IDLA/Linus Entertainment artist: Michael Kaeshammer - Something New - New release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Something New, from Michael Kaeshammer, and recorded at historic Esplanade Studios in the heart of New Orleans' Treme district, it has a definite NO flair. Opening with Scenic Route, Kaeshammer blends a rockin pop melody with great New Orleans style and hot piano riffs for a super opener with twists and turns. Backed by George Porter Jr. on bass, and the hard work of Johnny Vidacovich on drums, this track is a super opener. Pushing the horn section (William Sperandei on trumpet, Chris Gale on sax, William Carn on trombone) forward on Do You Believe, featuring Curtis Salgado on vocal and Matt Perrine really belting out the sousaphone lines with authority over a really snappy drum rhythm. Very cool. I particularly like the vocal and piano exchange on She's Gone over Vidacovish's spot on drum work and guest Whurlitzer work by Chuck Leavell. A soulful track with great drums... very nice. Who Are You is another solid entry with a great mix of R&B and New Orleans jazz. Randy Bachman and Colin James guest with guitar on this track and his playing works nicely with Kaeshammer's mix of R&B, and jazz piano work. Very nice. Cyril Neville has the lead vocals on soulful ballad, Heaven and Earth and some of the richest vocals on the release, backed by sparkling piano by Kaeshammer. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Weimar, a solid instrumental piano ballad with flavors of multiple influences. Kaeshammer's key work is flawless and clean presenting a nice closer for a cool release. 

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Sonic Unyon Records artist: Steve Strongman - No Time Like Now - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, No Time Like Now, by Steve Strongman and he shows a lot of contemporary approaches. Opening with title track, No Time Like Now, Strongman, joined by Rob Szabo on bass and Adam Warner on drums presents a happy, dance style track with heavy tom tom work and a bubbly vocal line. Bring The Hammer Down has a solid lumbering feel with a solid blues format and traces of Billy Gibbons. I particularly like Strongman's  guitar work on this track accented by Szabo on keys.  Very cool. Another high energy, Money In The Bank, features Dave King on drums with a snappy feel and full vocal backing leading to a tight guitar solo. On BTO's You Ain't Seen Nothing Yet, Strongman changes things up a bit with a less driven cover and featuring Randy Bachman on guitar. Gospel inspired, Love, Love, Love has a great guitar riff, solid lead vocals and nice backing vocals with Alec Fraser on bass, Jesse O'Brien on keys and a cool harp feature (think refined Leon).  Funky, I'm A Man has a lot of the audible signals of a Prince track with loose jangly guitar riffs, falsetto vocals, and a slick guitar solo. Good Times is a modern blues with long suspended guitar tone, simple guitar rhythms and stripped vocals. Very nice. Wrapping the release is The Day They Carry Me Away, a simple but strong, ballad. This is the definite radio track from the release and well written. With it's somber mood, clean vocals and bluesy, gripping guitar solo this is my favorite on the release and a great 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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