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. 

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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”