel and Ed Hilliard dances on the drums as Mike lays out a nice open rock guitar solo. Hound Dog, another Lieber and Stoller track made popular by Big Mama Thorton and Elvis gets a Latin beat and nicely showcases Weeks vocal style. Rolling right into Big Boss Man, a Luther Dixon composition made popular by Jimmy Reed among others holds a funky beat and Mike H. takes a cool guitar solo and the band takes an esoteric bridge but follows back to the funky grind. Wrapping the release is Got My Eye On You, a lounge style blues with Weeks' vocals very stylized, reinforced by E. Hilliard's punctuation. A longer jam the band stretches making for an enjoyable conclusion to what I'm certain was a cool live performance.

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Blues Bureau International artist: Chris Duarte Group - Live

I just received the newest release, Live, from the Chris Duarte Band is it's killer. Hot on the heels of My Soul Alone released earlier this year, Duarte has put together a live set and it is terrific! You know how some bands are good on record but then fizzle live. Duarte is great on record and smokin' live. Opening with Freddie King's Hideaway, Duarte puts his own spin on a classic track and plays the crap out of it. Joined by band members Yoshi Ogasahara on bass and vocal as well as Jack Jones on drums this is a tight unit. Another classic, Big Legged Woman, is up next and we're talking funky here! Ogasahara and Jones really whip it up and Duarte plays what I can honestly say is the best guitar work ever done on this track. Frenzied, tight and innovative. Excallent! Ridin' is a fast paced blues rocker with a half tempo bridge showing a more progressive edge. This is hot... I mean hot! Junior Kimbrough's Do The Romp has a bit more meat than the original but maintains it's primitive nature. Duarte gives his strat a real workout on this track and Jones is deep into it. Make Me Feel So Right is a rollin boogie track with a Texas guitar drive. A bit more tame than earlier tracks on the release, it still gives you a healthy dose of rock and blues. Bottle Blues is down and dirty slow blues with terrific clean articulated guitar soloing. If you like that outrageous Texas style blues riffing (a la Albert King, SRV etc) you will absolutely love this track. Contrasting a whisper with a scream it got so hot that I had to turn down the air and crack a cold one! Let's Have A Party is a high energy blues rocker with plenty of fast paced guitar lead and double stops. Sit still and listen to this one. I dare you! Dylan's One More Cup Of Coffee is euphoric with swirling guitar sounds, the band exploring a number of different rhythm patterns, all of them equally interesting. This track may not be for the average listener but for the more sophisticated listener... I think it's a real treat! 101 feels a lot like Jimi with that drive and space. Duarte taks the lead of course but there are terrific bass lines throughout and Jones is relentless on the drums. Did I mention that this is a double disc release... disc one... outrageous!

 Disc 2 opens with The Best I Can Do, a driving rocker with a nod to the Everly Brothers vocally and Led Zep instrumentally...all twisted and Texas sounding. Nice! Satisfy has a real strong Texas blues lope to it. Duarte has been doing this guitar style since his first release and it always sounds great. In this case, there is also a pinch of country and a dash of Joe Walsh on vocal. Very cool. On classic Neville track, People Say, Duarte maintains a lot of the New Orleans feel and Jones helps to reinforce the funk. Duarte always does a real nice job on this track, this version being a bit more spartan that some I've heard. Again a bit more progressive instrumentally this track is very cool. On blues ballad, Hold Back The Tears, Duarte approaches more the folk or country rock arena but never letting up on the musical intensity. Sundown Blues, another track having a strong feeling of Hendrix in construction is an excellent foil for a 3 piece band. Duarte chokes every breath out of the guitar playing long Zappaesque guitar runs and crisp punctuating accents. Very cool! My Way Down, one of Duarte's best know tracks is up next with a funky Texas swagger. Sit back (if you can) and enjoy one of the current masters of contemporary blues smoke it. Like Eric is a great instrumental track reminding me a lot of early Billy Cobham with substantial forward drum work and jazz like blues riffs played on guitar. The only other band I can recall doing this successfully is the early Dregs. Great! Hard Mind is a cool 12 bar number with simple swing blues riffs played up front. Now mind you, this is a 9 minute track so the band has a strong opportunity to plays out some great riffs! Wrapping the release with John Coltrane's Alabama, Duarte again goes into progressive territory creating an entirely different world musically for the listener. I find this set amazing and will definitely be adding it to my best of 2013 releases. get a copy ... you can thank me later!

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Hamilton Loomis – CD Release Party – Frederick, MD - Stilladog: Guest Writer

As all readers know, I always encourage outside news but it's particularly cool when my longtime friend "Stilladog" has the time to write up a review on one of my favorite performers on the blues scene today, Hamilton Loomis. Stillog is a musician and long time blues aficionado and here is his coverage of Mr. Hamilton Loomis in concert near his home in Maryland! 

Hamilton Loomis – CD Release Party – Frederick, MD 9/08/2013 SOLD OUT!

Hamilton Loomis, making his second appearance at Jekyll & Hyde's in Frederick, MD delivered a very entertaining show last night. The venue was quickly sold out by long time fans and many people who were captivated by Hamilton’s appearance at the 2011 Western Maryland Blues Festival in Hagerstown, MD and those who had seen his gig at Jekyll & Hyde's last year were in attendance.

As you might imagine, most folks were familiar with many of his songs excepting those that were from his new release, Give It Back and he had the audience singing with him on several of his numbers. Since this was a CD Release Party for that album, there was a generous sprinkling of tunes from the release in both sets. The Hamilton Loomis Band  treated new and existing fans to his unique brand of blues, funk, soul, jazz, and rock all mixed into a blender with the emphasis on the funk!

The Give It Back release is a way for Loomis to pay homage to the mentors he had before him and a way to begin to give back to those who follow.  Good advice for all of us really. Hamilton’s exposure at a young age  to the musicians of Houston’s Third and Fifth Wards (a who’s who of soul and blues) has helped mold his sound and it is plainly evident, particularly in the second set when he had the house rocking with a Bo Diddley medley and with the first set closer, Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s Bow Wow, which for me was the highlight of the show.

As Bman noted in his review of the band when they hit Phoenix earlier this year, all the musicians are darn near virtuosos in their own right. The first set started out with a smoking jazz instrumental featuring saxophonist, Fabian Hernandez. 

It was followed by Best Worst Day,  and then a series of funk infused songs from the new album, the most memorable of which was Stuck In A Rut. Then back to a few of what are becoming standards for his sets, My Pen, Take A Number, and Pull Strings. When Loomis wasn’t knocking them dead with guitar licks or his smooth soul voice, Hernandez was absolutely wowing them with saxophone pyrotechnics on both alto and tenor.

The evening opened with a nice set by local blues band Rudy and The Bluefish.  Loomis had some difficulties with what appeared to be the wireless on the PA which delayed his first set a good 15-20 minutes.  As a result the first set extended way beyond plan going well over an hour even after they got it cranked up. At the break, nearly everyone in the house lined up to buy the new CD and other various items of swag. 

I did my best to promote his Live In England CD to those around me as well, which is an awesome representation of his live show albeit with some different sidemen.

One of the most ear-catching tunes of the second set was the song Eternally about the prediction of the end of the world by the Mayan calendar which of course didn’t happen. It’s on the new CD. My favorite for the second set was Workin’ Real Hard. A surprise for many was Loomis’ rendition of Prince’s Purple Rain which he identified as one of his all-time favorite songs that he just wanted to play. The funk was popping, and the rock was rocking, and the blues was flowing.  The extended drum solo by percussionist Armando Aussenac was icing on the cake. Aussenac’s drums, combined with the lines bass man Dante Ware laid down, well the foundation could not have been any stronger.  Even when a local DC bassist sat in on a tune the lower register remained as entertaining as it was solid. At one point Loomis left the stage jumped on a table and proceeded to inject everything from Led Zeppelin to Chuck Berry riffs into an extended solo walking about the room on a pathway of chairs the audience cleared out before him.  

As the funk drifted off into the night and the patrons slowly made their way home it is safe to say a good time was had by all.  Just about every face in the place was smiling like the butcher’s dog! 

"Seeing Hamilton Loomis live is very highly recommended by Stilladog!  And that’s a fact, Jack!!!  "
    

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!