Watch and Learn About Dudley Taft

DUDLEY TAFT SCREAMS ABOUT NEW CD Screaming In The Wind will be out on 5/20  Starting on this Tuesday, April 22nd, there will be a teaser of the new songs from Dudley's CD, "Screaming In The Wind", posted twice a week on his social media sites. He will be starting with the last song first all in Taft fashion of course leading up to the release date on Tuesdays and Thursdays. This is where you see how he gets his mojo going to give his music that extra umph. So follow along with the links below!  DT FANS DT Twitter DT SITE DT YT Dudley will have a 5 day exclusive video run on the mag's site starting MAY 12 for his song, "Screaming In The Wind".  Guitar Master Dudley Taft Is Screaming in the Wind on Latest CD, Coming May 20 from American Blues Artist Group New Album of Blues-Rock Produced by Grammy-Winner Tom Hambridge Features Special Guest Reese Wynans on Keyboards   CINCINNATI, OH – Blues-rock guitarist Dudley Taft announces a May 20 release date for his new CD, Screaming in the Wind, on his American Blues Artist Group label. The new album was produced by Grammy-winner Tom Hambridge, best-known for his work with Buddy Guy, Susan Tedeschi, George Thorogood and Johnny Winter, and recorded at The Switchyard and Rendering Plant in Nashville, as well as Taft’s new Muchmore Studio in Cincinnati. The new recording facility is part of the house and property Dudley recently purchased from legendary guitarist Peter Frampton.   The new CD features a dozen songs, most of which are originals penned by Dudley Taft, including several co-written with Tom Hambridge (who also plays drums on a couple tracks) and Richard Fleming, plus scintillating covers of songs by Skip James (“Hard Time Killing Floor Blues”) and Freddie King (“Pack It Up”). “Screaming in the Wind is my third solo effort and the first album I’ve done produced by someone outside the band. Several songwriting sessions in Nashville with producer Tom Hambridge and songwriter Richard Fleming helped the songs take shape before recording them,” says Taft. “It was refreshing to work with other great songwriters for the first time, and it gives Screaming in the Wind a different flavor.” Taft’s regular band of John Kessler on bass and Jason Patterson drums is augmented by the addition of former Stevie Ray Vaughan keyboard player Reese Wynans on the sessions. “Reese plays some wicked B3 organ on the CD,” exclaims Taft. “He really shines on a bunch of the songs, elevating them to levels I never imagined. Check out his ripping solo on ‘The Reason Why’.” Other special guests on Screaming in the Wind include the acclaimed McCrary sisters, who bring their smooth gospel harmonies to the song “Barrio,” while the Muscle Shoals Horn Section shines on “Pack It Up.” “So far, I have done a Freddie King song on every CD, and this was no exception,” states Taft. “I love the funky vibe and tight arrangement of ‘Pack It Up.’ We poured gasoline on it and lit a match.” The title track of the album started as a custom instrumental riff Taft did for the “American Blues Scene” website. “They told me it should be a song,” he recalls, “and I think it may have turned out to be one of the strongest on the album. Tom Hambridge and I worked hard to find the key imagery in the lyrics to tell the story.” Speaking of instrumentals, Dudley Taft really cuts loose on the appropriately named track, “Red Line,” demonstrating why he’s been dubbed one of the hottest guitarists on the planet. Fans of classic ZZ Top riffs will be smiling from ear-to-ear when they hear Taft “spanking the plank” on that one. “The riff from Skip James’ ‘Hard Time Killing Floor Blues’ got stuck in my head last year,” Taft remembers. “I thought giving it a Led Zeppelin ‘Black Dog kind of interpretation would make it fresh.” The final song on the CD, “Say You Will,” has what Taft calls “an epilogue, where the gears shift and a David Gilmour influence surfaces, taking the listener off into oblivion. That was such a fun track to record!” Dudley Taft’s last CD, Deep Deep Blue, released in May, 2013, received universal acclaim from fans and critics alike, including being named on several “best of” lists at the end of that year. He will support the new CD release with touring both in the U.S. and overseas, where he already has a European tour planned in May and June that will take him to the Netherlands and Germany.  "... so Delta you can almost smell the swamp" - Premiere Gutiar "The time shifting boogie ‘Red Line,’ reminds us it’s all about the guitar as Taft demonstrates what he has learned as a disciple of Billy Gibbons and the Texas sound." Rick Bowen/Examiner (Seattle)

Dudley's perfectly crafted rock/blues gets a cool nod by producer Tom Hambridge MAY 20 2014 This appeared last year for his CD Deep Deep Blue in the magazine. Read more about it by clicking on the logo!  Deep Deep Blue Released 2013 American Blues Artist Group CD art is linked to iTunes

Stony Plain Records artist: Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne - Rollin' With The Blues Boss - New Release review

I just received the newest release (April 22, 2014), Rollin' With The Blues Boss, from Kenny "Blues Boss" Wayne and its quite good. Opening with Leavin' In The Morning, opens the release with a R&B infused blues track and a fine guitar intro by Tom Lavin on guitar. Wayne on vocal, organ and piano gets the band hopping and Loren Etkin on drums and Russell Jackson on bass hold down the bottom. You Bring The Jungle Out Of Me has a bit more funk and Jerry Cook (sax) and Vince Mai (trumpet) add nice horn work on the track. Wayne takes a nice organ solo on this track topping it off. Hootenanny Boogie-Woogie has a bit of that New Orleans feel with the piano and funk along the lines of WW Washington with nice backing vocals from Christine Best. Roadrunner has that gospel like key work that has made Leon Russell so popular (with me anyway). A straight beat on drums by Etkin offsets that "Mad Dogs" sound keeping it straight in the R&B style. Baby, It Ain't You is one of my favorite tracks on the release ... right down the soul blues highway, it also features the best vocal work on the release. Sibel Thrasher, Cecile Larochelle and Christine Best add really nice backing vocals on this track. I Can't Believe It is a rumbling R&B style track with polished jazz like phrasing. Two Sides is another super track with with great piano work and a rockin' gospel boogie blues feel. Again harmonizing vocals add a key component to this track. Slow Down has a bit of a country ballad feel... say like Gregg Allman. Sherman Doucette adds some nice harp work to this track. Ogopogo Boogie has a real solid New Orleans piano boogie sound. Wayne and Mai (trumpet) lead the way on this hot instrumental. Excellent! Keep On Rockin' stays in that New Orleans feel and Wayne's hand for the New Orleans sound is super. With a blues/boogie feel, a rock beat and sax contributions from Drew Davies, this track is easily one of the hottest tracks on the release. Out Like A Bullet is a real classic style piano boogie and Wayne really hits a homer here. An excellent track to wrap up a really 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”

 This track isn't from the new release but does demonstrate his sound:

Tom Letizia Records artist: Gaetano Letizia and the Underworld Blues Band - Voodoo Doll & Other Blues Sessions - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Voodoo Doll & Other Blues Sessions, from Gaetano Letizia and the Underground Blues Band and it is really quite interesting and different. Opening with Big Foot, a fine jazzy instrumental romp featuring Letizia on guitar, Larry Keller on bass, Jake Tijerina on keys and Steve Renko on drums Letizia establishes a pretty high watermark for the rest of the release. Keller lays down a really nice bass solo on this track and overdriven guitar work from Letizia is way cool.Title track, Voodoo Doll, maintains the funky jazz rhythm with cool slap and pop bass work from Keller. More of a pop (Steely Dan) style track, Letizia adds some warm vocal work but it's his tasty guitar overlays that makes this a super track. Kill My Conscience continues along the pop jazz track with more of a BST kind of attack but without horns. The Devil Is A Nice Guy is funky pop track with a bit of sarcasm. Blending vocals with Ro Brown and popping with his jazzy guitar riffs through a closed wah, this track moves along pretty well. Tijerina lays out a cool organ solo on this track but the bass work of Keller and smokin drumming of Renko are right on. Sold My Soul maintains the jazzy funky beat but with some more adventurous guitar work...a bit looser jam. Hurt Myself is a slick shuffle tune with lead vocals by Bobby Huszar and a nice walking bass line by Keller and a cool hook. Slowing down the track takes on a bluesy turn for a nice conclusion. Bleed is a funky rocker with a strong guitar / drum interaction. This is definitely one of my favorite tracks on the release just base on it's overall flow. All I Need is an acoustic jazz number with some swift riffs. Blow The Blues Away has a real pop edge but is sharpened by some really slick guitar moves and strong bottom work from Renko and Keller. Torture Me is a bluesy ballad with Letizia doing vocal exchanges between his vocals and guitar. Very nice mix in triplets. Orange Sunglasses opens with a very cool bass riff. Building on this bottom the band creates a cool funky jam. Opening up later in the track as a wide open relentless ride, Tijerina lays down a smooth organ field. Wrapping the release is a quiet blues track called Big Secret. With a jazz edge, Letizia puts up some of the hottest guitar riffs on the release. This track morphs back and forth between a slow club blues and a faster paced shuffle track, but really a nice finish to a different take on the blues.

  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”

 

New roots guitar guru video!

NEW DAMON FOWLER VIDEO "SOUNDS OF HOME" LIVE PERFORMANCE photo: Bob Hakins Blind Pig Records has released a video of the Damon Fowler Band performing "Sounds of Home," the title track from their newly-released album.   The CD, which debuted at or near the top of roots sales and airplay charts, has been gathering widespread acclaim: "Where the swamp meets the cotton field; there lies the music of Damon Fowler. Sounds of Home signifies Damon Fowler's progression into the ranks of the Americana elite." - Living Blues "The covers are well-chosen, but Fowler's originals and nimble guitar work are the reasons to visit."- USA Today "A blend of sacred steel, backwater blues and howling, greasy swamp rock, Fowler's music is a primal, atavistic sound that makes the hair on the back of your neck stand up."  - No Depression To watch the video, please click HERE. For more info, or to purchase "Sounds of Home" CD, please click HERE. For digital downloads, please visit iTunes by clicking HERE.

Ruf Records artist: Albert Castiglia - Solid Ground - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Solid Ground, from Albert Castiglia and it not only reinforces Castiglia as a premier guitar slinger but shows his continued growth as a singer/songwriter and interpreter. Opening with Triflin', Castiglia lays down rhythm guitar riffs giving his free reign to sing and solo at will. Keep You Around Too Long is a flat out Texas blues romp. Dave Gross also adds guitar on this track but it's the basic feel that makes this track tick. Castiglia lays down some guitar riffs that will make you sweat chased by Jeremy Baum on keys and Bob Amsel on drums. Searching The Desert for The Blues has a straight up blues rock format. Castiglia uses the bottom of the fretboard nicely for some fat beefy tones on this track. Have You No Shame is a soul oriented ballad with a nice melody and a twist of country, with harmony vocal work by Matt Schuler and Lou Bevere. Laying out nicely for bluesy guitar solos, Castiglia takes good advantage and lays it down. Very nice. Put Some Stank On It features guest vocalist and guitar wiz Debbie Davies. A fast shuffle,this is a definite cool track set up perfectly for some nicely articulated guitar exchanges. Love One Another is a pop R&B style track which could easily break onto daily airplay with a smooth melody and catchy hook. Sleepless Nights is a scorcher ... a heavy blues loaded track. This track has some of the most intense guitar work on the release.... sit back and enjoy it! Jimmy Oden's Going Down Slow, a real favorite of Duane Allman fans, with find this track totally reworked with a funky edge. Baum glistens on keys on this track and Castiglia does but loose for a real nice guitar solo as well. Celebration has a sturdy John Melencamp feel and could easily capture widespread airplay and popularity with a strong melody and hook. Hard Time is a very light ballad with acoustic accompaniment. With only acoustic guitar and light percussion, Castigila carries this song on the basis of his vocal and writing skills (Think Gregg Allman). Very nice. Bad Avenue hits the blues straight on the head with a lumbering 12 bar. Castiglia really pulls out the stops on this track with some wicked guitar riffs. Jerremy Baum rides the B3 adding a solid ground anchoring Castiglia as he literally tears a hole in it. Excellent! The Rolling Stones Sway is a great track and Castiglia does a real nice interpretation of it. Bevere adds complimentary vocal work on the track and Amsel's drumming on this track is particularly important anchoring the rhythm. Little Havana Blues has traces of All Your Love melody with a luxurious guitar interlude. This is probably my favorite track on the release, with it's Latin flair and crisp instrumental work. Castiglia stylistically really lays it out here. Think Black Magic Woman... with more richness. Wrapping the release is Just Like Jesus, an acoustic ballad with Dave Gross sharing guitar duties presenting some choice acoustical guitar riffs. This is a diverse release with a little bit of everything. I like this release and am looking forward to it's ride in my car.

  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”

 

Delta Groove & Eclecto Groove New Releases

WEBSITE    STORE    CONTACT

Delta Groove Music & Eclecto Groove Records New Releases We are happy to announce that Delta Groove Music & Eclecto Groove Records just released 3 new albums on April 15th 2014 which are available to purchase at multiple outlets worldwide or directly through our online store. If you are a fan of Delta Groove or Eclecto Groove then you might be familiar with a couple of these releases already. But if you aren't be sure to follow the links and you will be taken to our online store where you can stream the songs and purchase the album. Bob Corritore - Taboo Click Here To Listen And Order Terry Hanck - Gotta Bring It On Home To You Click Here To Listen And Order Shane Dwight - This House Click Here To Listen And Order Delta Groove Music, all rights reserved 2014 ©

Alligator Records News Briefs - April 16, 2014

JAMES COTTON RECEIVES LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD FROM MISSISSIPPI ARTS COMMISSION Conjure up a list of all-time great blues harmonica players, and high up on it you'll see the name James Cotton. --NPR The Mississippi Arts Commission presented blues music icon (and Tunica, Mississippi native) James Cotton with the coveted Governor's Award For Excellence In The Arts in a ceremony held February 20, 2014 at Belhaven University in Clarion, Mississippi. The Governor's Arts Awards are presented annually to outstanding writers, artists, performers, craftsmen and educators who have made significant and lasting contributions through their work as well as to corporations or organizations on the basis of their dedication to arts advancement. Previous winners include B.B. King, Little Milton Campbell, and Bo Diddley. Video of the presentation and live performance is here: http://www.alligator.com/artists/James-Cotton/. Cotton is currently celebrating his 70th year as a professional entertainer. His Grammy-nominated 2013 CD, Cotton Mouth Man, is an upbeat, warm blues album boasting fine musicianship and Cotton's undeniable spirit. Living Blues says, "James Cotton is one of the great harmonica innovators of his generation. Cotton Mouth Man is a star-studded affair that makes James Cotton's best recording for Alligator. It is an autobiographical narrative of Cotton's eventful life and soul-deep relationship with the blues. He plays with an authority and energy that belies his age." JOE LOUIS WALKER TO PARTICIPATE IN MONK INSTITUTE'S INTERNATIONAL JAZZ DAY IN OSAKA Blues Hall of Famer Joe Louis Walker will take part in the Thelonious Monk Institute Of Jazz's International Jazz Day in Osaka, Japan on April 30, 2014. Many other artists will also perform, including Wayne Shorter, Herbie Hancock and John Scofield. According to the Monk Institute, "The designation of International Jazz Day is intended to bring together communities, schools and other groups the world over to celebrate and learn more about the art of jazz, its roots and its impact. Ultimately, it seeks to foster intercultural dialogue and raise public awareness about the role of jazz music. As a language of freedom across the board, jazz promotes social inclusion, enhancing understanding, tolerance and nurturing creativity." From its base in Washington, DC, the Thelonious Monk Institute Of Jazz identifies jazz music's new voices, honoring its present and past masters, making the jazz aesthetic available and comprehensible in concert halls and classrooms around the world. The Institute is the lead nonprofit organization charged with planning, promoting and producing International Jazz Day. Walker's latest album, Hornet's Nest, has been hailed as a true blues tour-de-force. USA Today says it is "tough and resilient." Living Blues added, "Few contemporary blues artists blend aggression, deep feeling and eclecticism with the panache and ferocity of Joe Louis Walker." SONGS FROM ALLIGATOR ARTISTS APPEAR ON NATIONAL TELEVISION Alligator Records recordings from Professor Longhair, Corey Harris and Anders Osborne have and continue to appear on network television programs. Professor Longhair's Whole Lotta Lovin' (from his Crawfish Fiesta album) is the opening theme song for My Big Redneck Family, airing weekly on the CMT network. Corey Harris' Moosemilk Blues (from his Fish Ain't Bitin' CD) and Anders Osborne's On The Road To Charlie Parker (from his American Patchwork CD) both appeared in the April 1 episode of CBS Television's NCIS.

MMM Records artist: Michael Louis Band - Morning Gasoline - New release review

I just received the newest releae, Morning Gasoline, from the Michael Louis Band and it's pretty sweet. Opening with the title track, Morning Gasoline, Louis rocks out with light latin rhythms and super guitar strokes. Featuring Louis on vocal and lead guitar, Andrei Sebastian on bass and keys, Keith Crupi on drums and featuring Chauncey Yearwood on congas this track moves. R&B influenced City Boy has just a taste of contemporary neo soul with a slick lag rhythm that made Snoopy famous. I really like this track as it just lays in the groove. Makin' Time starts off sounding like Dickey Betts and Les Dudek on twin guitar leads. With a bit of a calypso beat this track has a happy feel and should hit the sweet spot for those southern rock fans. Late September is a simple but nice ballad with a Becker/Fagan feel. A clever little tune that could easily win significant airplay. Next up is Stevie Wonder/Jeff Beck track Superstition. This is an interesting interpretation of the song that falls right square between Beck's R&B rocker and Wonder's funky R&B performance. Cool! Flower That Blooms has a little bit of a Blue Oyster Cult feel with the bass work from early Sabbath. A solid rocker with driving drums, hard not to like. One Time has a taste of Led Zep with a bit of a back beat. Slide guitar work under the melody is a nice touch. Louis steps up on this track with a cool guitar solo and Crupi and Sebastian hold down the bottom. Vanilla Plain is a country rock influenced ballad. This song is about the vocal and guitar harmonies. Well done. Tazer is an instrumental James Brown funky light but without the horns. Sebastian carries his weight nicely on organ and bass and Louis rips a pretty nice guitar solo on this track as well. Willie Dixon's Yes, It's Good For You, has some deep funk but vocal work that sounds quite a bit like Donald Fagan. Louis digs in on guitar with the help of a wah wah making this track a lot of fun. The release is completed by When You Used to Be Mine, a basic rocker with a basic blues guitar riff with a Keith Richards twist. (Think Seeger's "That Old Time Rock and Roll"). Nice track to wrap up 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”

 

All Your Love LIVE - JD & The Blu-Tones

JD & The Blu-Tones was a band in Madrid, Spain from November 2010 to May 2012. Now re-formed in the USA and based in Ridgefield, CT. Blues Rock band founded by JD Seem in Madrid, Spain in 2010. Released debut CD, Tequila Reposado, Dec 2011. Re-formed in the US 2013. JD Seem Al Hemberger Andrei Bourtsev















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Josh Hoyer And The Shadowboxers- New release review

I just received the newest release, Josh Hoyer And The Shadowboxers and it's a funky house party. Opening with Shadowboxer Brian Marrow and Justin G. Jones lay down a funky groove and Joshua Hoyer introduces a great R&B style vocal. Accompanying himself on organ and with nice backing vocals from Hanna Bendler, Megan Spain and Kim Moser this track will have you squirming in your seat. Russell Zimmer (trumpet), Tommy Van Den Berg (trombone) and Michael (Dee sax) add some real nice horn backing. Close Your Eyes has a real Al Green feel with the smooth pace and clean horn work over an R&B beat. Hoyer delivers on vocal and piano and Guitarist Benny Kushner slices and dices a few nice riffs. Cool track. Illusion brings to mind the Atlanta Rhythm Section and their R&B sound with a few more lbs. This track has a bit more funk and a bit more teeth. The horn and guitar work on this track is really cool. Van Den Berg really blows a nice solo on this track. Everyday and Everynight has that signature James Brown rhythm and it's hard not to step along in time. Hoyer has a really nice voice and his backing vocalists as mentioned earlier are really smooth. With an ever developing texture this track goes beyond it's comparison to  JB with a lot of soul feel. Van Den Berg again steps up with a really tasty trombone solo. Til She's Lovin' Someone Else has that Louisiana funk with a mix of rock. The horns have a key role on this track with some Mempis feel. Hoyer really has a nice piano break on this track as does Benny Kushner on guitar. Make Time For Love is a real high stepper again along the Al Green lines. I really like this style and Hoyer takes it deep. Crisp guitar riffs from Kushner and steady drumming from Jones makes this track soar. Turning the funk up, Dirty World could be "Hot Pant"'s little sister. An funky jam with lots of horn, especially nice trombone work from Van Den Berg, slick guitar riffs from Kushner and strong feel make this a really enjoyable release. This release is definitely going into my car for further review in a few weeks. I really like this release, and although not "blues" is is a really super enjoyable recording. 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”

 

Justin Time Records artist: Brent Johnson - Set The World On Fire - New Release review

I just received the newest release, Set The World On Fire, by Brent Johnson and it's a perfect match of pop, R&B, blues and guitar. Opening with Don't Make A Sound, Johnson establishes right up front that he means business. Simple straightforward solid song writing and clean instrumentation is the ticket on this release. A simple guitar rhythm with a funky back beat and thickness added through organ, make this a very cool track. On Meet Me In The Morning, Alvin Youngblood Hart joins in and a crunchy slide guitar permeates the track. Loose, back country blues guitar riffs set this easy paced "Crossroads" like track quite well. Nice! The Ticket is a high steppin two stepper with that rockin Chuck Berry rhythm. Fun, loosly played guitar riffs keep this track light but add a lot of spunk. Don't Take It With You has a driving R&B style and features cool bass work from Bill Blok. Wayne Lohr lays in a tasty keyboard solo and John Perkins is tight on the drums. So Glad You're Mine opens with a simple guitar riff leading into a R&B style that you might expect from Jimmy Hall. This is a humble track but one that is really quite memorable melodically. Long Way Back To New Orleans features louisiana's own, Sonny Landereth. Perkins gets the street snare cooking and Landreth lays down some really nice slide work. Very cool! Glass Ceiling has a nice funky groove and I haven't mentioned it yet but Johnson has a really solid voice. Wayne Lohr takes a nice organ ride on this track which leads to one of the hottest flat out guitar solo's by Johnson on the track. John Lee Hooker's Meet Me At The Bottom is the most straight forward contemporary blues rocker and I really like the grinding guitar tones on this one. Opening into a cool extended jam with AY Hart this is another particularly cool track. My favorite track on the release, a solid cover of As The Years Go Passing By, reinforces Johnson as both a vocalist and a serious blues guitar player. This 13 plus minute track gives Johnson a really nice opportunity to lay out some of the tastiest guitar work I've heard new for a while and shows a lot of passion. Lohr adds nice tension with organ and also plays a sweet piano solo. Excellent! The Hucklebuck, one of my favorite guitar boogies is up next and Johnson shows his versatility as a guitar player and throws smoke from the strings accompanied by a strong troop of players. Again excellent! The release finishes up with Set The World On Fire, a solid pop style closer with a lot of broad appeal. This release has a number of facets and I really enjoyed a lot of them. Check it 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”

 

Solomon King Riding The "Train" of Critic's Acclaim

                                                    

SOLOMON KING RIDING THE "TRAIN" OF CRITIC'S ACCLAIM

    Solomon King recently released his third album, Train. The 9-song disc "walks the line between love and lust, while celebrating getting on with one's life," says King, who wrote all the songs, performs lead vocals and most of the guitar parts on Train (along with noted L.A. session man, Johann Frank). Train is a follow-up to 2011's well-received Medicine. King's 2009 album Under The Sun was Grammy-nominated in the "Best Contemporary Blues Album" category and yielded two songs, "Jack Me Up" and "Frankie And Johnnie," featured in the first season of hit HBO TV series, "True Blood.”

"Blues musician Solomon King's new album Train is an ode to blues with a new sound. A polished and accomplished guitar player, singer, and songwriter. With Blues music being manifested and brought to life by such artists as Johnny Lang, Joe Bonamassa and Solomon King, the genre is destined to thrive for many years to come. 5 Stars (out of 5)".

                                  ATLANTA MUSIC EXAMINER

"Solomon King's Train is his best music so far - with great singing, strong songwriting, and a selfless maturity. Reminds me of early Dire Straits or The Band circa 'Music From Big Pink,' i.e. great music following an artistic vision all in service of each individual song."

                                SUNDAY NIGHT BLUES PROJECT

"On Train; Solomon King finds a way to stay true to a classic blues sound, but still manages to cross into other genres, widening his appeal. Not every musician can pull this off, but King succeeds with flying colors."                                       

                                                   ROCK OVER AMERICA

                                

"Train is a solid album from beginning to end. Solomon pays homage to traditional blues, but plays the Blues in a style all his own. With Solomon King, the Blues are in good hands!"

                                NATIONAL ROCK REVIEW

"King's emotive, story-telling lyrics and music harkens me back to the days of classic, soulful grooves straight out of Muscle Shoals. 'Slo Blues is an easy classic after-hours tune tastefully done with a nice slow-hand feel on the guitar playing. If you like singer-songwriter music that covers a gamut of musical stylings and leaves a lasting impression then I recommend Train for many listens."

                                                     GUITARZ FOREVER

"After listening to Train I must once again put this music into a category for which the term brilliant is first and foremost. Packed with truly great tunes from beginning to end. A really great album from one of the better singers, songwriters, and guitarists performing nowadays. Highly recommended."

                                     BLUES UNDERGROUND

"It doesn't take much of this album to see that Solomon king has a pretty firm grasp of the blues...from the slow burn of "Slo Blues" to the roots-rock of "Country Song," King shows he knows how to produce a groove with the guitar."

                                      OC MUSIC EXAMINER

"I just received the latest release Train from Solomon King and its quite good. Cool guitar riffs appear throughout. 'Bad To Me' has a blues rock beat with a nice back beat. 'Country Song' actually puts me in mind of a mellow version of Sweet Jane. If there's a radio track here, this is it!"

                                     BMANS BLUES REPORT

"There are those who simply play the blues and some people who have lived them and there dudes like Solomon King who have done both. Train is a tasty collection of blues that walk the line between love and lust and celebrate getting on with life."

                                                     ROCKWIRED MAGAZINE

"This Train is more powerful than any you might have ridden in the past and Solomon King is riding the rails high and proud. His mellow-toned voice and delicate yet distinctive guitar style is smooth and masterful."

                                 XOMBIEWOOF MAGAZINE

"Solomon King's diversity makes Train a special set, indeed...he revisits his South Central (L.A.) days with the scorching funk of "Bad To Me," and again with the thundering tones of the title cut."

                                     MOJOWORKINZZ

                            

    
                                               www.solomonkingmusic.com

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Virtue and Vice - Hornbuckle - New release Review

I just received the newest release, Virtue & Vice from Hornbuckle and it's an interesting, danceable, pop release with a solid mix and a bit of funk. Opening with Done Fooling Around, a slick sophisticated pop track with a really nice driving guitar vamp by Michael Hornbuckle and vocal harmonies with Briam Hornbucke. Alexander "Ace" Baker handles keys and excellent drumming from Lance Crane. Next up is Complicated, a reggae rhythm and a spoken rhythmic lead vocal. Very well written and again almost perfect guitar placement makes this funky reggae track very memorable. '59 Pontiac Hearse has a jazz/rock rhythm, again very lively and happy. A sprite guitar solo taking a wild turn in this track again is meticulously executed. Slave To The Benjamins has a new wave beat, somewhat like Blondie's Rapture. A nice bass intro from Brian and cool key work from Ace are prime on this track. Blue Note is a bluesy ballad with rich key work supporting strong vocals from Michael. A really sweet piano solo by Ace on this track is the standout. Lip has a country rock beat but with clean pop lyrics more of a mainstream track. Michael shows his knowledge of country style with a flashy country style guitar solo. Kathleen has a pure pop sound with only easy guitar and organ with simple handclap and harmony. Cool gospel pop like track. Ride Away is a straight out pop rocker with a little bit of bite and almost Mickey Thomas sound. Birds of a Feather has a bit of 80's flare with well placed vocals and well rounded instrumentals. One Foot In The Grave has a soft approach with vocal domination over light keys and percussion. With a bit of a ethereal feel the guitar work on this track is merely a cloud. Angels, Addicts, Poets and Thieves has a theatrical feel with an interesting guitar driven romp behind progressive key work and altered guitar riffs. Bad Company like vocals define the track. This track does break open shortly before the end with a very cool guitar solo. Moment In Time has a light "Smooth" Latin feel with acoustic guitars and nicely blended vocals. Santana like guitar riffs cap the track on the climax of the chorus. Remorse is a simple ballad and possibly one of the nicest tracks on the release. Acoustic guitar and vocal...simple as it gets. Knife In Your Hand is a romping rocker again with a Paul Rogers sound but with a little bit of a country rock feel. Brian lays out a pretty strong bass line on this track dictating the beat and Lance is tight and crisp on drums. Beautiful Rain is another poppy track with an almost Justin Timberlake feel. Solid dance track with smooth vocals and firm bottom. Virtue and Vice has that Delaney and Bonnie kind of feel but with a bit more polish. Hornbuckle has an excellent voice and Baker knows exactly how to compliment and when to take over. Michael again steps up with a clean and well articulated guitar solo on this track. If you like your music silky smooth and slick as silk... this may be your ticket. These guys are "tops" at what they do.

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Bad Brad & The Fat Cats - Take A Walk With Me - New Release Review

I just received the newest release, Take A Walk With Me, by Bad Brad & The Fat Cats and it's a fire breathing blues monster! Opening with Texas style boogie and title track, Take A Walk With Me, Brad pulls out a little Elmore James action and gives it a modern flare for a ripping great opener. Leghound, another boogie track with a more understated attack features Nic Clark on harp and Alec Stivers on drums. This is a cool shuffle with a nice guitar solo to accompany Brads really nice vocals. Ego Trip sounds like a boogie from the John Lee Hooker song book. There's something about that classic Hooker sound that just makes a song cook. Harp player Greg MacKenzie adds icing to this already tasty track and Bad Brad not only understands the Hooker phrasing but also the boogie dynamics. Really nice! Take It Easy has a really sweet Texas lope along the lines of Mr Anson Funderburgh. A real foot stomper, this is a non stop riff dinner. Excellent. Going To The Country, really has the feel of the raw country blues and it's fast tempo especially due to the excellent drum work from Stivers. I'm glad that Brad doesn't need an excuse to lay it all out there because that he does and he certainly know what he's doing. Headin' Out maintains a little bit of that ragged edge but with the addition of Clark on harp and more sophisticated vocals of Bad Brad, this is a solid blues rocker. Lucky Man is that down and dirty slow blues that we all want to hear. Building slowly Brad uses his strong vocal accompanied by Clark on hark and light drumming by Stivers to set that table for the guitar fest. Brad has a super hand for phrasing and lays down some really nice screaming riffs contrasted by genuine feeling. Again, excellent! Other Side opens with Stivers laying down a New Orleans march beat. Brad takes control of the track immediately with super strong vocals. Understated slide guitar work adds a nice texture to this track as does some really cool finger picked riffs. Runnin' Me Down is a nice Chicago style blues shuffle. A really solid groove develops between Brad and Alec Stivers and Clark is right there with an understated cool harp solo. See My Way features Dwight Carrier on accordion and the track has a cajun feel to it. Man On The Move is a driving shuffle with a cool guitar over riff. This is another really strong track with Brad taking advantage of a really nice setting to again rip some really nice guitar riffs. Train Down South is another quick tempo track with train style drums rattling the rails. Brad again steps forward showing his guitar chops and certain dexterity. This is another super track and ready to put in the car for a long drive. Wrapping the release is UMA. Youu'd think that someone actually reads my reviews... a surf rocker! Yeah... this is a great track with with a mixture of Texas blues, California surf and 60's rock for just a perfect combo to pack it in. I really enjoyed reviewing this release and I suggest that if you think that you may enjoy this from my review... you likely will love it!

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California Breed release video for "Midnight Oil"

 

FEATURING LEGENDARY VOCALIST-BASSIST GLENN HUGHES,
DRUMMER EXTRAORDINAIRE JASON BONHAM AND
23-YEAR-OLD NEWCOMER GUITARIST-SINGER-SONGWRITER ANDREW WATT
SELF-TITLED DEBUT ALBUM RELEASED BY FRONTIERS RECORDS
UK RELEASE: MONDAY MAY 19, 2014
AVAILABLE ON CD AND CD/DVD DELUXE EDITION

Power Trio release animated video for their new single, "Midnight Oil"

Think of California and you think of brilliant color and bright sunlight. Think of a breed and it's all about bloodlines and brotherhood. Put the two together as CALIFORNIA BREED, and you have the most exciting new band of 2014, built around the foundation of legendary vocalist-bassist Glenn Hughes, drummer extraordinaire Jason Bonham and 23-year-old newcomer guitarist-singer Andrew Watt.
Mixing massive riffs, gutsy vocals and gale force rhythms, this powerful three-piece band will release their self-titled debut album in the UK on Monday May 19th on Frontiers Records. The album is produced by Dave Cobb (Jamey Johnson, Rival Sons, Lindi Ortega, Shooter Jennings).
Look out for future announcements on the band at www.californiabreed.com.

CALIFORNIA BREED (L-R): Jason Bonham, Glenn Hughes and Andrew Watt.
Photo Credit: © Joe Lester

CALIFORNIA BREED was recorded at Cobb’s Nashville studio and features equal co-writing credits among the three-man lineup. "It’s proper rock," Hughes told Classic Rock Magazine - "but at the same time it’s very now. Andrew is as influenced by Mick Ronson as he is Jimmy Page."
"This kid is an amazing guitarist," says Bonham. "The first time we met I thought he looked like the white Jimi Hendrix. He plays in the studio likes he’s onstage!"
Glenn Hughes, nicknamed The Voice of Rock, is a true original, a legendary icon whose credits include Deep Purple and guesting with everyone from Black Sabbath to Earth, Wind & Fire, and his most recent collaboration with rock supergroup Black Country Communion.

Album artwork for CALIFORNIA BREED’s eponymous debut album

No other rock musician has carved such a distinctive style blending the finest elements of hard rock, soul and funk. That astonishing voice is Hughes' calling card.
The legacy of Led Zeppelin lives on in Jason Bonham, British drummer and son of Zep's legendary John Bonham. He has inherited the best of his father's skills while mastering his own distinctive and dynamic technique. Jason has followed his own distinctive path over the years, fronting his own successful outfits like Bonham, and playing with Led Zeppelin, Foreigner, Heart and, most recently, movie composer Hans Zimmer.
Andrew Watt is a soulful singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist whose high-energy aggressive style and creative spirit are synonymous with the energy and vibe of New York City.
"I live in the moment, it’s all about now," says Hughes. "California Breed is exactly where I live, breathe and where my freak flag flies."

California Breed - Official Biography

Glenn Hughes has spent the subsequent years working with the biggest legends in music, as a solo star, and guesting with everyone from Black Sabbath to Earth, Wind & Fire – up to his most recent collaboration in rock supergroup Black Country Communion, which included Jason Bonham.
When Black Country Communion disbanded Hughes and Bonham had a strong desire to keep playing together. They're only challenge was finding a new guitarist worthy of their musicality.
Easier said than done for these stars, who between them, have worked with some of the greatest guitarists in history, including Ritchie Blackmore, Tony Iommi, Jimmy Page and Joe Bonamassa, to name just a few.
Fate took a hand in things when Glenn’s friend Julian Lennon introduced him to the astounding talents of a New York City hotshot guitarist named Andrew Watt. "Literally, the first day me and Andrew got together we wrote two songs," recalls Hughes. "One was ‘Chemical Rain’ and the other was ‘Solo’, both featured on the new album. I was so moved by the music, I said, ‘We’ve got to record this!’ That’s when I called Jason."
Cut to autumn 2013. Recording with producer Dave Cobb at his studio in Nashville, added all the finishing touches, says Hughes. At Cobb’s insistence, every vocal was recorded live as the band was playing. "Totally the reverse of what I’m used to," says Hughes. "I went into that aggressive rock soulfulness and everything down to the whispers, it was all done live! I enjoyed myself so much, just going for it. For a three-piece, the sheer range of sounds and melodies you get from California Breed are breathtaking."

CALIFORNIA BREED - ONLINE

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