Nola Blue Records artist: Trudy Lynn - Golden Girl - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Golden Girl, from Trudy Lynn and I really like it. Opening with Tell Me and it's cool rhythm, Trudy Lynn really hits the road running lending no clues that she's reached that golden 75 mile marker. With the tasty guitar soloing of Yates McKendree, backing vocals of Teresa James, Brannen Temple on drums, Kevin McKendree on drums and Terry Wilson on bass this is a solid opener. Heavy footed If Your Phone Don't Ring, will have you slinking around in your seat and Lynn's vocals are really strong. Adding to the mix is Steve Krase on harmonica and real nice slide work by Yates. Boogie track, Trouble With Love is a grate addition featuring Anson Funderburgh on guitar, Krase on harmonica and strong low vocal backing by Wilson. Super. Funky, R&B style blues, Live With Yourself plays really well in Lynn's vocal wheelhouse and she drains every drop of soul out of this track. With horn backing by Darrell Leonard and some really nice guitar work by Yates, this may be my favorite track on the release. Low slung, I Just Can't Say Goodbye is another terrific track with not only strong vocals by Lynn but great solo style by Funderburgh. Very nice. Wrapping the release is straight up blues ballad, Life Goes On with excellent guitar work by Funderburgh and particularly warm organ work by Kevin. This is a strong closer and my favorite Lynn release in years. A must check out! 

  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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Cheyenne James - Burn It Up - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release (October 30, 2019), Burn It Up, by Cheyenne James and she's a vocal powerhouse. Opening with classic blues track, Grits Ain't Groceries, James establishes a firm footing and pounds it out, backed by Rock Romano on bass, Dave Carter on guitar, Randy Wall on keys, and Jim Brady on drums. In Chicago, Muddy Waters style James rolls into Gypsy Mama with great energy and featuring Steve Krase on harp. I Didn't Know has a bit of two step country flavor with Krase on harp and with Eric Demmer on sax and Lamar Boulet on Trumpet and Flugelhorn. Wall's keyboard work stands tall on this track highlighting James' vocals. On Latin rhythmed track, Lay Me Down, Mark May adds some real nice guitar riffs, paired with Wall's piano work and Krase on harmonica making it one of my favorites on the release. Pouring on the soul, a cover of Ashford and Simpson's Let's Go Get Stoned has great presence. I think it is James' most essential vocal work on the release with full horns by Demmer and Boulet and clean riffs by Carter. Very nice. Van Morrison's ballad, Steal My Heart Away, has a real nice feel with slide work by Carter and solid vocals by James and a warm organ blanket making this the most likely radio track on the release. Wrapping the release is Willie Dixon's, You Know You Love Me Baby and it's cool walking bass line by Romano. This track just clicks with great bari sax work by Demmer on the bottom, great vocals by James and harmonica by Krase in the middle and guitar riffs by Carter and Boulet on trumpet on the top. Super 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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Conner Ray Music - Dry Johnson - Long Live Them Blues Vol. 1 - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Long Live Them Blues Vol. 1, from Houston based duo, Dry Johnson and I really like it. Opening with lumbering blues rumbler, Daddy's Got A Cadillac, features favorites Annika Chambers and Mike Zito on vocals with Zito and Terry Dry on guitars and Matthew Robert Johnson on drums. Cool opener. On title track, Long Live Them Blues, Trudy Lynn's distinct lead vocals are coupled with Steve Krase on harp and Mighty Orq on guitar for a grinding groove. John Del Toro Richardson has the lead on guitar and vocal on Hit That Highway, a real nice blues shuffle. Two stepper, Drunk Girl With A Tambourine has kevin Snit Fitzpatrick on lead vocal and the Mighty Orq on guitar. This is really a strong track with kick. Juke Joint is a slick shuffle with a Bob Wills feel. Featuring Dry on lead vocal and Mighty Orq and James Wilhite on guitar this track is a great swinger. A track with a lot of texture is I Walk Alone featuring the gritty vocals of Wilhite and opposing shimmering guitar vibrato. Very cool. With a bluesy funk, Trashy Women & Cheap Guitars is another great track with Dry on lead vocal and drums and sweet guitar riffs by Zito. Definitely one of my release favorites. Fried Chicken is a super cool instrumental featuring Zito on lead guitar. Get funky my brother. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Little Bird featuring Terry Dry on vocal and acoustic guitar  with a strong folk track. I got to say, this release has a lot of sounds but it's all super. This is a great Christmas idea, and get one for yourself.

  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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Conner Ray Music artist: Steve Krase - Just Waitin' - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Just Waitin', from Steve Krase Band and it's strong. Opening with Hank Williams' Settin' The Woods On Fire Steve Krase on lead vocal and harp gets this country flavored boogie rockin'. Backed by David Carter on guitar, and Tamara Williams on drums, a super opener. I Don't Mind has an up tempo "Bo Diddley" beat and with flaring tom tom work by Williams an excellent floor for some hot riffs by Krase. Kenan Ozdemir joins with lead guitar on Just Waitin' On My Brand New Baby, a cool Chicago style shuffle matching super harp and guitar leads behind solid vocals. Very nice. One of my favorites on the release is a Zydeco take on The Ballad of Jed Clampett. With Brian Jack on accordion, Mike Vee on rubboard and James Gilmer on percussion added to Krase's vocal and harp and the tight rhythms of Williams, this is super. Slow blues, Nobody Loves Me exhibits some of Krase's best vocals on the release, complimented nicely by Carter's rich guitar lead and Krase's own harp work. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Howlin' Wolf's My Baby Walked Off with it's classic Chicago styling. With strong soloing by Carter and Krase, this is a strong closer for a very enjoyable 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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Singer Trudy Lynn Declares "Blues Keep Knockin'" on Her New Connor Ray Music CD, Coming July 27

Singer Trudy Lynn Declares Blues Keep Knockin’ on Her New Connor Ray Music CD, Coming July 27

New Album Features Special Guests Steve Krase,

Bob Lanza and Carolyn Wonderland

HOUSTON, TX – Six-time Blues Music Award nominee Trudy Lynn will release her new CD, Blues Keep Knockin’ from Connor Ray Music on July 27.  Backing Trudy’s vocals on the new disc are musicians Steve Krase – harmonica; David Carter – guitar; Terry Dry – bass; Matt Johnson – drums; Jim Brady – trumpet; and Dan Carpenter – sax; with special guests Bob Lanza and Carolyn Wonderland on guitar.

Trudy was recently honored with three nominations for the Living Blues Magazine Awards, with voting currently underway at the magazine’s website: www.livingblues.com.

“I want to thank all my blues fans new and old, or should I say ‘mature,’ for being with me through my journey with the blues, both near and far,” Trudy says in the album liner notes. “My name is Trudy Lynn and I sing the blues for you, some old some new and some borrowed too. I love singing the blues! The blues knocks on my door, on my window and my heart. I must sing and I sing only what I feel and I sing to make you feel exactly what I feel!”

Blues Keep Knockin’ features ten soul-drenched songs dripping with blues and R&B. In addition to a new original song written by Trudy (the album’s title track), she puts her own stamp on   covers of songs from Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Big Maybelle, Big Bill Broonzy and Jimmy Rogers, among others.

“I am so grateful to all the musicians who contributed their talent to this recording,” says Trudy, “with very special heartfelt thanks to producer Rock ‘Papa’ Romano for all the time and effort he dedicated to this CD. (Can’t nobody call him ‘Papa’ but me!!)

“I also would like to give a special thanks to my ‘daughter’ … as I call her, Miss Carolyn Wonderland, who graciously added her talents to this recording. I can recall when she was just starting her blues career; she has blossomed into a force to be reckoned with. Our friend Jerry Lightfoot is smiling down on you. Love you baby girl!”

Blues Keep Knockin’ is Trudy Lynn’s 13^th solo album and her fourth release on the Connor Ray Music label, following up on I’ll Sing the Blues for You (2016), which garnered a Blues Music Award nomination for “Soul Blues Female Artist.” That was preceded by 2014’s Royal Oaks Blues Café, which hit #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart; and 2015’s Everything Comes with A Price, which spent four months on the Living Blues Radio Chart. Trudy was also inducted into the Houston Music Hall of Fame in 2015.

Trudy Lynn was born Lee Audrey Nelms in Houston’s Fifth Ward, where she began singing as a teenager. After high school, Lynn went to visit her aunt in Lufkin, where a club called the Cinderella needed a singer. She decided Lee Audrey Nelms wasn't going to cut it as a stage name. The club had a bunch of cartoon character names painted on the wall and she noticed “Trudy,” which she quickly paired with Lynn. “Lynn was something in those days,” she recalls. “Gloria Lynne, Barbara Lynn. I thought, ‘I’m going to be one of those Lynns, too, baby.’”

Prior to striking out on her own, Trudy was the vocalist for such Texas greats as I.J. Gosey and Clarence Green, where Trudy spent five years as the vocalist for his band. Green was a stern mentor, but Lynn credits him with helping her become a professional. “He molded me well,” she says. “He's still in me because of what he taught me. It takes that.” After leaving Green’s band, Lynn began performing on her own. For years she struggled to get recorded in a manner deserving of her talent, until 1989 when Trudy signed with John Abbey’s famed Ichiban label and provided the opportunity for her to tour the world and perform at the most prestigious festivals, including Lucerne and the Chicago Blues Festival. While at Ichiban, producers had a strong hand in directing her recordings. Since joining forces with harmonica wizard Steve Krase and the Connor Ray Music label in 2014, Lynn has played curator for herself. She has been writing original songs that blend nicely with the vintage material. The songs are mostly about good times and bad men. “Each one of these songs means something to me,” she states. “I truly understand something about each one of them.”

Harmonica Ace Steve Krase Expands His Blues Roots on New CD, "Just Waitin'", Coming June 15 from Connor Ray Music

Harmonica Ace Steve Krase Expands His Blues Roots on New CD, Just Waitin’, Coming June 15 from Connor Ray Music

HOUSTON, TX – World-class harmonica player Steve Krase expands his blues music into new territory on his fourth CD, Just Waitin’, coming June 15 on Connor Ray Music. Produced by Rock Romano (who also played bass and sang backing vocals), Just Waitin’ features Steve Krase (vocals and harmonica), backed by a solid cast of additional notables, including David Carter (guitars and backing vocals); Tamara Williams (drums, percussion and backing vocals); James Gilmer (percussion); Brian Jack (accordion); Mike Vee (rubboard); and Kenan Ozdemir (lead guitar).

Steve Krase will celebrate the new album with a special CD pre-release show at Houston’s famed Big Easy Club on Friday, May 18th (5731 Kirby Dr., Houston), where he’ll be joined by several special guests including the legendary singer Trudy Lynn, plus James Gilmer on percussion and Brian Jack on accordion. “I’m so pleased to be showcasing our new CD at one of the finest Blues Clubs in the world, Houston's Big Easy,” says Krase. “This is a new band, a new sound, and I'm excited to roll it out.”

Just Waitin’ spends much time within the blues world, with songs from Howlin’ Wolf and Big Walter Price, among others; but also traverses beyond that into roots and Americana styles, with a song on the new disc from Hank Williams (“Settin’ the Woods on Fire”) and even a Zydeco –flavored take on the theme from the “Beverly Hillbillies” TV show (“The Ballad of Jed Clampett”).

In the liner notes for Just Waitin’, Krase sends a big shout out to all the musicians, production personnel and fans for their work and support. “Thanks to all the great musicians that I am lucky enough to have in my corner,” he says, “especially to my band: David Carter, Tamara Williams and most notably to Rock Romano, who pulled triple duty as bassist, producer and sound engineer on this recording, in addition to penning three of the songs. Special thanks also to Trudy Lynn, who continues to amaze me with her talent and from whom I continue to learn. Very special thanks to the clubs that continue to support live music and KPFT Houston radio for all of their support  Finally, I want to thank all of the people that contributed money to assist the Houston Blues musicians in need after Hurricane Harvey.”

Said producer/bassist Rock Romano about the recording sessions: “Steve really delivered on this CD; great song selections delivered with dynamic heart-felt vocals along with his unique and powerful harmonica style.” And special guest James Gilmer, longtime percussionist for Lyle Lovett, added, “I love this project! It’s like Magic Dick and Peter Wolf meet Howlin’ Wolf and Little Walter!”

Just Waitin’ Track Listing

1)  Settin' the Woods on Fire  

2)  I Don't Mind     

3)  Just Waitin' on My Brand New Baby

4)  Irene Irene   

5)  The Ballad of Jed Clampett  

6)  All in the Mood  

7)  Dirty Dirty  

8)  Blame It All On Love 

9)  Nobody Loves Me 

10) My Baby Walked Off  

Connor Ray Music artist: Ally Venable - Puppet Show - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Puppet Show, from Ally Venable and it's quite good. Opening with Devil's Son, a powerful blues rocker, Venable leads on guitar and vocal, backed by Elijah Owings on drums and Bobby Wallace on bass. Gary Hoey adds some voracious guitar riffs on this track giving it a smoking hot edge. Very nice. Steve Krase joins on traditional delta style, Blackwater Blues, with a stripped down opening and then opening up to a full tilt blues rocker showcasing some of Venable's best riffs on the release. One of my favorite tracks on the release is a cover of Taj Mahal's, He Caught The Katy, with it's super bass line and solid vocal and guitar work by Venable. Excellent! With the swagger of Lynyrd Skynyrd, title track, Puppet Show is a solid rocker with really nice guitar riffs by Venable and warm keys by Eric Steckel. Another of my favorites on the release is slow blues, Comfort In My Sorrows with it's big time San Francisco blues styling and crisp, fluid guitar soloing by Venable. Very very nice! Jazz rocker, Survive, has exceptional bass lines with driving drums and full organ. Venable leads throughout with proud guitar work continuing to confirm her arrival as a serious guitar rocker. Wrapping the release is Sleeping Through The Storm, a straight ahead rocker with a driving boogie beat and heavy bottom. With slashing riffs and stiff, in your face drumming, this is an excellent 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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Conner Ray Music artist: Steve Krase - Should've Seen It Coming - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Should've Seen It Coming, from Steve Krase and it has great swagger. Opening with Brand New Thang, I'm immediately struck by the stinging guitar work of Mark May backed by Rick Roman on bass, Richard Chokakian on drums and of course the fine vocal and harp work of Steve Krase. On Willie Dixon's  Latin influenced Crazy For My Baby, Krase sits in the groove with James Gilmer on percussion. Very nice. On slow blues number, Let The Four Winds Blow, David Carter lays down a nice guitar lead and Krase plays up the appeal today to zombies in Fat's Dominos classic track. Randy Wall takes a real nice piano solo on this one giving the track a nice sparkle. Title track, Should've Seen It Coming has a cool , voodoo kind of groove with a great bass line by Roman. Again Wall stretches his hands nicely on piano and Carter does some fine fret work, complimenting Krase on lead vocal and harp. With it's light Latin beat, Krase really showcases his harp work on Travellin' Mood. On shuffle track, Make You Love Me Baby, Krase shows his best vocals with cool solos by Carter and Wall. Rich sax work by Alisha Patrillo and the funky beat work of Gillmore gives a great musical envelope for Krase's comical story. Gospel like feel sets a nice table for Krase's harp soloing on Way Back Home, a classic Crusaders tune. Carter absolutely rips a solo on this one providing super contrast to the quiet nature of the basic track. Very cool. Super sax work on bonus track, Should've Seen It Coming Explicit, provides a great opener for an almost 8 minute jam by this talented band. Super closer for a really strong 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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Trudy Lynn and Steve Krase Set Euro Tour Dates in May and June

Trudy Lynn and Steve Krase Set Euro Tour Dates in May and June

HOUSTON, TX – Connor Ray Music artists Trudy Lynn and Steve Krase announce a series of European dates that will take the blues singer and harmonica player to Germany, France, Spain and Norway on a two-week tour during May and June. Lynn and Krase will perform at a combination of outdoor festivals, concert halls and showcase venues that will give blues fans a chance to hear the two artists up close and personal. They’ll be  performing songs from Lynn’s current CD, I’ll Sing the Blues for You, which helped garner her a Blues Music Award nomination for Best Traditional Blues Female Performer (aka the Koko Taylor Award) as well as  Krase’s new album, Should’ve Seen It Coming, which is set for release on April 21. Both artists make special guest appearances on each other’s new albums.

"I’m looking forward to bringing my new music to all my fans over there,” exclaims Trudy Lynn about the upcoming shows. Adds Steve Krase: “Excited to give the European fans a taste of Houston Blues! Watch out!"

On I’ll Sing the Blues for You, Trudy Lynn showcases 10 tracks dripping with blues, soul and R&B, and includes her unique takes on songs from Big Mama Thornton, Lowell Fulsom, Memphis Minnie and Johnny Copeland, among others, as well as the funky original, “Thru Chasin’ You.  It is Trudy’s 12^th solo album and her third release on the Connor Ray Music label, following up on 2014’s Royal Oaks Blues Café, which hit #1 on the Billboard Blues Chart; and 2015’s Everything Comes with A Price, which spent four months on the Living Blues Radio Chart. Trudy is a six-time Blues Music Award nominee and was inducted into the Houston Music Hall of Fame in 2015.

Blues harmonica ace Steve Krase lays it all out on his new album, Should’ve Seen It Coming, which also includes special guest appearances from guitarists Mark May and Bob Lanza. Krase is well-known as the harmonica player behind Trudy Lynn’s three incredible blues albums on Connor Ray Music. To those in the know, Krase is a powerhouse in his own right as a performer, whose high energy shows are legendary around the Houston scene. Krase has been recognized in multiple categories over the years by the esteemed Houston Press Music Awards in several categories, and most recently -and perhaps most suitably - in 2016 as “Best Player.” Steve was also a semi-finalist at the recent 2017 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

Trudy Lynn – Steve Krase 2017 European Tour Dates

May 18                                 Eutin, Germany                                                BluesFest

May 19                 Le Thor, France                                                                 Sonograf

May 20                 Tournon D’ Agenais, France                                        Blues Station

May 23                 Lleida, Spain                                                                       Café Del Teatre

May 24                 Valencia, Spain                                                                  16 Toneladas

May 25                 Zaragoza, Spain                                                                 Las Armas

May 26                 Santiago, Spain                                                                 Outdoor Event

May 27                 Pilona, Spain                                                                      AMC Pepe Bocanegra

May 28                 Santander, Spain                                                              Summum

May 29                 Seville, Spain                                                                      Sala X

May 30                 Estepona, Spain                                                                Louie Louie

May 31                 Bejar, Spain                                                                        La Alquitara

June 1                   Madrid, Spain                                                                    Clamores

June 3                   Heringsvaer, Norway                                                     Codstock Festival

Trudy Lynn photo credit: Ron Fontenot; Steve Krase photo credit: June Juarez

www.connorraymusic.com                                                         

Blues Harmonica Ace Steve Krase Sets April 21 Release Date for New CD, "Should've Seen It Coming," on Connor Ray Music

Blues Harmonica Ace Steve Krase Sets April 21 Release Date for New CD, Should’ve Seen It Coming, on Connor Ray Music

HOUSTON, TEXAS – Blues harmonica ace Steve Krase announces an April 21 release date for his latest album on Connor Ray Music, Should’ve Seen It Coming, which includes special guest appearances from label mates Trudy Lynn, Mark May and Bob Lanza. Krase will celebrate with several Houston CD release shows, including Friday, March 24 at The Big Easy Social & Pleasure Club (www.thebigeasyblues.com) and Saturday, March 25 at Martini’s Blu Café (www.martiniblu1.com). Steve will also perform at the “Houston Has Hart” show on Sunday, March 26 (4-8 PM), at Rockefeller’s, a benefit for the Blues Foundation’s Hart Fund that provides health services and more for blues musicians nationwide. Several other Houston area blues artists will perform as well, along with special guests and a silent auction.

Steve Krase is well-known as the harmonica player behind Trudy Lynn’s three incredible blues albums on Connor Ray Music. To those in the know, Krase is a powerhouse in his own right as a performer, whose high energy shows are legendary around the Houston scene. Krase has been recognized in multiple categories over the years by the esteemed Houston Press Music Awards in several categories, and most recently -and perhaps most suitably - in 2016 as “Best Player.” Steve was also a semi-finalist at the recent 2017 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.

Should’ve Seen It Coming is Krase’s 4^th for Connor Ray Music and follows his acclaimed 2014 release, Buckle Up. It includes five original tunes by Steve and his cohorts, including his brother David, bassist and co-producer Rock Romano and the late Jerry Lightfoot, who was an early mentor to Steve. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Krase spent 10 years with Lightfoot’s “Essential Band” providing harmonica on three of Lightfoot’s releases.

“As always I try to make a fun record that people want to turn up loud at a party or crank it on the car radio on a long road trip,” Krase says. “I was honored to be able to include great Connor Ray Music artists Trudy Lynn, Mark May and Bob Lanza on this CD.”

Among the unique covers on Should’ve Seen It Coming are Steve’s takes on music from Willie Dixon “(Crazy for My Baby”), Fats Domino (“Let the Four Winds Blow”), and Clarence “Frogman” Henry (“Troubles, Troubles”).

“The majority of this CD was recorded live over two nights at the Red Shack in Houston,” states Krase. “I was lucky enough to be able to include a couple of my Connor Ray Music label mates on this release, Trudy Lynn, Mark May and Bob Lanza.” \

Steve Krase expands on the song list for Should’ve Seen It Coming: “ ‘Brand New Thang’ is a groovy song written by ‘Dr. Rockit’ Rock Romano that Mark May just owns on guitar! On ‘Crazy for my Baby,’ we loved Charlie Musselwhite’s interpretation and decided to add elements of the Little Walter and Willie Dixon versions to it. For ‘Let the Four Winds Blow’ - I’ve always loved Fats Domino, it was a just matter of deciding which song. ‘The World’s Still in a Tangle’ is a takeoff of the Jimmie Rogers original – the message being turn off the news!!  ‘Shot of Rhythm and Blues’ is a Rock Romano favorite that I was lucky enough to catch Bob Lanza while he was in town to add the killer guitar leads. Wee Willie Waynes’ ‘Travelin’ Mood’ is an oldie but goodie. ‘Troubles Troubles’ is a great tune by Clarence ‘Frogman’ Henry that Randy and I just rock out on. ‘Make You Love Me Baby’ was a staple of Jerry Lightfoot’s live performances, ‘Foots’ taught me everything I know about this music and I try to pay tribute when I can, including here, which is also a nod to another inspiration, the late James Cotton.  The Junior Parker version of ‘Way Back Home’ was introduced to me by my dear fiend Trudy Lynn, who sings background vocals on three of the album’s tracks. She wanted me to play something mellow... sorry, Trudy! ’Should’ve Seen It Coming’ and ‘Repo Man’ are another couple of songs from my brother David representing fictional crazy characters. I like to think of ‘Repo Man’ as a blues song for 2017, as ‘Back Door Man’ is no longer the biggest badass on the block! The two bonus tracks included on the disc are explicit versions of the title track and ‘Repo Man’.”

“Steve Krase’s music is no holds barred and his songs are meant to be listened to loud.” – Blues Blast Magazine

“Turn it Up!” – Steve Krase

Conner Ray Music artist: Trudy Lynn - I'll Sing The Blues For You - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, I'll Sing The Blues For You, from Trudy Lynn and she doesn't miss a beat. Opening with rockin' blues shuffle, Alright Baby, Lynn is joined by Steve Krase on harp, David Carter on guitar, Terry Dry on bass, Randy Wall on keys, and Matt Johnson on drums. A cool jam, Lynn leads the way and Krase is really jammin'. On Lowell Fulsom's Black Night, Carter steps up with a cool guitar solo, nicely framing Lynn's featured vocals. With a cool bass line by Dry, Thru Chasin' You, has a funky bottom and cool instrumentation. Shuffle, Honky Tonk Song, has a real nice groove with lead harp work by Krase and tight key work by Wall. Memphis Minnie's World Of Trouble is up next and the definite standout track on the release. Lynn's vocals are deep and sultry bathed in blues. Ramblin' Blues is a easy driving blues along the lines of Key to The Highway. Lynn lays it out there capped nicely by Krase's harp work. On Latin flavored, Still My Angel Child, Johnson and Wall really make it happen with excellent percussive work. Wall's featured work and crisp guitar riffs by Carter are definite standouts. Blues rocker, If It's News To You, has a great feel and Lynn and Carter deliver. Wrapping the release is Johnny Copeland's Down On Bended Knee. With a deep sense of feeling, Lynn and Carter lay it out for a super closer to 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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Conner Ray Music artist: The Bob Lanza Blues Band - Time To Let Go - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Time To Let Go, from the Bob Lanza Blues Band and it's rockin'. Opening with boogie woogie track, Mind Your Own Business, Lanza leads the way on vocal and guitar but not without heavy support from Randy Wall on piano, The Cranberry Lake Horns and Vin Mott on drums. Excellent! On title track, Time To Let Go, Lanza leads an easy, jazzy track with light fingered guitar riffs and a bluesy twist. With supple vocals and cool horn backing this track is just right. Snappy drumming by Mott on When The Sun Comes Up gives it a cool spring and snappy bottom for super guitar riffs by Lanza. Slower blues number, Your Turn To Cry, sets a nice groove with Lanza punctuating his vocal with stinging guitar riffs. Very cool! Rush'n The Blues is a low slung blues instrumental and Lanza pulls out the stops. Riding along on a nice B3 air by Wall this track is one of my favorites on the release. Chicago style track, Follow Your Heart, features Don Erdman on harp and he really gets it going. Wall's piano work really stands out and Lanza's vocals and guitar work really hit the spot. Straight up rocker with a cool back beat, Don't Go No Further has solid vocals and super bluesy guitar riffs giving it a lot of presence. Love Me Or Leave Me has a nice slow swagger accented by Arne Wendt on piano and Mott's drum work. Lanza really steps up with some cool guitar riffs making this another release favorite. Snappy rocker, Johnny Smith, has the kick of a Little Richard track featuring Steve Krase on harp and Wall on piano. Super blues rocker! Latin rocker/blues shuffle, Walkin' Thru The Park, has a great bass bottom compliments Sandy Joren and Mott's harp work is tight. Lanza steps up with a few final hot riffs on guitar and leaves you wanting more. Very cool closer to a super 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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Connor Ray Music artist: Mark May - Blues Heaven - New Release Review

I just received the newest release (May 20, 2016), Blues Heaven, from Mark May and it's quite entertaining. Opening with Boom Boom, comes out kicking and with his guitar screaming. With a cool bass riff by Tim Keefe and a stiff snare drum rhythm, this track is off and running. May handles lead guitar and vocal duties. With it's soaring guitar lead and backing horn work by Ted "Teddy Boom" Basinger on trombone, John "Johnny B" Bonham on trumpet and Joe "Smokin' Joe" Reasoner on sax, this track is a hot opener. Sassy blues number, Money, sets up really nicely with solid bass line, supporting horns and and tight drums giving May space to lay out some really grinding guitar solo lines. Very nice! Two stepper, She's A Keeper, has country rock styling blended with a Louisiana flavor. Greg Martin slips in with some real nice slide work warming up the track. Title track, Blues Heaven is a simple ballad with a sweet melody. Matt Mees has the drums on this track and John Popovich on B3 adds nice texture. Some of May's nicest vocals on the release are on this track blending nicely with sax work by Eric Demmer. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Put Down That Poison with Ed Durante on rhythm guitar and Steve Krase on harp. May gives his picking a little country flair and Reasoner adds some really rich bari sax worh making this track a real standout. Shuffle track, Leaving Houston, has a smooth groove with May really settling on on vocal and guitar. Low octave baritone guitar work punched by the horn section is particularly effective on this track. Very nice! Boomerang has a straight line rhythm with an underlying funk thanks to May's guitar work and that of the horns. Trumpet work by Bonham gives the track a distinct Spanish flavor and May's wrapping guitar is quite nice! I'm Her Fool is a straight up blues rocker with some pretty cool lead slide by May. Gary Jorgenson is solid on drums and Steve Krase steps up the ante with flavorful harp work. Breaking into a gospel revival tempo, the track runs hard giving Popovich and Krase the space to show the heat. Gulf Coast Woman has a heaving driving bass line and May steps up the guitar lead with just a touch of Billy G. style. Funky horn track, All I Ever Do develops a real nice groove with funky horn work by Basinger, Bonham and Reasoner and a nice bass line from Keefe. With a super dance beat and fluid guitar runs by Hadden Sayers, this is a real cool track. Shuffle track, Garden of Truth, has solid radio appeal and a nice hook. Eric Demmer is back with a hot sax solo and May's guitar lead is crisp and clean. Kind of Girl is a real cool track with slick lead and slide guitar work by May and a funky bass line. Certainly one of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is Almost Like Suicide, a light funky bluesy track with a modern vocal delivery style. Mees is back on drums on this track and Popovich's piano work is really nice. May lays down some Spanish influenced guitar riffs making this a real nice closer for a solid release.



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Connor Ray Music artist: Trudy Lynn - Everything Comes With A Price - New Release Review

I just received the most recent release, Everything Comes With A Price, from Trudy Lynn and it's quite enjoyable. Opening with blues swinger, I'm Gonna Latch On, Lynn immediately establishes why she has been nominated for the BMA Koko Taylor award for female vocalist in 2015 and 2016. Harp man Steve Krase hits the harp square on adding cool riffs and The Mighty Org lays down some really nice guitar riffs as well. Slinky blues number, Fat Daddy, has a great groove and super harp riff, backed by Randy Wall on keys, Paul Lil Buck Senegal on lead guitar and Terry Dry on bass. Lynn has a great swagger on Everything Comes With A Price and Krase is right there to match her on harp. Wall's keys add nicely on this track in particular and Lil Buck sets a great groove of his own on guitar. Very nice! Wall plays a most excellent solo on Yesterday I Was Lonely, a slow blues number and Lynn digs deepp for some of her most heartfelt vocals on the release. Super! My Alley Boogie, has a great New Orleans funk with great piano work by wall and tight harp work from Krase. Excellent track. Rocker, Just A Little Kiss, features a real nice bass line by Terry Dry and James Henry on lead guitar rips it up real nice. Messin' Around With The Blues has a really nice slow blues pace with a Stormy Monday feel. With Rock Romano on bass, sparkling piano work from Wall and Krase trading the spotlight with Lynn this is on of my favorite tracks on the release. Boogie Woogie track, Let My Daddy Do That, hits a real nice stride with Lynn's authoritative vocals, a hot bass line from Dry, The Mighty Org on guitar and Wall hitting the 88's hard. Very nice! Ella Johnson's Blues has a real nice feel with just the right feel from Wall under the melody. Henry adds his own signature guitar riffs giving the track sting. Very cool! Wrapping the release is Living Humble, a cool track with a spiritual feel. Backing vocals and bright piano work nicely support Lynn's vocals making this a super 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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Bob Lanza, Steve Krase Team at Blues Bash

Bob Lanza, Steve Krase Team at Blues Bash

Joe Hirsh Productions Presents Centenary Blues Bash Teaming Again: Bob Lanza, Steve Krase The folks at Joe Hirsh Productions have out done themselves again as the 6th annual Blues Bash rolls around this coming weekend. This year's event includes two blues stars that have witnessed phenomenal growth in 2014 and their individual successes continue to follow them as they move along into 2015.  Bob Lanza is the New Jersey hometown bluesman and blues rocker Steve Krase is traveling to Hackettstown from his home base of Houston, Texas to join Bob on stage.  Steve Krase commented, "Man, playing with Bob and his band gets me really fired up, these guys are real pros and they deliver the blues.  I guarantee you the place will be smokin..." There is a complete entertainment bill booked by Joe Hirsh Productions that will knock your socks off.  Here is what the Centenary Stage Company shares: The 6th Annual Blues Bash blends Blues, Americana, and other styles of music in a two - night extravaganza that is a real treat for music lovers.  This year's Bash features the Godfather of Americana, David Bromberg and his Quintet, Award - winning Todd Wolfe Blues Band with John Ginty, The Bob Lanza Band and MULEBONE! If you can still get a ticket you may want to go to this one!   http://www.centenarystageco.org/ To learn more about Bob Lanza and Steve Krase - For Bob - http://www.boblanzabluesband.com/ For Steve - http://www.stevekrase.com/

Singer, songwriter and guitarist Bob Lanza from the wilds of north New Jersey leaves no doubt as to motivation with a scorching second release Steve Krase's latest release climbed to number three on Billboard's Blues Album chart in 2014 and remains highly acclaimed by the press.  Buckle Up is worth the listen

Connor Ray Music Label Announces CEO

Photo: John Abbey, Trudy Lynn

Connor Ray Music Label Announces New CEO Music industry veteran John Abbey takes the helm January 2015 Houston, Texas based Connor Ray Music announced today that John Abbey will assume control of the day to day operations as General Manager and CEO. Connor Ray Music was originally founded in 1995. Steve Krase, Founder and President of Connor Ray Music, had this to say about the announcement,  “John Abbey is one of the most well-known personalities in this business and brings a wealth of knowledge and leadership to the company. We are excited about the future of Connor Ray Music with John at the helm!” John Abbey commented, "I found everyone within Connor Ray and those around Connor Ray to be on the same page. Everyone wants to accomplish the same goals and the unity is amazing.  We will be keeping our eyes open for artists that are of the same mind set. Those that join the Connor Ray family can expect a top notch team to be behind them.  This is truly an exciting time for all of us."   In 2014 Connor Ray Music releases rose to the number 1 and number 3 spots on Billboard's Blues Chart.  Trudy Lynn's “Royal Oaks Blues Cafe'” reached the coveted number 1 spot and Steve Krase's current release “Buckle Up” reached number 3 and is currently moving up on the Americana charts with crossover hits such as "Jolene".  John Abbey has a long track record in the music industry dating back to the 1960’s when he founded the UK based “Blues and Soul” magazine in 1966. He later went on to work for “Duke Records” and founded the “Action”, “Mojo” and “Contempo” record labels before founding the famed Ichiban Records in 1985 where he helped develop the career of Connor Ray artist Trudy Lynn and many others.   Connor Ray Music Label - www.connorraymusic.com For John Abbey, Steve Krase, or Trudy Lynn interviews contact: John in Houston PR 832-916-7716  or  john@johninhoustonpr.com

Trudy Lynn's Royal Oaks Blues Cafe' is in international distribution and available almost everywhere Returning recently from the Lucerne Blues Festival Steve Krase's hot new release had moved to number 3 on Billboard's Blues Chart

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