Gulf Coast Records artist: Mike Zito - Resurrection - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (July 16, 2021), Resurrection, from Mike Zito, and it's a cool blues rocker with a lot of snap. Opening with JJ Cale's, I'll Make Love To You, Zito works this blues rocker with real radio appeal. His slide work and vocals are solid, backed by Zach Zito on vocal and guitar, Matthew Johnson on drums, Doug Byrkit on bass, Lewis Stephens on keys, Eric Demmer on sax and Fernando Castillo on trumpet. Lain back, country flavored, In My Blood is a real nice track with sparkling guitar riffs and solid lead vocal, backed nicely by Lisa Leuschner Andersen. A rework of Clapton's Presence of the Lord works nicely with this set and Zito's vocals work nicely with his Clapton like guitar riffs, expanded to his own, more wide open jamming style giving the track more bite. Very nice. Blues ballad, Damned If I Do, has strong radio appeal with Zito showing both soulful vocals and nicely phrased guitr phrasing. Very nice.  Running Man has a country two step feel but Zito steps up with some real nice guitar riffs giving this track a real kick. Another track with some solid guitar work is Willie Dixon's Evil, with an understated funky beat. Possibly my favorite track on the realease, shows creative interpretation with a super bass line and real zip on lead guitar. Wrapping the release is title track, Resurrection, with it's anthem like construction, R&B roots and Zito's lead vocal, nicely balanced with his melodic lead guitar soloing, this is a super closer. 

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Tom Letizia Records artist: Gaetano Letizia & The Underworld Blues Band - Ressurection - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Resurrection, from Gaetano Letizia & The Underworld Blues Band and it's quite interesting. Opening with title track, Resurrection, Gaetano Letizia shows you right up front that you are in for something special. Gaetano, who plays guitar and sings, is joined by Larry Keller on bass, Steve Renko on drums, Bill Ransom on percussion, Bob Esterle on sax, Mike Fisher on trumpet, Tim Keehn on trombone and Robin Stratton on vocal. A dynamic guitar intro unfolds into a jazzy, laid back shuffle with Letizia twisting the blues on his guitar as only he can do. Very nice. Old Guitar Player has a really nice drum line compliments Renko and Keller's bass work sets the tempo. Letizia's vocals are straightforward and his guitar playing fleet and stylistic. Very nice! Latin infused, Hot and Cold Woman, really moves and with Mike Fisher popping up the top on trumpet. Letizia's vocals are crisp and his rhythm guitar tight. His soloing on this track is slick and meaty. Keller and Renko set a solid bottom on Standing By The Door and Letizia injects a jazzy funk. Sit back and watch the sparks fly as this guy runs his solo lines and breathe easy listening to how nicely paired Keller and Renko are as they get wound up. On Nothin To Me, has a smoky feel with a heavy bottom and cool riffs. Mr. Bad Luck is a hot slow blues number with really nice guitar runs and blues phrasing, backed by Esterle, Keehn and Fisher. Very nice! Another track with a dash of Latin, Sylvester Loved The Ladies, features Ransom and Keller under Letizia's vocals. Esterle and Fisher cruise along nicely adding nice warmth and Letizia's Spanish style guitar riffs are well articulated. Heaven Or Hell had a funky feel with nice lines from Keller and Letizia's lead vocals nicely backed by Stratton. His guitar work is quick and interesting. Wrapping the release is Ascension, a rockin shuffle with ripping guitar lead, broken by nice jazz chords. This release shows several diverse influences fused into one power packed release. Check it out. It's way cool.




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Ross Neilsen Band - Resurrection - New Release Review

I just received a copy of the Resurrection, the newest release (available May 21, 2013) from Ross Neilsen and it's quite interesting. Neilsen has put together 10 original tracks traveling in many directions but remaining on a constant path. Opening with raw blues rocker, When My Trouble's Gone, Neilsen has a distinctively British sound on a well constructed track. Interesting processed guitar solos add interest to this cleverly written track. Walk On By opens with heavily over driven guitar and and a rockin boogie beat. Grinding away on the frets, Neilsen brings to mind earlier Texas guitar heroes. Nice track. Daddy Taught Me, a track putting me in mind of Wishbone Ash with it's guitar leads is more of an anthem blues rock track. Crossing over to more of a country pop sound with Ain't Like That, Neilsen puts out a track that is likely to be popular on the airwaves. Heartbreak Apart stays with the country path but a bit rockier and Jerry Garcia like melodic guitar riffs. Devil's Wife has a bit of a new twist on a grunge like track and with multiple paired leads. Interesting. Need You More is an upbeat rocker sounding a bit like Meatloaf. Another track that should find airplay somewhat easily with solid melody and hook. The release closes with Juanita, a moody almost Neil Youngish sound. This is my favorite track on the release featuring cool chunky guitar riffs and a straightforward attack. Neilsen covers a lot of ground here but puts together a cohesive pleasing set. The band includes Karl Gans on drums and Jim Guitar on bass. Also featured on the recording are Anders Osborne, Warren Riker and Justin Tocket.

  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 favorite band!