Out of the Past Music artist: Steve Howell & The Mighty Men - 99 1/2 Won't Do - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, 99 1/2 Won't Do, from Steve Howell & The  Mighty Men and it's a cool, stripped down blues rocker. Opening with I'm A Little Mixed Up, Steve Howell keeps the rocking feel of the James/Johnson composition but ads his own flavor. Leading on vocal and guitar and backed by Chris Michaels on guitar, Dave Hoffpauir drums and Jason Weinheimer on bass and keys. Nina Simone's Don't Let Me Be Misunderstood is covered instrumentally, led by Howell on guitar melody. Traditional blues, God's Gonna Cut You Down, is my favorite on the release with a Hot Tuna or Gary Davis feel. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Apache made popular by The Shadows and The Ventures. With it's solitude guitar melody and reverb, it's a cool 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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Out Of The Past Music: Steve Howell - Gallery of Echoes - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Gallery of Echoes, from Steve Howell and it's a traditional look at traditional blues. Opening with Blind Lemon Jefferson's Stocking Feet Blues, with Howell on vocal and guitar. Howell's vocal style is ideal for this music and his picking style, steady and clean. On Blind Willie McTell's Statesboro Blues, only true blues aficionados are likely to have heard this highly popularized track, stripped down to this acoustic version. Very nice.  All My Friends Are Gone is a somber track and a strong addition to this release. Howell's vocals are sincere and his playing sensitive. Gary Davis', Sit Down On The Banks Of The River is one of my favorite tracks on the release with a great vocal delivery and fluid guitar work. Wrapping the release is Dallas Rag, a cool little guitar ditty giving Howell a cool closer for a solid acoustic blues 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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Out of the Past Music artists: Steve Howell, Dan Sumner & Jason Weinheimer - Long Ago - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Long Ago, from Steve Howell, Dan Sumner & Jason Weinheimer and the title aptly describes the musical journey. Opening with 20's song, Singin' The Blues, Howell on lead vocal and guitar, backed by bassist Jason Weinheimer and with the addition on lush jazz chords and runs by Dan Sumner sets the stage for this easy paced release. Jobim's Dindi has a real nice arrangement with Howell and Sumner playing guitar runs over a Bossa Nova backing. Very nice. Johnny Mercer's ballad, I Thought About You, gets a finger picked overlay by Howell giving it a bit of a country styling but the warm chords of Sumner maintains the jazz richness under Howell's understated vocals. Another jazz standard with  Bossa beat is I'll Remember April and the beauty of the melody is enhanced by the poise of Howell, Weinheimer and Sumner on this instrumental remake. Horace Silver's Song For My Father is another jazz track with a Latin rhythm and Howell's singing of the track pulls your attention more to the lyrics and away from the melody, for me giving it more personal meaning. A very nice track with especially nice guitar work. Wrapping the release is Dave Frishberg's pop track, Z's and the band's lighthearted cover. 

  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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Out of the Past Music artist: Katy Hobgood Ray featuring Dave Ray - I Dream of Water - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, I Dream of Water, from Katy Hobgood Ray featuring Dave Ray and it's a interesting set of blues and country blended tracks. Opening with Lollie Bottoms, a simple, pop country style track singer songwriter, Katy Hobgood Ray conjures up the feeling of the early days of country rock and the likes of Bobbie Gentry and her story telling songs. Supported by Chuck Dodson on piano, Dave Hoffpauir on drums, Jason Weinheimer on bass and Greg Spradlin on guitars a solid opener. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Washed Away with it's strong, gospel style melody and warm vocal backing by Dave Ray, and Vikki McGee and the addition of nicely complimenting guitar work by Spradlin and the key organ and piano work of Dodson. With a Latin beat, House Divided features Dave Ray on lead vocal, blended nicely with Katy and clean piano lines by Dodson. Very nice. My favorite vocals by Katy on the release are in the lead of Dirty Water with it's spiritual feel and complimented by choir like backing vocals, organ and piano. Shuffle track, That Really Matters has a real nice feel with Dave upfront blending with Katy on vocal and bouncy piano work by Dodson. Wrapping the release is light pop track, Kings, Queens and Jesters with a sweet melody... vocal and piano with only a light bottom. A very nice closer for a solid 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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Out Of The Past Music artist: Doug Duffey and BADD - Play The Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Play The Blues, by Doug Duffey and BADD and it's straight up with a twist. Opening with shuffle track, The Things That We Used To Do, Doug Duffey takes the basic original blues premise and bends it. With basic piano, bass and drum accompaniment, holds a solid shuffle beat under solid vocal but then in walks Dan Sumner on lead guitar and plays outside of the routine shuffle beat. Pretty cool matrix with cool backing vocals. On Evil, a mod funky blues track, soulful vocals command the spotlight but you can hardly miss the introduction of rhythm guitar riffs that fall more into the pop/punk genre. A fat bluesy guitar solo by Sumner and it's contagious beat makes this one of my favorites on the release. Blues based rocker, Drink It On Down, is another of my favorites with  distinct Keith Richards dirty rock feel. A springy, piano rocker, You Got That Somethin', has a most commercial feel with it's simple bluesy melody and nicely blended vocals. Wrapping the release is A Memory Left To Lose, a soulful ballad that leaves you wanting more. Duffey's vocal and a particularly nice guitar solo by Sumner gives this release a solid sendoff. 

  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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Out Of The Past Music artist: Steve Howell & The Mighty Men - Good As I Been To You - New release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Good As I Been To You, from Steve Howell & The Mighty Men featuring Katy Hobgood Ray and it's freshly familiar. Opening with 50's blues rocker, Bacon Fat, Howell leads on vocal and guitar with Chris Michaels on guitar, Dave Hoffpauir on drums, and Jason Weinheimer on bass and setting a strong groove. On Memphis Minnie's New Dirty Dozen, Katy Hobgood Ray takes the mic and her vocals blend nicely with the throaty guitar work of Howell. Walter Davis' Come Back Baby has a smooth approach, along the lines of Eric Clapton and Howell's vocals are perfect with just the touch of guitar. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Blues In The Bottle with it's ideal symmetry. Howell's vocals are smooth and the backing guitar, bass and drums are spot on. A lightly salted guitar solo by Howell tops off the track nicely. Wrapping the release is Blind Blakes You Gonna Quit Me played in easy shuffle style. Howell sounds as relaxed as a bluesman gets and his guitar work, paired with Michaels' really matches the pace nicely. A cool contemporary blues 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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Out of the Past Music artists: Steve Howell & Jason Weinheimer - A Hundred Years From Today - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, A Hundred Years From Today, by Steve Howell & Jason Weinheimer, and it's quiet and soothing. Opening with Fats Waller's Lulu's back In Town, Howell shows his clean acoustic finger work and holds down lead vocal while Weinheimer is on bass. Rag style Kansas City Blues has smooth flow and nice tempo. Lightning Hopkins' Going Back To Florida is somber and bluesy with solid vocal emphasis staid guitar accompaniment. Mississippi John Hurt's Louis Collins has super tempo and tight guitar riffs. Blues standard, Basin Street Blues, has an easy pace and nicely articulated guitar lead. Limehouse Blues / After You're Gone has a 20's sound with springy pace and light vocals. Wrapping the release is Hoagy Carmichael's Rocking Chair with a light jazzy sound. Nicely presented chords and lightly peppered fingering by both men make this a cool closer for this 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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Out Of The Past Music - Steve Howell & The Mighty Men - Friend Like Me - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Friend Like Me, from Steve Howell & The Mighty Men and it's got style! Opening with Baby Face Thomas' Another Friend Like Me with it's boogie woogie rhythm line. Howell on vocal and guitar leads the way with Chris Michaels on electric guitar, Dave Hoffpauir on drums and Jason Weinheimer on bass. The walking bass line of Jason and fluid guitar lines of Chris make for an interesting trip. Bukka White's Aberdeen, Mississippi Blues is up next with a snappy country flare. I really like the loose guitar soloing technique on this track giving it a raw flavor. Charley Patton's Elder Green Is Gone has a cool R&B flavor with raw country guitar riffs. This music has an unusual JJ Cale kind of vibe...laid back but pointed. Very cool! Reverend Gary Davis' Oh, Lord, Search My Soul has a casual shuffle feel. With a droning guitar rhythm and easy set lyrics the track lulls you back. Little Sadie is one of my favorite tracks on the release with it's traditional western (cowboy) feel. Josh Thomas' Roustabout has a primitive sound played on gut-string gourd banjo with sonic electric guitar backing. This track maintains a simple blues base with experimental echo electric guitar work. I really like the pairing! Nelson Harmon's This Old Hammer is the most commercial track so far with melodic electric guitar work over finger picked acoustic work. Very clean. Noah Lewis' Viola Lee Blues comes from Gus Cannon's Jug Stompers but was a popular jam by the Grateful Dead. This track has an almost Creedence Clearwater guitar feel (think Suzie Q)with it's fat sound. I really like this track! John Phillips' Me and My Uncle has been done by may of the 70's bands including Phillips' own Mamas and Papas, Joni Mitchell and the Dead. Again with a cowboy western feel, this track has a simple beauty. Elongated guitar work on this track is also to be noted with the looseness of Neil Young. Wrapping the release is Mark Barkan's Pretty Flamingo, a hit by Manfred Mann and covered by Gene Pitney and the Everly Brothers. This track has a very strong melody and a certain solid closer for a unique 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”

 

Out Of The Past Music artist: Steve Howell & The Mighty Men - Yes, I Believe I Will - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Yes, I Believe I Will from Steve Howell and it is really hauntingly good. The release opens with I Had A Notion, a simple acoustic country rocker not unlike contemporary Eric Clapton on JJ Cale tracks. Walk On Boy is a cool track written by Mel Tillis and long covered by Doc Watson having a distinctive Hot Tuna/ Gary Davis sound. Very cool. Keep Your Lamps Trimmed And Burning has long been one of my favorite acoustic blues with spiritual overtones. I was first introduced to this track on the first Hot Tuna release and it has always stuck with me. Howell, who plays most of the acoustic guitar on this release is joined by Chris Michaels on electric guitar on this track and he adds some really cool riffs that are almost unworldly in tone. Love it! Another real eerie sounding track, Country Blues originally written by Dock Boggs is performed here with a lot of authenticity and feeling. There is a real humble but warm feel conveyed by this type of track that makes it hard not to like. Again the acoustic work by Howell is complimented by Michaels and Dave Hoffpauir on drums. Willie Brown's Future Blues is up next with a contemporary beat. Wasted Mind, a Danny Barnes penned track, deserves more exposure. It's a great track with great lyrics and a great melody. This is a track that may not see the airwaves... but it should. The liner notes comment "A mind is a terrible thing to waste as any age"... I like to quote my sarcastic friend Sandy Peterson... A mind is a terrible thing.... :) A pop ballad has crept in here and after now listening to it a few times, it has grown on me. It is Mr Blue written by DeWayne Blackwell of the Fleetwoods in the 50's. Devil's Side has a nice simple blues feel with nice electric guitar accents. This band, though not very polished (a good thing) manages to take just the right note and place it in just the right location to tweak the sound. I really like it! Catch the simple understated guitar work on this track... really nice! You will hear traces throughout this release that sound like the Dead or Hot Tuna but not more than on this track, I Know You Rider, which has been covered by both bands as well as other notables. Rake and Rambling Blade has a very pure sound like those folk tunes left us by our founding fathers and the simple country folk tunes. It is a beautiful melody and nicely executed. If you like simple mostly acoustic country blues and traditional folk music... this is a nice 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”

This track is not on the release but respective of Howell's work.