Songsurfer Records artist: Shawn Kellerman - Kell's Kitchen - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Kell's Kitchen, from Shawn Kellerman and it's an aggressive rocker with a lot of bite. Opening with hard driving, SKB, Shawn  Kellerman on lead vocal, and guitar, this track is really humming. With Carlton Campbell on drums, Terry Richardson on bass, Lance Anderson on Wurlitzer, and with the addition of Miku Graham, Saidah Baba Talibah, Emily Fennell and Meghan Parnell on vocal, this track is cranking! Excellent opener. Funky, Show Me What You Got, features Kellerman on lead vocal and playing some pretty tight guitar. Richardson on bass really funks it up and Van Romaine knows how to hold down the drums. Fennell and Parnell on backing vocal are joined by Jon Knight for a real party.  Bad Mamma Jamma is a great mix of funk and rock with Kellerman doing the lyrics and Anderson on B3 and Romaine on drums really kicking it up. Kellerman lays down a real nice guitar solo showing his complete ability to morph from style to style. Very cool. Shuffle, Mac & Cheese has a solid blues foundation with snappy drum work by Romaine and Lance Anderson on keys. Kellerman is wild on vocals and his guitar work is a total frolic. I love Jason Ricci's work and his harmonica work and attitude on You're Gonna Learn From This One really makes this track standout with a perfect interface with Kellerman on vocal and guitar. Wrapping the release is Living Off The Love You Give with a R&B feel. Noah Allard helps on backing vocals and Lucky Peterson adds some signature B3 work. Ray Podhomik on trumpet punches up the track with some hot trumpet and with Andrew Blaze Thomas on drums Kellerman takes it home with some straight up rock riffs. 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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WildRoots Records artists: The WildRoots - WildRoots Sessions Volume 2 - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, WildRoots Sessions Volume 2, from The WildRoots and it's a lot of fun. Opening with bluesy I.O.U., Patricia Ann Dees and Victor Wainwright on lead vocal, we got a swampy New Orleans style funk, charged by Eddie Zyne on drums and Stephen Dees on bass. With a perfect harmonica vamp by Stephen Kampa and including Charlie DeChant on sax, Todd Sharp on guitar, David Kent on keys and Alberto Cruz on congas, this is a solid opener. Reba Russell and Patricia Ann Dees harmonize nicely on lead vocal on Long Way To Go over cool, acoustic and slide guitar by Greg Gumpel, Stephen Dees on bass and percussion and real nice harmonica riffs by Kampa. Very nice. Shuffle track, The Bad Seed really rocks with Bryan Bassett on lead guitar and Dyer David on second lead and lead vocal. backed by Lucky Peterson on Hammond, S Dees on bass, Top Thomas on rhythm and Scott Corwin, this is one of my favorites on the release. Bryan Bassett steps up on lead guitar on The Threads of Time, a slower paced blues featuring Mark Hodgson on lead vocals. Peterson's piano and organ work on this track create a real tension and fat bass by Dees and Scott Corwin really anchor this piece giving Bassett an open floor for dynamic guitar soloing. Very nice. Another of my favorite tracks on the release is WildRoot Boogie with a driving bass line by Dees and terrific piano work by Wainwright. Anchored by Billy Dean on drums and with Hodgson on harmonica and PA Dees on sax. This track is hot. Bluesy ballad, I Say Amen, gives Patricia Ann Dees the mic and it's a real nice showcase for her vocals. The basic composition has a lot of the feel of an early Steve Winwood ballad and with S Dees on acoustic guitar and bass, Andrews on dobro, Alberto Cruz on congas and Juan Perez, a really nice track. Closing the release is another more acoustic piece, Ready When The Day Is Done,  with Brianna Harris on lead vocal, surrounded by Stephen, Patricia Ann, Beth McKee, Wainwright, and Nick Black on warm, gospel like backing vocals over light accompaniment by Stephen on guitar, Perez on percussion, Joshua Harris on acoustic guitar and Kampa on harmonica. Excellent closer. 

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Swampside Records artist: Sauce Boss - Peanuts - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Peanuts, from Sauce Boss, and I think it's his best yet. Taken from the original score for the Jimmy Carter film, Jimmy Carter Rock & Roll President, this release opens with Let the Big Dog Eat, a romping rocker with a heavy bass line by Majic John Jones and rowdy vocals by Boss, backed by Pat Ramsey on harmonica, Lucky Peterson on organ, and Shannon Kori on drums. Zipper Bird is a cool blues rocker with Boss winding it out nicely on slide guitar. Very cool. Slinky, Alligator, is one of my favorite tracks on the release with a funky back beat and with Ramsey answering Boss's wailing vocal call on harmonica over a strong bass line. Very cool. Outlaw Blues is a raw, blues specifically working Boss' slide work and holler vocals over a driving drum beat. Gotta love this. Out In The Night is a strong rock jam that I would associate with Joe Walsh's style. It has pure blues rock bones and elevated guitar work, supported by John Hart on guitar, Jassen Wilber on bass and Justin Headley on drums. Wrapping the release is quiet ballad, Song of The Irish Band, featuring boss on guitar and vocal. This is really a versatile release with something for everyone.

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Big O Records artist: Joseph Veloz - Offerings - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (July 15, 2017), Offerings, from Joseph Veloz and it's terrific! Opening with Just Jammin', Veloz shows his heavy fusion influences with terrific bass lines and excellent beat. Shawn Kellerman really manages the electric guitar and Jim Alfredson on keys and Andrew "Blaze" Thomas rounds out this terrific band for this smokin' hot opener! Biscuit Miller joins on vocal on Eddie Kirkland's Good Good Day. Super backing by Alfredson, Thomas, Kellerman and Veloz give this track a nice warmth. On funky, Mules For Biles (Blues For Miles) is a really nice track with thick bass work and clean guitar lead by Erich Goebel and rich organ work by Alfredson making this one of my favorites on the release. Excellent!   Lucky Peterson joins on lead vocal on Jukin' and Shakin', and hot funky (Tower of Power like) track driven by the excellent bass work of Veloz with Ray Podhornik on trumpet, David Rodenburg on sax and blazing hot guitar soloing by Kellerman. He Loves Me (God's Promise) is a really nice jazz pop track with a super melody. Featuring nice key work from Jim David, and cool bass lead from Veloz, this is a cool track.  Greg Nagy takes the mic on I Like Me Better When I'm With You, a smooth R&B number. Also adding his guitar signature to the track and with Scott Veenstra, a solid radio track. Dolly Parton's Jolene maintains much of the original character featuring Jennifer Westwood on lead vocal and particularly nice slide work from Kellerman. Dylan Dunbar steps up with a nicely articulated lead guiitar solo and John Lee's piano work adds nicely. Wrapping the release is a cover of Prince's Kiss. Veloz really works the bass over giving this track a hot bottom and lead vocal is handled by Joey Spina's soulful self. Alfredson's organ work really adds nicely to the overall track and Kellerman lays out another nice guitar solo but it's Veloz who cuts loose in this track and takes it for a nice ride. Super 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 artists: Godboogie - Play Music & Dance - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Play Music & Dance from Godboogie and it's a funky party. Opening with a New Orleans/BoDiddley beat, Play Music & Dance, Jerome Godboo takes the lead on vocal, harp and accordion with Eric Schenkman on guitars, Shawn Kellerman on guitar and Gary Craig on drums. On shuffle track, Honey Badger, the band hits a nice groove with Schenkman taking a real nice ripper of a solo. Slowing it down with a nice lope, Wounded shows a broad range of vocal capabilities by Godboo and of course showcasing his harp work. Ripping loose with another flier of a solo is Schenkman giving the track a nice edge. Breaking down to a smoking funk, It's A Party is really a dancing groove with slashing guitar riffs. Stumble blues track, Kitty has a real cool beat and the edgy vocals of Godboo contrast nicely against the grinding guitar work of Schenkman. Very cool. Hitting right up the middle with slow blues ballad, Sign Of The Times, Godboo brings his soulful blues vocals and Schenkman throws down his best blues chops. Another soulful ballad, The Way to Heaven, is my favorite track on the release with a nice hook, really soulful harp work and a super melody. Soul track, Call On My Love, is another of my favorites with a great melody, lead vocal work and musical tension. Wrapping the release is Tigers, Horses, Kings & Queens, a cool blues rocker with solid vocals. Schenkman plays a fairly outrageous guitar solo on this track over a driving bass line by Kellerman and tight drums by Craig. A real nice closer for a 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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Cleopatra Records artist: Kenny Neal - Bloodline - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Bloodline, from Kenny Neal and it has strong blues and R&B roots. Opening with country blues influenced, Ain't Gon Let The Blues Die with it's Elvin Bishop/country flavored gospel flavor. This track is off and running with Kenny Neal on slide guitar and lead vocals, Tom Hambridge on drums, Tommy Macdonald on bass and Syreeta, Tyrell, Jazzy, Brine', Kaydence Bates, Tahj Mosby and Darien Neal as well as the McCrary sisters. Title track, Bloodline, has a deep groove with a funky bottom and Kenny on lead vocal and harp. Cool loping Plain Old Common Sense is one of my favorite tracks on the release with great guitar work, supeer vocal phrasing, nice piano lines and strong horn backing from Quentin Ware on trumpet, Billy Huber on trombone, Tyler Summers on sax and Dana Robbins on sax. Very cool. On Willie Nelson's Funny How Time Slips Away, skillful piano work and crafty vocals give this track the weight of a serious R&B/country ballad. Coming out with horns blazing, Keep On Moving, has a funky R&B feel and the electric key work of Lucky Peterson is a perfect setting for strong soloing by Kenny. With tight horn work by Ware, Huber, Summers and Robbins. With it's BB King style phrasing, I Go By Feel, is a real cool track along the lines of The Thrill Is Gone with soulful vocals by Kenny and nice horn work by Ware, Huber, Summers and Robbins. Kenny takes a relaxing guitar solo that has really nice grip. R&B style, I'm So Happy, is really a super horn track with prime radio vocals by Kenny and crew. Blues Mobile is an uptempo shuffle with Kenny leading the way on harp. Kevin McKendree on piano and Ware, Huber, Summers and Robbins on horns give this track a bright feel and Kenny's vocals are super. With a much more acoustic feel, I Can't Wait, has Kenny way upfront on vocal and harp with Steve Dawson on Weissonborn, Bob Britt on guitar, John Lancaster on keys and Hambridge on percussion. Really digging in on an R&B feel, Real Friend, has a super Wilson Pickett kind of feel with Kenny on vocal, Ware, Huber, Summers and Robbins on horns. Ware takes a smooth trumpet solo followed by a soulful sax solo that really sits nicely. Neal's own guitar solo is tight and warm giving the track a cool Memphis feel. Wrapping the release is Thank You BB King, a track that could be right out of BB's song book with BB vocal and guitar phrasing styles. Kenny of course puts his own spin on the guitar work making and with Peterson on organ, this a super wrapper for a cool release.



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Earwig Music Company artist: Tommy McCoy - 25 Year Retrospective - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, 25 Year Retrospective, from Tommy McCoy and it's exceptional! Opening with The King Is Gone, a really nice tribute to BB King structured along the lines of The Thrill Is Gone. McCoy really does a nice job of capturing the spirit of BB and the band, with McCoy on vocal and guitar, Theodore Alexiou on guitar, Demetris Georgopoulos on bass, John Dinoulas on drums and Kostas Tenezos on harp is spot on. R&B track, I Got A Reason, has a light pop feel and features Babis Tsitivigos on sax. The Change Is In has more of a rock feel but maintaining a bit of R&B. Mark McCoy on bass, Calvin Cratic on guitar, John Street on keys and Pat Geoffrey on keys set a nice stage for a fine biting guitar solo from McCoy on guitar, nicely complimenting his vocal led melody. Blues driver, No Love Without Any Green, has a great rhythm line fed my Tommy Shannon and Chris Layton. McCoy rips a hot guitar solo on this track with a crisp drumming and solid bass. Tropical Depression, a soulful ballad, finds McCoys vocals floating on an easy melody by Mondo Bizarro onbass, Chaz Trippy on drums and John Street on drums. Ludella has a polished jazz rocker feel. Featuring William Harris Jr. on bass, Popcorn Chuck Louden on drums and Lucky Peterson on B3 this track it developes a nice solo shootout between Peterson on B3 and McCoy on guitar. Nice! Love n' Money is one of my favorite tracks on disc one featuring Shannon and Layton again plus Street. A guitar instrumental, this track gives McCoy a really nice opportunity to stretch on guitar and he takes the chance and doesn't waste a note. Excellent! Blues fused, They Killed That Man, features only McCoy on acoustic guitar and vocal with Ed Lanier on upright bass. Very expressive. Blues Thing has a bit of a Freddie King feel with Peterson on B3. This tracks is hot! A Man Who Cried has a R&B format with Harris Jr. on bass, Louden on drums and Peterson on B3. Bitter Soul To Heal is an absolute smoker! Featuring Harris Jr on bass, Popcorn on drums and Peterson on keys. Peterson and McCoy each take really nice solos on this track making an absolutely excellent blues number. Talkin' To Myself has a country 2 step feel featuring Chris Lomas on bass, Tony Baylis on drums and Fred Skidmore on keys. Nice changeup and a good rocker. Ace In The Hole has a bit of a funky feel with nice slide work from Jimmy Bennett. Mark McCoy hits the bass with Levon Helm on drums, Garth Hudson on B3 and George Triconi on piano and McCoy on vocal, guitar and mandolin. A definite Band influence with a cool solo from Hudson. Very nice! A quiet ballad, Angels Serenade wraps disc one with the same lineup but adding Anastasia on piano with it's waltz like tempo.



 Opening disc two is Little Feat's Spanish Moon with all of the complexity of Little Feat's original. McCoy on guitar and vocal is joined on guitar by Branson Welsh, Mark McCoy on bass, Levon Helm on drums, Garth Hudson on B3 Triconi on piano and Tim Eddy adding really full horn work. Excellent! Poverty has a Isley's feel with Ken West on Bass, Tony Coleman on drums, Street on keys, Charlie De Chant on hot sax and Larry Mergillano on trumpet. Angel On My Shoulder, Devil On My Back has a bit of a swampy sound with a super complex funky drum beat. Joel Tatangelo on slide, Al Razz on bass, Pug Baker on drums and Tim Heding on B3 really deliver on this track making it another favorite on the release. Guitar solos from McCoy and Tatangelo as well as super keys and hot drums make this track a smoker. Swing track, Black Eldorado Red kicks butt with nice piano work from Commander Cody. McCoy on guitar and vocal is complimented by Pat Bregan on guitar, Mike Chavers on bass on James Vernardo on drums. Hot! Lay My Demons Down, is a soulful track with gospel overtones. It's slow, smokey, feel accented by punchy guitar riffs from McCoy makes this one of the nice tracks on the release. With Harris Jr on bass, Popcorn on drums and Lucky Peterson on supple organ solo's, this is a definite must hear. Smokin! Late In The Lonely Night has a Robert Cray R&B bluesy feel and I personally think that may be the best showing of McCoy's vocals. McCoy's guitar riffs have more bite on this track joined by Razz on bass, Pug Baker on drums and Tim Heding on B3. Another super track this release just keeps piling them up. Ok...Pink Floyds Money, gets a jazzy makeover and I really like it. It has a definite Shannon/Layton feel joined by DeChant on sax. I have noticed a number of times during this recording the clarity and presence. DeChant's sax solo is a clear example and McCoys own guitar solo is hot! Excellent! Broke, You're A Joke is a funky track with a bit of country. Very cool blend. With Joel Brodsky on bass and Calvin Cratic on drums this is a tight little blues rocker. Tommy takes a break again on this disc with Sugar Cane for a solo acoustic number and a more rural feel. Simple, straight forward, nice! Language Of Love, kicked off by a hot drum riff by Dave Reinhardt on drums and Karen Caruthers and Karyn Denham on vocal, this track has a life of it's own. Featuring McCoy on some of his best lead vocals, Rob McDowell on bass and Karen Caruthers on piano this track has a really nice feel. McCoy rips a new one on his guitar solo setting you back in your seat. My Guitar Won't Play Nothin' But The Blues is a silky shuffle track with Razz on bass, Baker on drums and Heding on B3. With a few tempo changes the track speaks. Jive Dive has a blues feel but with a jazzy delivery. Featuring horns and Keys by Street and Brice Waibel on bass with Trippy on drums this track features some hot guitar riffs to compliment it's swagger. Cars, Bars and Guitars is a basic 12 bar number with only McCoy, Razz and Baker. With it's easy shuffle feel, McCoy lays some really nice riffs in the groove. Space Master, with it's funk overtones features Tatangelo on slide, Razz on bass, Baker on drums and Heding on B3. Tatangelo lays out a pretty nice slide solo and an extended drum solo from Baker and McCoy sews it shut with a ripping solo of his own. Very cool! Ray Charles' R&B track, Hey Now, really hits the groove. With Jimmy Bennett on rhythm guitar, Mark McCoy on bass, Levon Helm on drums, Garth Hudson on B3 and laying down a hot sax solo, George Triconi on piano and Tim Eddy on horns and of course McCoy singing his lungs out...and smokin guitar work, this is a super track! Wrapping the release is pop track, Blue Water Runs Deep, with Jimmy Bennett on rhythm and slide guitars, Mark McCoy on bass, Levon Helm on drums and George Triconi on piano. This is more calm track overall chosen for the closer but I will comment that McCoy's and Bennett's guitar work at the end is pretty solid. I really enjoyed reviewing this release and I suggest that you go out and get one to review for yourself. It's a good one!


 

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”

 

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:

Blind Pig Records artist: Zac Harmon - Right Man Right now - New Release review

I just received the newest release (August 28, 2015) Right Man Right Now, from Zac Harmon and it's squeezing hot. Opening with Raising Hell, a R&B flavored blues track with strong blues guitar riffs from Anson Funderburgh and Lucky Peterson on organ, this is a great opener. Ball and Chain has a slinky feel with two ongoing guitar lines, one clean and one slide, over nice keyboard work, a thumping bass line and smooth vocals compliments of Harmon. This cool funky track has a really nice groove with a lot of small instrumental components that together make up a really cool track. High stepping Hump In Your Back features Bobby Rush on second vocal and harp and an ultra cool guitar line pumped along by Buthel on bass and tight drumming from Cedric Goodman. Harmon lays out a real nice guitar solo of his own on this track punched up by Les Kepics on trumpet and Chuck Phillips on sax. Very cool! Slow and easy, Texas style, Stand Your Ground is a terrific blues track really giving Harmon a chance to show off his best vocal traits. Peterson is back on organ setting up the swat and Harmon plays stinging riff after stinging riff with a nice nod to Albert King. Super! Title track, Right Man Right Now, has a nice bass groove and and ongoing tasty guitar riffs including one repetitive zinger that keeps you on your toes. This is a real slick track featuring Mike Finnigan on keys and Harmon carrying the load vocally. Feet Back On The Ground is one of my favorite tracks on the release with it's soulful vocals and stylized guitar work. With it's solid melody, smooth instrumental backing and flavorful guitar work, this could easily carry the release on it's own merit. Excellent! Long Live The Blues has a certain swagger and slashing Albert like guitar riffs. Cedric Goodman finds the cowbell, a not enough used percussive accent giving the track extra bite. Finely blended harmonies on this track also give it a contemporary soul feel. Back Of The Yards is a really hot track with a poppy bass riff from Buthel and great blues riffs from Harmon. Mike Finnigan is back on organ here and Harmon leading the track on vocal just has a really nice feel. John Lee Hooker's I'm Bad Like Jesse James is up next featuring Chef Deni on harp and a spoken word story by Harmon over an easy Hooker guitar riff. Clocking in at over 7 minutes this track sets up to be a really heavy kicker and as it builds momentum it builds tension. Very nice! Funky, Ain't No Big Deal On You, features Mike Finnigan on keys and Harmon really singing in the groove and hitting the guitar riffs just right. Goodman and Buthel keep the bottom tight and this track cruises. Wrapping the release is Good Thing Found, a R&B styled blues number with a pop roll. This is another track that could easily find cross radio play with it's catchy melody, solid vocals and tight instrumentation. Jimmy Z on sax, Chuck Phillips on sax and Les Kepics on trumpet bring up the horns and Harmon just grooves on guitar....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”

 

Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise #21 October 2013 - Stilladog - Guest Contributer

Welcome aboard to the world’s biggest 7 day blues party!  Yes friends, 7 days where you can’t tell the blues artists from the fans. Although everybody’s experience is different –and a blues cruise vacation is exactly what you make it– a good time is had by all… day after day!

So I’m going to tell you about my experience on my 4^th LRBC a few weeks ago.   I try to get on board pretty early so I can learn the layout of the ship and how to get from concert venue to concert venue in the most efficient manner.  And by doing so you get to see and talk to some of the artists before any action really starts.  Right off the bat I ran into Cyril Neville who was as lost as my wife and I.  Later I saw Lucky Peterson on a lounge chair outside his stateroom while walking the Promenade Deck. 

The first night they always have a BBQ on the pool deck at departure. This time it was Rick Estrin and the Nightcats hosting the BBQ. The best part being when Kid Anderson went into a guitar solo playing slide with a cell phone. Next came the Virgin and Returnee Parties.  The artists for these are never announced. As a returnee I went for my free champagne at the Showroom at Sea.  And to kick it all off was Los Lobos with Lee Oskar on harp. Talk about setting the bar high.  These guys were fantastic!  I had seen Lee Oskar a few years ago with the Low Rider Band (the band formerly known as WAR but due to legal limitations cannot bill themselves as WAR any more). But I swear Lee was better with Los Lobos who were great in their own right.  The consensus opinion was that this was the best Returnee Party in history.

Lee Oskar jams with Los Lobos at the Returnee Party

After that we stayed at the Showroom to check out Walter “Wolfman” Washington.

  He was one of the artists I specifically wanted to see on this cruise.  Bman had turned me on to Walter back in about 1991 and I’d never gotten a chance to see him live.  I was not disappointed. Wolfman Washington with his jazz-infused, New Orleans funk style blues was great.  Sadly not too many people attended this show. I imagine on account of going to see Ruthie Foster instead. When Ruthie’s set ended the crowd packed into Walter’s gig for the last half hour.

As for me, when Walter’s set ended I went out to the Pool Deck to hear Royal Southern Brotherhood.  But I only heard a few tunes featuring mostly Mike Zito because I had to head back to the Showroom for Irma Thomas.  That’s the dilemma about the Blues Cruise. There’s so many good people to see and you just can’t possibly be in two places at once.  Well, Irma Thomas was great.  She did not work from a set list. She just said “This is not your regular kind of show. I’m gonna call the tunes unless there’s something special you want to hear. Let me know what it is and we’ll do it.”  Irma would not be the only artist to take that approach.

Day two was in Key West, FL.  Supposedly for Fantasy Fest which started the night before.  But by pulling into port at 8:30am all the naked spray painted Fantasy Fest breasts, and other body parts, were all in bed sleeping from the previous evening.  So we had our own Second Line parade up Duval Street led by keyboardist, Mitch Woods, dressed as Liberace and the Wild Magnolias (Big Chief Monk Boudreaux and Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr.).  It terminated at Sloppy Joes Bar where Mitch led a jam that lasted from 10:00am until 3:00pm.

Big Chief Bo Dollis Jr. and Big Chief Monk Boudreaux lead the parade to Sloppy Joe’s

Toward the end of the jam, Walter “Wolfman” Washington joined Mitch and the band for a couple numbers. When he came down off the stage I got to talk to Walter and joke around with him. What a great guy! You may not know this, but Walter was one of the first “name” artists who started to play New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina.  There are many who say he saved music in New Orleans after the hurricane because so many musicians had fled to Houston, Dallas, San Francisco and all points in between to make a living since most clubs in New Orleans had shut down. But not Walter. He immediately began playing his regular gigs most notably at the Maple Leaf Bar –where he still has a weekly gig. When people saw Walter back, they came back too!

Stilladog and Walter “Wolfman” Washington sharing a joke outside Sloppy Joe’s in Key West 

 So at 5:30 the ship had to leave Mallory Square in Key West cause if any of you have ever been there for the Sunset Party (Circus) which happens every night… well you just can’t have a huge freakin’ cruise ship obstructing your view.  But that’s OK with us ‘cause Our Ship Kicks Ass and we gonna have a good time anyway.

And sure enough we did. Reason why? Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers!  Over the course of the cruise I saw these guys play 3 gigs and they were absolute Zydeco Dynamite on every one!!  Led by accordionist Dwayne Dopsie, and fueled by saxophonist Reginald Smith and washboard man, Paul LeFleur (The Marlboro Man) they rocked the ship.  What a passionate performance! I can personally attest to the fact that the man was soaked from head to toe at the end of every set.  Even the dude’s jeans were completely soaked!

Pool Deck zydeco duel between Dwayne Dopsie & Paul LeFleur

A day at sea is always filled with great blues and it took us a day and something to get from Key West to New Orleans. It was a Sunday and we got the day started with a Gospel Brunch with Ruthie Foster which was fantastic! 

The rest of day three was highlighted by more of Dwayne Dopsie and the Zydeco Hellraisers, the hardest working band on the ship! A set by Popa Chubby on the Pool Deck was particularly good. Man he really ripped the place up. I was extremely impressed with Popa Chubby.   I knew he was good, but not that good!  Reminded me of Leslie West.  In fact, better than Leslie West even. And that’s saying something.  

Popa Chubby rocks the Pool Deck

Coming up the Mississippi into New Orleans I had the pleasure of enjoying the ride with Dion Pierre – bass man for the Zydeco Hellraisers and Kevin Minor –drummer for the Zydeco Hellraisers (and alumni of Hopewell High School in Aliquippa, PA) both of whom call New Orleans home.  We passed the bayous and levees.  Up past the New Orleans Battleground where Andrew Jackson and the pirate, Jean LaFitte, defeated the British in 1814.  To the canal in the 9^th ward where Minor pointed out to me “That’s the canal that flooded and fucked up all this area over here.” Very few people approach the city from this direction and it was clearly impressive even to the folks who live there.

The city was impressive too. My wife and I walked about 8.5 miles that day. Started out for an Oyster Po’ Boy at Mother’s on Poydras.  Then down past the House of Blues on Decatur into the French Quarter.  Up to Preservation Hall. Past the Old Absinthe House. Over to the St. Charles Trolley and a trip out past the Garden District to the famous Maple Leaf Bar home of New Orleans blues, jazz, zydeco, and everything in between for as long as anyone can remember. A few beers and some serious music discussion with Regan the bartender and then a trolley trip back into town. Arriving just in time for a bus ride out to the Mid-City Lanes Rock N Bowl where we heard the wonderful guitarist June Yamagishi (who you can see in the HBO series Treme’).

June Yamagishi at Mid-City Lanes Rock N Bowl

Another day at sea followed featuring Ft. Lauderdale guitarist, Albert Castilia, whose set was accompanied by guests, Samantha Fish and Mike Zito.  It is about at this point in the trip that musicians who jam together until 4:00am every night on the pool deck begin to crash each other’s scheduled sets and you never know who you might see or where.  Johnny Winter? Kim Wilson? Rev. Billy C. Wirtz?  Andy Forrest? Dave Keyes? Jimmy Carpenter? They were all there and would just show up. It was great!!  Lucky Peterson was also a high point of the sets I saw on our way to Progreso, MX.

In Mexico, I guess the people who took the tour of the Mayan ruins enjoyed Mexico but I opted to stay on the ship and drink poolside all afternoon.  It was a good choice. It was a day of relaxation for the musicians. And they were hanging poolside too. I never intruded on their personal time but it was very cool to observe, for instance, a conversation between Kim Wilson, Rick Estrin, and Lee Oskar.  Now that’s some harp royalty right there!  Ruthie Foster and her band just kicking back with some fans. We caught a bit of Anson Funderburgh and Eric Lindell’s set early that evening too.

At 6:30 the next morning I headed back to the pool for the Sunrise Party except there was no sun.  It was cloudy and we had some pretty damn rough seas. So rough the pool water was completely splashing out 7 feet high!! Somebody smuggled in some tequila and vodka and I mixed my own Bloody Mary and hung out with my fellow cruisers for a jello shooter to celebrate our last day in Blues Heaven on water.  Had a hell of a time keeping my balance but I was better off than those who get seasick.

The feature of the last day was the Lucky Peterson Jam on the pool deck which was going great until Lucky decided to play some disco music and everybody kinda just walked away.  Right up until that it was smokin’.  But artists need to understand it’s the blues people come to hear and even though I agree with the Etta James claim that “It’s all blues, baby” other’s don’t. 

The last set I saw was Marcia Ball who also just said, “Call the tune and I’ll play it.” I had not seen Marcia since 1999 at the Superdome in New Orleans and not much has changed except we’re both older and grayer.  She still rocks on that electric piano and swings her long crossed leg the whole time.

Marcia Ball

Back in Florida I found myself waiting for my family to pick us up at the port alongside Popa Chubby. We all just turn into one big blues family on the Legendary Rhythm & Blues Cruise.  It is an experience I highly recommend not only because the music is fantastic but it’s a very relaxing vacation.  I’ll be on the next one in January too, hope to see you on board. I’ll be hanging in the Crow’s Nest.  Just say, “Whatcha drinking, Stilladog?” And I’ll know you are a Bman’s Blues Report fan.       

Live At the 55 Arts Club Berlin - The Lucky Peterson Band featuring Tamara Peterson Pt. 3

This is the third installment of my review of this exceptional concert video. Disk 3 features Shawn Kellerman, Tim Waites and Raul Valdes jamming on their own. Opening with Matt "Guitar" Murphy's Boogie Thang, Kellerman brings the band to full boil on the first track. This band is tight and rockin'. Kellerman plays a metal bodied guitar that I'm not familiar with but it sounds very cool. Up next is Pretty Woman, a song made popular by Albert King, and Kellerman and give it a full workout. Switching back to his butterscotch Tele, Kellerman plays some funky riffs with a Tele twang but reinforces that Muddy, Roy and Mike were on the right track with the Tele for a rock and blues guitar. The solid bottom of Waites is always driving and Valdes has great hands. Buddy Ace's Love Of Mine, is next up in shuffle style. Kellerman;s vocals are adequate on this track but the overall enthusiasm of the band and Kellerman as a guitar player well make it a worthwhile addition. Last in the set is a Kellerman original called Big Time. A cool track with a rock beat and Texas guitar riffs the trio has one final chance to shine. The second section of this disc, behind The Scenes, follows the bands landing in Berlin and traveling the countryside and setting up the set to Peterson playing a great version of Mother In Law Blues. The set up and sound check continues on I Wanna Know What Good Love Is, Move On You, Who's Been talking and Love Me with brief interviews with Lucky and Tamara. The final musical section shows the band playing Trouble full blast instrumentally... WOW, but Peterson laying back on the vocals. The wrap up is an interview with Lucky and Tamara telling a bit about their meeting, earlier visit to Berlin, the creation of the current line up, writing, gospel influence, instrument of choice, touring, and other musical influences and styles. This is a very well produced set and I have gained an enhanced interest in Lucky's work and a special appreciation for him. I really enjoy his playing on Hammond especially and also find his guitar work entertaining. This is a really good set overall and if you get a chance to catch it, or see Lucky live, you should do it! Also be sure to look back in the earlier reviews for summary of the other two discs.  

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!

Blackbird Music artist: Lucky Peterson Band featuring Tamara Peterson - Live At The 55 Arts Club Berlin - New Release Review II (CD/DVD)

Following up on last nights report on the super deluxe 5 disc set that Lucky peterson has just completed, set two begins with Giving Me The Blues designed to get the crowd hopping and it sure does. Shawn Kellerman plays a blistering solo and the band is really in the groove. Up next Peterson plays a tribute to one of my favorite (funk/soul) blues artists, Johnny Guitar Watson, with Ta' Ta' You. This is a great track and Peterson not only pushes the band with his Hammond, he does a great job on vocals. Kellerman plays a hot solo on this track as well but you all know this music is about the soul... and Peterson has it! He keeps the volume down and the band even takes a reggae twist on the track but the groove is solid as a rock. On It Ain;t

Safe Peterson calls on the funk and even conjures up a little Billy Preston. Kellerman takes another nice guitar interlude on this track but again Peterson is at the wheel driving with his organ and his dynamic voice. On Dixon's I'm Ready, the band plays with a lot more swing, giving it a bit more of a jazz styling. A walking bass line from Waites and B3 work by Peterson really make the difference on this track which has been covered by just about every band who's ever played the blues. Howlin' Wolf's Who's been Talking is done over a Latin beat (Otis Rush style) beginning very subdued early. Peterson takes a really nice organ solo on this track and again Valdes plays masterfully on this track. Peterson hops up and straps on an old red Supro Belmont for an Elmore James romp. Sounds like the guitar is tuned in open D and equipped with a glass slide Peterson rips it up on Dust My Broom, a Robert Johnson track. He then slows it down and does a really nice version of the Jimmy Reed's World's In A Tangle.
Bringing the band and the crowd back to a frenzy, Peterson welcomes Tamara back on stage for a bluesy version of Prince's Kiss. Although I'm not a big fan of any version of this song, Tamara does a particularly nice job on the vocals on this track. Last Night You Left, a R&B style track written by Tamara, moves Lucky back to keys. This is a cool number and Peterson once again brings an entire different dimension to the band. Lots of bands have organ but not often do you hear a band that id lead by an organ player as tasteful as this. Next up is Ain't Nobody like You in neo soul style. This is a cool track and likely one that would well fall into an airplay list. Waits finally gets a chance to solo and play my man does. Waites plays like a fine jazz player with no fancy tricks ... just nice chords and soulful lead melody lines. Finishing up the set is another T. Peterson track, Real Music. A built up funk track Waites carries this track with his hot bass riffs. Kellerman and Lucky bring up the heat and Waites is invited to bring on another solo. Finally Valdes rips it loose with a solo that is really hot but likely with its out of sequence and extremely difficulty patterns is lost on many observers. This band is extremely tight and the audience really got a show! 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!

Blackbird Music artist: Lucky Peterson Band featuring Tamara Peterson - Live At The 55 Arts Club Berlin - New Release Review I (CD/DVD)

I just received a copy of the new release (February 12, 2013), Live At The 55 Arts Club Berlin, by Lucky Peterson Band. First I have to tell you that this package is incredibly overwhelming. This is 2 CD's and 3 DVD's of pure dynamite! A full 20 page concert package with forward by Andreas Hommelsheim, Photos and Bios of each band member, setlists for each disc (the 2 CD's are audio versions of the frst 2 DVDs) and of course credits.
The concert opens with the band playing an intro and the sound quality is spectacular. Peterson is brought on stage by guitarist Shawn Kellerman playing a beautiful butterscotch customized (If I was a betting man I'd say Nash) Nocaster. Peterson makes his way onto stage and behind his Hammond B3 (and Roland RD-700) singing the crankin' I'm Back Again. He makes introductions of the band and each player is distinct in the mix. I love it when a bass player cuts through the mix and is clean and Tim Waites is really pushing the bottom end on a beautiful spalted maple ESP LTD 6 string bass. Raul Valdez is a drummer's drummer keeping complex rhythms on the cymbals while keeping a crisp beat on what looks like Pearl drums. This is particularly noticeable on Smooth Sailing, a funky blues track. Peterson's voice is spot on and he really uses the organ effectively. Next up is the soul/gospel/blues style track, Trouble, and Peterson has the audience in his hands. This is an absolutely show stopping track. Peterson breaks from the organ mid song to strap on a white thin line hollow body Greg Bennett Samick guitar and rip a quick solo. He then breaks into a Freddie King inspired rockin' blues jam. Peterson enters the audience and shows everyone what a real muiti instrumentalist is! Peterson continues his concert sitting at a table in the audience playing Burnett's classic Little Red Rooster and then Dixon's classic You Shook Me. As you're sitting there with your mouth hanging open you're wondering... is this guy a singer, an organ player or a guitar player.

I assure you... he is absolutely all three!! This is killer! Peterson's wife Tamara Peterson joins at the end of this track on vocals and the bands kicks into a whole new gear. Lucky transitions back to the B3 for a really funky Knocking. The band continues with Tamara as the lead vocalist on How Do I, Why Do I. Lucky adds a really solid vocal anchor to this track. Kellerman rips a blistering solo on this track and the ever present bass lines of Waites are really hot. I Don't Like You But I Love You, another Tamara Peterson composition has a Latin rhythm which is really crisply handled by Valdez. Despite relinquishing center stage, Lucky still maintains control of the crowd and is a spectacular performer. The band breaks into full swing like a good blues should and the Peterson's trade vocals. Lucky opens Been So Long with a "vocal" programmed into his Roland adding a really cool feel. It actually has a bit of a JG Watson "scat" feel but then at the hands of Peterson reverts to extremely short notes.... I mean really nice. Peterson has a smile that is hard not to love. He is a born entertainer. Kellerman plays another sweet solo on his Nocaster and gets great tone bringing the the entire band up and the track to a wide open blues bonanza. Lucky takes it back down and riffs on the Hammond ... and then in concert with Waites into a smooth jazz jam. The Roland is back up with the vocal synth again and Peterson shows his absolute creativity. The band follows back full circle to complete this terrific track in full blues style. R&B style track I Wanna Know What Good Love Is comes on strong and funky. Tamara gets under the beat and creates great dynamics with Peterson on this track. This is another super track and should get really strong airplay. Again I need to comment on the strength of the rhythm section. I really admire the work done by both Waites and Valdes.

The band close the first DVD (CD) with Lost The Right. Lucky leads the way on guitar and vocal but sharing the stage with Tamara. This is a nice loping blues track giving Waites another opportunity to play really nice bass lines under such a strong performance. This package is so strong that it deserves multiple write ups. I will be reviewing Disc 2 separately and really can't wait. I can honestly say that Lucky Peterson won't be through this town without me seeing him again just based upon this first disc. 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!

Death Don't Have No Mercy - Lucky Peterson

Lucky Peterson (born Judge Kenneth Peterson, December 13, 1964, Buffalo, New York) is an American musician who plays contemporary blues, fusing soul, R&B, gospel and rock and roll. He plays guitar and keyboards. Music journalist Tony Russell, in his book The Blues - From Robert Johnson to Robert Cray has said, "he may be the only blues musician to have had national television exposure in short pants. Peterson's father, bluesman James Peterson, owned a nightclub in Buffalo called The Governor's Inn. The club was a regular stop for fellow bluesmen such as Willie Dixon. Dixon saw a five-year-old Lucky Peterson performing at the club and, in Peterson's words, "Took me under his wing." Months later, Peterson performed on The Tonight Show, The Ed Sullivan Show and What's My Line?. Millions of people watched Peterson sing "1-2-3-4", a cover version of "Please, Please, Please" by James Brown. At the time, Peterson said "his father wrote it". Around this time he recorded his first album, Our Future: 5 Year Old Lucky Peterson for Today/Perception Records and appeared on the public television show Soul!. As a teen, Peterson studied at the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, where he played the French horn with the school symphony. Soon, he was playing backup guitar and keyboards for Etta James, Bobby "Blue" Bland, and Little Milton. The 1990s were a prolific period for Peterson. Two solo Bob Greenlee produced albums for the Chicago-based Alligator Records (1989's Lucky Strikes! and the following year's Triple Play) remain his finest recorded offerings. He then released four more for the record label, Verve Records (I'm Ready, Beyond Cool, Lifetime and Move). While with Verve, Peterson collaborated with Mavis Staples on a tribute to gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, called Spirituals & Gospel. Peterson played electric organ behind Staples' singing. More albums from Peterson came after 2000. He recorded two for Blue Thumb Records (Lucky Peterson and Double Dealin'), and one for Disques Dreyfus entitled, Black Midnight Sun. In 2007, he released his latest album on JSP Records, titled Tete a Tete. 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!

Dead Cat on the Line - Lucky Peterson

Lucky Peterson (born Judge Kenneth Peterson, December 13, 1964, Buffalo, New York) is an American musician who plays contemporary blues, fusing soul, R&B, gospel and rock and roll. He plays guitar and keyboards. Music journalist Tony Russell, in his book The Blues - From Robert Johnson to Robert Cray has said, "he may be the only blues musician to have had national television exposure in short pants.
Peterson's father, bluesman James Peterson, owned a nightclub in Buffalo called The Governor's Inn. The club was a regular stop for fellow bluesmen such as Willie Dixon. Dixon saw a five-year-old Lucky Peterson performing at the club and, in Peterson's words, "Took me under his wing." Months later, Peterson performed on The Tonight Show, The Ed Sullivan Show and What's My Line?. Millions of people watched Peterson sing "1-2-3-4", a cover version of "Please, Please, Please" by James Brown. At the time, Peterson said "his father wrote it". Around this time he recorded his first album, Our Future: 5 Year Old Lucky Peterson for Today/Perception Records and appeared on the public television show Soul!.

As a teen, Peterson studied at the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts, where he played the French horn with the school symphony. Soon, he was playing backup guitar and keyboards for Etta James, Bobby "Blue" Bland, and Little Milton.

The 1990s were a prolific period for Peterson. Two solo Bob Greenlee produced albums for the Chicago-based Alligator Records (1989's Lucky Strikes! and the following year's Triple Play) remain his finest recorded offerings. He then released four more for the record label, Verve Records (I'm Ready, Beyond Cool, Lifetime and Move). While with Verve, Peterson collaborated with Mavis Staples on a tribute to gospel singer Mahalia Jackson, called Spirituals & Gospel. Peterson played electric organ behind Staples' singing.

More albums from Peterson came after 2000. He recorded two for Blue Thumb Records (Lucky Peterson and Double Dealin'), and one for Disques Dreyfus entitled, Black Midnight Sun. In 2007, he released his latest album on JSP Records, titled Tete a Tete.
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