Bman's Blues Report

Tuesday, October 15, 2024

Tiger Turn artist: Sergio Pereira - Bossa+ - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Bossa+, from Sergio Pereira, and it's warm, clean and inviting. Opening with title track, Bossa, Luis Guerra on keys lays down the melody, complimented by Sergio Pereira on guitar, Ariel Ramirez on bass, Chipi Chacon on trumpet and Mauricio Zottarelli on drums. Chacon, Pereira and Guerra expand on the melody alternatively with lead soloing keeping the track close. Solid opener. Laid back, One For Pat, finds Pereira on lead vocal and excellent Spanish guitar styling, joined by Ivan Melon Lewis on piano, Ivan Ruiz Machado on bass, Jose San Martin on drums and Romero Lubambo on violao. Very nice. Desamor (Verao Boreal) is a very nice track and my recommendation for radio track. With it's great melody, vocal by Pereira, and interwoven Latin rhythms, this track really hits. Chacon on trumpet lays in a real nice solo giving the track just the right amount of special sauce. Wrapping the release is and jazzed up cover of Harry Warren penned, There Will Never Be Another You, with excellent solos by Chacon, Pereira and Guerra and lots of spice by Zottarelli on drums. Excellent closer.

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Monday, October 14, 2024

The Steve Luciano Quartet - Under The Covers - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Under The Covers, by The Steve Luciano Quartet and it's really cool. Opening with Duke Pearson's Chant, Steve Luciano shows immediately where he's coming from. With clear, concise, improvisational phrasing he sets the tempo backed by Mike Avila on piano, Charlie Siva on bass, Walt Hubbard on drums and Dan Jordan on sax who also blows the roof off of this track with a terrific solo. Excellent opener. Wayne Shorter's Hammer Head is a great addition to this set with, the melody carried by Jordan and Luciano. I really like Luciano's groove line with excellent fluidity and impeccable style. Siva on bass and Hubbard on drums anchor this track to the floor and Jordan's solo really is tasty. Avila rides the wave with a really nice solo of his own adding to the overall polish of this strong track. Following Tal Farlow's arrangement of Rogers and Hart, Everything I've Got, Luciano really shows his fleet fingered approach to this classic. Siva's driving bass line maintains the continuity as Avila again works the keys into a frenzy. Very nice. One of my favorite modern jazz players, Pat Martino wrote the next track, On The Stairs, and Luciano really gives it a workout. Fluidity, style and phrasing is the name of the game and Luciano has it in spades. Another solid piano entry by Avila and thunderous bass by Siva leads to an adventurous sax solo by Jordan and a snappy drum solo by Hubbard. Excellent! Wrapping the release is David Raksin's The Bad and the Beautiful. This is a really nice opportunity for Luciano to roll out his most lush chords. A beautiful melody, smartly articulated and warmly presented, a warm closer for a terrific release.

Friday, October 11, 2024

Karen Lawrence Hostel Records artist: Karen Lawrence - The Blues Is Back - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, The Blues Is Back, by Karen Lawrence and it has a real cool feel. Opening with shuffle, Made To Move, Karen Lawrence on lead really gets a slinky feel. Tony Saracene on guitar lays in some nice slide, with Bobby Donahoe on bass and Thomas Southworth on drums. Driving shuffle I'm Comin' Home is a really cool track with substantial slide work by Saracene and warm organ by by Max Butler. One of my favorites on the release. Title track, The Blues Is Back, is a nice showcase for Lawrence's vocal style and Saracene works the fretboard nicely against keeping you rocking in your seat. Heaven's Masterpiece is an interesting ballad showcasingnish guitar styling by Saracene and solid vocal work by Lawrence. Wrapping the release is boogie track, Hold Onto Me with it's driving bass line by Ted Chatt and Dan Potruch on drums. Saracene again steps up with some tasty guitar riffs giving the track a stinging edge. Solid closer.

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Delta Roots Records artist: Gerald McClendon - Down At The Juke Joint - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Down At The Juke Joint from Gerald McClendon and it's a solid soulful R&B release. Opening with soul track, Back Where You Belong, drips with soul with Gerald McClendon on lead vocal joined by Tony Llorens on Fender Rhodes, Joe Burba on guitar, Mike Jackson on sax, David Forte on bass, and Twist Turner on drums and Hammond. Title track, Down At The Juke Joint has a real Sam Cooke feel showing McClendon's voice and backed by Mary Lane. Harlan Terson hods it tight on bass and Turner adds melodic faux harmonica. My favorite track on the release is House Ain't A Home featuring Maurice John Vaughn working guitar solo work with McClendon's lead. Forte lays down a firm bass line and The Delta Roots Horns add nice depth. Very cool. I really like Cryin' Time Again with it's super vocals by McClendon, riding on piano by Llorens, Gurba on guitar, Forte on bass and Turner handling strings and drums. Wrapping the release is top radio track, You're So Fine with is warm melody and backing vocals. Forte's bass line is solid and the Rhodes work by Llorens anchors the track. A nice sax solo by Mike Jackson gives the track a real nice shine.

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Little Village artist: Jubu Smith - Jubu - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Jubu, by Jubu Smith and it's a super blend of soul, funk, jazz and blues. Opening with super funky, Hamster Wheel, Jubu Smith on lead guitar pairs with guitar master Charlie Hunter on his hybrid guitar and tight drum work by Calvin Napper on drums. Spinning the top on guitar and with Hunter really working a hot bass line, this is an energetic opener. Kwik-Way Nostalgia is a cool, laid back track with Hunter working the rhythm from the bottom and Smith and Napper playing it straight with it's easy melody and clean, bluesy, articulation. Organizations Sake has a great funky bottom with Napper and Hunter really spanking it along. Smith takes a WW Washington blues (or JG Watson if you prefer) approach with poised phrasing giving the track real spark. EG Is Here is a really cool merger between funk and soul giving it a funky turn on BB King. Hunter and Smith, joined by Eric Gales, really craft a great track here with Napper anchoring the beat. Very cool. One of my favorite tracks on the release is At Long Last is a real piece of art featuring nicely presented melody on electric guitar, clearly articulated and blended with volume swells. Really nice. Wrapping the release is Totally Convicted, a straight up slow blues with Hunter and Napper holding the bottom as Smith lays it all out there. Mixing slide techniques, synthesized guitar, straight up picking and jazz and blues phrasing this is a super closer for a strong release.

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

New Trad Records artist: Sergio Pamies - Time To Say - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Time To Say, from Sergio Pamies and it's a strong tribute to Chick Corea. Opening with Latin flavored release with title track, Time To Say, Sergio Palmies on piano joins with Dave Liebman on soprano sax developing a strong melody over the rhythm bottom held tight by Samuel Torres on percussion, Jimmy MacBride on drums, Miguel Fernandez on percussion and handclaps and Ricky Rodriguez on bass. Excellent opener. Sleep Delirium is another really solid track featuring Alex Norris pelting out melodic lead soloing on trumpet, chased by Pamies on piano and MacBride on drums. Michael Thomas gets the floor and sets his sax flowing. Corazonada has an extended bass solo by Rodriguez and exceptional percussion by Torres allowing solid piano soloing by Pamies. Kenny Wheeler's Miold Man is a strong addition to the set with a great moving bottom and featuring Marshall Gilkes with a terrific trombone solo, a strong trumpet solo by Norris and Daniel Pardo on flute. Wrapping the release is Nana Para Sergito featuring Paquito D'Rivera on clarinet floating above Pamies on piano melody. D'Rivera and Pamies each take nice stretches, embellishing the melody nicely over Rodrigues on bass and quieted percussion and drums by Torres and MacBride. This is a solid closer for a really strong release.

Monday, October 7, 2024

Nefarious Industries artist: Mac Gollehon & The Hispanic Mechanics - Bite of the Street - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the newest release, Bite of the Street, by Mac Gollehon & The Hispanic Mechanics and it's an entertaining cornucopia of sound. Opening with Souled Out, a Latin infused track with a driving bottom by Eric Klaastad on bass and Jeanne Carno on drums. Mac Gollehon on trumpet soars, blowing great flowing lead and Ismael Sanchez adding intense percussion. Solid opener. Title track, Bite Of The Street, has a funky, soulful feel with Latin overtones. With a powerful brass refrain the track slowly melds into a Spanish flavored tune with great movement and powerful lead. On funky, High Drama, the band drops back giving Gollehon plenty of space to play first muted, then open. This is my favorite track on the release with plenty of movement and exciting lead by Gollehon. Wrapping the release is Sleepwalker, a rapid fire jam with hot trumpet riffs and Ariel Lawler on backing vocals over hot drum and percussion bottom. Tight closer.

Friday, October 4, 2024

Little Village artist: Curtis Salgado - Fine By Me - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Fine By Me, from Curtis Salgado and it's a great mix or rock, pop R&B and blues. Opening with country rocker, My Girl Is A Nut, with Salgado on vocal and harmonica, Alan Hager on guitar, Keith Brush on bass and Jimi Bott on drums. Chugging rhythm on Better Things To Lie About has a great feel, reinforced by Joe McCarthy on trumpet, Lars Campbell on trombone, and Tim Bryson on sax and features super vocal and harmonica by Salgado. One of my favorite tracks on the release is I'm Gonna Forget About You featuring vocal duet with Salgado and Robert Cray. Jim Pugh on piano and B3 gives the track depth and Jerry Jemmott on bass and Kid Andersen joining Cray on guitar really adds the spice. Hear The Lonely Hearts is a terrific soul track featuring Salgado on lead vocal backed by The Sons of Soul Revivers (James Morgan, Walter Morgan and Dwayne Morgan) on harmonizing vocals. With Rome Yamilov on guitar and Kid Andersen on bass, this is a standout track. Safe At Home is a solid pop rocker with Salgado on vocal backed by Lisa Leuschner, Kid Andersen on guitar and keys, Hershel Yatovitz on slide and bass and Paul Ravelli on drums. Slow blues, You Give The Blues A Bad Name features Anson Funderburgh on guitar and he really digs in. I think that Salgado's best vocals are on this track, with Billy Watts on guitar, Terry Wilson on bass, Loren Gold on piano, Tony Braunagel on drums and the illustrial horn backing of Joe McCarthy on trumpet, Lars Campbell on trombone and Tim Bryson on sax. Excellent track. Wrapping the release is shuffle, Under New Management with nicely styled guitar lead by Funderburgh. Salgado really gets the groove moving on vocal with Wilson on bass, Loren Gold on piano, Bruanagel on drums and McCarthy, Campbell and Bryson on horns. Salgado lays in some real tasty harmonica making this an excellent closer.

Thursday, October 3, 2024

Guitar One Records artist: The B. Christopher Band - 106 Miles To Chicago - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, 106 Miles To Chicago, from The B. Christopher Band and it's a party band deluxe. Opening with Floyd Dickson's Hey Bartender the band is swinging. With Eddie Testa on vocal, B. Christopher on guitar, Anton Fig on drums, Nick Douglas on bass, Bruce Katz on keys, Andy Snizter on sax, Ryan Keberle on trombone, and Tony Kadleck on trumpet, the house is rockin'. Robert Johnson's Sweet Home Chicago has much of the Blues Brother's swagger with blazing horns, cool piano work by Katz, bluesy guitar swagger by Christopher, a sweltering sax solo by Snizter, warm trombone work by Keberle and smooth vocals by Testa. On Taj Mahal's slinky, She Caught The Katy, Testa really delivers on vocal with Kadleck on trumpet and Studebaker John on harmonica pushing the top. Christopher lays in a real nice guitar solo pulling forth strong emotion from Mahal's original arrangement. Wrapping the release is the horn line from Otis Redding's I Can't Turn You Loose with Katz on organ, Fig on drums, Douglas on bass and Christopher on guitar. A solid Blues Brothers sendoff.

Wednesday, October 2, 2024

Sandwich Factory Records artist: Val Starr & the Blues Rockets - To The Blues and Back Again

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, To The Blues and Back Again, by Val Starr & the Blues Rockets, and it's a solid blues rocker. Opening with title track, Been To The Blues & Back Again, Val Starr o lead vocal leads the way with Frankie Munz on harmonica playing over a shuffle rhythm by John Ellis on bass, Pamela Charlles on keys, Kirk Hooper on drums and featuring Timothy Brisson on lead guitar. Boogie track, If You Don't Blues It You'll Lose It, Starr really puts some swing in her vocals, with Brisson on lead guitar and solid bass work by Ellis and cool key work by Arthur. With a Latin flavor, Ask Me No Questions, really features the vocal work of Starr and Arthur on organ, and a sassy sax solo by Marty Deradoorian and Brisson on guitar. Stephen Kimball lays down some real tasty guitar riffs on The Blues That Moves Me, a soulful track that could get some real traction. R&B track Big City Blues, has a cool Booker T feel courtesy Ellis on bass and sets a nice stage for Starr's vocals. Wrapping the release is folksy blues, Did You Ever Notice, showcasing Starr's vocals and Ellis on lead guitar. Darrell Lee Echols sits in on drums for this solid closer.

Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Deguello Records artist: Jeff Pitchell - Brown Eyed Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Brown Eyed Blues, from Jeff Pitchell and it's a lot of fun. Opening with thumping rocker, Now You Know, Jeff Pitchell on lead guitar and vocal sets a finite reference. With grinding guitar tone and solid bass line from John O'Boyle and Ephraim Lowell on drums, this is a powerful opener. Boogie, Wait, is driven by an aggressive bass line by Mike Nunno and Mike Levesque on drums. Pitchell really gets the track rocking with strong vocal lead and great guitar riffs, backed by Colin Tilton on sax, Dan Fontanella on piano, and John Robinson, Theresa Wright and Linda Ransom on backing vocals. Pop rocker, When We Kiss, has a light finky beat and features Duane Betts on guitar, adding the twin lead guitar closely associated with the famous Allman Brothers band. Jay Vernali on piano and organ, Tommy MacDonald on bass and Tom Hambridge on drums make this the radio choice for the release. Latin flavored, Stay While The Night Is Young, features some of Pitchell's best vocals and Santana like Mesa Boogie overdrive. With Nunno on bass, Mike Levesque on drums, Nick Longo on drums, Ivan Santiago on percussion, Kevin Berry on percussion, Bruce Feiner on keys and Vic Steffens on percussion, this is a cool track. Cool shuffle, When It All Comes Down. is one of my favorite tracks on the release, with Pitchell playing call and response with his vocal and guitar. With solid bass and drum backing this track just hits nicely in the slot. Wrapping the release is another Latin flavored track, Welcome To The Beat with Pictell on lead vocal, guitar and bass and Bill Holoman on drums, keys sax and trumpet, backed by Jim and Gloria Pitchell on vocal. Solid closer.

Monday, September 30, 2024

JazzNote Records artist: Sean Hong Wei & Jeremy Monteiro - The New Jersey Sessions - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, The New Jersey Sessions, from Sean Hong Wei and Jeremy Monteiro, and I really like it. Opening with Charlie Parker's Dewey Square, Alex Sipiagin on trumpet, Jay Anderson on bass and Evan Sherman on drums lay out the basic rhythm/ melody. Sean Hong Wei leads off with a stimulating solo on tenor sax and Jeremy Monteiro follows with a real nice solo of his own. Sipiagin steps up with a real nice trumpet solo punctuated by Monteiro and Anderson rolls in a real nice bass solo of his own crowned by Sherman on drums. Excellent opener. Influenced by Coltrane's arrangement of Billy Eckstine's I Want To Talk About You, Hong lays down his own interpretation with rich tenor tone. Coaxed by Monteiro and anchored by Anderson and Sherman, this is a solid entry to the set. Marvin Fisher's, When Sunny Gets Blue is another rich ballad and Hong's sax really sings it joined by Houston Person. Expressive phrasing and simple backing by Monteiro, Anderson and Sherman gives Hong plenty of room. Anderson takes an extended bass solo which contrasts Hong nicely. Milt Jackson's, Bags' Groove, really does have a terrific groove with Hong sharing the lead with Houston Person also on tenor sax. I really like Monteiro's piano work on this track adding in a really nice swing. Wrapping the release is The Duke's, Sophisticated Lady, where Hong and Monteiro share the spotlight. Monteiro's piano is precise and sensitive and Hong's sax rich and expressive. Excellent closer.

Friday, September 27, 2024

Adam Hersh - Tornado Watch - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tornado Watch, from Adam Hersh and it's quite interesting. Opening with Woe V Shade, Adam Hersh on Rhodes piano, Jermaine Paul on bass and Myles Martin on drums create a whirling rhythm. Andrew Renfroe on guitar joins adding to the mix and a very cool tight mix. Parallel Motion is a deeper exploration featuring Evan Abounassar on trumpet and Devin Daniels on Alto sax. Hersh on Rhodes and stepping bass lines by Paul create an intriguing dialog and Daniels on sax plays thoughtfully expressive phrasing. Very interesting. On Concessions there is a distinct change in direction with a more forward melody by Abounassar and Daniels. With a bop driving bass line by Paul and piano encouragement by Hersh, Daniels lays out a real nice solo. Hersh takes the reins and a real nice gallop over Paul's bass line and tight drum action by Martin. Very nice. Wrapping the release is Propellant with a smooth, almost Latin influence. Paul keeps it tight with Hersh and Daniels holding the melody. Joined by Abounassar on trumpet and Renfroe on guitar, Paul's bass comes to life with solid lead lines. A real nice melodic piano solo by Hersh takes over the track with light bass and drum bottom giving way to a strong trumpet solo by Abounassar and then Daniels on sax. Solid closer.

Thursday, September 26, 2024

Purple Pyramid Records: Reimagining The Court of the Crimson King - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Reimagining The Court of the Crimson King and it's a modern day replication of Fripp's early masterpiece. Opening with 21 Century Schizoid Man, Todd Rundgren and Arthur Brown on vocal is a bit more outrageous than Greg Lake's stellar vocals on the original release. Fripp who masterminded everything that KC did played guitar beautifully on the original yet Chris Poland pushes the envelope yet further. Michael Giles, who plays drums on the original track I always thought did a masterful job yet Ian Paice really does a nice job here as well and the addition of Mel Collins on sax really is a great touch. Excellent! One of my favorites form the original composition is I Talk To The Wind with Jakko M Jakszyk on vocal, guitar and keys and he really does a nice job. Django Jakszyk on flute holds the sub melody. Very nice. Danny Faulkner has the lead on Epitaph and really carries it well. Joe Lynn Turner sings Moonchild adding just a touch of theatrics to the original track and Jah Wobble on bass compliments the track with tight lines, and Marty Friedman on guitar sails. Title track, The Court of The Crimson King features James Labrie on vocal and Steve Hillage on guitar. Hillage creates trademark solos joined by Carmine Appice on drums. The release returns with instrumental takes on Schizoid Man and Brian Auger runs an elaborate keyboard solo certainly justifying the addition.

Wednesday, September 25, 2024

Frankie Boy & The Blues Express - Young Man's Blues - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Young Man's Blues, by Frankie Boy & The Blues Express and it's strong. Opening with Guitar Jr, a cool jam with a funky, James Brown "Boogaloo" feel. Frankie Boy Blues takes the lead on guitar and vocal with Mickey Maguire on bass, Mike Morgan on guitar and Harrison Foti on drums. Young Man's Blues is a cool, laid back blues with a low slung guitar vamp. Mike Morgan plays a melodic guitar solo with Frankie on vocal and a stiff drum swat by Foti. Very nice. Luther Johnson's Talkin' About Soul is a energetic hi stepper with JB energy. Funky rhythm guitar, a rumbling bass line and a stiff drum swat gives Frankie plenty of room to groove. Lots of fun. Slow blues, Something About You really showcases Frankie's feel for the blues and excellent guitar phrasing. Cheatham's Chicago classic, Black Drawers On, really rolls. With excellent guitar work by Morgan this is one of my favorites on the release. Buddy Guy's Mary Had A Little Lamb maintains Guys arrangement and fits nicely into this funky set. Wrapping the set is original track, What More Can I Do with it's radio format. A solid melody, vocals and understated guitar work seal the deal for this enjoyable release.

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

Horton Records artist: Seth Lee Jones - Tulsa Custom - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Tulsa Custom, from Seth Lee Jones, and it's a cool blues rocker. Opening with stylized Texas blues rocker, 110, Seth Lee Jones creates that overdriven romp that a certain band from Texas made famous. Grabbed chords on guitar and gritty vocals by Jones, solid bass by Bo Hallford and a steady drum beat by Matt Teagarden makes this a very memorable opener. Rockin boogie, All That I Ask has a driving rhythm and a cool moving bass line, snapped in place by Teegarden. I like Jones' approach on guitar soloing. Very cool. Another driving boogie, One Chance, has a terrific groove. Jones' vocals are gritty and Hallford and Teegarden really kick up the dirt. Jones on guitar blends traditional blues rock riffs with more contemporary "tricks" but the end results is solid boogie. Wrapping the release is bluesy ballad, Don't Waste A Thing, with Jones singing with a much silkier nature and melodic guitar soloing. This is certainly the radio track for the release but if you want a kick ass boogie rocker in the vein of "That Little Ol Band from Texas", you'll love this release.

Monday, September 23, 2024

TRM Records artist: Tony Romano - Three Chord Monte - New Release Review

I just had the opportunity to review the most recent release, Three Chord Monte, from Tony Romano and I really like it. Opening with fusion track, Cadillac Green, Tony Romano on percussive guitar, Jennifer Vincent on bass and Rob Garcia set a really super groove. Paul Carlon on sax sets up the melody and continues with an aggressive sax groove. Romano takes the lead on guitar and really digs in with percussive guitar rhythm and jazz chords. This really is a super opener. Lay It Down is a jazz rocker with an African rhythm feel. Romano and Carlon alternate and jointly play the compact melody before Romano takes an adventurous run on guitar. This track really has that Kuti vibe and with excellent work by Vincent and Garcia on the bottom this track is hot. Carlon's sax work is terrific with the life of authentic African jazz. Excellent! Camino has a definite Latin feel with a solid bottom by Vincent and Garcia and slick Flamenco style guitar work by Romano. Very nice. Ratatat is a ethereal track with a driven, but understated bottom and Romano presenting a mixture of rhythms, chords and melodic phrasing. Loosely crafted (and tightly maintained) Squirrelly, has a New Orleans style stumble drum rhythm providing the rhythm for a solid bass line by Vincent and a rhythmic chorded guitar solo by Romano. Wrapping the release is Home is a soothing, melodic track featuring Carlon laying out the melody on sax, handing off to Romano who elaborates on guitar. This is a cool closer for a real nice release.