Tag Archives: R&B

May 29, 2012

CD Reviews: Sizzling Summer CD’s, Three For The Road!

Man, there ain’t nuthin’ like summer time, you can do what you want and take the music with you. Loud and proud standin’ out in the crowd with these tunes just perfect for summer fun….

Lady Bianca – Servin’ Notice (Magic-O Records)
http://www.ladybianca.com/

Starting with that groove that makes your head nod – up and down to that funky, syncopated rhythm of the ages. “He told Me The Same Thing Too” the first cut, is timeless in its simplicity of statement and also in it’s passionate vocals by this talented lady from the West Coast.

Following that funk is a slow burner “You Got Me Drinkin’ ” features a bottom of the barrel bass line that will act like a defibrillator on your heart should you need it coupled with lyrics that deftly expresses this lady’s need for the bottle as she calls them by name as if they were part of the family.

Lady Bianca shows her smooth touch on the ivories as she tells the tale of “Stealin’ “. Yes indeed, love is always so nice when you’re stealin’, the thrill of the act at damn the consequences. A modified second line feel helps the feel of the songs message keeping it light but passionate, good yet oh so bad.

This twelve song release showcases Ms. Bianca’s vocal range and talents very well. She can burn down the mission or raise the rafters of the church, slow smoke lies till they are sweeter than the truth and tell you a story that is at once timeless while being spank brand new. Check her out, this is a wonderful and much needed soul R&B blues release that should garner awards in the years balloting. She could be the best kept secret on the soul blues circuit, but not for long.

 

Shawn Starski – self titled (cookitup music)
http://shawnstarskimusic.com/index

Speaking of names to know, Mr. Shawn Starski has earned a solid reputation by playing with the likes of Jason Ricci, Kelley Hunt and Otis Taylor – that’s not chopped liver for sure. This is THE album we have been waiting for.

Straight out of the box Mr. Starski rocks us with “Sea of Faces “ a biographic anthem that aptly states his position and his resolve to move forward as spoken thru the lyrics and his guitar work.
Picking it up with da funk of “Was It You” he grooves it a nasty bit of fuzz-faced guitar work over a high end funky chicken sort of rhythm – his vocals are somewhat reminiscent of Joe Bonamassa with a low end depth that I did not expect but love.

Throughout this release Shawn shows his versatility and expertise at various styles and forms of music. Whether it be the jump swing styled “Dirty Deal “, the Mississippi Hill Country influenced “How It Come To Be “, or the sultry torch burner “The Truth” with his wife, Ellen Deible. One track that showcases his wide swath of abilities is the instrumental “Hallows Eve”. A very tasty bit of Jazz that weaves in and out in a musical tryst that combines Return to Forever, Joe Beck/David Sanborn progressive rock-jazz music of the seventies. Quite tasty indeed in it’s capture of the era and his moving forward of the styles. His several instrumentals are captivating and wondrous to behold.

As I mentioned earlier this is THE release we have been waiting for. It firmly places Shawn in the forefront of the young guitarists club. His style, tone and tasteful licks are a joy to hear and I am certain that there will be more in the future that will build upon this success.

 

Harper And Midwest Kind – Live at The Blues Museum
http://www.harper.biz/

Summer also holds for us a certain nostalgic feel, we like to return to places we have been before. The feel of those old cut offs against our skin in just the right places is vital to many a summer recollection.

This is what we have in Peter Harper’s new release Live At The Blues Museum. A comfortable, good fitting set of excellent music that feels good against our ears. Recorded in December, 2011 Harper and his band Midwest Kind were inducted into the Canada South Blues Society Hall of Fame – congrats.

Opening the release with his signature fast paced harmonica gyrations that blends into a funky bit of soul strutting by him and the band that once again morphs in to “Sure There’s A Place” at about 2:30. Mr. Harper has one of the finer voices in the Blues/Roots family of music. Stunningly clear and quite versatile, no doubt to the cessation of cigarette smoking, he provides us with his prayer that he can surely find a place to call home.

To the slashing wah-wah work of Matt Besey on guitar Peter and the Kind takes us into his world of political/cultural songwriting with “Does Anybody Really Care”. Harper hails from Australia and is very close to the Aboriginal culture that are native to his home land. He takes it a step further and reinforces his ties to them by playing the Didgeridoo – not your typical Blues instrument. A hollowed out tree trunk that can be fashioned to any key by adjusting the length of the tube it is a very unique instrument that is also used in healing rituals by the Indigenous people of Australia.

What seems to be an anthem of sorts the break into a deep grooved “Love = Peace = Freedom” once again riling the political close mindedness and separatists that if we all came together and worked for the common good we would truly attain the freedom that is ours to claim. This track moves right into “One Day” where we get some more luscious harp licks intertwined with nasty guitar chord work and a rock steady bottom end by Chris Wiley Smith.

This is a super capture of his live shows, there is a certain dynamic edge that has been somehow transcribed into the grooves (ahh, burned into the digital media logs – ugh sounds rather lame huh?). A solid choice for blasting at the beach or for settling into a groove on the front porch with some iced tea, NOT a Foster’s.

So there it is, some sizzling releases for your early summer enjoyment. There are many more out there that could fill the bill from harp masters, to guitar wizards and yes some keyboard gymnasts who tickle the ivories with style and aplomb. All ya gotta do open yer mind and look for them, ya never know when you will find a keeper that might turn into your own personal anthem for the summer months to come.

Until next time,
Love, Peace & Chicken Grease
chefjimi
©Blues411.com 2012
photos: courtesy of artists

 

 

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December 6, 2011

Office Music: Post Thanksgiving Chill with Some New Men of the Blues

Well we visited the ladies at about the onset of the official holiday season, so now that we are in full grip of the season I thought it might be nice to meet at a bar after work with some of the guys who can make the Blues sound like no others. So tell the bartender what yer having, pull up a stool and let’s chill with the boys.

Tip Of The Top: From Memphis to Greaseland (Delta King Records)
http://www.tipofthetopmusic.com/home.cfm

Hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area these guys were the 2011 Golden Gate Blues Society IBC competitors and did well – bowing out as semi-finalists. Featuring a solid cast of veteran blues-men Jon Lawton (guitar/vocals), Frank DeRose (bass), Aki Kumar (harp/vocals) and Carlos Velasco (drums). Together they have put together 13 high energy tracks with 7 of them originals – which is always good in my book.

Tip of the Top is not just a cover band that you see at the bar every weekend going through the motions and calling it the Blues. These cats got the feel and groove that sets them apart from the aforementioned posers to the throne.

‘I Ain’t Worried’ is a call and response good time shuffle that starts off the disc and sets us up for what becomes a party on a disc. Written by Mr. Lawson this track has the feel of a Rod Piazza west coast swing number and excellent harp work by Aki lets us know they are here to play.

Nice harp work is an essential element here with Mr. Kumar displaying a proven ability to play in various styles and tones. Not just a draw & blower he especially does justice to the Little Walter cover ‘Rocker’. Definately one to get the feet moving. He provides added depth fronting the vocals chops on Sonny Boy Williamson’s ‘Fattening Frogs for Snakes’. Tasty guitar work by Mr. Lawton adds to the classic feel of this cut. Other covers include a surf/rumba version of “One Way Out’ that while paying tribute to the previous versions comes up original and tasty as pie. The disc ends with a slowed down version of the Brownie McGhee classic ‘The Sportin’ Life’. Mr. Lawton provides well paced vocals and guitar work over the stage setting bass of Mr. DeRose.

This release was recorded at Chris ‘Kid’ Andersen’s Greaseland Studios in California and Mr. Kid adds some of his well-appointed brand of guitar work on ‘She’s Fine’ as an added tip on the tip of the top.

Dave Keller: ‘Where I’m Coming From’ (self release)
http://www.davekeller.com/

I first met Dave at the 2011 Blues Music Awards in Memphis, a gentle spoken unassuming young man who is one hell of an R&B Blues-man. To quote Mr. Mose Allison ‘white boy sings the blues’ – it isn’t just that – it’s way better than that. So here’s this guy who is up in Montpelier, VT., yeh the Blues Capital of…
As the first strains of ‘More Than I Can Stand’ hits our unexpected ears, we are thrust into a swirling world of horns, lap steel & percussion that makes one want to jump up and dance. It’s like a Stax/Volt party for a new generation. We get a little feel of Jackson Five on ‘If I Ever Get You Back’ with ringing guitar and a percussion of horns that creates a wall of funk about 6 inches deep.
Mr. Keller is backed by The Revelations, an R&B band that usually backs up soul singer Tre’ Williams. It is Mr. Williams who shares vocals on ‘The Things We Have To Do’ a soulful countdown of these things we have to do in life. Both reaffirming and inspirational this cut reminds me of some of the old school duets from the late seventies that featured black and white soul singers working together.

Mr. Keller’s voice has a depth and soul to it that has to make him one of the most talented unsigned artists around. His guitar playing has the edge and grit to it that fits right in with the sound and landscape. His version of ‘Pouring Water On A Drowning Man’ recalls an early Van Morrison meets Otis Redding. Throughout this release The Revelations along with a cast of horn players provide ample room for Mr. Keller to work his blue-eyed soul and address his funkiness at all the right levels, good job !

With ‘Where I’m Coming From’ we are treated to the sound of Motown/Memphis soul stew and so tasty folks. If you cut your R&B teeth with these sounds you will slip this release on like a comfy pair of Cons, and sit back in your Member’s Only jacket, and open up that 40 oz bottle of Olde English 8oo and get the party started.

Now wait, if you didn’t grow up with that sound, don’t be dismayed or turned off here. These are not re-treads like K-Tel, but an artist with a deep love of and respect of this music taking it to the the next level, contemporizing it, yet paying serious homage to the roots and those who came before. This is a communal form of music, danceable, movin’ to the groove and shake your hips and roll your ackie-dackie.

Toronzo Cannon: Leaving Mood (Delmark Records)http://web.me.com/toronzocannon/Toronzo_s_Website/Home.html
Mr. Cannon grew up on the South Side of Chicago not far from Theresa’s Lounge. From an early age the blues held an attraction. Yet it had laid dormant for many years till he started jamming around town where he rediscovered the music of his youth and family and hasn’t dated another muse since.

I first saw Toronzo at the 2010 Chicago Blues Festival, an unknown playing on a big stage while we waited for Carl Weathersby and Larry McCray for the heavy weight throw-down. Well I was hoo-dooed, this cat blew me away. Passion, joy, showmanship and talent all there for anyone to see, all they had to do was look. I have been a fan ever since.

This, is his first release for Delmark Records, he pays tribute in his own way at those who have inspired him and makes a strong statement in doing so. He gives us ‘Chico’s Song’ which is an ode to the late Chico Banks. He opens the disc with ‘She Loved Me’ which deals (as many of these songs) with a gritty reality built around a driving rhythm and visceral lyrics – these are the blues of today. How things can get away from you and turn upside down in a moments notice, how one sacrifices their life for another and the ramifications of actions. The barrel of reality is not only pointed at the area of personal relationships but also at the system that exists. In ‘Open Letter(To Whom It May Concern)’ Mr. Cannon aims his flying V and poignant lyrics at certain people in the current blues scene and the environment that is more than dog-eat-dog. The vocal treatment is akin to a corner preacher on his soapbox pitching fire and brimstone and telling us of the evils around us.

But dour and dark is not the only places he visits. He offers a sexy, steamy low down version of Nina Simone’s ‘Do I Move You’ with a back beat that puts it right on the G-spot and there’s no answer required. When Mr. Cannon serves up the funk he is quite adept at getting the honey to drip and the feet to move. A prime example is ‘Ernestine’ featuring Mr. Carl Weathersby on searing solos, Mr. Weathersby also treats us to his fine guitar work on ‘Hard Luck’. A modern tale of trying to get by that we all can relate to.

This is a fine release that showcases Mr. Cannon’s ability to play the blues in many forms, he is not a one-dimensional artist, not the standard shuffle king - he is an urban blues master who brings a lot of soul and feeling to the scene – jump on the bus now while you can get a seat.

Keith Patterson: Stone Cold & Blue (self released)
http://www.reverbnation.com/rkpatterson

Out of South Carolina, Mr. Keith Patterson provides us with guitar driven, hard-edged blues music that fills venues and has people dancing like no one is watching. With the opening riffs (which have a feel of ‘School’s Out For Summer’) he sets the stage for a rollicking eleven cut release that has enough style and energy to please just about everyone.

‘Take Me Down To Charleston’ is a fast paced shuffle that hails the virtues of that town in South Carolina that is becoming the home for some seriously good blues bands and venues to hear them in. Some fine slide work provided by Todd Roth, serves us up a bit of grease otherwise provided by some pork BBQ and roasted oysters on the track.
A particularly fine track is ‘Keep The Blues Alive’ where he wears the title like a badge of honor and vows to do whatever it takes to do just that. Nasty guitar work that leads us to poignant lyrics and a visit over the edge of a failing relationship is served up in ‘Shades of Gray’.

Mr. Patterson’s song writing is emotional and heart felt, there is a passion to it that is amplified by the instrumentation and provides us with a solid sound scape. Though not all hard driving and fierce, the majority of cuts are. He does show us the ability to change gears and gives us a slower paced vocals and songs. From declarations of what is inevitable in ‘Time For A Change’ to ‘Fascination’ which is a more electric slow burner where he implores his lady to close their eyes and let the other become their fascination. This cut has a slight feel of some of the earlier rock-blues hybrids that came about in the late nineties early aught’s, but with a true blues spirit to it.

A solid release that gives us a glimpse at what Mr. Patterson can do and where his influences lie. Pat Travers, Joe Bonamassa, early Led Zep, as well as the likes of B.B. King, Jeff Healy and Eric Clapton and just enough funk to keep it dirty and original. With this solid first release I am looking forward to his next release, and if I he is playing anywhere near me in South Carolina I will most certainly go see him perform.

So while these artists might be new to some, or even all, of us they certainly are worth listening to. They are all adept at their brand of blues and their spirit level is on the rise. Would be a nice gift to turn someone on to some new blues folks this holiday season.

Until next time,
Love, Peace & Chicken Grease
chefjimi
©Blues411.com 2011
photos: Courtesy of artists

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April 7, 2011

CD Reviews: It’s Not Who You Know, It’s Who You Don’t Know

Wow, there is so much good music coming out these days it’s hard for a guy to keep up widdit all.
So I am now going to give this space to some artists who I am not familiar with. Some of you folks might know them, others might be in my camp of the unknown. Either way it’s got to be good stuff because they are getting some ink (?), errh, maybe internet ink, web space, anyway, they are here for your pleasure, enjoy !

Terry Quiett Band: Just My Luck (Lucky Bag Records) release date: April 19, 2011
http://www.terryquiettband.com/

 Hooked, with the first cut, Karma, which comes on with a funky groove-laden rhythm and slightly distorted wah effects reinforcing the groove. Love the line ‘when karma comes back around’ that surely is a warning for us all, or at least words to live by.

This three piece band out of the rural plains of Kansas, features Aaron Underwood on bass, and Rodney Baker on the drums. Together they provide a solid back line for Mr. Quiett to work his varied guitar techniques and styles to near perfect execution. His work is equally spot on whether he grinds the full metal axe or exhorts the hell-hounds to let him be on his acoustic. They participated in the 2011 International Blues Challenge in Memphis to rave reiviews.

His styles range from the aforementioned funky ‘Karma’, to a jazz tinged, yet smoldering ‘Work For It‘ – his take on some of the ladies who make themselves available to musicians. A very nice somewhat autobiographical number is ‘Pound of Flesh’ wherein Terry openly fesses up to his own transgressions and faces up to the Devil wanting his pound of flesh. This is done with real nice slide work, and a bangin’ groove that will have all the guys drumming on the table tops, trust me!

This is a mea-culpa kind of release for Mr. Quiett, the songs lay bare the facts of his actions and their resulting implications. In doing so, Terry’s confession is a joy for us all to listen to.If confession had only been this good when I was a child I might have done it more often !
Oh yeh, gotta love the cover art, check it out, all I can say is, yeh no kidding !

Ron Tanski: Dragged You Down (Self Produced)
http://www.rontanskimusic.com/Site/Ron_Tanski_Music.html

When a song starts with ‘it’s a marvelous night..’ I shudder at the thought of hearing ‘for a moondance’! Fortunately Mr. Tanski does NOT go there. Where he does go is deep into the cigarette tainted, whiskey primed world of piano blues.

His opening number ‘Marvelous Night For The Blues’ is an upbeat call to arms for him and his baby to ‘go downtown and throw a little cash around’ stating outright that if they don’t play they both gonna blow a fuse. This release contains twelve original songs by Mr. Tanski, and he performs solo on all but three of them.

A superbly versatile player, he can boogie-woogie with the best of them, as shown in ‘Hurricane Boogie’ , and then proceed to take us way down in the alley with ‘Never Have Another Chance With You’ and then stroll through the double entendre ‘Cookieman’ with aplomb and all seriousness. As a chef I can attest to cravings for a nice warm cookie, while still appreciating all the other kinds of sweets that are available. In spite of it’s church like start, the title cut ‘Dragged You Down’ has sheer rocking energy and a killer guitar solo from Mr. Andrew Hiestand, as Ron apologizes with tongue in cheek to his put upon partner (ending with the line “… gonna put you back on the streets’.)

There is a strong hint of Tom Waits here, but ‘Mr. T’ is not that dark and foreboding, he makes us all very comfortable with the blues and in turn we become voyeurs to his journey all the while staying safe with our headphones on and a drink in our hand.

Marion James: Essence (EllerSoul Records)
http://www.myspace.com/queenothefblues

Originally released in 2003, Essence has been re-released by Ellersoul Records, features Nashville’s Queen of the Blues, Ms. Marion James. Like many great R&B singers Ms. James’ musical background is rooted in the church. In 1966 Marion had a top ten hit with ‘That’s My Man’ featuring guitarist Johnny Jones (aka Bobby ‘Blue’ Bland) for the Excello label. During the early sixties her band consisted of side men Billy Cox and Jimi Hendrix (Jimmy James ?) back in the day. Yeah that’s all great I hear ya saying, but . . .

Well what we have here is aptly titled – Essence defined as the following:
essence is the attribute or set of attributes that make an object or substance what it fundamentally is, and which it has by necessity and without which it loses its identity. OK kind of deep here, but that is what this release is it is the essence of Soul and Blues music.

Starting with the funky soul trippin’ song ‘Tables‘ we hit the groove spot and go from there. Add horns, wacka-wacka wah wah guitar and solid lead vocals we hear the truth in her statement that the ‘tables are gonna turn on you’ and we know that to be true because this lady is not one to be messin’ with. With a lyrical reference to the old male-oriented blues lyrics of buying a penthouse and calling it a shack, Ms. James let’s the men know that it’s a two way street, and she is the crossing guard.

Give me Love’ is slow Blues at it’s best, with traditional workings in the I-IV-V with tasty guitar, horns and B3. Ms. James’ vocals are reminiscent of the great ladies of Jazz and Blues, and the band she works with know how to step in and step back as needed. Featured performers are Reese Wynans (keys), Jack Pearson (guitar), Bob Babbit (bass) and Chuckie Burke (drums).
If I didn’t say the year this was originally released, you would not have asked. It is that vital, and has a contemporary feel (I guess that makes it timeless) that will not fade from its grooves (oh darn they ain’t got no grooves anymore – ah well you know what I’m sayin’).

Cousin Harley: It’s A Sin (Little Pig Records)
http://paulpigat.com/

Paul Pigat is Cousin Harley, yes it is true. An alter ego, Motorhead Rockabilly at it’s very finest. Throw in some Dick Dale, the Ventures and what you get is a stripped down form of rock and roll that mixes in blues, country and really is a genre busting form of music.

The best example of this would be the final cut on the release, ‘Spaghetti No Sauce’ it hits the ground running and you will be left looking for waves and your surf board but not on the earth but on a distant planet where only few dare to go.

The title track ‘It’s A Sin’ rides in on an old steam powered railroad train that has been juiced up enough to make it dangerous. As it pulls into the station we hear a Johnny Cash type of voice pleading for some form of intervention to be divinely laid upon his lady because she has no room in her heart or life for him or anyone else, and has no first-hand knowledge of herself at all and it’s a sin.

‘Spooks’ is similar to the great instrumentals of The Ventures and the late great, Danny Gatton wherein ‘Cuz’ paints us a picture of a landscape at night that is alive with life, death and after-life all enjoying and sharing the streets and co-existing in harmony, sweet harmony.
One might hear the influence of Carl Perkins and others in the snubbingly titled “I’ll Keep My Old Guitar‘. Here we are treated to some wonderful lyrical loyalty, as he expresses his preference to his guitar over fly by night ladies of all sorts.

No release of this sort would be complete without a nice minor blues number. Cuz gives us that with ‘The Ballad of El Swartho’, a catchy title and really fine instrumental that allows us to see the varied influences and styles that make Cousin Harley’s ‘It’s A Sin’ release a fun filled romp on them frets!

Sabrina Weeks & Swing Cat Bounce: Tales From Lenny’s Diner (self produced)
http://swingcatbounce.shawwebspace.ca/So how do people come up the names for their bands? Well, I can answer for this band. “Swing Cat Bounce” was inspired by them listening to a radio show on the CBC about economics and the ‘dead cat bounce’. So, after some healthy discussion around the campfire, it morphed into “Swing Cat Bounce”, because ‘you ain’t got a thing, if you ain’t got that swing’. Really!

‘Ain’t My Time To Sing The Blues’ really gets to the point of this release, good times are the main focus and that light at the end of the tunnel is the glow of a cold bottle of Molson’s and a campfire. ‘Boogie Downtown‘ swings into high gear, and paints a picture of playing downtown at a fun spot, but there’s a hardly anyone around. So within the framework of good times the message is real and it expresses the sometime harsher realities of being a band and playing 200 plus nights a year. ‘Fingers In My Pockets’ is a Jimmy Reed riff based swing number that has Sabrina at her story-telling best.‘Independent Woman‘  is a sultry, sexy, to the point statement of Sabrina’s been there and done that learning of life’s lessons. A searing, funky guitar solo helps us get the point and then the chorus kicks in with a call and response and reaffirms that she is indeed standing on her own two feet. I am sure that seeing this band live would be a fun filled evening and hope to catch up with them in the future.

This five-piece band from Kamloops, BC, offer up some ‘feel good bounce and boogie blues’ with ample good vibes to make almost anyone tap their feet. With Sabrina offering heart felt vocals, and Mike Hilliard throwing some snazzy lead guitar work, they are backed by a rhythm guitar, bass and drums that keep that pocket in place. Full sound without being overpowering – the addition of horns seems a natural thing for the style of music and offers a nice touch to this release.

With eleven cuts (ten originals) covering the full range of bouncing boogie. They each explore differenet themes but all are rooted in good times and hitting the dance floor. The final cut , ‘Independent Woman‘ is a sultry, sexy, to the point statement of Sabrina’s been there and done that learning of life’s lessons. A searing, funky guitar solo helps us get the point and then the chorus kicks in with a call and response and reaffirms that she is indeed standing on her own two feet. I am sure that seeing this band live would be a fun filled evening and hope to catch up with them in the future.

Until next time,
Love, Peace & Chicken Grease,
chefjimi

photos courtesy of  Artists
©Blues411.com 2011

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