Montrose Records artist: Rich Chorne' - Mas - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Mas, from Rich Chorne' and it's a solid blues release. Opening with breezy shuffle, I Just Can't Stop Loving You featuring Kathy Lyon on lead vocal, Rich Chorne' on lead guitar is joined by Erik Unsworth on bass, Ricky Malichi on drums and Bud Hewett on keys. Boogie track, Where's the Love, features Rich Cagle and Julia Cozby on vocal and with it's aggressive bass line gives Chorne' a nice opening to show his stuff on lead guitar. Very nice. Boogie Woogie Fever again features Lyon on lead vocal, backed by Cozby and Cagle on backing vocal, Hewett's flashy key board work  and the up tempo pace make this one of the best tracks on the release. Shuffle, I Gotta Get Home, features Chorne' on lead vocal and gives everyone a chance to show their stuff. With it's light melody and jam format, another release favorite. I like the Latin flavor of Down In The Quarter with snappy drum work by Malichi and with Davis on lead vocal gives Chorne' a nice opportunity to play some more stylistics guitar work. Very nice. Wrapping the release is slow blues, I Can't Find My Way, with  Don McMasters on harmonica and Cagle on lead vocal. Chorne' plays some real nice blues runs over the tense keyboard support of Hewett and Unsworth's firm hand at bass really anchors the track. 

  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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Montrose Records artist: Sam Barlow - Faith In The Blues - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Faith In The Blues, from Sam Barlow and it's solid. Opening with scorcher, Sittin' In The Jailhouse, lead vocalist and guitar player, Sam Barlow wields his guitar sounding like the second coming of Johnny Winter on slide. Joined by Erwin Solback on piano, Joseph Seltzer on drums and Anthony Movsesian on bass, this is a terrific opener. Breaker Box Blues is a really strong track with an excellent melody, vocal and a power punch by Barlow on guitar. His riffs are tight, ripping and emotional. In addition, Barlow plays a mean harmonica on this track, backed by Izzy Aguirre on keys in addition to Seltzer and  Movesesian. Excellent! Anika Chambers works her magic on vocal with Barlow on Willie Dixon's My Babe, nicely complimented by cool organ solo by Aguirre. Funky, Get Off Me, really gets a workout by Seltzer and Movesesian (who lays in a hot bass solo) with rhythm guitar, vocal and harmonica by Barlow. He cuts loose on guitar with some hot guitar riffs and then follows with harmonica riffs, only to turn around with James Brown. Really cool. My Little Lady is a real nice funky blues with a definite SRV tone (Strat through a fender super). A track that should appeal universally to most modern blues/ rock fans, Barlow shows once more that he really knows how to crank it on guitar and harmonica with Dave Hamilton soloing on bass, Movesesian soloing on drums and B3 by Aguirre. Excellent! Heavy shuffle, Street Blues is a really great jam. With a terrific loping rhythm guitar and a rowdy lead line, this track is great! Wrapping the release is Valentine Special with Barlow on resonator slide guitar and vocal. This is a total change up on the release but a real treat for the closer on a really cool release. 

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

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Blues Rock Release Scores Three Finalist Nods at NMMA

Blues Rock Release Scores Three Finalist Nods At Annual Music Awards Event Winners to be announced May 21st Ruidoso NM (April 24th) - The New Mexico Music Awards recently announced that the 2016 fall release by Montrose Records "DOS" featuring Richard Cagle and the Voodoo Choir has garnered three finalist positions in three separate categories:   "DOS" Best Rock CD of the Year, "Slow Blues" Best Blues Song of the Year, and "Richard Cagle" for Producer of the Year Award.  Excitement continues to mount as the final decisions will be announced on May 21st at the annual music event which is going to be held at the Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque.  Rich Cagle commented, "We are very grateful to have reached such a plateau already, and even if it doesn't go any further, we are honored to have been nominated."  The Beautiful Sandia Resort & Casino will host the 2017 New Mexico Music Awards About the Event - Every year, music industry professionals come from throughout the state to this, the largest and most prestigious music awards show in New Mexico. It is an opportunity for the New Mexico music industry to network and to applaud their peers for the work they do in New Mexico.  This year the 30th Annual New Mexico Music Awards and show will feature a welcome reception, prime rib dinner followed by performances from some of New Mexico’s best artists. During the course of the evening they will recognize those artists, engineers, producers, and music industry personnel who’s recordings have excelled in production, performance, and composition. For More Information About The Event Follow This Link Montrose Recording Studio West - Ruidoso New Mexico Click & check out the NMMA nominated song "Slow Blues" "With a heavy John Lennon meets Billy Gibbons, meets Robin Trower, Slow Blues oozes out a heavy blues rock feel. Cagle's vocals approach those of Axl on this one but the overall feel of this track is very solid and given the super bottom and nicely appointed guitar work by Martin, this track is one of my favorites.” — Bman, Bman's Blues Report January 16th, 2017 For "DOS" Radio Play or Publication Review Copies click here To contact Richard at Montrose Records click here

Montrose Records artist: Richard Cagle & The Voodoo Choir - Dos - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Dos, from Richard Cagle & the Voodoo Choir and it's a cool rocker with bite! Opening with driving rocker, Treat Your Daddy Right, Richard Cagle on lead vocal is front and center with Dusty Hill like bass lines from Calvin Hall, stinging guitar riffs from Lee Martin, Randy Walls on keys and Kelley Wright on drums. Love Ya Need Ya has a soothing pace with super bass on bottom and guitar lead is subtle at time and rabid at time. Very cool. With a heavy John Lennon meets Billy Gibbons, meets Robin Trower, Slow Blues oozes out a heavy blues rock feel. Cagle's vocals approach those of Axl on this one but the overall feel of this track is very solid and given the super bottom and nicely appointed guitar work by Martin, this track is one of my favorites. Breaking down Humble Pie style, Messing With the Blues is a basic rocker with guts. Martin definitely shows that he can surf the fretboard and with anchoring by Hall and Wright, this track is solid. Blues ballad, Crying the Blues, is another of my favorites on the release with cool vocals by Cagle, a particularly nice solo line by Martin and warm keys by Walls. Kicking it back up, Thunder Lightning is a cool rocker with definite attitude. A great foot stomper with a cool rhythm, solid guitar riffs, again I like Cagle's vocals and particularly the harmonics by Martin. Rock and Roll Stew has great swagger with a touch of early Black Sabbath and a bit of Free. A super all around blues rocker it nicely integrates a number of rock styles. All Night Long With You is a radio style track with blues rhythms and a Brownsville Station feel. Bring Me Some Water has the feel of a high energy Johnny Winter blues rocker with contemporary guitar pyrotechnics from Martin and driving drums pushing all the way. Wrapping the release is Singing The Blues, an easy shuffle track and a cool walking bass line from Hall and tight, melodic guitar lead by Martin. A cool closer for an interesting 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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Montrose Records Presents "A Concert in the Badlands" New Mexico, the Land of Enchantment.  Interesting history for sure. However, more so the region is absolutely breathtaking.  Take for example the Village of Ruidoso, a small community nestled in the Sacramento Mountains.  While the local attractions include a world class horse track, ski slopes, and two casinos the backdrop of the mountains and all of the family owned craft stores and specialty restaurants help make this quaint village a place to return to over and over again.  In fact, the Cagle family (Montrose Records – Houston) liked the region so much that they built a beautiful log cabin home there with a stunning view to say the least.  Accordingly, when they were in the design phase Rich wasn’t going to be without a music studio so he designed a private recording suite.  After their home was complete and time moved forward Rich would be out and about meeting the local musicians.  It was through his conversations with Jamie Estes, President of the Lincoln County Food Bank that the topic of raising money to support their community would come up.  Everyone agreed and the talk moved toward recording a fund raising CD.  The musicians liked the idea of recording a CD that featured local talent and their original songs.  The goal would be simple – all the proceeds from the sale of the CDs would go to the Lincoln County Food Bank.  Once the plan was in place, Rich produced and recorded it, and now they are ready to host a live event to help kick off the sales.  Good people banding together to deliver something of value for a good cause.  The CD release party will be hosted by Sacred Grounds Coffee and Tea House, 2704 Suddereth Dr., Ruidoso, N.M. 88345, at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, December 18, 2016. There are twenty artist/bands on the CD, leading off with Mike Montoya, followed by, the Flying J Wranglers, the Noisy River Band, Bobby Chavira, Delaney Davis, Gleewood, Grant & Ella Miller, Tradd Tidwell, the Hillbilly Potentates, Jonathan Walls, Jones & Miles, Mark Kashmar, Micah Schultz, Sierra Edmister, Monk Burris, DJ Pete Davis, Malachi Martin, Rich Chorne & Patty Tiscareno, Scotty Talley and Susan Kolb & Doug Gibson.

Montrose records artist: Brad Absher - Lucky Dog - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Lucky Dog (January 13, 2015), fro Brad Absher and it has a nice sound. Opening with Woman Who Loves Me, a clean rocker with a 60's beat, features Absher on vocal and guitar, Larry Felcher on bass, Barry Seelen on hammond, Mike Patton on drums and Nicoya Prolar on backing vocal. A steady rocking beat and easy Raitt style slide works highlight this pop melody. R&B styling on I Need A Drink really features a nice bass line by Fulcher and nice bari sax work by Anthony Terry and Tenor sax work from Andy Saad. Bill Withers was really one of the unsung songwriters of his time and his Same Love is up next really nicely complimenting the vocal strength of Absher. Prolar adds nice warmth on backing vocals and Kyle Turner rides nicely on tenor sax. Another R&B style track, I Can't Wait, not only has nicely blended vocals but a nice key solo from Seeelen and cool guitar riffs from Absher. Miss Your Water has an almost gospel like feel with super piano and Hammond work by Seelen. The vocal work on this track is quite nice and Absher stretches a real nice blues guitar solo as well. Wanna Be Your Man stays in that R&B style with a cool beat and particularly nice horn work from Saad and Terry. Leon Russell's Rather Be Blind has a chugging rhythm and Samantha Banks percussion is a nice touch undeer the stinging guitar work of Absher. Very cool! A venture into country, Not Tonight, has a solemn feel with the straightforward vocal attack of Absner and Prolar, Seelen's piano styling and the addition of Brian Thomas on pedal steel. Allen Toussaint's Lipstick Traces has a smooth funky jazz sound with solid Hammond work from Seelen. The style of track seems to show in Absner's vocals. On this particular track his voice has a richer southern style which works nicely with the track. Very nice! Traditional track, Jesus On The Mainline has a modern blues feel with some really warm slide work from Absner. Possibly my favorite track on the release. Funky track Trouble, gets into a cool groove with strong Hammond and so "authentic" dialog gives it a different flair. Twelve bar number Memphis On The Way has a real nice sway with Fulcher leading the way with his solid bass line. Seelen takes a nice piano run and Absner cooks on guitar as well. Saad and Terry stay i swing but play in a morphed New Orleans style creating a really nice pocket. Excellent conclusion to 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”

 

Montrose Records Signs Gulf Coast Bluesman Brad Absher & Will Release His Label Debut CD, "Lucky Dog," on January 13

Montrose Records Signs Gulf Coast Bluesman Brad Absher & Will Release His Label Debut CD, Lucky Dog, on January 13

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Montrose Records announces the signing of blues singer/guitarist Brad Absher and an upcoming January 13 release date for his label debut CD, Lucky Dog. The new album was recorded at Montrose Records Studio in Houston and produced by label head Richard Cagle and acclaimed bassist Larry Fulcher (Taj Mahal), who also adds his trademark bass lines throughout the disc. The rest of the musicians involved in the recording are primarily members of Absher’s solid touring band, rightly dubbed “Swamp Royale” for the earthy, soulful sounds they create around Brad’s masterful guitar work and vocals.  

Brad Absher’s Gulf Coast sound recipe includes equal amounts of blues, soul, and gospel, stirred up just right into a magical gumbo that goes down easy and has a spicy kick to it, recalling the best of Memphis and Muscle Shoals, too. The dozen songs on Lucky Dog include a healthy dose of Absher originals that showcase his songwriting prowess in the blues/R&B/gospel field, as well as several outstanding covers of songs by William Bell (“You Don’t Miss Your Water”), Leon Russell (“I’d Rather Be Blind”), Allan Toussaint (“Lipstick Traces”), the traditional gospel tune, “Jesus on the Main Line,” and Bill Withers (“Same Love”). Interestingly, Brad’s warm vocals recall the great Bill Withers in timbre and grit throughout the entire CD. And his guitar work stands out all over Lucky Dog with some greasy lines, strident fills and tangy solos that drip with soul/blues power.

Brad Absher and Swamp Royale have been a fixture throughout the Gulf Coast area for the better part of the past 20 years, becoming a Top Ten Finalist at the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis that featured competition for all over the world. Other accolades they’ve won during that time period also include Best Local Album, Best Male Vocals and Best Blues Band in various music polls.

Based in Houston, Brad Absher was raised in Lake Charles, Louisiana, and his unique sound reflects the area’s “swamp pop” influence he first heard listening to South Louisiana radio stations. After moving to Tulsa in the late ‘70s, a young Brad Absher came under the tutelage of several players, most-notably guitarist Tommy Tripplehorn of Gary Lewis and the Playboys fame. Brad soon added slide guitar to his repertoire after seeing the great Ry Cooder perform live.

Absher’s musical expertise has been recognized throughout his career, and was referred to frequently during his time in Tulsa as a “guitar god.” In 2013, he competed and was selected as Houston’s International Blues Challenge regional winner and later performed during the competition that year in Memphis.

Bad Absher and Swamp Royale’s current set lists include songs from his five previous albums spanning the course of 20 years. Brad can lead his band throughout a show that covers greasy swamp pop to urban blues, all the while keeping the fans groovin’ on the dance floor.

When he’s not gigging in the Gulf Coast area or playing at festivals around the country, Brad shares his guitar knowledge as a staff member at Houston’s well-known Rockin’ Robin Music Store.

Montrose Records artist: Annika Chambers & The Houston All-Stars - Making My Mark - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Making My Mark, by Annika Chambers & The Houston All-Stars and it's got a lot of strengths. Opening with Move, Chambers does just that. A funky soul track. finds Chambers with a smooth but edgy voice leading the way with Nicoya Polar, Sheree Howard and Dominique Fulcher. I particularly like the understated but super guitar work from Corey Stoot on this track. A catchy number this could easily get a lot of airplay in multiple venues. Barnyard Blues is a uptown shuffle with cool bass lines from Larry Fulcher and great horn work from Anthony Terry on sax. David carter and Brad Absher handle the guitar work on this track. Jealous Kind is a straight up ballad with a honkin sweet sax solo by Terry. Lick 'er is a strong funk catchy track with super key work by Barry Seelen and saucy vocals by Chambers and Polar overall. Very hot! Tony Braunagel lays down some nice drum work and Terry again hot on sax. Trust Me has Houston swagger with a bit of country flavor. Down South is a direct airplay ballad and is strong;y written, arranged and executed. That Feel Good has that neo soul sound with Fulcher, Kerry Cartwright (drums) and Stoot contributing significantly to the overall sound. Put It Where You Want It is a cool pop track with nice clavinet work from David Delagarza, King Curtis like sax work from Kyle Turner and nice guitar riffs from Absher enveloping nice vocal harmonies from Chambers, Delagarza, Stoot, Fulcher and Polar. Nice! Guitar Boy is a light swaying soul track with jazzy blues riffs delivering a sweet melody sung by Chambers. It Hurts Me To My Heart has a cool New Orleans/Fats Domino roll. Randy Wall lays the groundwork on piano while Chambers delivers the goods. Anthony lays a nice bed of sax and David Carter takes a clean guitar solo right down the middle. Wrapping the release is Let's Get Down To Business, a funky blues rocker has a few pace changed and cool horn work by Darrell Leonard. Carter again steps up with a clever guitar solo and Chambers leads the charge with solid vocals. This is a cool release with a lot of cool sounds and Chambers has a particularly strong voice.

  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”

 

Montrose Records Signs Blues/Soul Singer Annika Chambers & Will Release Her Debut Album, "Making My Mark," on January 14, 2014

Montrose Records Signs Blues/Soul Singer Annika Chambers & Will Release Her Debut Album,

Making My Mark, on January 14, 2014

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HOUSTON, TX – Montrose Records announces the signing of Houston-based blues/soul singer Annika Chambers and will release her debut album, Making My Mark, on January 14, 2014.

Making My Mark will be available through CDBaby at iTunes and Amazon, as well as at the label’s website. On the new CD, Annika (pronounced “Ann-NEE-Ka”), is backed by an aggregation dubbed “The Houston All-Stars,” well-named because it boasts the talents of many Grammy winners and nominees.

Heading that list is bassist Larry Fulcher, who co-produced Making My Mark along with Montrose Records owner/engineer Richard Cagle. Fulcher is a two-time Grammy winner for his work with Taj Mahal on the albums “Shoutin’ in Key” and “Senor Blues,” and has appeared on 10 of Taj’s albums. He’s also a regular member of the acclaimed Phantom Blues Band and has  recorded and/or toured with such other renowned performers as Eric Clapton, Bonnie Raitt, Maria Muldaur, Willie Nelson, Ruthie Foster, Curtis Salgado, The Crusaders, Smokey Robinson and The Wailers.

Additional Grammy winners or nominees on the recording sessions were keyboardists David Delagarza III and Skip Nalia; drummers Tony Braunagel and Samantha Banks; and trumpeter/arranger Darrell Leonard. A host of other stellar Houston musicians added their talents, including guitarists Brad Absher, Corey Stoot and David Carter; organist Barry Seelen; pianist Randy Walls; saxophonist/arranger Anthony Terry; and backing singers Nicoya Polar and Sheree Howard. Making My Mark was mixed by six-time Grammy-winning engineer Joe McGrath.

The even-dozen tracks on Annika’s new CD feature several originals by Chambers and additional songs penned by Larry Fulcher’s talented daughter Dominque, who also contributes vocals on the album. A diverse set of covers enhanced by Annika’s unique takes on them include songs from Bobby Charles (“Jealous Kind”), Spirit bassist Al Staehely (“Trust Me”),

Joe Sample/Alan Gorrie (“Put It Where You Want It”), Steve Cropper/Eddie Floyd (“Love’s Sweat Sensation”) and B.B. King (“Let’s Get Down to Business”).

At the core of this great supporting cast are the bluesy, funky and powerful vocals of Annika Chambers, an extremely gifted singer with the drive and talent that stamps her as a rising star in the blues and soul world.

After an eight-year stint in the U.S. Army, which saw her rise to the rank of Sergeant and serve two deployments in Iraq and Kosovo, Chambers left the military to pursue her dream of being a singer. “This record is from my heart and soul,” said Annika about the new album, “and I will cherish it for years to come. Larry and Rich took my vision and enhanced it into something that I would have never imagined. I’ve always told people it’s one thing to believe in yourself but it’s an even greater feeling when you have others believing in you. Thank you for believing in me.”

With the release of Making My Mark, Annika Chambers stands as a shining example to others to follow their dreams and not settle for anything less.

For more information, visit www.annikachambers.com and www.montroserecords.com.