Black Hen Music artist: Maya Rae - Can You See Me? - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the debut release, Can You See Me?, from Maya Rae who demonstrates strong vocal skills and a fine hand for melody to match her lyrical skills. Opening with title track, Can You See Me?, Maya Rae who has a clear, pop style voice, with traces of Joni, Fiona and other successful folk style vocalists backed by guitar whiz Steve Dawson, Jamie Dick on drums, Jon Estes on bass, Kai Welch on keys and uke, and backing vocals by Allison Russell and JT Nero. Very nice opener. With just a dash of country styling, The Sun Will Come Out Again is another strong composition with a solid melody, and includes vibes by Charlie McCoy, Kristin Weber on violin, and Larissa Maestro on cello. I really like the delicate vocal treatment and musical contrast by Rae on Picture Frame and the vocal harmony work on Storm Leaf really makes for a nice pair of tracks. Bluesy, Freedom Fighter, is one of my favorites on the release with Welch on Wurlitzer, Dawson on slide and adding Sam Howard on vocal. Moon Girl has one of those paces that just captivates you and the vocal backing by Russell and Nero beautifully compliment Rae's own lush lead. Wrapping the release is Goodnight River, a simple ballad with only the minimal of backing by Dawson, Dick, Howard and Welch. This is 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Harpdog Brown - For Love & Money - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, For Love & Money, from Harpdog Brown and it's a 40's & 50's New Orleans flavored trip. Opening with swinging, No Eyes For Me with a hard driving bass line by Jeremy Holmes and stiff drum sticking by Robert Vail  Grant under the rowdy vocals of Brown and a full horn section featuring William Joseph Abbott on alto sax, Skye Lambourne on trombone and Jerry Cook on Bari and tenor sax. The Comeback has a cool, low slung feel with rich Hammond work by Dave Webb and a nice sax solo by Cook. Boogie track, Reefer Lovin' Woman opens with a great muted trombone intro by Lambourne over a boogie piano riff by Webb. Brown really digs in on vocals getting the band ramped up and with a lot of finesse, Abbott hits nice clarinet solo followed by another great trombone solo by Lambourne. Harpdog whips out his harp and lets it wail topping off this great boogie. One of my favorite tracks on the release is soulful New Orleans style track, A New Day Is Dawning, with an excellent clarinet solo by Abbott and a grate overall New Orleans blues feel. Brandon Issak's I'll Make It Up To You has a great swing. This track may be the best highlight for Harpdog's vocals and again, Abbott's clarinet work is stellar. Wrapping the release is ballad, Sasha's Lullaby, highlighting Harpdog on vocal and lush horn work on the refrain. A real nice alto sax solo by Abbott and a crisp piano solo by Webb flesh out this strong 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Steve Sainas - simple as this - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, simple as this, from Steve Sainas and it's calming. Opening with title track, Simple as This, Sainas accompanies his own vocals on acoustic guitar. Simple and clean. With a more deliberate rock feel, Sainas is joined by Kelly Stodola on drums and Chad Matthews on bass for solid track, Why Do We Fall. I really like this track with it's warm melody and reassuring bottom. Another of my favorites on the release is Your Light Will Shine On, with solid vocals, a nice melody and strong rhythm. My Darkest Days Are Gone presents my favorite vocals on the release supported by a warm melody and clean acoustic backing. Wrapping the release is springy, Everything's Gonna Be Alright, with it's comforting lyrics and cool melody. This is a sure departure from Sainas' blues band, Mud Dog but a solid solo effort.

  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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Jason Buie - Driftin' Heart - New Release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Driftin' Heart, from Jason Buie, and I really like it. Opening with loping blues driver, Fool From The Very Start, Buie shows great feel and tone, backed by John Hunter on drums, George Fenn on bass and Dave Webb on keys. Excellent! On House Party, a cool boogie with a walking bass line, Buie definitely hits a nice groove. His guitar soloing is slick, complimented nicely by a cool piano solo by Webb. Jump track, Westcoast Daddy, is fluid and rocking! R&B track has a fat thumb of New Orleans giving Buie a great opportunity to show his vocal prowess and stinging blues riffs. Very nice. another R&B flavored blues track, Suits Me To A Tee, has a great bottom and clean, articulate guitar runs. Albert King's guitar is channeled big time on 12 O'Clock Check Out. Heavy bends and beautiful phrasing makes this one of my favorites on the release. Wrapping the release is Jesse Mae Robinson's Cold, Cold Feeling. Buie really lays it open on this one with blistering riffs floating in a lush sea of B3 by Webb. Excellent 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Artist Spotlight: Vancouver's The Mojo Stars

Formed almost ten years ago, Vancouver’s The Mojo Stars wasted no time establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with in the local blues scene. With deep roots in blues and soul, combined with a rock driven edge, this multi-talented band has been collecting a large following starting from their debut performance at Vancouver International Jazz Festival to their upcoming tour of 2017. Comprised of front man Randy Clarke, guitarist Mark Rankin, and later including local heavyweights, drummer Loren Etkin (Long John Baldry) and bassist Lee Oliphant, the band’s first year saw them playing at local clubs, pubs, casinos and private events. In 2009, they recorded their first CD, Devil’s Advocate, a collection of ten original songs penned by Clarke and Rankin. The album received extensive airplay and was featured on blues radio programs in Canada, the US and Europe. The end of 2010 saw the group on hiatus, but two years later they returned reinvigorated, adding new members, B3 player Kenny Boychuck (long time Jerry Doucette collaborator) and sax man Tom Gould to the lineup. Playing their return gig at the newly- opened Columbia in New Westminster, The Mojo Stars sold out the 500-seat-room and treated both old and new fans to the freshly written material. Now, The Mojo Stars have released their new album Under The Influence (February 17, 2017). The 11-track recording features six live cuts and is laden with catchy, heavy riffs, Stax-like grooves and soulful vocals. The Mojo Stars will be performing locally to celebrate the release and heading out on tour later in 2017.  themojostars.com “Under The Influence is feel good blues, a lively mixture of 5 studio and 6 live cuts, and the energy of the performances is infectious… The band is tight, the performances are solid and occasionally inspirational.  Under The Influence is capable of heavy lifting if you’re feeling down and your soul needs a boost… what could be better than that?” – Gonzo Online/The Rock Doctor “Their music is adorned with a powerful and effective combination of  dynamic rock, funk, soul and blues, and such fusion guarantees above all a great and inspired musical story.” – Blues Corner / Soundguardian Learn more:  themojostars.com www.facebook.com/themojostars  soundcloud.com/themojostars/under-the-influence

The Mojo Stars - Under The Influence - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Under the Influence, by The Mojo Stars and it's interesting. Opening with title track, Under The Influence, vocalist Randy Clarke with Mark Rankin on guitar, Rob Marr on bass, Shawn Soucy on drums, Steve Soucy on keys and Kenny Boychuck on B3 crafts an updated rock sound pulling from the sounds of and Argent, Humble Pie and the Doors among others. Nice opener. Swinging over to a country approach, Why Can't I Be True has a real honky tonk feel with perfect syncopation, meaty guitar riffs and super keys. Bluesy ballad, No Use In Crying (Live) has the smooth characteristics of Elvin Bishop's Fooled Around And Fell In Love with a solid melody, nice sax work by Tom Gould and strong radio appeal. A cool Latin influenced track, 26 Banks, is one of my favorites on the release. Sassy sax work by Gould, nice vocals by Clarke and a crisp solo by Rankin make this track move. Soulful ballad, Why Didn't You Know is another serious entry for top track on the release with a smooth melody, a nice bass solo by Marr, a ripping lead line by Gould and the smoothest vocals on the release by Clarke. Rock 'n' Roller, I Ain't Feeling As Good As I Look (Live) really gets the house moving with cool rhythm and hot sax. Throaty guitar lead by Rankin opens Love, What Have You Done, a lightly Latin influenced track. Nice B3 work by Boychuck and sax work by Gould give this track a jazzy feel. Cool jazz rocker, Lock The Door Mama has a great walking bass line with slick sax and guitar lead exchange making this one of the hottest tracks on the release. Wrapping the release is boogie woogie track, You Don't Know Me and I Wish You Would. With this band on a roll, these guys hammer it home giving it a super effort and a dynamic closer for a cool 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE

Vancouver's Steve Kozak Band Release 'It's Time' March 17th

Vancouver's Steve Kozak Band Release 'It's Time' March 17th

The latest offering from this seasoned Canadian bluesman offers a tasty mix of blues as seen through a decidedly West Coast lens

Preview/Stream Tracks from It's Time on SoundCloud

You only need three things to play the blues: a good guitar, an innate understanding of the music and thirty years in which to do it. Maple Blues Award winner Steve Kozak qualifies on all three counts. The latest offering from this seasoned Canadian bluesman offers a tasty mix of blues as seen through a decidedly West Coast lens. The aptly named new release It's Time prophetically and succinctly states that putting in time is indeed a prerequisite of being a great musician, with some veteran bluesmen even attaining the status of venerable, beating time itself at its own game. Time is also about understanding the past. One cannot play American roots music with conviction and credibility without a solid understanding of the evolution of the genre. This new album is a mix of fairly obscure covers and self-penned tunes. After several listening sessions, it soon becomes apparent that Steve Kozak is coming into his own as a talented songwriter. Augmented by very tasty licks and understated riffs, it is a cohesive musical statement weaving different facets of the blues into a seamless ensemble. A cover of the very cool Brook Benton song “Kiddio” particularly appeals, with its catchy turnaround and infectious melody, Kozak has put a real polish on this tune. The Magic Sam number “Every Night and Every Day” conveys a sense of immediacy and delves deep into the blues. Kozak's own “Trouble” evokes a real Louisiana Bayou feel and could have been recorded in Eddie Shuler's garage at Goldband Records, but with less whiskey and more microphones. Then there is another Kozak composition called “That's Cool with Me”, a rollicking R&B number reminiscent of the heyday of Specialty Records with a hint of Louis Jordan; a real barn burner. Two other stand-out tracks are “A Stranger in My Hometown” and “Goin' Fishin'”, both written by Steve Kozak, are autobiographical and deeply personal. The former can be interpreted in several ways. One can think of rock 'n' rollers feeling out of place in rapidly gentrifying urban centres. In a broader sense, it can also be indicative of the alienation the average working musician may feel in this digital age. The latter track is more straightforward and literal. It speaks of the simple joys of going fishing. If there is one thing that Kozak loves as much as guitar slinging, it's getting out on the water for a day of fishing. All in all, It's Time offers a colourful palette of musical expression with a cohesive theme that gives a loving acknowledgement to that multifaceted thing we call the blues. It’s Time Track Listing 1.   Cane Sugar Sweet (3:10) 2.   You May (3:53) 3.   Messed Up (2:59) 4.   Every Night and Every Day (5:06) 5.   Kiddio (3:58) 6.   Trouble (3:41) 7.   One Woman I Need (4:33) 8.   That’s Cool with Me (2:47) 9.   Stranger in My Hometown (3:57) 10. Tell Me Why (5:54) 11.  Love Life & Money (5:46) 12. Goin’ Fishin’ (4:33) Steve Kozak – guitars and vocals Dave Webb - piano and Hammond organ Roger Brant – bass Chris Nordquist – drums With special guests The Harpoonist and the Axe Murderer, Jerry Cook & Dave Vidal stevekozakband.com facebook.com/SteveKozakmusic  @SteveKozakmusic Upcoming Performances: Every Wednesday  Pat's Pub & BrewHouse, 403 E. Hastings Street, Vancouver BC February 24 Dubh Linn Gate Pub, 1601 Main Street, Vancouver BC Canada March 11 The V Lounge at The Red Lion Hotel, 3366 Douglas Street, Victoria BC  March 19 ** CD release party Rio Theatre, 1660 East Broadway, Vancouver

Provogue Records artist: No Sinner - Old Habits Die Hard - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Old Habits Die Hard, from No Sinner and it's a solid rocker. Opening with All Woman, Colleen Rennison, lead vocalist takes the reins and never looks back. With a lot of attitude, modern day female Jim Morrison, Rennison, backed by guitarists, Eric Campbell, Adam Sabla and Scott Smith, Matt Camirand on bass and exceptional drumming by Ian Browne sets the pace. On Leadfoot, a driving track with roots in English metal and blues, this track is heavy footed with Browne stomping it and interesting guitar riffs floating. Very cool. Tryin' has a lighter, more pop kind of feel. Rennison's vocals are clear and this track has all of the characteristics of a radio hit. Saturday Night is a hard rocker with plenty of kick drum and rock and roll guitar riffs. Shifting gears a few times, this track melds the Ramones with Joan Jett. Bluesy ballad, Hollow, really gives Rennison a wide open road to show off her vocal strength. Rich tones and a solid melody enriched by Campbell on guitar and piano shows that this lady can do whatever she wants at a drop of a hat. Very nice. Get It Up is another track that should have solid radio appeal with nicely blended vocal harmonies, a strong melody and a kicking kick drum. There is an enchanting richness to Rennison's vocals on Friend Of Mine, and Campbell.s guitar riffs add just the right texture to the track making it one of my favorites. Unusual track, Fading Away, has a real interesting blend of sounds and concepts with driving drum work and jittery guitar riffs. Blending this with more pop style vocal lines gives this track a pop edge and a rock undertone. Very nice. quiet and light, Lines On The Highway, sits alone among the rest of the tracks as a direct pop track with a simple melody and unadorned vocals. One More Time kicks in the door with it's direct frontal attack by Campbell and Browne. Backing off to a more experimental segue, there is echo and environmental sounds concluding in a strong bolero rock. Interesting. Wrapping the release is Mandy Lyn with slide guitar, kick drum and a more southern rock approach. This track is packed with attitude and with it's rugged vocals and instrumentation, a super closer for a solid rockin 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”

 For added exposure - Blues World Wide Group "LIKE" 

 

Canada's National Blues Awards Land in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa and Hamilton

Canada's National Blues Awards Land in Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Ottawa and HamiltonMaple Blues Award Nominations Led by MonkeyJunk, Downchild and Steve Hill (October 30, 2014) Toronto, ON - The Toronto Blues Society will be celebrating the 18th annual Maple Blues Awards by honouring nationally and internationally recognized Canadian blues artists from across the country on January 19th, 2015.  Toronto artists lead with twenty seven nominations, followed by Montreal (15), Vancouver (9), Ottawa (8) and Hamilton (7). Ottawa’s MonkeyJunk and Toronto’s Downchild each received five nominations followed by Montreal’s Steve Hill with four. There are plenty of other acts each with multiple nominations including Fathead, Raoul & the Big Time, The 24th Street Wailers, Brandon Isaak, Steve Strongman and Harrison Kennedy. Quebec blues artists are well represented with nominations for Jordan Officer, Angel Forrest, Dawn Tyler Watson, and Guy Bélanger to name a few. British Columbia’s thriving blues scene is represented with nominations for Dave “Hurricane” Hoerl,  David Vest,  Keith Picot and Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne. The nominees, selected by a panel consisting of industry professionals from across Canada, are recognized both for their talent as well as their contribution to the growing Canadian blues music scene.   Voting is open from 11:59pm Newfoundland Daylight Time on November 5, 2014, through 11:59pm Pacific Standard Time on December 5, 2014. Blues fans can cast their votes online at www.mapleblues.ca. Canadian blues fans can cast their votes in all categories except instrumental. Tickets for the Maple Blues Awards, held at the Royal Conservatory's Koerner Hall in Toronto, are on sale now for $28 - $65 and can be purchased at The Weston Family Box Office, located in The Royal Conservatory building at 273 Bloor Street West, Toronto, by phone at RCM box office (416) 408-0208 or online at https://tickets.rcmusic.ca/public. Contact The Toronto Blues Society for member discounts. Heading in to its 30th anniversary year, The Toronto Blues Society is a non-profit membership organization dedicated to the promotion and preservation of the Blues. The Maple Blues Awards is Canada's national blues awards program. Its goal is to promote blues music across Canada, and to recognize outstanding achievement in the field. Located along the Bloor Street cultural corridor, The Royal Conservatory of Music is one of the largest and most respected music performance and arts education institutions in the world. Its breathtaking Koerner Hall, "the jewel in the crown of Toronto's Cultural Renaissance," along with two other concert spaces, presents 70+ concerts annually from acclaimed classical, jazz, pop, and world music and hosts an additional 100+ concerts and events from a wide range of not for profit arts groups, charities, and corporate clients. The 18th Annual Maple Blues Awards Nominees: Entertainer of the Year The 24th Street Wailers MonkeyJunk Raoul & the Big Time Steve Hill Steve Strongman Electric Act of the Year Downchild Jack de Keyzer MonkeyJunk Steve Hill Steve Strongman Acoustic Act of the Year Adam Karch Big Dave McLean Brandon Isaak Harrison Kennedy Michael Jerome Browne Male Vocalist of the Year Chuck Jackson Harrison Kennedy Jon Knight Matt Andersen Steve Marriner Female Vocalist of the Year Angel Forrest Dawn Tyler Watson Diana Braithwaite Shakura S’Aida Suzie Vinnick  New Artist or Group of the Year Irene Torres & the Sugar Devils Joel Johnson Band Jordan Officer Sean Pinchin Wicked Grin B.B. King International Artist of the Year Beth Hart Elvin Bishop Janiva Magness Johnny Winter Mavis Staples Guitarist of the Year JW-Jones Paul DesLauriers Steve Dawson Steve Hill Steve Strongman Piano or Keyboard Player of the Year David McMorrow (Jack de Keyzer) David Vest Julian Fauth Kenny “Blues Boss” Wayne Lance Anderson Harmonica Player of the Year Dave “Hurricane” Hoerl Guy Bélanger Harpdog Brown Jerome Godboo Steve Marriner Horn Player of the Year Al Lerman Chris Whiteley Jon Wong Pat Carey Richard Thornton Drummer of the Year Bucky Berger (Fathead) Lindsay Beaver (The 24th Street Wailers) Matt Sobb (MonkeyJunk) Sam Harrisson (Paul DesLauriers Band) Tom Bona (Raoul and the Big Time, Soulstack) Bassist of the Year Alan Duffy (Jack de Keyzer) Alec Fraser (Fraser/Daley) Greg Morency (Paul DesLauriers Band) Keith Picot (Brandon Isaak) Omar Tunnoch (Fathead) Songwriter of the Year Angel Forrest Brandon Isaak Harrison Kennedy Raoul Bhaneja Ray Bonneville Recording/Producer of the Year Brandon Isaak - Here On Earth (Self) Producer: Chris Isaak Downchild - Can You Hear the Music (Linus Entertainment) Producer: Don Walsh JW-Jones - Belmont Boulevard (Blind Pig Records) Producer: Tom Hambridge Raoul and the Big Time - Hollywood Blvd (Big Time Records) Producer: Raoul Bhaneja Steve Hill Solo Recordings Vol. 2 (No Label Records) Producer: Steve Hill Blues With A Feeling (Lifetime Achievement Award) Diana Braithwaite Alec Fraser Danny Brooks Ellen McIlwaine Joe Murphy Ken Whiteley Michael Fonfara Stephen Barry Tom Lavin Michael Jerome Browne Brent Parkin Nannette Workman Theresa Malenfant

Here Comes The Hurricane: Vancouver's Dave "Hurricane" Hoerl Releases Un-Twisted

Here Comes The Hurricane: Vancouver's Dave "Hurricane" Hoerl Releases Un-Twisted June 24, 2014 Multiple award-winning musician Dave “Hurricane” Hoerl is a force to be reckoned with on the North American blues scene. One of Canada’s foremost harmonica players, his mastery of the harmonica -both standard and chromatic - as well as his soulful vocals, and charismatic, memorable performances make him stand out on any stage. Born and raised in San Francisco, Hoerl has made Vancouver his home since 1982 and for over three decades has been performing at clubs and festivals around the world, most notably as the founding member of Vancouver’s legendary jump blues band The Twisters. Un-Twisted is Hoerl’s first recording under his own name and features members of his band, Hurricane and the Hooligans, comprised of some of Vancouver’s best blues musicians. Un-Twisted features 11 standout tracks including “Soul Mate”, a shout-out to Hoerl’s wife, “Snake Charmer”, a fun track with plenty of double-entendre, “Don’t Think It Can’t Happen To You”, a reminder that nobody is immune to tragedy and bad fortune, and “Grand Old Game”, possibly one of the only modern blues songs written about one of North America’s favourite sports - baseball. Un-Twisted is a brilliant showcase for Hoerl’s soulful singing, perfect playing and stimulating songwriting, serving up one vivid slice of life after another.   “This hard workin’ harmonicist is surely worthy of his many accolades, and this CD will no doubt add a pile more.” - Paul  Norton, CiTR 101.9 Code Blue & CFRO 100.4 One O’clock Jump www.davehoerl.com Listen to "Snakecharmer" on Soundcloud Track List 1. Soul Mate 2. Pure & Simple Blues 3. I’d Rather Be Blind, Crippled And Crazy 4. Snake Charmer 5. Fight of the Century 6. Don’t Think It Can’t Happen To You 7. Grand Old Game 8. She Took Back Her Heart 9. Long Highway 10. A Little Off The Top 11. I Left My Heart In San Francisco

Blues & Soul Singer Dalannah Gail Bowen Offering Two Free Downloads

Vancouver blues and soul singer Dalannah Gail Bowen was just three months shy of her 67 birthday in 2012 when she released her critically acclaimed recording Them Menz.

Songs from Them Menz have been in constant rotation on the Galaxie Blues channel, Sirius XM, Canadian campus and specialty stations and has been on the Roots Music Report charts consistently for over a year. Now she is offering two songs from Them Menz, Mean Man and The Spirit Within, for free download.

Dalannah's recent performance at the Vancouver Folk Festival received rave reviews from reviewers and audience members. Here is what some folks had to say:

"A surprise hit at the Vancouver Folk Festival, she has a message that deserves to be heard"- Marty Gunther

" A force of nature with pipes that seem to be made for raw soul-stirring blues, the local favorite is equally adept at singing the delicate nuances of jazz classics and spirituals" - Sabrina Furminger,WestEnder

Click here for link to download Mean Man and The Spirit Within or email sarah@sarahfrenchpublicity.com with your request.  

 

 

About Dalannah Gail Bowen   There are many faces and many personalities to Vancouver based blues singer Dalannah Gail Bowen. All of those personalities have something in common – a spark, joy, determination and a fire inside.  She is more than just a singer – she is woman through and through.

 

Dalannah Gail Bowen is all women – beautiful, tough, talented, nurturing and spiritual.   Born of African-Canadian / Cherokee heritage, Bowen has been music-making for forty years in the Canadian blues, rock and soul scene. Bowen started her musical career with the all-female group The Feminine Touch who toured Canada and the USA opening for acts such The Monkees and The Guess Who.

 

As an in-demand vocalist, she has performed with or opened for other major artists including Led Zeppelin, B.B. King, Willie Dixon Joe Bonamassa,Taj Mahal and many more. Her 2007 CD recording, Mamma’s Got The Blues, was released to wide acclaim and rave reviews from across the globe.  

 

“She has a truly spectacular set of pipes and a most commanding stage presence. Bowen, has one of those voices that lays claim to part of your soul the first time you hear it and never lets go. It's that voice. Smoky. Earthy. Soulful. Powerful. But it's not just the voice. It's what she does with it. So much emotion. So much control.”  (Canadian Musician Magazine)  

 

Dalannah Gail Bowen’s live performances are known for their powerful and energetic delivery while taking an old-school approach, as well as adding contemporary elements.  As a versatile and knowledgeable artist, Bowen can also be heard performing in a wide-range of musical collaborations, including traditional drum group The Snowy Owl Drummers, Songs of Mahalia Jackson, a tribute to the world-renowned gospel singer and East Van Morrison, a jazz group that performs selections from Van Morrison’s repertoire.  

 

As an activist and socially conscious powerhouse, Dalannah can be found sharing her gifts and lessons via community work with people in the poorest neighborhood in Canada, the downtown eastside of Vancouver. She uses her music to make a bold statement about injustice and inequality and often participates in protests and marches.  Following her retirement from a successful career in the non-profit sector, challenging health scares and other life experiences, Dalannah Gail Bowen opted to place more emphasis on her music career and began recording her new CD Them Menz at Bakerstreet Studios in Vancouver. She states, “I promised myself that I would live in gratitude for the second chance and share the gift that I have been given - this voice that seems to touch people and connect with them. I have the opportunity to use my voice to share my journey and I love it!”  

 

With a funky, talented and experienced group of musicians at her side for this recording of mostly original material, Dalannah Gail Bowen proves that she is in her element, singing blues with conviction, passion and love for music. Them Menz features multi-award-winning guitarist Harris Van Berkel on Guitar, Juno winner and Grammy nominee Michael Creber on Keys, West Coast Music CARAS Award Winner and inductee into the Victoria, BC Rock & Roll Music Hall of Fame Brian Newcombe on Bass, multiple Maple Blues Award nominee Chris Nordquist on drums along with a variety of special guests including well-known Juno award winner Steve Dawson. Produced by Dalannah Gail Bowen, Them Menz is a modern blues collection that moves the genre forward in to the future while recognizing and celebrating its roots and history.  

 

Yes – she has had her share of the blues, but has taken her many life experiences to help make a positive impact in her community close to home and globally. Dalannah Gail Bowen’s voice and strength as an artist is her gift to music lovers; and her heart and compassion are gifts to all world citizens.  

www.dalannahgailbowen.com

 

Quest Records artist: Dalannah Gail Bowen - Them Menz - New Release review

I just received a copy of the newest release, Them Menz, by Dalannah Gail Bowen. The release opens with a swinging blues track, the title track, Them Menz. A force in the Canadian Canadian music scene this track moves and hot guitar riffs by Harris Van Berkel are hot. Loved By That Woman has a bit of a Latin rhythm fed by Chris Nordquist on drums and Jim Salmon on percussion.Vocal harmonies on this track are particularly interesting. Timin' comes off with a light funk and Bowen uses a natural sense of syncopation to add that special something. Michael Creber plays tight piano lead on this track and Steve Dawson lays down some cool guitar riffs. You're Not There brings it down and smokey with (listen hard) Pink Floyd/Hiwatt like guitar intro. Bowen belts out a ballad and ethereal guitar riffs by Dawson swirl around cool drum rhythms and the best track on the release. Who's Foolin' Who is an uptempo track and a lot more of an airplay hoo. Backing vocals are prominent and Nordquist and Creber trade off the spot light with Dawson who plays some smooth slide riffs. Just For Today, has a early R&B sound which is really quite effective. This driving transitional track has a nice swing to it and David Say adds his sax mastery to the mix. Just Don't Like The Deal is a cool neo soul track. Van Berkel rips off a pretty cool guitar solo on this track and Creber adds some Hammond work that makes the mix all that more tasty. This is an interesting recording for someone looking for a little funk, a little blues, a little R&B and a little soul. It's very enjoyable to listen to and guitar guys like be have a few cool riffs to latch on to.

  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”

Could not find a video from the new CD but this is recent work.

The SOME X 6 Band - The Hoodoo Shake - New Release Review

I've had the opportunity to listen to the newest effort, The Hoodoo Shake by The SOME X 6 Band. This Vancouver based band is made up of Brad Curtis on vocal and bass, Bart Dwyer on guitar and Gordon Cole on guitar. The 14 track release opens with the title track, The Hoodoo Shake, which has a straight up blues rock feel and ethereal slide work behind the vocals. Hey Stranger, another blues rock track has a pretty good hook for potential airplay and some tasty guitar riffing for the guitar guys. Forty Years gets a bit more grimy with some heavy drums and chorded sliding under lead guitar work. Jazzy Hippie takes a little bit of a different turn. It has organ under the band and an unusual melody which is attractive. It reminds me of something that I've heard but I can't put my finger on it exactly. In any case, this is a cool track. Breathless takes the next step away from the blues and into a modern era music with heavier overtones. Heavy bass lines and and monotone vocals with a driving beat and swirling lead guitars would certainly appeal to the garage crowd. Number is another track that is in this same vein. It doesn't sound the same as Breathless but is definitely from the same train of thought. It is a stretch from blues but well done none the less. This is an interesting recording, difficult to classify as blues but that may well interest a number of my readers wanting something with a bit more bite to their music.

  “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson 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”
 

My Guitar's My Only Friend - James "Buddy" Rogers

I just received a copy of the new release, My Guitar's My Only Friend, by James "Buddy" Rogers and it's really good. Rogers, who formed a band at 11 and having formal bookings by 15 has been at this game for a while and his chops show it. The release opens with the title track, My Guitar's My Only Friend, which could be right out of Albert King's Stax catalog. Vocals are cool and riffs are hot! Let's Get Loose has a smooth jazz style but staying in the blues zone along the lines of Robben Ford if anyone. This track definitely swings and the blues riffs played with heave Texas influence just roll off of the strings. I'm On The Road Again has a bit more of a rock feel with a dash of ZZ Top and a dot of Robert Palmer and a little SRV mixed in to the mix. Rogers really takes the opportunity to lay down some nice riffs creating a track which could see a bit of air play. Disappearing Baby Blues traces back to earlier blues roots with a lot of swing. Another track that has the hook which could catch the airplay ear. Sweet Little Girl, a blues track along the lines of Robert Cray or a R&B track but actually having the familiarity of a Steve Miller track and even some more Texas style guitar riffs feeding the ear a lot of candy. Blame It On The Blues, another swing style blues has a real nice groove and Rogers demonstrates his abilities as a singer and player to be reckoned with. Very smooth and appealing. Guitar Sue takes the rhythm of Mr. Chuck Berry but stays out of the classic groove and finds his own way. The guitar riffs have tips of the hat to Berry but the sound is fresh and clean. Nicely done. Lovin, Kissin, Huggin is a real uptempo blues brushing rockabilly without actually getting into it. Rogers keeps the pace up on the track and plays some flaming riffs making you think of Gatemouth Brown. DAWG is a real funky blues track and describing the relationship between man and his dog how could he lose. Definitely my favorite track on the release. Rogers plays some really hot riffs on this track and the funky rhythm keeps your head bopping as he does his thing. Buddy's Walk has a Freddie King like style and and a solid swing rhythm. The only instrumental on the release, Rogers gets a a good long run on guitar and leaves you wanting more. Very nice job!
 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”