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I started a quest to find terrific blues music and incredible musicianship when I was just a little kid. I also have a tremendous appreciation of fine musical instruments and equipment. One of my greatest joys all of my life was sharing my finds with my friends. I'm now publishing my journey. I hope that you come along!


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Showing posts with label VizzTone Label Group. Show all posts
Showing posts with label VizzTone Label Group. Show all posts

Tuesday, April 15, 2025

VizzTone Label Group artist: Big Al And The Heavyweights - Blues Power - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues Power, by Big Al And The Heavyweights, and it's saturated with real blues. Opening with Big Freight Train, Marcel Anton on lead vocal and guitar really gets the release hopping. His fluid guitar riffs and Dale Robertson on harmonica lead the way, joined by Dennis Cedeno on bass and Big Al on drums. If is a strong, bluesy, ballad with a terrific melody and excellent phrasing. Anton lays down some of his best vocals here making this one of my favorites on the release. Springy, Tired Of Waiting, is a great volley between Anton on lead vocal and Robertson on harmonica and Anton's fleet fingered soloing really makes this track shine. R&B flavored, Got What I Like, is another really nice track with excellent vocals by Anton and rich, gospel like, backing vocals by Cedeno and Robertson. Very nice. Latin flavored, I Want To Know, is really flavorful with vibrant vocals and stinging lead guitar work. Robertson's harmonica on this track is reminiscent of the tone by the great Lee Oskar adding nicely to this track. Wrapping the release is boogie track, Fast Drivin' featuring Robertson on lead vocal and harmonica. Electric slide and grinding boogie rhythm by Anton working with Cedeno on bass and Al on drums makes this a solid closer. 


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Thursday, April 3, 2025

VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Corritore & Friends - Doin' The Shout! - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Doin' The Shout!, from Bob Corritore & Friends and it's cooking! Opening with shuffle, Say Baby Say, Thornetta Davis is upfront on lead vocal and I really like her style. With my pal Johnny Burgin on guitar, Dave Keyes on piano, Bob Corritore on harmonica, Bob Stroger on bass and Wes Starr on drums, this is a great opener. Woman Wanted features Oscar Wilson on lead vocal and Muddy Waters like slide work by guitar wiz Bob Margolin. I really do love his loose slide and with Stroger on bass, Anthony Geraci on piano, and Starr on drums, this is a super track. Francine Reed has an unmistakable voice and her addition on I Guess I'm A Fool is a terrific idea. With Duke Robillard adding lush guitar, Corritore up with key harmonica lead, Ben Levin on piano, Ben Hedquist on bass and Lewis Nash on drums, this is a solid soul track. Wilson is back on lead vocal on Just A Dream and it really lays in the groove. His vocals are rich and with Stroger on bass, Corritore's soulful wailing on harmonica, Margolin really digging in on guitar, Geraci on piano and Starr on drums, this is one of my favorites on the release. Tia Carroll is upfront on I've Got To Be With You Tonight and her voice is perfect paired with Kid Ramos, Johnny Main and Jimi Primetime Smith on guitars, Bill Stuve on bass and  Stephen Hodges on drums. Slamming shuffle, Twenty Room House, features John Primer on lead vocal and guitar paired with Corritore's stellar harmonica work and backed by Geraci on piano, with Stroger on bass and Starr on drums. A real mover. wrapping the release is My First Love featuring Stroger on lead vocal, backed by Geraci on piano, Starr on drums, Margolin on bass, Smith on guitar and Corritore on harmonica. This is certainly one of the best of the Friends series by Corritore. Pick one up!  


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Monday, September 2, 2024

VizzTone label group artist: Deb Ryder - Live And Havin' Fun - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live And Havin' Fun, from Deb Ryder and it's a boat load of high steppin fun. Opening with Fun Never Hurt No One, with it's pumping rhythm, Deb Ryder is upfront leading the way on gritty vocals and Lon Price and Joe Sublett on sax. Tony Braunagel lays down a steady drum rhythm with Ric Ryder on bass and Johnny Lee Schell on guitar. Paul Litteral on trumpet and Jim Pugh on trombone really open the track up with brass. Solid Opener. Temporary Insanity has plenty of sway with Schell leading the way on guitar and Pugh, Price and Litteral on horns. Ric's bass work adds a real nice bottom giving Deb a solid footing for her powerful vocals. Albert Lee lays down some real nice guitar riffs on Ma Misere for a strong addition to the set. Braunagel sets up a hot, New Orleans rhythm and Albert Lee picks some real nice riffs under the soulful vocals on Deb. Funky, I'm Coming Home, leads off with Price wailing on sax and the thumping bass work of Ric. Deb gets in the groove with great response by Price and funky guitar rhythm by Schell and snappy drum work by Braunagel. Hold On has a driving blues rock feel with Deb leading the way and Tex Nakamura on harmonica adding just the right amount of spice. Wrapping the release is country blues rocker, Blues Is All I Got, with it's strong rhythm, Ric on bass and Deb trading lead with Nakamura. Schell lays down a real nice guitar solo on this one further electrifying this live closer. 


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Thursday, June 6, 2024

VizzTone Label Group artist: Mathias Lattin - Up Next - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Up Next, from Mathias Lattin and it's a solid blues set. Opening with Who's Been Loving On You, 2023 International Blues Challenge winner, Mathias Lattin is front and center on lead vocal and guitar showing his soulful blues style. With a droning bass line this track really finds it's groove and Shawn Allen on keys, and Mark Simmons Jr. on drums keep it tight. Strong opener. Can't Stop Feeling also has a driving bass line, compliments of Jesse Gomez and With Nick Andres on drums and full tilt organ by Andrew Douglas gives Lattin plenty of space to lay down some really nice riffs. Party has a traditional blues vamp led by Lattin and Gomez and Douglas is riding high on organ.  2nd Degree has a rock edge with standout drum work by Nick Andres. With overdriven vocals by Lattin and blues rooted rock lead by Lattin, this is my favorite track on the release. Wrapping the release is up tempo soul rocker, Lose Some Weight, with smooth vocals by Lattin. Tight guitar riffs, warm organ by Douglas, Gomez on bass and Andres on drums make this a solid closer for a cool release. 


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  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" 

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Monday, June 3, 2024

VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Margolin - Thanks - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Thanks, by Bob Margolin and I think it's his best in years. Opening with shuffle, Going Down To Main Street, Bob Margolin in on lead vocal and slide guitar and he really makes it talk. With a solid bass line and simple stomp rhythm this is a strong opener. In Morganfield style, Mean Old Chicago really digs up the Mud with this track which really has the Waters feel. This release is named in celebration to the 50 years since Margolin joined Waters band. Love the Waters style slide. Another cool track is Baby Can't Be Found with it's rocking blues rhythm. Margolin on lead vocal and strumming jangly strings gives the track an old school feel. Jimmy Rogers' Hard Working Man puts Margolin right in the slot with it's slower pace. Playing picked lead over real nice second line lead, this is the deepest track on the release. Wrapping the release is Just Before Dawn, a solid slower blues with some of Margolin's best vocals on the release and reverb saturated guitar lead, glistening. Nicely placed counter noted and tight, finger sliding gives the track a brilliance of it's own. Very nice closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

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“Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Friday, May 3, 2024

VizzTone Label Group artist: 11 Guys Quartet - 11x11 - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, 11x11, from 11 Guy Quartet and it's super. Opening with rhythmic blues mover, Lightning Road, Richard Rosenblatt sets the pace with great harmonica tone, over the solid drum rhythm of Chuck Purro and Bill Mather on bass. Paul Lenart really amps up the track with some hot slide making this a strong opener. Slow, chord driven, Blues Beyond Midnight, really should get a lot of traction with Lenart letting it all hang out on his melodic guitar lead, paired with Rosenblatt taking a real nice solo of his own on harmonica. Excellent! Hard driving, Drivin' A Fast Car really has great momentum with Purro and Mather leading the way. Lenart and Rosenblatt really cook this one with Lenart singing lead vocals. Another top notch track. With real swagger, Stompin' Blues gets that Chicago sound cooking. Lead by Rosenblatt on harmonica, and Lenart riding high on slide this track has a terrific groove. With a cool Latin beat by Purro, The Rona Stomp is a real nice change up with Lenart and Rosenblatt sitting in the slot. Wrapping the release is Rockin' The Blues with it's shuffle bottom. Rosenblatt takes the lead on harmonica showing great tone. Lenart really has a great hand for slide and shows it one more time on this warm closer. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

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 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Tuesday, January 30, 2024

VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Corritore & Friends - Somebody Put Bad Luck On Me - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Somebody Put Bad Luck On Me, from Bob Corritore & Friends and it's another super release from Corritore. Opening with This Little Voice, Corritore, conjures so great harp tone on the intro with Jimi Primetime Smith on guitar and John Primer on vocal and guitar, backed by Bob Stroger on bass and Wes Starr on drums. Solid opener. Bobby Rush has the mic on I'm Good As Gone, a slinky R&B style blues with Smith and Dexter Allen on guitar, Chester Thompson on organ, and Steve Ferrone on drums. Very nice. Thornetta Davis is in charge on Remember Me and I gotta say, she's exceptional. I caught Davis when I went to see guitar master, Johnny Burgin and she really did a great job. Davis is joined here by Smith, Burgin, Keyes, Corritore, Stroger and Wes Starr. Very nice. Lurrie Bell leads off, Act Like You Love Me on vocal and guitar. A slow Chicago style blues with solid harp work by Corritore, is joined by Brian Fahey on drums, Troy Sandow on bass, and Bob Margolin on slide. Very nice. Francine Reed's unmistakable voice leads Draw Me Closer with it's gospel like feel. Her influence is strong, backed by Smith and Kid Ramos on guitar, Shea Marshall on organ, Bill Stuve on on bass, and Stephen Hodges on drums. Wrapping the release is slow blues, Let Me Find Out Your Name with Willie Buck on lead vocal, Billy Flynn on guitar, and some deep harmonica tones by Corritore, joined by Starr on drums, Stroger on bass, and Ben Levin on piano. This is a strong release chocked full of talent and soulful blues. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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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 “Like” Bman’s Facebook page and get support for your favorite band or venue - click HERE For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Monday, January 29, 2024

VizzTone Label Group artist: Chickenbone Slim - Damn Good And Ready - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Damn Good And Ready, from Chickenbone Slim and it's a cocky, blues rocker. Opening with High Ballin' Train, a southern style rocker with plenty of swagger, Chickenbone Slim on guitar and vocal leads the way and Laura Chavez really lets it fly on guitar. With Marty Dodson on drums, Justice Guevara on bass and Kid Andersen on everything else, this is a powerful opener. Low slung, Drink Me has a great lope and Slim's vocals are spot on. Stylistic guitar soloing by Chavez gives the track a nice boot and a heavy bottom by Guevara really is solid. Chavez lays down some searing riffs on Damn Good and Ready with just the right amount of funk from Guevara and Dodson. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Ice In My Whiskey, with it's heavy bottom and guitar reinforced melody. Stinging guitar work by Chavez reverberates over a bass and drum vamp as the band collects for it's refrain. Another track that really catches my attention is Ty Cobb's Chiclets with dramatic vocals and nicely phrased and saturated guitar work backed by Lisa Andersen on backing vocals. Wrapping the release is shuffle, I Don't Want To Talk About It with a terrific guitar stroll intro. Guevara's bass line will have you stomping in your seat and Chavez's double stopped laden guitar soloing will have your head bopping. Excellent closer for a strong release. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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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Wednesday, November 29, 2023

VizzTone Label Group artist: Gaye Adegbalola - Satisfied - An Anthology - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Satisfied- An Anthology, by Gaye Adegbalola and it's packed full of tracks from 9 of her solo projects. The Dirty Dozens is a strong piano boogie with great vocals by Gaye and excellent piano by Jeff Covert. One of my favorites on the release is Tippin' On The Down Low with plenty of swing. Rodney Barnes adds great personality on piano giving it a terrific vintage feel. I really like Gaye's vocal work on Prove It On Me Blues. Her ability to dig in and deliver is well demonstrated, backed by Barnes on piano. Simple acoustic blues, Blues For The Greens starts off with Gaye alone with guitar but explodes with full support of Covert on keys, bass, drums and slide guitar. Sensitive, Winona, is a quiet blues featuring Gaye on vocal and guitar and Phil Wiggins on harmonica.  Wrapping the release is Lift Every Voice and Sing, in duet with Resa Gibbs. A solid closer for a lifetime of music. 


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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" 

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Monday, November 27, 2023

VizzTone artist: Bob Corritore & Friends - High Rise Blues - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, High Rise Blues from Bob Corritore & Friends and I really like it. Opening with Last Time featuring Jimmy Rogers on vocal and guitar, this band is in the groove. With Chico Chism on drums, SE Willis on piano, Johnny Rapp on guitar, Bruce Lopez on bass and Bob Corritore on harmonica, this is a solid opener. Title track, High Rise Blues, features Chism on vocal and he does a great job.  Rapp is joined by Luther Tucker who rips some great guitar riffs backed by Gordo Moraga on bass and Chism on drums. Chicago blues, Honey Where You Going has a great feel with Corritore upfront on harmonica joined by Sam Lay on vocal and drums. Rapp and Chris James on guitar Patrick Rynn on bass round on this great track. Pinetop Perkins is featured on vocal and piano leading Grinder Man. His quiet yet firm vocal style provides great balance for his deliberate piano style and Corritore gets the harmonica humming on this one. With Brian Fahey on drums, Rynn on drums and James on guitar, it's a solid Pinetop track. Willie Big Eyes Smith  leads off on She's Alright, a Morganfield classic with Corritore punctuating the lead. Joined by Rapp on guitar, and Fuzz Jones on bass, classic Chicago. Shuffle, Sail A Ship features Eddie Clearwater on vocal and guitar with Chris James on guitar, Rynn on bass and Hiller on drums. Closing the set is Caught In The Act, with Lil Ed on guitar and lead vocal. Ed lays out some really nice guitar soloing, trading with Rapp, Corritore adds harmonica, all backed by Paul Thomas on bass, and Chism on drums. Strong closer.

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  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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Monday, October 23, 2023

VizzTone artist: Nick Schnebelen - What Key Is Trouble In? - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, What Key Is Trouble In?, from Nick Schnebelen and he on top of his game. Opening with blues rocker, Ten Years After, Fifty Years Later, my man Alvin Lee is called to mind with it's driving power and effortless rocking. Nick Schnebelen on lead vocal and guitar really understands this style and doesn't copy Lee but has his energy with his own riffs and melodies. A great rocking blues. On title track, What Key Is Trouble In?, Nick really hits the R&B groove along the lines of Wilson Pickett, with excellent Albert King like guitar riffs. This is an excellent track with plenty of room to move. Backed by Cliff Moore on bass, Adam Hagerman on drums, Red Young on keys and Aaron Mayfield on organ, this is a tight band. Shuffle track, Pain Aside, has a real nice feel and showcases Nicks vocals nicely. With Moore's tight bass line and inventive blues attacks from Nick, this is a really cool track. Driving boogie, Jonny Cheat, will defy you to sit still without bobbing your head or squirming. This is BFG hot and one of my favorites on the release. I really like the swamp funky feeling of Throw Poor Me Out with the rat a tat drumming by Hagerman, and Jackie Lydon style vocals by Nice. His percussive guitar lead really hits this track perfectly. Wrapping the release is People Worry About Me, another track with that honest TYA sound> Nick's vocals are strong over a thick wall of sound. His guitar riffs are outrageous, almost like screams in pain, giving this track a terrific intensity that I love. Excellent closer. 


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  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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Friday, September 1, 2023

VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Corritore - Women In Blues Showcase - New Release Review


 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Women In Blues Showcase by Bob Corritore and there are some real gems here. Opening with You're Gonna Be Sorry, Barbara Lynn on vocal and guitar is joined by Corritore on harmonica, Maxine Johnson and Laydee Jai on backing vocal, and Bill Tarsha on drums. A cool, early blues rock sound makes this an excellent opener. One of my favorite tracks on the release is soulful, I Just Need A Friend, by Carol Fran. Johnny Rapp on guitar, Paul Thomas on bass, and Chico Chism on drums really support this excellent vocal track perfectly. Koko Taylor is front and center on What Kind of Man Is This with great Chicago swagger. Joined by Bob Margolin on guitar, Frank Krakowski on guitar, Bob Stroger on bass, Adriana Marie on bass and Willie Big Eyes Smith on drums, a real cool track. Shy Perry does a great job  belting out Dixon's Wang Dang Doodle with Corritore on harmonica and Brian Fahey on drums. Diunna Greenleaf 's rocker, Don't Mess With The Messer really is a mover and Greenleaf's vocals are gritty and powerful, backed by Fred Kaplan on piano, Troy Sandow on bass, Andrew Guterman on drums and a terrific bari solo by Doug James. Wrapping the release is Francine Reed on Why Am I Treated So Bad. I gotta say I really love Reed's voice and the choice to place her last on this release is a great one. With  Kid Ramos on guitar, Johnny Main on guitar, Mike Hightower on bass, Michael Reed on backing vocal and Brian Fahey on drums, this is an excellent closer for a really strong release.


View Bman Blueswriter's profile on LinkedIn

  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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For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Monday, June 26, 2023

VizzTone Label Group artists: Jimi "Primetime" Smith and Bob Corritore - The World In A Jug - New Release Review

 


I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The World In A Jug, from Jimi "Primetime" Smith and Bob Corritore and it's a healthy dose of pure Chicago blues. Opening with title track, I Got The World In A Jug, Jimi "Primetime" Smith on lead vocal and guitar really gets this set rolling in Morganfield style. Bob Corritore shares the spotlight and shows the great tone and phrasing that he's know for. With Fred Kaplan on piano, Johnny Rappy on guitar, Bob Stroger on bass and Brian Fahey on drums, this is an excellent opener. Corritore really ramps it up on You For Me with classic high octave octane and with Henry Gray on piano, Rapp on guitar, Troy Sandow on bass and Marty Dodson on drums, this is a definite favorite. Shuffle, Blinded, is one of my favorites on the release really showcasing Primetime's excellent guitar phrasing and vocals and a strong solo by Corritore on harmonica, backed by Shea Marshall on organ, Tony Tomlinson on bass and Allen West on drums. Primetime slips on his slide for an Elmore James flavored Walkin'. His vocals are very soulful and Corritore really uses his amp to his advantage getting just that right tone. With Yahni Riley on bass and Fahey on drums, this is a real nice track. Wrapping the release is another great Chicago style slow blues, Fire and Ice. Primetime on vocal shows gripping emotion and Corritore milks the juice out of his harmonica. With Rap on guitar, Riley on bass and Fahey on drums, this is an excellent closer. 

Friday, March 17, 2023

VizzTone Label Group artist: Annika Chambers & Paul DesLauriers - Good Trouble - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Good Trouble, from Annika Chambers & Paul DesLauriers and I really like it. Opening with New Orleans flavored, You've Got To Believe, and a great bass and drum rhythm by Chris Peet. Annika Chambers on lead vocal really gets this track going. With Paul DesLauriers on mandolin, southern slide guitar styling by JP Soars, and Kim Richardson on backing vocals, this is a strong opener. On one of my favorite George Harrison compositions,  Isn't It A Pity, Chambers and DesLauriers add a cool funky rhythm and style. DesLauriers lays down some fluid guitar lead and with tight drum accents makes this one of my favorites on the release. Joe South's soulful Walk A Mile In My Shoes is transformed by Chambers and DesLauriers to a great R&B/Gospel track with excellent form and execution. Chambers is certainly capable of carrying this vocally, and with Richardson, Soars and Gary Davenport, who also lays down a great bass line providing excellent backing vocals and another strong guitar solo, this track is great! If you're looking for that slow blues with he screaming guitar, Need Your Love So Bad, is it with full vocals by Chambers and DesLauriers. Very nice. Tackling Mountain's, Mississippi Queen is a mountainous task but Chambers does a great job and with a solid bottom and DesLauriers' guitar work, this track works. Wrapping the release is I Need More Power carried vocally by Chambers, and with a thumping bass line by Soars, Peet keeping it simple on drums and tasteful guitar work by DesLauriers this is a powerful closer. 


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  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" 

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

For your convenience, you can click the title of this post above to be taken to a site where this cd can be purchased - Happy Listening

Tuesday, March 14, 2023

VizzTone Label Group artist: The Lucky Losers - Standin' Pat - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Standin' Pat, from The Lucky Losers w/ Cathy Lemons & Phil Berkowitz and it's an interesting mix of rock, blues, funk and soul (and more). Opening with Pack Up The Bags, a rag fused pop track with a bluesy edge, Cathy Lemons and Phil Berkowitz harmonize on vocals and Berkowitz lays in some nice harmonica, backed by Chris Burns on keys, Endre Tarczy on bass and Jon Otis on drums. Also featured are Kid Andersen on lead guitar, Mike Rinta on trombone, Michael Peloquin on tenor sax, and Brian Catania on trumpet. Swamp funky, Somewhere In The Middle has a terrific bottom courtesy of Tarczy and Otis and featuring Berkowitz on vocal and guitar is one of my favorite tracks on the release. A solid R&B track, Down In Memphis Town has the strong bones of a 60's radio hit. Lemons has the lead on another of my favorite tracks on the release with cool slide and organ work by Andersen. Soulful ballad, They Wrecked My Town features Lemons on lead vocal over Burns on piano and a real firm bass line by Tarczy. A melodic harmonica solo by Berkowitz and strong lead guitar by Andersen really adds another dimension making this a solid radio track. Wrapping the release is title track, Standin' Pat, another R&B based track with Berkowitz leading the way on vocal and real nice sax lead by Terry Hanck making it a strong closer. 


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  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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Friday, December 23, 2022

VizzTone Label Group artist: Too Slim & The Taildraggers - Brace Yourself (Live) - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Brace Yourself (Live), from Too Slim & The Taildraggers, and it's a concert full of butt kicking, country blues based rock. Opening with Mississippi Moon, Tim "Too Slim" Langford on guitar and vocal cranks this dude up with Zach Kasik on bass and vocal and Jeff "Shakey" Fowlkes on drums and vocals. Devil In A Doublewide has the straight up country rock feel that is prevalent in "country" music today. With a solid melody, cool vocal hook,  rock guitar riffs and a driving beat...can't miss. Bluesy, My Body, has a haunting undertone and working with the solitary guitar wail of Langford and the cool drum chant of Fowlkes  and the bass counter of Kasik is my favorite track on the release. Another track with a heavy blues rock feel is Blood Moon with it's heavy bottom, droning bass line and wailing guitar work. Landford really works this track with strong vocal and melodic lead guitar, supplemented by the sound that I would associate with Jimi or Trower. I really like this track and it's heavy rock approach. Excellent! Wrapping the release is Good Guys Win with it's hard driving beat and heavy guitar laden sound. There's only one way to close out a high energy release and Langford has that covered here. Solid closer. 


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Thursday, December 22, 2022

VizzTone Label Group artist: Bob Corritore & Friends - You Shocked Me - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, You Shocked Me, from Bob Corritore and Friends and it's chocked full of great Chicago based blues. Opening with Hiding Place, John Primer has the lead on vocal and guitar backed by Anthony Geraci on piano, Wes Starr on drums, Jimi Primetime Smith on guitar and Bob Stroger on bass. This is a terrific opener with high energy. Diunna Greenleaf is up front on vocal on title track, You Shocked Me with Bob Margolin on guitar, LA Jones on guitar, Ben Levin on piano, Starr on drums, Adrianna Marie on  bass and Corritore on harmonica. Super track. Alabama Mike has the mic on slow blues, Somebody Stole My Love From Me, a soul jammed track. With excellent harmonica lead by Corritore, Stroger on bass, Margolin on guitar, Fred Kaplan on piano, and Starr on drums, this is one of my favorites on the release. Love Francine Reed's vocals on Don't Need Your Permission, a swinging shuffle with Corritore really humming on harmonica. With Johnny Main on guitar, Bill Fahey on drums and Mike Hightower on bass, this is another great track. Diunna Greenleaf and Jimi Primetime Smith have the mic on Sunny Day Friends, a real nice shuffle with Johnny Rapp on steel, Kaplan on piano, Corritore on harmonica, Troy Sandow on bass and Andrew Gutterman on drums. Very nice.  Wrapping the release is Blues For Hippies featuring Alabama Mike on lead vocal, Stroger on bass, smith on guitar, Kaplan on piano and Fahey on drums. Corritore really winds the harmonica out on this track. This is a great closer for a really nice release. 


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Thursday, October 13, 2022

VizzTone Label Group artist: The Nighthawks - Established 1972 - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Established 1972, by The Nighthawks and it's a solid rocker. Washington D.C.'s legendary blues rockers have released a new album and they haven't lost a step. Opening with rocker, Nobody, Mark Wenner is upfront on harmonica and lead vocal, backed by Dan Hovey on guitar, Mark Stutso on drums and Paul Posciotta on bass. With it's driving rhythm and take no prisoners feel, this is a strong opener. Boogie track, Coming and Going, not only has a great rhythm but the concept line is great and Hovey's guitar lead is hot. Wenner lays in some real nice blues riffs on harmonica making this one of my favorites on the release. Ask Me Nice has a really bluesy feel with trademark harp tones and phrasing by Wenner and an overall slinky vibe. Funky, Gas Station Chicken, has a great bass line by Pisciotta and fine vocals punched up by Wenner on harmonica and some flashy guitar work by Hovey. Very cool. Wrapping the release is country flavored, Driving, with it's easy pace and smooth lead vocals. Hovey lays in a melodic guitar solo and counter lead by Wenner on harmonica gives the track a solid shine. 


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  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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