House Blues artist: John Primer - Teardrops for Magic Slim - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Teardrops For Magic Slim, from John Primer and it's a strong blues release. Opening with JB Lenoir's classic, Mama Talk To Your Daughter, Primer on guitar and vocal really gets the house rocking. With Jon McDonald on 2nd guitar, Earl Howell on drums, Danny O'Connor on bass and Lenny Media on drums, this is an excellent opener. On Jimmy McCracklin's Every Night, Every Day, Primer slows the pace and grinds in this solid blues number. Primer has a real good voice for this style of blues and it also works well with his playing style. On shuffle, Ain't Doing Too Bad, Primer takes his guitar for a nice walk and fans Elmore James like riffs creating a nice groove. His soloing is fluid and tight. Elmore James' It Hurts Me Too is one of my favorite tracks on the release with Primer making the track his own. Yes, the tune is all Elmore but the riffs are all Primer. It's obvious that he's on his own train and even his slide playing that would fall into James' wheelhouse is all Primer. Shawn Holt, Slim's son even joins on this track contributing vocal and guitar. Very nice. Guitar Slim's terrific track, The Things I Used To Do is up next and Primer holds the traditional individual note note articulation but puts his own spin on when soloing. Another great addition to the release. Wrapping the release is Little Milton's The Blues Is Alright, with it's infectious blues vamp. Primer on vocal leads the way and the feel is Chicago all the way.  A great jam with plenty of guitar riffs, this is an strong closer for a solid tribute to Magic Slim. 

  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

Delmark Records artist: Omar Coleman Band - Live At Rosa's Lounge - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Live At Rosa's Lounge, from Omar Coleman Band and it's quite good. Hot on the heels of his super 2015 release, Born & Raised , Coleman has put out a dynamic live release flexing his power.

Opening with Guy/Wells composition, Snatch It Back And Hold It, with some pure soul on vocal Omar leads the way over a great bass line from Dave Forte. Neal O'Hara takes a nice organ solo, with Marty Binder on drums and Omar wraps it up with harp. Cool opener. On Willie Dixon's, I'm Ready, OCB stays the course of Morganfield, adding a real nice piano solo by O'Hara. On funky, Born and Raised, Coleman gets a great James Brown feel going with wah wah and Preston style organ. His vocals are nicely crafted and delivered. This track has some really nice harp soloing as well and a hot guitar solo by Pete Galanis. Very cool. Rocker, Slow Down Baby, has solid drive and Chuch Berry like guitar riffs by Galanis and hot piano riffs from O'Hara. Sit Down Baby/Jody's Got Your Girl And Gone is ultra funky and Omar is running the show. A cool organ solo by O'Hara gives the track a hot side and Coleman's harp work wraps the track. Cool. Easy jazz swinger, Raspberry Wine, has old school roots and vocals but with tight bass lines by Ari Seder and drum work by Binder and a smooth organ solo by O'Hara has a great groove. High stepping, Lucky Man, gives Galanis a wide open range to rip the guitar and he steps up to the plate nicely. Omar's vocal/ harp exchange is relentless making this track one of my favorites on the release. Deep soul track, One Request, showcases Coleman's vocals nicely and Galanis steps in with a particularly nice blues solo capping off the track. Very nice! Rufus Thomas' Give Me The Green Light has a strong funk pushed nicely by the funky rhythm of Galanis, O'Hara and Seder. Seder's bass lines on this track are reall funky and Coleman really hits the groove. Wrapping the release is Willie Dixon's Two Headed Woman with a bit of country flavor. Galanis even throws down country guitar riffs before turning back to a more traditional Morganfield "Mojo" feel. Nice closer to a hot live 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"