Blue Canoe Records artist: Rafael Greco - Signs of Life (Dice Que Vive) - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Dice Que Vive (Signs of Life) from Rafael Greco, and it's quite interesting. Opening with Erase Una Vez, saxophonist, composer, singer and keyboard/percussionist, Raphael Greco breaks out with the first track of his debut release. With electrifying rhythms and keyboard structure under a vocal melody, this track is really hot. Joined by Luisito Quintero on congas, timbales, bongos, and percussion, Robert Quintero on Cumaco, Rodner Padilla on bass and Santiago Bosch keys, this track is super. I really like the contrast of the jagged rhythms with the straightforward melody on African Boy. Greco on keys partners with L Quintero timbales, congos and bongos, Robert Quintero on Shekere and bongos, Padilla on bass, the extraordinary Steve Khan on acoustic and electric guitar, Humberto Casanova on drums and Guillermo Carrasco on backing vocals. Really strong. Una Illusion is a synthesis of modern concepts and primitive sounds. Pairing Greco with Luisito this is a standout track in style, simplicity and cohesion. Wrapping the release is Cinco Miniaturas Para Piano Solo is an abstract exploration of the piano by Amaldo Pizzolante, joined by Pimpi Santistevan on whistle, Greco on sax, and Juanma Trujillo on electric guitar. This is an adventurous yet very rewarding release.

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Andros Records artist: Andy Adamson Quintet - A Coincidence of Cats - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, A Coincidence of Cats, by Andy Adamson Quintet and it's a slick mix of jazz and fusion. Opening with title track, A Coincidence of Cats, Adamson on piano and Jonathan Taylor on drums really set the pace. With an aggressive yet poised attack they are joined by Ross Huff on trumpet, Dan Bennett on sax, and Brennan Andes on bass. Huff and Bennett both work the solo quite nicely and with a strong drum pace, wrap the track.  Lament opens with a lush piano intro by Adamson and only the slightest brush of snare, cymbal and bass. With it's unconventional melody yet regular pace, it really creates a contrast between sound and nothing like black to night. Andes solos on bass which I really like. His work is beautifully clean and direct with a definite path to lead back to Adamson. Morning Star is my favorite track on the release with it's Hancock like approach to presentation. With a super bass vamp by Andes and reinforcement by Adamson, Huff creates a really haunting lead line on trumpet, further expanded by Adamson. Bennett steps up with really inciteful sax lead of his own punctuated by Taylor's excellent sense of rhythm. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Triplet is an improvisational piece worked around each player adding their own piece, primarily in the form of musical triplets of different emphasis. This is a really interesting concept and works very nicely for a solid closer for an enjoyable release. BTW, this isn't a pop album. The shortest track clocks in at over 6 and a half minutes. 

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HipsterDumpster Records artist: Matty T Wall - Live Down Underground - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Live Down Underground, by Matty T Wall and it's a hot new blues rocker...live! Opening with Broken Heart Tattoo, Australian blues guitar player Matty T Wall hits the road running with his aggressive guitar attack and solid vocals. Joined by Ric Whittle on drums and Leigh Miller on bass this is a romping boogie. Solid opener.  Slideride is a hot rocker with Wall letting his slide do the talking. With a driving beat, Wall shows a relentless approach on guitar with the rawness of Hound Dog Taylor. Excellent track. Another driving track, Scorcher, shows Wall's excellent picking style mixed with dark overtones. Miller sets a great pace and Whittle adds fuel to the flame. This track is a scorcher. This Is Real slows things down quite a bit with Wall strumming a chord and then singing melodic phrases. With only the simplicity of Miller's bass and Whittle's drum strokes, this track really sits nicely. As the track matures, Wall steps forward and solos with excellent blues rock guitar phrasing. Very nice. Hendrix's Voodoo Chile is the basis for a strong, live jam that clocks in at nearly 15 minutes. Wrapping the release is Smile, a meandering guitar blues with solid footing and excellent phrasing. With active bass lines by Miller and a solid tom tom beat by Whittle, Wall closes this show down nicely. If you're looking for a great blues rocker this may be one of the best of the year.

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Flying Horse Records artist: The Jazz Professors - Blues and Cubes - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Blues and Cubes, from The Jazz Professors, and it's a full helping for straight up jazz. Opening with Blue Lamp, Jeff Rupert on sax and Dan Miller on trumpet share the lead on this first track exploring the work of Picasso. Joined by Per Danielsson on piano, Bobby Koelble on guitar, Marty Morell on percussion and Richard Drexler on bass. Cool opener. On Les Damoiselles D'avignon, Morell sets a tasty drum rhythm and Drexler's aggressive lines really have his bass humming. Danielsson lays out a terrific piano solo, followed by Rupert whose fluid sax work is undeniable. Koelble's fret work avoids the cliché with clean, thoughtful articulation. Very nice.  I really like Charlie Parker's Segment with it's paired trumpet/sax lead and tight yet highly active bottom by Drexler. Rupert's lead sax lines, punctuated by Danielson is really nicely matched with the great trumpet attack by Miller. Excellent! Another beautiful melody on Promenade In Blue really works well for this set. Rupert's tone is excellent and Drexler's bass, though not over stated really adds another dimension. Danielsson takes a real nice stroll on piano with well executed concepts and Rupert circles back with a wailing great solo. Drexler gets a nice spot to show up front and he demonstrates poise and fluid grace. Very nice. On a bit more conceptual pace, Drexler's Picasso's Blue Lobster really flows with Rupert laying the groundwork, followed by strong solos by Drexler and Koelble before retuning to the alluring melody. Very nice. Wrapping the release is jazz rocker, The Iberian, with it's rocking, then swinging execution. Rupert really digs in on sax solo on this one followed by Miller on trumpet and Koelble on guitar. Drexler is just as aggressive under the melody with precise accents by Danielsson on piano and that ever tight drum snap by Morell. This is a strong closer for a really cool release.

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MoonJune Records artist: Clint Bahr - Puzzlebox - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Puzzlebox, from Clint Bahr and it's an interesting progressive adventure. Opening with Tabula Rasa, Clint Bahr on tambura is joined by David Jackson on flute and Dan Parkington on sitar. A somewhat freeform piece, it sets the table for a wild adventure. Rocker, New Design, features Bahr on bass, vocal, acoustic guitar, Mellotron, Moog, Baglama Raz, wood flute and percussion with Mike Hough on drums and cymbals and Jeff Schiller on bari sax, tenor sax and clarinet and quite reminds me of Adrienne Belew in style. Fall From Grace is one of my favorite tracks on the release with a definite Robert Fripp / Mahavishnu influenced structure. Adding Colin Carter on vocal, Billy Ficca on drums and cymbals, and Dan Parkington on violin this track is really cool. Kicking The Wasps Nests is a great driving rocker adding Peter Banks on solo guitar, Ficca on drums and Jack Schiller on sax... just enough structure to make it powerful and just loose enough to make it fun. Wrapping the release is Tabula Rasa 2 with Bahr on tambura and Moog, Cross on violins and viola and Parkington on sitar. As the release opens, so it ends with an Eastern influenced composition with only the basics of structure. 

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Blues Review at the Rhythm Room featuring Thornetta Davis and Johnny Burgin

 

We went to an exceptional show on Friday night and if you get the opportunity to see this on tour somewhere, take the time. The show at Phoenix's famous Rhythm Room was booked as Thornetta Davis, Detroit's Queen of the Blues with an allstar blues review but it was so much more. I see and hear a lot of music but this was a lot of talent on one stage. I wasn't familiar with Thornetta's work but I always like to see Johnny Burgin when he's in town so we made the trek. The band was Bob Corritore (harmonica master and club owner), Jimi Primetime Smith, solid guitar player and a great voice, 91 year old Bob Stroger on bass who has a number of releases on his own (Eddie King, Otis Rush Sunnyland Slim, Big Eyes Smith, Carey Bell, Pinetop Perkins) and Dave Keyes on keys who has just released another new album (Popa Chubby, Odettta, David Johansen, Bo Diddley, Ronnie Specter, Eddie Clearwater, Ruth Brown, Levon Helm).

Each prime member of the band got at lease two tracks of his own music and featuring his own lead work. Thronetta, a real powerful performer, took the stage once during each of the two sets for 5-7 songs each set. This was a great night of blues with some of the best blues performers in the blues business (bar none) and Thornetta blew the roof off of the house. They stuck primarily to a Chicago style format with the exception to Keys who do a cool piano boogie. This is not your weekend something to do show. This is a real feature concert. Check it out!

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DixieFrog Records artist: Todd Sharpville - Medication Time - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Medication Time, from Todd Sharpville, and it's a solid rocker. Opening with Walk Out In The Rain, Todd Sharpville on vocal and guitar sets a tense stage with his intense vocal and Clapton like guitar riffs. Joined by Bruce Bears on Hammond, Brad Hallen on bass and Mark Texeira on drums, this is an attention grabber of an opener. Driving track, Get Outta My Way features Doug James on Bari sax, Mark Early on tenor sax, Carl Querfurth on trombone and Doc Chanonhouse on trumpet and put to great use with a full horn delivery and a strong sax solo by Early. House Rules is a great track that's likely to get you up on your feet. With it's tight rhythm and slick guitar soloing by Sharpville, this track is super. Larry McCray joins on guitar and vocal on Brothers From Another Mother and the guy's voices actually pair up quite nicely (McCray on the left). McCray and Sharpville jam out pretty nicely for the last minute or so and James deep bari punctuation really sets it off. Bluesy ballad and title track, Medication Time really has a great feel and Sharpville's vocals carry the melody nicely, complimented by Bears on piano and Hammond. The close of this track is emotion filled with exceptional guitar riffs that are bound to perk up your senses. Raising the Texas style on blues rocker, God Loves a Loser, Sharpville shows great flair and style in blues rock style. Red Headed Woman has a lot of country influence with hot finger picking electric guitar picking and just the right amount of spunk. Wrapping the release  is soulful ballad, I Don't Need To Know Your Name again blending vocals with Larry McCray and a very nice sax solo by Early. This is a really strong release with a wide blend of great tunes.

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Ron Addison - Ride On - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Ride On, by Ron Addison and it's a cool blues fused rocker. Opening with title track, Ride On, Ron Addison on lead vocal and guitar is joined by Mary Munsey on keys, Erin Larkin on backing vocals, Herb Olshin on guitar, Will Dowell on bass and Brian Seiler on drums. A straight up radio track, a solid opener. Picnic With You is one of my favorite tracks on the release with a swampy, Tony Joe White feel. Addison's guitar and vocals both show real swagger and Duane Catfish Frye adds some real cool harmonica. Bluesy ballad, Doug MacCleod's The Sun Shine Down My Way is a real nice showcase for Addison on vocal and guitar over warm organ and features some real nice sax by Munsey. Very nice. Hoo Doo is another really cool track with a great Latin beat by Seiler and guitar reverb.  Slow blues, My Heart Can't Be Broken Any More gives Addison a real nice opportunity to show his blues guitar chops with plenty of balance and solid vocal. Wrapping the release is traditional spiritual, Ain't No Grave, gets a real nice rework with a rock tempo. With warm vocal backing by Shana Livingston and Robbie Hale, this is a great closer for a solid release. 

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Blonde on Blonde Direct artist: Dave Thomas - Road To The Blues - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Road To The Blues, by Dave Thomas and it's a solid blues rock release. Opening with title track, Road To The Blues, Dave Thomas on lead vocal and guitar keeps it simple with a basic shuffle backed by Steve Jinks on bass and drums and James Goodwin on piano. Up tempo shuffle, Eye On The Money, has a lighter feel with cool guitar runs by Thomas and with the add of Michael Smith and Phil Marshall on sax, this track swings. Slower blues ballad, Another Girl is my favorite track on the release with soulful vocals by Thomas and really nice piano work by Goodwin. With a velvety pace and perfect piano phrasing, this track is tops. On After All These Years, a modern presentation of delta style blues, Thomas on guitar and vocal and backed by Gareth Tucker on harmonica and Jinks on bass and drums stretches a little on electric guitar giving the release just a little blues juice. Wrapping the release is Chuck Berry's, Memphis Tennessee with a more open, rural feel. Fluid acoustic guitar runs over interwoven acoustic work by Thomas really caps the release off nicely. 

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Xanthan - Succubus Swing - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Succubus Swing, by Xanthan and it's a experimental rock band with many threads of influence. Opening with (Hey You) Hybyc, Xanthan shows heavy musical overtones with power guitar work by Max Miller and precise drum riffs by Boz Miller with Corin Gatwood on bass and vocal. I like the progressive nature of the guitar lead on Colliskeions 23. With it's Fripp like construction and rock like attack, this may be my favorite track on the release. Wrapping the release is In Killeen with a driving drum rhythm, riding guitar stream and a guitar rhythm that really works well with the thumping bass work of Gatwood. This track mixes darkness with brightness making it's own way. A cool closer. 

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M.C. Records artist: Mike Morgan and the Crawl - The Lights Went Out In Dallas - New release review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The Lights Went Out In Dallas, by Mike Morgan and the Crawl and it's super. Opening with Ding Dong Daddy, Mike Morgan is up front on lead vocal and guitar dueling with master Anson Funderburgh and it's an excellent opener with Drew Allain on bass, and Danny Cochran on drums. With a name like Funkafaction, you know it's gonna be funky, with Morgan on guitars, Mike Flanigin on B3, Reo Casey on Rhodes piano, Allain on bass and Kevin Schermerhorn on drums. This is a strong track that really moves. Title track, The Lights Went Out In Dallas, has a catchy melody and firm lead vocals by Morgan and backing vocals by Andrea Wallace plus Matt Farrell on B3 making it my choice for radio track for the release. I like the groove of boogie, Out In The Jungle with it's low slung rhythm and guitar pace. Morgan on vocal and guitar, Casey steps up with a cool solo on guitar himself and the slap rhythm of Schermerhorn on drums makes this another favorite. Slower blues, Goin' Down To Eli's is a really nice track, stretched out with plenty of space for Morgan on slide guitar. Very cool. Wrapping the release is another radio track, Our Last Goodbye featuring Morgan on lead vocal and with a compact melodic guitar solo and warm vocal backing by Wallace, a cool closer for a solid release. 

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Until The Sun - A Night A The Rhythm Room - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, A Night At The Rhythm Room, by Until The Sun and it's a solid blues based rocker. Opening with Battle Cry, Alyssa Swartz is upfront on lead vocal and has just the right blend of grit and polish. With Brandon Teskey on guitar, Chris Tex on drums and Glenn Peacock on bass, this band is tight and stout. Southern California born, Teskey opens Hell of a Thing with a red hot blues solo, paving the way for Swartz's vocal lead. This is his showcase and his tone is pure and sweet and his dynamics noteworthy. Very cool. One of my favorite tracks on the release is Death in Disguise with a good emotional balance between Swartz and Teskey. Soul ballad, Burning Home, has some real radio potential with a solid melody, good front work by Swartz and just enough guitar adornment to catch your interest. Wrapping the release is Led Zep's Whole Lotta Love with open guitar interpretation by Teskey over a solid base by Peacock and Tex. A good power closer in a local club by this Phoenix based band. 

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Lauren Glick - Lush - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Lush, by Lauren Glick and it's a smooth mix of blues and rock. Opening with ballad, Don't Add Up, Lauren Glick on vocal, bass and keys, blows open the doors on this release with vocal power. Her voice is solid and the melody is very radio oriented. With tight backing by Scott Malaby on guitar, Bobby Malaby on drums and Matt Vangasbeck on keys, this is a solid opener. Soulful, Love and Peace, is pure melody with Glick up front and center on vocal with only enough instrumentation to back a solid radio track. Her voice is gritty enough to make it stand out yet, smooth enough to appeal to a broad audience. With a lot of punch, Poor Boy, has a cool back beat and warmed up by Vangasbeck's organ work, one of my favorites on the release. Glick's vocals really work well on this track and Malaby's guitar accents really add nicely to the mix. Wrapping the release is Perfectly Capable, with it's bluesy gut grinding soul feel and Glick really works it. Malaby's guitar shore up the melody and vocal backing work really nicely with Glick's lead making hits a strong closer. 

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Black Hen Music artist: Steve Dawson & the Telescope 3- Phantom Threshold - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Phantom Threshold, from Steve Dawson, and it's an interesting blend of blues and country. Opening with Cozy Corner with a meandering melody somewhat like a movie soundtrack, Dawson blends acoustic and electric guitars, mandolin, and marxophone with Jay Bellerose on drums, Jeremy Holmes on bass, Chris Gestrin on keys and Daniel Lapp on violins providing a supple background for his solo pedal steel explorations. Very cool.  Ol' Brushy has a funky bottom with Gestrin on Wurlitzer, clavinet and organ, Bellerose on snare and Homes on bass providing a really strong framework allowing Dawson's steel guitar soloing in contrast with Gestrin's own melodic work. The Waters Rise is a pure C&W style melody with steel guitar lead over a rhythm strum on a National tricone and with really smart accordion work by Fats Kaplan. One of my favorites on the release. Lily's Resistor is a really nice track in 3/4 time. Full melody lead by Dawson on pedal steel, with accents on baritone guitar with reverb, clean electric six string and pure country style backing by Gestrin on organ, moog, meletron and wurlitzer, Holmes on bass and Bellerose on drums sets a very relaxing pace. Wrapping the release is Whirlwind, featuring Dawson alone on Weissenborn. Alternating back and forth between flat picked melody and slide, Dawson really works the melody for a solid closer for a cool release. 

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M.C. Records artist: Big Jack Johnson - Stripped Down In Memphis - New Release Review

 I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Stripped Down In Memphis, from Big Jack Johnson and it's a big helping of old school, delta style blues. Opening with Jimmy Reed's Baby What You Want Me To Do, Big Jack Johnson on guitar and vocal is teamed up with Kim Wilson on harmonica. With a steady, jangly acoustic guitar rhythm under his solid vocal delivery and Wilson's soulful harmonica riffs, this is a great opener. Andy Gibson's The Hucklebuck is a classic with the electric guitar turned up to warm. A stirring rhythm and again with Wilson soloing on harmonica, this is a terrific track. Wild Child Butler's See Me Coming is a cool, laid back, blues jam feat Butler on harmonica and vocal and Johnson on guitar and vocal. Wrapping the release is Bill Doggett's The Hully Gully Twist with Wilson on harmonica and Johnson on electric guitar. A rambling blues with a romping guitar lead and harmonica solo counterpoint, this is a strong closer for a totally enjoyable release. 

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Blue Heart Records artist: Miss Bix - Bring It - New Release Review

 

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Bring It, by Miss Bix, and it's a cool blend of blues, rock, pop and soul. Opening with Ain't No Such Thing, Leslie Letven Bixler (Miss Bix) fronts the band on lead vocal, backed by Frank Goldwasser on guitar and Ralph Carter on bass, drums and guitar. A soul fused number with nicely blended vocals, a nice opener. On country flavored Trail of Tears, Goldwasser's slide guitar work really gives the track a southern blues rock feel, with Carter on resonator and Bix's vocals are soulful and lively. The Girl You Adore is one of my favorites on the release with a strong melody and really nice vocals by Bix. With Goldwasser on 12 string, John Thomas on Wurlitzer and Carter on bass, this track really has meat. Funky, Red Walls pairs Bix with Keeshea Pratt on vocal making for a really strong sound. Goldwasser on guitar, Tom Canning on B3, Bill Bixler on sax and Carter on guitar, bass and drums gives this track a strong chance for radio track of the release. New Orleans flavored, Daddy Why, puts Bix aside Tiffany Pollack as a great vocal duo. With Bill on sax, Thomas on piano and Carter on guitar bass and drums, this track has a great feel. Wrapping the release is acoustic blues, Movin' On, featuring Bix on vocal and acoustic guitar alone. This is a solid closer for a really enjoyable release. 

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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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