VizzTone Label Group artist: Dylan Triplett - Who Is He? - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Who Is He?, from Dylan Triplett and it's a  strong blend of blues, R&B, soul and jazz. Opening with blues shuffle, Barnyard Blues, Dylan Triplett wastes no time showing his vocal skills, backed by Kingfish Ingram on solo guitar, Johnny Lee Schell on guitar and Dr Wayne Goins on rhythm guitar, Mike Finnigan on organ, Ryan Marquez on piano, Montez Coleman on drums, Larry Fulcher on bass and with Kudisan Kai, Maxayn Lewis, Mike Finnigan and Larry Fulcher on backing vocals. Excellent! Soulful, Brand New Day...Same Old Blues has a really nice feel. Triplett's vocals are smooth as silk, with clean piano work by Marquez, floating slide guitar by Tru Born and backing vocals by Kai and Lewis are as nice as D'Angelo. Very nice. I'll Be There Waiting is a terrific track, with a R&B feel and great lead vocals. Schell covers lead guitar and Finnigan's organ work adds super warmth. Very nice. On up tempo shuffle, She Felt Too Good, you'll find a hard time not rocking in your chair. A cool sax solo by Art Wayne Pollard  and a real nice guitar solo by Goins really set this track apart. Excellent! Hi stepping is all I can say about That's The Way Love Is. Marvin Gaye's influence on vocal style, real nice keys by Marquez and rich backing vocals by Kai and Lewis make this a top radio track. Wrapping the release is a modern interpretation of Miles Davis' All Blues. With just a bit of funk led by Joe Sublett, and tight drums rhythm by Coleman leaves plenty of space for Triplett to let it all hang out vocally. Goins guitar solo in the style of JG Watson adds to the juiciness of this closer leaving you wanting more. Very nice. 

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Fullerton Gold Records artist: Bubba and The Big Bad Blues - Drifting - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Drifting, by Bubba and The Big Bad Blues and it's a great blues rocker. Opening with shuffle, I Want To Make Love To You Baby, Christopher Clerc on lead vocal and guitar has really nicely blended the styles of BB King and SRV to create his own soulful groove. Joined by Mike Barry on bass, Mike Finnigan on organ, Rick Solem on piano, Tony Braunagel on drums, Richard Rosenberg on trombone,  Joe Sublett on sax and Les Lovitt on trumpet, this is a full orchestral rocking sound. Title track, Drifting, is a strong, soulful ballad with excellent vocals and beautiful, shimmering guitar riffs, interwoven into a field of rich horn and key saturated music. Brilliant. Rocking boogie track, She's Your Problem Now, gets a super groove moving with excellent vocal and guitar by Clerc super organ work by Finnigan and tight work by Jason Lozano on drums and Johnny Bazz on bass. I Own The Road has a driving rock and roll beat highlighted by Rick Solem on piano and Clerc really cuts loose with some terrific rocking guitar riffs. Really nice. Wrapping the release is a quiet ballad, My Love, featuring Clerc on vocal and acoustic guitar, backed by Jacob Dupre on organ and piano, Doug Swanson on bass, and Nick D'Virgilio on drums. Keeping the track instrumentally low key really allows Clerc's electric guitar soloing to really sing making his a real solid closer for a strong new release. 

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VizzTone Label Group artist: Deb Ryder - Memphis Moonlight - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (June 11, 2021), Memphis Moonlight, by Deb Ryder and it's a cool, R&B based blues release packed with talent. Opening with I'm Coming Home, a sassy R&B track features Ryder on lead vocal with Tony Braunagel on drums, Johnny Lee Schell on guitar, Mike Finnigan on B3, Travis carlton on bass, Mark Pender on trumpet and some super sax riffs from Joe Sublet. Cool opener. With a bluesier feel and a touch of gospel on These Hands, Ryder really hits the groove vocally and Alastair Green's addition on slide is a super perk. Schell's backing vocals and the addition of Pieter Van Der Pluijm on harmonica adds real texture. Driving rocker, Blues Is All I Got had a solid bass line by Schell andwith Braunagel on drums and van Der Pluijm on harmonica. Classic slow blues, Love Is Gone is a real standout giving Ryder a chance to show the richness of her vocals and featuring the king of blues guitar phrasing, Ronnie Earl, with a nice extended solo. Just Be Careful is another uptempo blues number with Schell on lead slide guitar and Ryder working the blues nicely. Second Chances is a cool track with country influences with the addition of Joey Delgado on guitar, Steve Delgado on backing vocal, David Hidalgo on accordion and Steve berlin on sax. Very cool. Wrapping the release is Most of All a smooth ballad, again playing into the strength of Ryder's vocal strength and with Ronnie Earl playing melodic lead guitar to a very simple bottom with Braunagel, Schell and carlton on bass. Very nice closer. 

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SeaSpeed Productions artist; Evelyn Rubio - Crossing Borders - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Crossing Borders, from Evelyn Rubio and it's a solid blues/R&B effort with with a lot of radio appeal. Opening with One More Last Time, a sassy R&B number with super lead vocals by Rubio and Lori Michelle on backing vocal. The band features David Grissom on guitar, Kirk Covington on drums, Zach Person on guitar, Red Young on keys and Larry Fulcher on bass. Very nice. Just Like A Drug is another track that screams for radio attention with it's Latin rhythm and complimentary guitar lead by Johnny Lee Schell and Rubuio on lead vocal sax. Mike Finnigan joins on keys, Jorge Orta Cro Cro on percussion and Tony Braunagel on drums making this a tight unit. He Did Me Wrong, But Did It Right, is a cool track with just the right amount of bluesy sway. Rubio shines on vocal and sax on one of my favorite tracks on the release. Rubio turns the jazz card with a real swinger, Cruel, where she works it like a pro on vocal with a definite tight sax edge and great organ work by Finnigan. Adding some funk to the mix on What A Way To Go gives this rocker just the right feel with Grissom on guitar and Covington on drums but not taking anything away from Rubio's strong vocals. Wrapping the release is a blues rework of Besame Mucho with really solid acoustic pinnings. With The mighty Orq on slide guitar, Sonny Boy Terry on harp, Fulcher on bass and stomp, Rubio belts out the bluesiest Spanish track you've likely every heard. Solid closer. 

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VizzTone Label Group artist: Phanton Blues Band - Still Cookin' - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Still Cookin', from Phantom Blues Band, and it's terrific! Opening with a classic R&B track by Wilson Pickett, Don't Fight It (Feel It), this band knows it's strengths and plays into it. With Mike Finnigan (keys), Larry Fulcher (bass) and Johnny Lee Schell (guitars) on lead vocals, this band lays out one of my R&F favorites with strong horn work by Joe Sublett (sax) and Les Lovitt (trumpet) and great rhythm  and Tony Braunagel on drums. What a lineup! Slipping into a New Orleans funk on Wingin' My Way Johnny takes the lead on a strongly Little Feat influenced track (dedicated to Paul Barrere) with solid slide work and a tight horn line. Slow blues, Blues How They Linger, features Finnigan on lead vocal and piano, with light backing. A strong, somber track keeps it low till about half way through when Sublett cuts loose with a real nice sax solo, punctuated by Lovitts trumpet work. Very nice! Reggae track, Shine On, has a great island beat with Lenny Castro joining on percussion and Fulcher and Finnigan on lead vocal. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Latin flavored, Tequila Con Yerba, an excellent, primarily instrumental that makes you squirm in your seat...think Buena Vista. Finnigan, Sublett and Lovitt each get a spot to solo and use them well. Very nice! Shuffle track, I'm Just Your Fool, has a great sway and nicely blended vocals by Johnny with Mike give the track a warm feel. Another strong sax solo by Sublett cements the track and Schell lays in a nice run of his own. Very nice. Wrapping the release is I Was Blind, a quiet ballad featuring Schell on lead vocal, backed by Finnigan. Schell lays in some warm slide work and Finnegan some nice organ work, under the basic melody giving the track a full bottom. This is a solid closer for a really cool release. 

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VizzTone label Group artist: Nick Schnebelen - Crazy All By Myself - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Crazy All By Myself, from Nick Schnebelen, and it's quite good. Opening with blues rocker, Lil' Death, Schnebelen creates a strong bar on lead vocal and guitar, backed by Melodye Perry on vocal, Tony Braunagel on drums, Mike Finningan on keys, Hutch Hutchinson on bass, and Lionel Young and Ada Pasternak on violin. Piano boogie rocker, Ain't Got Time For The Blues is a full on mid west rocker with vocal harmonies and super piano work by Finnigan. Slow shuffle track and title track, Crazy All By Myself has a perfect blues pace highlighting Schnebelen's vocal and guitar work making it one of my favorites on the release. Up tempo. Altar Of Love, has a super driving drum lead by Braunagel and nice slide work by Schnebelen and hot harp work by Jason Ricci give this track real traction. With it's heavy kick and snare work on 2, Bad Disposition With The Blues is a really cool track bundling great vocals, harp (Ricci), bass (Hutch) and slide. Bad Dream is a funky, bass driven track with excellent blues vocal and guitar phrasing by Nick. Excellent!  Blues ballad, I Leaned My Heart On You features a real nice melody and on top of Nicks soulful vocals, a solid melodic (think Gary Moore) guitar duet with Davy Knowles. Wrapping the release is Holding On, a smooth blues shuffle somewhat in the style of B.B. King with smooth phrasing and almost George Benson like chords. Finnigan's warm keyboard fill really adds to the overall texture and Schnebelen's vocals are strong. With nice balance between vocal, jazz and blues guitar styling and organ warmth, this is a really solid closer for a great release. 

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VizzTone Label Group artist: Deb Ryder - Enjoy The Ride - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Enjoy The Ride, from Deb Ryder and is has a great feel. Opening with high stepper, A Storm's Coming, Deb Ryder is back sounding as powerful as ever. Johnny Lee Schell and Coco Montoya on lead guitar plays nicely off of the steady beat of Ric Ryder on bass, Mike Finnigan on keys and Tony Braunagel on drums. Exceptional ballad, For The Last Time, is a terrific showcase for Ryder's voice and also features Finnigan on vocal as well with the sweet guitar lead of Montoya. What You Want From Me blends New Orleans feel with pure gospel vocals from Maxanne lewis, Ricky Nelson, Leslie Smith and Kudisan Kai Regalot. Very nice. Got To Let It Go has a real nice BB King style groove featuring Cain and Ryder on a cool vocal duet and slick guitar lead. Sweet Sweet Love has a tight Latin beat with nice piano work by Finnigan and featuring fat guitar riffs by Debbie Davies. Wrapping the release is Red Line featuring the strong harp work of Pieter van Der Pluijm. With Schell on bass and lead guitar, this is a solid closer for a solid release. 

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Guitar Jack Wargo - Keepin' It Real - New release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Keepin' It Real, by Guitar Jack Wargo and it's a soulful mix of R&B, Blues, Pop and Jazz. Opening with solid blues number, You Don't Feel The Same, AD Beal leads on vocal and Wargo shows his guitar prowess with stiff in you face guitar riffs that will have you nodding your head. Backed by Edoardo Tancredi on drums, Matt Bragg on bass and Arlan Oscar Shierbaum on Hammond, this is a super opener. On Power of Love, the band gets more into an easy, Donald Fagan style groove with it's swaying rhythm and smooth melodic feel. Turning up the funk a bit, Keep On Keepin' On is a bright jazz rock track with nice bluesy guitar riffs and a strong melody. Another track that really slides in the Steely Dan groove is Inventory Blues. Bragg gets the bass popping on Shipwrecked giving the track a particularly funky feel, highlighted by Shierbaum keyboard work and super vocals by Beal. This gives a really nice opening for Wargo to slash nicely with super tone on his guitar solo. Ballad, Only-est One has a warm, soul feel and Beal really steps up taking the lead. This is a really ideal radio track. Very nice. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Mayfield like, Blues Holiday. Backing vocals by Willie Chambers, Sweet Inspiration, Jacqui Walker Adamcik and James Whitney give the track even more warmth. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Sending Out A Message, a solid closer with rich backing vocals a strong melody and some of Tancredi's snappiest riffs on the release .

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Screaming Lizard Records artist: Laurie Morvan - Gravity - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Gravity, from Laurie Morvan and she's got flair. Opening blues rocker, My Moderation is built around a classic blues rhythm set up by Bob Glaub on bass and Tony Braunagel on drums. Morvan has a really nice hand at the strat managing riffs solid riffs like child's play. Mike Finnigan is hot on the trail with his signature organ riffs and backing vocals are provided by Lisa Morvan, Maxayan Lewis and Kudisan Kai. Nice opener. Stay With Me features Morvan's stinging guitar riffs over a heavy lumbering bass line and thick B3 by Finnigan. With a dash of funk into a rockin mix, The Extra Mile, is one of my favorite tracks on the release. Blended vocal lead and really hot lead guitar is the ticket on this one with an obviously heavy bottom. Very nice. With a smooth melody, title track, Gravity,carried by Morvan on lead vocal and Jim Pugh on B3 is the definite radio on the release. Another track that shine brightly with fluid guitar lead is Dance In The Rain, Morvan not only handling lead vocals handily but also showing strong runs and nice guitar tone. Gotta Dig Deep has a really base blues root with a super foot drums accent and some constant double stop playing giving the track a particularly cool bluesy feel. Another stand out track, The Man Who Left Me, has a dark feel, super backing vocals by Lisa Morvan, Kai, Leslie Smith and Ricky Nelson. Morvan's slide guitar work on this track works nicely to reinforce the bluesy darkness. Very nice.  On boogie track, I Want Answers, Morvan pairs her own lead vocal with guitar as Finnigan, Pugh and Braunagel dig in. Wrapping the release is another track with a bit of funk. Too Dumb To Quit works Morvan's straight vocal delivery against her slide guitar response over that funky bottom, giving it just the right chemistry. 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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Billy Thompson - BT - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, BT, from Billy Thompson and it's terrific! Opening with Burn It Down, Bernadette, Billy is smoking right out of the can with an extremely funky rocker. leading the way on vocal and slide guitar, backed by Michael Leroy Peed on keys, Daryl Johnson on bass, Eric Selby on drums, DK Kelly on percussion and Xzantiny Grant on vocals, these guys are hot. On blues shuffle, Phoine, Billy is backed by a stacked deck with Mike Finnigan, James Hutchinson on bass and Anthony Braunagel on drums. Finnigan really winds out the keys giving Billy plenty of air to pound with screaming riffs. Very nice. Cool R&B number, Silent Warrior has a great feel with excellent guitar riffs pushing the intensity during the beef of the track. Thompson's vocals are soulful and spot on. Very nice. With it's slick R&B tempo, Mud Island Woman is infectious and with Thompson's stinging harp riffs, crisp guitar lead  and vocal lead, this may be the best track on the release. Bluesy, Stranger really showcases Thompson's soulful vocals and solid vocal phrasing. Finnigan's organ work nicely surrounds Thompson's shimmering guitar riffs, nicely accenting the suspense of the track. This track is really hot giving Thompson a great opportunity to not only showcase his vocals but to stretch on guitar. Excellent! In The Back Of Garage is a definite radio style track with an excellent melody with a soulful sound, and precise guitar work. Children Of The Sun is a smooth ballad with biting guitars riffs and rich piano faire developing into a progressive jazz tune based on a Whipping Post like rhythm. Very nice. Wrapping the release is cool, stylistic blues number, Reason For Goin' Fishin', with it's rural feel. Peed's bouncy piano work and Selby's stumble drums give the track a nice Lusiana country feel. This is a real nice closer for a real strong release.

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Moondogg Records artist: Johnny Ray Jones - Feet Back In The Door - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Feet Back In The Door, by Johnny Ray Jones and it's quite good. Opening with title track, Feet Back In The Door, Johnny Ray Jones show strong soul roots with a great rhythm and horn section. His vocals are strong, joined by Mike Finnigan on piano, Hutch Hutchinson on bass, and Tony Braunagel on drums and topped off with Joe Sublett on sax, Darrell Leonard on trumpet and Teresa James on backing vocals. Very nice. I really like the bass work on Come Up And See Me Sometime which really carries Finnigan's organ line and sets a cool stage for Jones to strut. Jones' vocals on High Cost Of Loving and Johnny Lee Schell throws down some stinging blues guitar riffs making this one of my favorites on  the release. Z.Z. Hill's, I'm A Blues Man has a great balance of heavy bass, big brass, snappy drums and warm vocals giving Jones and Schell a wide open slate to sing and play. Very nice. Allen Toussaint's A Certain Girl is always a great track with New Orleans flair, and a real nice sax solo by Sublett. The playful vocal interplay is super. Original track, In The Heart Of The City has a real nice melody and Schell's melodic guitar solo further enhances the radio drive on this track. Wrapping the release is Leon Russell's Hearts Have Turned To Stone. Using classic Leon riffs throughout but with his own signature, Jones closes nicely with smart piano flair from Finnigan, nice vocal highlights by James and tight brass punctuation by Leonard.

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SSR Freeroll Records artist: Jack Mack & The Heart Attack Horns - Back To The Shack - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Back To The Shack, from Jack Mack & The Heart Attack Horns and it's solid fun! Opening with Standin' Before The King, Mark Campbell on lead vocal and Melanie Taylor harmonizing lay out a solid rocker with nice piano work by Mike Finnigan, hot bluesy guitar riffs by Andrew Kastner and solid horn work by Les Lovitt on trumpet, Bill Bergman on sax and Lee Thornburg on trumpet and trombone. Cocky, Somethin' In The Water has strong bottom with Tony Braunagel on drums and Bruce Atkinson on bass. Vocal lead by Campbell with backing by Niki J. Crawford, Kathy Merrick and Melanie Taylor works really nicely with Kastner's guitar riffs and the solid backing of the HA Horns. A brassy intro on Don't Let Her Go leads to a smooth radio track. Never Too Late is a nice bluesy shuffle with a balance of guitar riffs and horn punch. It takes a powerful singer to lead this group of guys with intense guitar riffs and powerful horn riffs and Campbell is a great man for the job. With spiritual intensity Campbell's soulful vocal lead with backing vocals from Les Falconer, Atkinson and Finnigan give this track real guts. Serves Me Right is a cool hi steppin' R&B track with a solid hook and a great highlight for Campbell's vocals. Bad Habit is one of my favorite tracks on the release with a smoking James Brown drum riff by Braunagel. Thornburg and Lovitt punch the top hard and Atkinson's bass work really moves under super soulful vocals by Campbell and Bergman's bari sax work. Excellent! Soul track, Change My Ways, is really nice and plays nicely into Campbell's vocal pocket. With a smart brass fanfare and warm backing vocals, puts you in mind of Jimmy Cliff's Many Rivers. With a soulful sax solo by Bergman, this track soars. Very nice! Bergman smokes a real nice sax intro on ballad, Ain't No Way. With orchestral balance on the horns and choral backing by the backing vocalists, Campbell, again shows just what a powerful singer. Very nice. Wrapping the release is the rock spiritual fused, Let Me In. With a chugging rhythm and spotless piano work by Finnigan, this track is a mover with brassy horns and gospel like backing vocals. This is an excellent closer for a really cool release.



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Jesi-Lu Records artist: Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps - Bonafide - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Bonafide from Teresa James & the Rhythm Tramps and it's a rocking blast! Opening with R&B track, I Like It Like That, James leads the way on vocal and over the top piano with super bass work by Terry Wilson, Guitar by Billy Watts and drums by Tony Braunagel. Excellent opener. On Spit It Out, James really hits her stride with Al Green like pace. This track really makes you want to dance with hot vocals and nice horn work by Darnell Leonard and with Mike Finnigan's excellent B3 additions. Funky, Hollywood Way has a super groove with Wilson crafting a nice bass line and real nice slide work by Billy Watts. Backing vocals by Wilson and Watts really add to the richness of this track and James' phrasing is tight! A cool soul track, You Always Pick Me Up, is right down the slot with warm vocals and all of the poise of the queen of soul herself. With a spiritual warmth and the addition of trumpet by Lee Thornburg and sax by Ron Dziubla this track is really nice! Funky rocker, What Happens In Vegas, has the sound of New Orleans fused with a bit of Muscle Soul. Mike Finnigan's piano work, a smoky guitar solo by Wilson and Wilson and Watts' backing vocals really set James vocals on top. Too Big To Fail is another track with that swampy funk and Herman Matthews' drum work and Wilson's guitar work nicely compliment James' soulful vocals. Another great soul track, No Regrets goes even further to show how James is really hitting on all cylinders. With basic backing by Finnigan on organ, Lewis Stephens on Wurlitzer and sassy sax work by Ron Dziubla, this track is smoking! Kicking out the jams, You Want it When You Want It sounds like it was written by Keith Richards. With attitude and style, James crafts a solid rocker and gives it spunk. Wrapping the release is a really nice song, Have a Little Faith In Me, written by John Hiatt. I've always really liked this track and James keeps it light and airy with clear vocals and simple instrumentation. Atmospheric guitar work by Watts, percussive piano by James, Finnigan's organ work and a soulful sax solo by Jerry Peterson makes this a super closer for a really super release.



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Bejeb Music artist: Deb Ryder - Grit Grease & Tears - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Grit Grease & Tears from Deb Ryder and it's quite good. Opening with Ain't Gonna Be Easy, a smooth driving jazz track, Ryder steps up big time on lead vocals backed by Tony Braunagel on drums, Ric Ryder on bass and the great Mike Finnegan on Hammond. Johnny Lee Schell is wicked on guitar with some really hot riffs and the horn section, Joe Sublett on sax and Darrell Leonard on trumpet really top it off. Get A Little Steam Up is a cool high stepper with Ryder sharing lead vocals with Sugarray Rayford. This track has a great groove and Kirk Fletcher and Johnny Lee Schell sharing guitar lead. Very nice. Boogie rocker, Blink Of An Eye, features some real nice slide work by Schell and heavy drum riffs by Braunagel. Title track, Grit Grease & Tears is a lumbering soul rocker with especially warm harp work by Bob Corritore and a simple, solid drum work from Braunagel. R&B track, Sweet Mary Anne, is a solid radio track with warm backing vocals by Schell, Ryder, Leslie Smith and Finnigan. Sublett and Leonard give the track just the right touch of horns paired with Finnigan's keyboard to balance Ryder's vocal lead. Fletcher and Schell set a nice platform on blues number, Lord Knows I Do, with T-Bone Walker style and Finnigan's mastery nicely highlights Ryder's vocals. One of my favorite tracks on the release. With a bit of JG Watson like style, Panic Mode gets the funk on. Fletcher blasts a rel nice solo with Finnigan, Leonard and Sublett juicing it up and solid male backing vocals by Finnigan. Little Feat style sets the pace for Just Her Nature. Kenny Gradney's bass work and Braunagel's drum work really anchor this one. Albert Lee's shows real finesse on guitar and Ryder's vocals are super. Very nice. New Mechanic (Patrick's Blues) has a real hard boogie bass line courtesy Ric and Pieter Van Der Pluijm works it with Finnigan, Schell and Fletcher to set a great blues stage in this solid boogie. Prisoner of War is another hot boogie ... like a hot update of Hip Shake or ZZ Top's La Grange. Yes, this thing smokes with Van Der Pluijm on harp, Braunagel on drums, Ric on bass, Finnigan on keys and Schell on guitar. Excellent! Wrapping the release is easy paced Chicago style blues number, Right Side Of The Grass. With it's super walking bass line by Ric, tight drums by Braunagel, energetic organ work by Finnigan, and Deb's grinding vocals, with a dash of harp by Corritore and a few hot riffs by Schell and Fletcher, this track is a great closer for a really nice release.



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Little Lightning Productions artist: Shari Puorto - My Obsession - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, My Obsession, from Shari Puorto and she's still slamming it. Opening with funky rocker, It's A Damn Shame, Puorto's vocals are tight and her phrasing is super. Johnny Hawthorn knows how to make it hot on guitar and Bob Glaub's bass lines are smokin. Backed by Kenna Ramsey, Julie Delgado and Mike Finnigan, this is my favorite track on the release. On Home of the Blues, Jimmy Vivino and Steve Fister step up on lead and slide guitar (respectively) and Mike Finnigan's B3 work is super. Rock and roller, Six Months Sober is square down the middle with Jim Pugh's piano and B3 and slide soloing by Hawthorn is smooth. Sugar Daddy is a slower sure stepper with a drone bass line and slap snare from Tony Braunagel. Title track, My Obsession, opens with a subdued niteclub feel but kicking into a solid rocker with Vivino and Finnigan trading lead riffs under Puorto's cool vocals. Old Silo Road is a quiet ballad, primarily the purity of Puorto's voice and Finnigan's piano. Johnny Lee Schell's tasty slide riffs add a real nice touch to this solid radio track. Workin' The Room has a definite country feel with a two step rhythm and nicely executed piano work from Barry Goldberg. Schell again steps up with a cool guitar solo making this another track that could easily hit multiple radio lines. Better Left Unsaid has a R&B styling with cool backing vocals from Ramsey, Delgado and Finnigan. Schell's rhythm guitar work and Finnigan's piano work give this track a lot of textural traction. With a New Orleans feel, What's The Matter With The World, has a real nice rhythm and Schell's slide work is spot on the mark. Finnigan gives the track a nice boot of his own with nicely stylized piano work. Very cool! Steve Fister adds his own guitar zip to All About You, a serious ballad with Schell joining on rhythm guitar. The interweaving guitar styles, coupled with Puorto's vocals make this another serious radio track. Turned To Stone has a real "Jackson Browne" feel with Johnny Hawthorn playing some excellent David Lindley style pedal steel lead throughout. Goes without saying that this track, with a cool melodic hook and slick pedal work, could really hit big. Wrapping the release is the soul classic, When A Man Loves A Woman. Finnigan on B3, Pugh on piano and with Darrell Leonard and Joe Sublett on horns, gives this track a rich clarity and Vivino's clean guitar work, coupled with Puorto's power makes this a perfect track to close it up.


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Blue Pearl Records artist: Deb Callahan - Sweet Soul - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Sweet Soul, from Deb Callahan and that's exactly what it is. Opening with Big Love with it's solid strut, Callahan establishes her ground vocally joined byMike Finnigan on keys, Reggie McBride on bass, Tony Braunagel on drums and Allen James. Very nice! I Keep Things Running has a solid footing in the blues with bass vamp and and nicely woven keys by Finnigan. Nice backing vocals by Teresa James, Finnigan and Leslie Smith warm the track and a slick guitar solo from James punches it up. Rocker, Shackin Up features Johnny Lee Schell on slide guitar and a cool bass line from McBride drives this track and Deb rides the wave vocally with clarity and authority. Soulful ballad, I Am Family, will have strong cross radio appeal with a taste of country and nice vocal harmonies from Teresa James and Finnigans articulate piano work. Laid back, Sweet Feeling, is a soulful pop track with strong support from Finnigan. Born To Love You screams 60's soul. Possibly my favorite track on the release, Callahan really hits it, supported by Finnigan on keys, Braunagel on drums, McBride on bass and Lydia Hilliard on backing vocals. James lays in a plucky guitar solo with attitude. Excellent! Seven States Away has a super walking bass line from McBride and real nice vocals from Callahan. Finnigan gives this track legs on keys and Braunagel is tight on drums. Tom Waits' Way Down In The Hole is one that has been done by a number of artists, being the theme song for terrific crime drama, The Wire. This track maintains it's Latin flavor and Callahan shows that she can hold down lead vocals where other super stars have been. James' lead guitar solo on this track is really nice and Jimmy Powers adds a nice harp line. Finnigan smooths in a nice keyboards solo and Teresa James, Finnigan and Schell add super backing vocals. Step Back is a southern soul track with intermittent soft and biting rhythms. A cool keyboard interlude by Finnigan sets the track apart and Callahan jumps up kicking. You Don't Know Your Mind is a high stepper and Deb's vocal phrasing is spot on. James springs on his guitar solo and shakes it nicely and Finnigan dabs on keyboard like an artist dabs on paint. Very nice! Ike Turner's Crazy Bout You Baby, calmed down just a little with a 2 step kind of feel and some chickin pickin guitar riffs from James. Callahan keeps a soulful attitude giving it an interesting texture. Slow blues ballad, Slow As Molasses, Sweet as Honey gets really gritty as Callahan digs deep for Pearl like feelings. James plays guitar response to her blues call and also sails with a smooth soulful guitar solo over clever piano work by Finnigan, making this my favorite track on the release. Doctor John's, I Been Hoodood has a strong funk feel but Callahan has such a soulful voice it gives it a fresh feeling. This is a super closer to a strong soulful release.

   

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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”

 

Blind Pig Records artist: Albert Cummings - Someone Like You - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Someone Like You, from Albert Cummings and it rocks! Opening with hot rocker, No Doubt, Cummings sets up a great groove with Reggie McBride on bass, Tony Braunagel on drums and Mike Finnigan on organ. Cummings vocals, blended with Teresa James are prime and his guitar riffs are tight and clean. Excellent! Pop rocker, I Found You has more of a tame sound but Cummings puts his trademark guitar riffs on the track giving it just the right amount of spank. Up Your Sleeve is a real cool shuffle track with fluid guitar riffs and nice double stops. Finnigan has such a great touch on organ just playing a note here and there...but it's the right note at just the right time... not an easy thing to do. A swinging guitar solo ensues and the track really does move. Very nice! So Strong is a quiet ballad with a sweet melodic guitar solo making it a clear radio track. Finally In Love is a clean rocker with a 2 step rhythm. Cummings really has a pretty good voice and his guitar tone on this track is rich! Fluid riffs and a solid snare from Braunagel and icing by Finnigan makes this another solid track. Boogie track, Make Up Your Mind, has a great feel and just the right amount of grind on Cummings strat to perk up my ears. A nice feel for just how much to play makes the difference between average and real nice and this track hits! Slow blues track, Little Bird, my definite favorite on the release starts off with a really creamy blues guitar riff by Cummings that makes you just lay back and breathe. McBride's bass line drives the pace and with Finnigan playing the melodic filler, Cummings controls this track with his soulful vocals and his smoking hot guitar riffs. If you've heard Cummings really dig in before and you're wanting to hear it again...this is it. At over 7 minutes this track is steamy! Peppy swinger Meatlocker, is a quick paced shuffle track with nice jazz influences. Excellent chord selections, crisp percussion and nice guitar lead makes this instrumental another of my release favorites. Understated country blues track, I'm In Love With You, has a nice swagger with authoritative guitar riffs and solid melody line from Cummings. Driving blues track, Old Dog, sets a great groove and Cummings hits every edge with slashing guitar riffs. Finnigan helps to pump up the tension and McBride's walking bass line and tight drum work from Braunagel makes this another key track on the release. Wrapping the release is a hot blues shuffle, Stay Away From My Sister, and Cummings kicks it up a notch with stinging guitar riffs pushed along by Braunagel. Excellent finish to a overall strong 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”

 

BEJEB Music artist: Deb Ryder - Let It Rain - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (April 21, 2015), Let It Rain, from Deb Ryder and it swings. Opening with That's Just How It Is, Ryder comes out hot and heavy with powerful backing from Kirk Fletcher, Ric Ryder on bass, Mike Finnigan on B3 and Tony Braunagel on drums. Fletcher really hits the groove and Finnigan lays it flat out. On Latin/shuffle track Can't Go Back Again, Braunagel sets a mean line and Johnny Lee Schell joins Fletcher on guitar with Lee Thornburg on Trumpet and Lon Price on sax. Very nice! On You Won't Be True Thornburg and Price give the track a much heavier swing and Schell and Fletcher lays down some really hot riffs. I really like Ryders vocal work on this release. Excellent! On the smokey, Guilty As Sin, Ryder guides her listeners down a dark slinky alley. Finnigan's B3 punctuation is particularly effective, Kim Wilson tips in some warm harp work on this track and Fletcher steps up with a few real nice R&B style blues guitars solo as well. Very smooth! Cry Another Tear has a spiritual undertone with Finnegan leading the way on both piano and B3. With a hand clapping revival feel, Ryder shows she has it all joined by Johnny Lee Schell and Finnigan on backing vocals. Fletcher steps up with a flight fingered country style solo on guitar which I would have sworn was Albert Lee. Very nice! Ryder's solid bass work drives the train on Hold Your Lamp High with rich horn work from Thornburg and Price. Finnegan creates the tension on B3 but it's the super lead vocals by Ryder that shines brightest on this track. Thornburg takes a cool muted trumpet solo on this track giving it a quiet jazz sound for a bridge but Ryder drags it back into the soul arena with her gritty voice. On boogie stack, Money Monsoon, Fletcher again shows his fast finger work and Finnegan, Thornburg and Price push it over the top. Excellent! On quiet ballad, Kiss and Dream, the entire band softens it back with James Hutchinson on double bass and Finnegan on piano accompanied by Braunagel on brushes. Ryder shows the clarity of her vocals and Price lays out a really nice sax solo. Title track, Let It Rain has a R&B feel and Fletcher steps up and delivers Robert Cray style. Kim Wilson blends his harp work in nicely with finesse and control. This is really an ideal radio track with a catchy melody, simple but tight instrumentals and of course the super vocal work of Ryder. David Fraser joins on accordion for New Orleans flavored Ma Misere and Albert Lee takes the lead guitar role bouncing off of the super piano work of Finnigan. Wrapping the release is a stripped down bluesy track, Round and Around with Ryder on vocal, Wilson on harp, Schell on guitar and backing vocals. Nice wind down from a really pretty hot 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”

 

Vote NOW for Blues Music Awards - Candye Kane, Little G Weevil & more!

NEWS FROM THE VIZZTONE LABEL GROUP VOTE NOW for our 2014 Blues Music Awards Nominees! (voting ends March 1, 2014!) CANDYE KANE Contemporary Blues Female Artist LITTLE G WEEVIL Acoustic Blues Artist RUFF KUTT BLUES BAND That's When The Blues Begins - JAMES GOODE, Writer Song of the Year ANSON FUNDERBURGH Traditional Blues Male Artist Instrumentalist, Guitar PHANTOM BLUES BAND TONY BRAUAGEL instrumentalist - Drums PHANTOM BLUES BAND MIKE FINNIGAN Pinetop Perkins Piano Player ...and Vizzable Music artists: GRACIE CURRAN & the High Falutin' Band Proof of Love Best New Artist Debut DIUNNA GREENLEAF Traditional Blues Female Koko Taylor Award And big congrats to VizzTone artists who have gone on to other labels — you're ALWAYS part of the family! TRAMPLED UNDER FOOT - Band of the Year, Contemporary Blues Album DANIELLE SCHNEBELEN - Instrumentalist, Bass TERRY HANCK - Instrumentalist, Horn         VOTE NOW!!! Voting for the BLUES MUSIC AWARDS is happening NOW! If you're already a member of the Blues Foundation, click HERE to vote! If you're not a member yet, click HERE to join!  You'll be glad you did!

And BIG NEWS: Coming very, very soon.... The VizzTone Room on iTunes!®  Get ready, you're gonna love it!  ;-)