Frankie Boy & The Blues Express - Young Man's Blues - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Young Man's Blues, by Frankie Boy & The Blues Express and it's strong. Opening with Guitar Jr, a cool jam with a funky, James Brown "Boogaloo" feel. Frankie Boy Blues takes the lead on guitar and vocal with Mickey Maguire on bass, Mike Morgan on guitar and Harrison Foti on drums. Young Man's Blues is a cool, laid back blues with a low slung guitar vamp. Mike Morgan plays a melodic guitar solo with Frankie on vocal and a stiff drum swat by Foti. Very nice. Luther Johnson's Talkin' About Soul is a energetic hi stepper with JB energy. Funky rhythm guitar, a rumbling bass line and a stiff drum swat gives Frankie plenty of room to groove. Lots of fun. Slow blues, Something About You really showcases Frankie's feel for the blues and excellent guitar phrasing. Cheatham's Chicago classic, Black Drawers On, really rolls. With excellent guitar work by Morgan this is one of my favorites on the release. Buddy Guy's Mary Had A Little Lamb maintains Guys arrangement and fits nicely into this funky set. Wrapping the set is original track, What More Can I Do with it's radio format. A solid melody, vocals and understated guitar work seal the deal for this enjoyable release. 

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Blue Heart Records artist: Willie J. Campbell - Be Cool - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Be Cool, from Willie J. Campbell and it's really strong. Opening with You Better Let Go, Sugar Ray Rayford is upfront on lead vocal, with Willie J. Campbell on bass, Brooks Milgate on keys, Kid Ramos on guitar and Jimi Bott on drums. Ramos lays out a really nice guitar solo on this somewhat funky track, nicely complimented by Condron Hampton on congas. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Can't Stay Away, featuring Janiva Magness on lead vocal and Brian Templeton on backing vocal, as well as Anson Funderburgh showing exceptional finesse on guitar. Also appearing on this track are Mike Morgan and Shawn Pittman on guitars.  Excellent! Templeton has the mic on Drone with it's droning bass line and features the harmonica wizardry of Jason Ricci. There's hardly a track that Ricci contributes to that I don't think that he improves substantially so this is another of my favorites. another Texas style shuffle, Docksidin', lets Funderburgh stretch a bit on guitar and the guy can really play. Milgate on keys as well as Pittman and Morgan on guitars really add as well. Very cool. Shawn Pittman has the spotlight on Devil On My Shoulder with super lead vocals and acoustic guitar and excellent slide work by Morgan. Milgate's piano work on She's a Twister is a standout with Templeton on lead vocals and a flurry of guitar by Ramos. Very nice. The release concludes with two equally iridescent tracks. First up, Use As Needed featuring Templeton on lead vocal and Peter Green's instrumental, Albatross, both which showcase the beautiful guitar work of Ramos and include the piano of Pat McDougall. This really is a terrific release, top to bottom and I highly recommend this release of Willie J. Campbell's work (on bass on each track). Campbell died of ALS on December 19, 2022.

  If you support live Blues acts, up and coming Blues talents and want to learn more about Blues news and Fathers of the Blues, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening