Bernard Allison Group The Other Side Jazzhaus Records 029 Bernard Allison appears to be getting better with age, if that is possible. The Other Side is a beautiful piece of work that showcases his impeccable playing and his songwriting capabilities along with his soulful vocals. Having been a fan for years and owning my fair share of his recordings, I have to say that this may be his most solid work to date. Eight of the disc's 13 tunes are Bernard Allison originals. The disc also includes one of his father Luther Allison's tunes as well as one by Jimi Hendrix. The playing on this disc is flawless, the arrangements are beautiful and the band works together like a well-tuned engine. I can see a smile on Luther's face from his seat among the legends. This piece shows Bernard worthy of a spot beside his father in the "Who's Who" of the blues. There's not a bad number on the album. Trying to pick a favorite tune is like asking a father to pick his favorite son. The album's original tunes show clearly that this father's son has learned his lessons well and that as good as this one is, school is still in session. "Leave your ego, play the music, love the people."…a lesson that Bernard learned well. Regardless of your particular taste in music, this one has it covered. The Other Side has a timeless quality. Even the original tunes have a well-worn feeling, like your favorite denim. This is one of those pieces that could come with a money back guarantee. Allison knocked this one out of the park. The only problem with a disc like this is "Where do you go from here?" It will be interesting to see what happens next. - Bill Wilson Lurrie Bell The Devil Ain't Got No Music Aria B.G. Records ABG2 I have always seen blues and gospel as two sides of the same coin. The two rise up side by side, each having its purpose, each ministering to the needs of the people within earshot. Lurrie Bell blends the two for a sound that is powerful and effective. His guitar work is flawless and his vocals are more passionate than I have ever heard from the son of Carrie Bell. He makes no apologies as he delivers gospel with the same passion that he was known for putting into his blues work. Lurrie Bell has faced his demons and come out on top. The Devil Ain't Got No Music is a powerful piece of work on which blues and gospel blend seamlessly. Bell's work is powerful beyond belief and will be appreciated by folks on both sides of that extremely fine line. This disc is unique in so many ways. Both blues and gospel, if done right are powerfully passionate. This recording, regardless of your point of view reaches straight through to the heart, driving the point home that, what might have been considered at one time to be the "Devil's music" is akin to gospel on so many levels. In all honesty, blues and gospel both spring from the deepest regions of the heart and Lurrie Bell has tapped into that place. He has always been an exceptional guitarist but this most recent release takes his work to a whole new level. While most of the songs are traditional gospel numbers that most of us have heard throughout our lives, Bell delivers the goods in such a way that the classics take on a whole new life. He hits the nail on the head and drives it home with a power that has to be heard to be believed. - Bill Wilson Big James & the Chicago Playboys The Big Payback Blind Pig 5143 Big James & the Chicago Playboys, who played last year's Billtown Blues Festival, are back with a fresh new release. The Big Payback is hot as a "Saturday Night Special." Rich full-bodied sound, great arrangements, precise playing from all the musicians and more make this a wonderful addition to any collection. Add to that the fact that this is a live recording that captures the excitement of the moment and you have a real winner. This piece has great horn arrangements and soulful vocals on top of the precision playing. These rhythms are infectious…you will find your feet moving regardless of whether you like to dance or not. This is blues and R&B at its finest. This particular style is finding itself in very capable hands. If you liked the band's last release hold on to your hats, this one will blow your mind. I am always surprised when a live recording captures the excitement of the night. The Big Payback is powerful and very passionate. This band seems to be getting better by the day. Mike "Money" Wheeler is a guitar lover's guitarist. From blistering leads to slow, soulful leads hot enough to melt the soles of your shoes; Wheeler does it all, moving from style to style effortlessly. This one is great, no questions asked. Big James and the Chicago Playboys have raised the bar. This one is a keeper to be sure. - Bill Wilson The Bottoms Up Blues Gang Handle It Self-Produced The Bottoms Up Blues Gang is blues/Americana through and through. Nine of the disc's ten tunes are originals written by the band. The disc ends with an exquisite rendition of Ray Charles' "Drown In My Own Tears". From straight forward blues tunes to jug band music, a touch of ragtime and old fashioned rock & roll this band does whatever it takes to get the job done…and they do it well. This is not by any means your run of the mill blues release but it stays well within the genre. Another band that will not be put into a box, the Bottoms Up Blues Band gets the word across none the less. In actuality the band is a St. Louis based trio but on any given night they might be joined by any number of area musicians. Such is the case with Handle It…vocalist Kari Liston, guitarist Jeremy Segel-Moss and Adam Andrews on harmonica who are joined by a host of musicians playing everything from bass, guitars, saxophone, percussion, trombone, trumpet, Hammond B-3, tuba and flugelhorn. With a style that changes from one moment to the next, the one consistent factor in their music is their vintage sound. This band loves the music and plays with power, authority and a passion that won't quit. If you're looking for something with a unique twist, this may be just the thing you need. Give it a listen. While it took me by surprise to some extent, it left me with a smile on my face. - Bill Wilson Fiona Boyes Blues For Hard Times Blue Empress Records BER206 A guitar lover's delight, Blues For Hard Times is a great collection of tunes that, while predominantly written by Fiona Boyes, has the feel and tone of material penned in the 20s and 30s. Boyes pulls it off with a grace and style reminiscent of Sippie Wallace, Memphis Minnie and Bessie Smith. While young, Fiona is an old soul, one who understands the true nature of the blues, that blues is not simply a form of music and definitely not something to be played in the background while discussing future plans or matters of business. Blues is the essence of life, the good times, the bad times and all that space in between that we consider life in general. She is one individual who expresses it with power, and in the voice of the everyday man and woman on the street. Immaculately played and delivered with style and a grace that reaches through to the hearts of everyone with ears to hear. Her style is extremely diverse, not in the least easy to pigeonhole. She is every bit at home with Chicago blues as Delta blues and can move from jump to R&B or soul with ease. What can be said is that this is a woman who wholeheartedly loves the music in all of its many forms, has studied it all and is at ease with any format. Blues For Hard Times seems to center on the older styles. She has garnered many well-deserved awards and seems to have grown to love the music more with each passing day. She has received high praise from the likes of Pinetop Perkins and Hubert Sumlin, legendary figures of the blues who have recently passed on as well as current giants in the field. Her original material sounds as if it could have been sung and played by Memphis Minnie. It has a timeless sound that will be every bit as good and relevant a hundred years from now as it is today. Fiona Boyes is the personification of the blues, immersed in the music and loving it in all its varied forms. This is one of the major factors that gives her music that emotional power. She has already earned a seat among the greatest Blues women of all time. A talent like this comes along once in a lifetime and, when that talent is paired with a warm giving personality, the result is even more amazing. Fiona Boyes is the real deal to be sure. - Bill Wilson Isaiah B Brunt Isaiah B Brunt EP Self-Produced Born in Auckland New Zealand into a musical family, Isaiah had a burning desire to write and play his own music. His teacher suggested listening to Bob Dylan. He also listened to Muddy Waters, Count Basie and John Mayall, but when he heard Jimi Hendrix play "Hear My Train a Coming" on an acoustic twelve-string, he was hooked. While he did record some tracks for Keanu Reeves' band, Dog Star, and went on tour with them in 1996, this EP is essentially his first solo venture into the blues. He had started his own band, playing his first pub gig at age eighteen. After almost thirty years of playing other people's music he finally has the opportunity to share his own music with the world. He was chosen as the solo/duo performer for Sydney, Australia's Blues Society at the 27th Annual International Blues Challenge in Memphis. He immediately returned home and recorded his first self titled EP. All of the tunes on the six song disc were written by Brunt, based on personal experience. An exceptional guitarist, harp player and vocalist, Isaiah Brunt delivers some of the best stuff I've heard in a while. Very well played and well arranged, this EP is a wonderful teaser…laid back, straight-ahead blues that aims straight for the heart and hits the spot every time. This is one of those pieces I could put on the player and allow to repeat all day and never get tired of it. Isaiah Brunt may be fairly new to the blues scene, but he has all the tools he needs and he knows how to use them. This disc may be only six tunes long but every one of them is a winner. - Bill Wilson Bushmaster Revolution Rhapsody Self-Produced When I closed my eyes I had visions of Jimi Hendrix dancing through my head. His is very much like what I believe Hendrix would be playing, were he to have lived this long. From blues/rock very reminiscent of Jimi Hendrix to slow and sultry ballads, down home, back in the alley traditional blues to an almost folk style, this cat has his bases covered. On rare occasion the band would get a bit in the heavy side for my liking but I am willing to overlook these small "transgressions" in light of the overall album. All tunes were penned by Gary Brown who also plays all guitars and a good deal of the vocals. This piece addresses a number of current political and social issues and does a nice job at getting his point across. Is this piece a good choice for all of our readers? Probably not, but if you are feeling adventurous, you might just like what you hear. Call it blues-rock/Americana; Revolution Rhapsody stirred some feelings deep inside that had been lying dormant for quite some time My view on Jimi Hendrix has always been that he had the heart and soul of a bluesman and that, given time, he would have followed that path. As for Bushmaster, Gary Brown, his influences are many and varied and he essentially wears them on his shirt sleeve. My overall impression of this disc was that I liked it immensely. Given, there were moments that were a bit on the heavy side for my liking but for the most part I found this one very much to my liking. While not for the most part blues, there was enough blues influence to keep my interest. The musicianship was exceptional, the songwriting delightful and to be honest, for just a little while I felt young again. - Bill Wilson Andy Cohen Built Right On The Ground Earwig Records 4959 Andy Cohen is a superb guitarist and a first-rate storyteller who stands in that place where blues and folk meet. Built Right on the Ground, call it blues, folk or Americana, this stuff is exceptionally played, well done from any aspect you'd care to mention and to quote an old friend, "eargasmic." Andy Cohen sings from very deep wells of experience, giving his songs believability and an emotional power that the listener will find refreshingly honest. Cohen has done everything in his power to keep the music alive and well, passing it down to a new generation. In a perfect world Cohen would be a household word and he would be acknowledged as one who has attained a legendary status. Andy Cohen is a master, knowing when and what to play and that often, less is more. His name should be on the short list with Bob Dylan, Woody Guthrie, Kris Kristofferson and the like. His guitar work is flawless and passionate and he can turn a phrase with the best of them. It is nothing short of a sin or a terrible oversight that he is not mentioned in the same sentence as the Reverend Gary Davis and Mississippi John Hurt. If traditional styles and storytellers are on your list of favorites, Andy Cohen's Built Right On The Ground is one of those pieces I would order ASAP. His renditions of some of the classics are beautiful beyond compare. He approaches them with a love and a passion that is nothing short of the originals. - Bill Wilson Contino Back Porch Dogma Blind Pig 5144 The paperwork that came with this disc called it "an eclectic roots music band from Las Vegas, Nevada." In a word, I call it GREAT! Their blending of blues, Americana, rockabilly and zydeco is smooth as a well aged single malt scotch…and it won't leave you with a hangover after a full night's indulgence. This band plays extremely well together, almost as if they had been playing together all their lives. This is what separates the great bands from those that never make it out of their garages. Back Porch Dogma includes nine original tunes and four incredible covers. This is the type of disc I could put on the player, hit repeat and let it go for hours without tiring of what the band presents. I found the disc to be real easy on the ears. I can only imagine what the band would sound like in performance in a small club. I usually have a tough time picking something I could refer to as a favorite song. In this case I would probably say "Dog Days," which left me feeling warm and comfortable like snuggling with an old love in front of the fireplace. The musicianship on this disc left me feeling good, to say the least. The arrangements were incredible. In short I got the feeling that the members of this band love what they are doing and that is passed on to the listener. In concert it's a hard call who's having a better time, the band or the audience. Over the years I have found that with many recordings after spending hours listening to and evaluating the album I tire of them for at least a short time. I don't see that happening with this disc. I almost hate moving on to the next review. - Bill Wilson Mary Bridget Davies Wanna Feel Something Self-Produced 63839 In 2005, when the cast of the off-broadway musical, "Love, Janis" was in need of a new lead vocalist to play the part of Janis Joplin, Mary walked away with the lead out of the 150 who auditioned. "Big Brother and the Holding Company" asked her to sing for them in 2006 and she has toured with them throughout the States and Europe since. In 2010 she moved to Kansas City and recorded this, her debut blues album. Stopping there, I would have said quite enough to make most readers want to pick up a copy of the CD. Wanna Feel Somethin' is one of those recordings that has a timeless quality. The songs, while predominantly written by Mary and the band, sound strangely familiar, like the feel of your favorite old denims…broken in and lived in. Davies has a powerful voice to be sure. I find it hard comparing her to Janis Joplin except for the emotional power that comes across in her voice whether she is belting it out there with everything she's got or taking it to rock bottom with a soulful ballad. Either way the power in her voice is enough to grab the heartstrings of anyone within earshot. In that respect she is remarkably similar to Joplin. Add to the powerful vocals a band that plays like a well-oiled machine and the result is nothing short of fantastic. Mary Bridget Davies shines like a polished gem. That kind of refinement generally comes after years of hard times and even harder work. I can't wait to hear how this situation develops. This one is destined for true greatness. This is good stuff, no questions asked. - Bill Wilson Mary Flower Misery Loves Company Yellow Dog Records YDR 1842 Mary Flower is above all a phenomenal guitarist. While her work centers in the Piedmont style, it goes much farther than that. Add to masterful guitar work the fact that she's a warm singer who goes to great lengths to be certain that her audience feels better after her performance than before. Her latest release, Misery Loves Company, is a beautiful showcase for her many talents. The fact that this album consists primarily of duets with the likes of Curtis Salgado, Dave Frishberg, Colin Linden and more adds the cherry to the top of a delicious sundae. The music flows from Mary like the waters of the mighty Mississippi, naturally, freely and with a power that leaves none of us untouched. One listen is all it takes to become a fan for life and if you have not yet had the pleasure of hearing her, this is as good a place to start. While many artists work at playing their music, in Mary's case it is so much a part of who she is that it flows naturally. Blues is much more than a form of music…it is a way of life. That is one of those things that separates those who "play blues" from the real deal. Mary Flower is the real deal, every note and every word is backed by heartfelt conviction and years of experience. That is not to say that one cannot be legitimate until they reach old age. An old friend once sang "age ain't nothin' but a number." There are "old souls" born in every generation. There are those who truly "get it" and those for whom music is something that goes on in the background while we discuss our plans for the week or business. Mary Flower is one of those people for whom music is more than a way of life. She is very much the real deal. - Bill Wilson The Harmonious Five Wanna Hear You Say "YEAH!" Haywire Production 004 Back in the year 2000, an oddly, almost out of place looking piano player named Dave Keyes performed at the Billtown Blues Festival which also included Sam Myers & Anson Funderburgh and Sonny Rhodes. There was a strange quality about that pianist that left an impression that has lasted all these years. Now Keyes has resurfaced as part of the Harmonious Five. This four part band digs into the past, recovering R&B from an almost altogether forgotten era. Ed Alstrom on guitar, Dave Keyes on piano, Mark Berger on bass and Frank Pagano on drums, pull gems of R&B from the late 50s and early 60s, pulling material from a particular sub group of vocal harmony that is all but forgotten. These are the tunes that, when they do surface leave the audience feeling good, remembering the material deep down, almost lost to the ravages of time. This is a music that needs to be brought back to the public ear. Call it Roots or Americana, this work has definitely got its roots deep in the blues and in the early days of rock & roll. Smooth, flowing and extremely easy to dance to, this music is, if nothing else, tons of fun. The Harmonious Five pull seventeen of the genre's finest gems, barely scratching the surface. This music is infectious, moving from your ears to your feet. From there, grab a partner and hold on for all you are worth. Wanna Hear You Say 'YEAH!" leaves you with no choice but to move. Even from the confines of a wheelchair I feel the need to move. This band consists of some of the world's finest musicians, playing a music that is all but forgotten and doing it with a love and respect that the music deserves. Many bands pull obscure covers, rework them until they are hardly recognizable and put them out there almost as new. The Harmonious Five seek to save the musical form for generations to come…and they are doing it with a style and flair that pays the music the respect that it deserves. Take a step back in time. Many of our older readers will remember dance parties and the good times and easy flowing music of the day. This band captures it heart and soul and presents it to a new audience. Congratulations on a job well done. While predominantly a fan of traditional blues, this music has and will always have a place in my heart. - Bill Wilson Heritage Blues Orchestra And Still I Rise Raisin' Music 1010 Blues, in essence, gets no closer to home than the Heritage Blues Orchestra. This hearkens back in some respects to the African American traditions. Bring together some of the greatest performers ever to touch hand to string or drum and you have the basis for a combo that is sure to be a winner. When those same performers are instilled with a deep love for the traditions of their homeland the result is a thing of beauty that is powerful, poignant and inspiring. The Heritage Blues Orchestra is composed of Bill Simms Jr. on vocals, electric and acoustic guitars, and handclaps, Chaney Sims on vocals and handclaps, Junior Mack on vocals, electric & slide guitars and dobro, Kenny "Beedy Eyes" Smith on drums & percussions, Vincent Bucher & Mathew Skoller on harmonica, Bruno Wilhelm on horn arrangements and tenor sax, Kenny Rampton on first trumpet, Steve Wiseman on second trumpet and Clark Gayton on trombone, sousaphone and tuba. Together they produce a sound that is so powerful and compelling that the listener is moved as if under a spell to the beats and rhythms that, at times hearken to the dawning of mankind. Bring those early influences together with the somewhat later blues forms and the sound emerges as a powerful force in the twenty first century. The melding of the old and the relatively new is a powerful force in the new age. This is blues in its truest form. The Heritage Blues Orchestra is a powerful band, blending powerful elements of traditional blues, jazz and whatever else it might take to move the listener. From work songs and spirituals to soul, blues r&b, and jazz, this combo offers up a buffet of African American music that will satisfy any appetite. This was one of those releases that was refreshing, entertaining, and a delight to listen to. - Bill Wilson JD Fox & Sunset Travelers The Roadmaster: A Tribute to Spooner Oldham Self - Produced 200377 Jan De Vos (a.k.a. JD Fox) was a mere ten years old when he fell in love "RESPECT" sung by Aretha Franklin on the radio. He was hooked on that particular sound. Years later he would come to realize that it was Spooner Oldham's organ playing along with the work of his fellow musicians that made up that "gritty" sound he had come to love. Spooner's work on piano and organ was a defining factor in the sound that would come out of Muscle Shoals, Alabama in the 1960s. Over the years his work had an influence over a tremendous number of people in the music business. The Roadmaster is JD Fox and the Sunset Traveler's tribute to the living legend. The album contains a dozen of the master's tunes covered by the band and a thirteenth track which features Spooner Oldham on piano. That said, it is time to get down to business. The passion with which JD Fox and the band approach these songs leave no doubt that they love the material with all their hearts. This is one of the best tribute albums I've heard in ages. There is no doubt as to the quality of Oldham's work and Jan and company handle it with the utmost respect. This six piece band that hails from Belgium has done a delightful tribute to the man who helped define that Muscle Shoals sound that came out of Alabama in the late 50s and throughout the 60s. It is immaculately played, the arrangements are wonderful and the music overall drips with the passion of the original tunes. Spooner Oldham left his mark on such a wide array of individuals over the years from Percy Sledge, Wilson Pickett, Arthur Alexander and Aretha Franklin as well as Janis Joplin, Linda Ronstadt, Bob Dylan and Neil Young to name just a few. Time is well past due that someone pay this legendary figure tribute and JD Fox & the Sunset Travelers The Roadmaster is as good as tribute albums get. This piece can be obtained by visiting the band's website at www.jdfox.be or at www.cdbaby.com. -Bill Wilson Dave Keller Where I'm Coming From… Tastee Tone Records TT3039 I am part of that generation that grew up when soul was king. Motown filled the airwaves and guys like Smokey Robinson, Otis Redding, Solomon Burke and Wilson Pickett were as good as things got. Dave Keller's Where I'm Coming From…carries the listener back to that era and does it with style and finesse. This release earns Keller a seat among the giants of R&B and Soul. His band is flawless in their execution of the music and Keller's voice is right on the money. His guitar work cuts straight through to the heart, flawless and emotionally powerful. This is classic soul the way it was meant to be. Over the years I have heard artists who obviously loved the genre and made gallant efforts to reproduce the sound and spirit of that age. Where I'm Coming From goes above and beyond, actually capturing the spirit of that golden age. While the album is dedicated to soul covers, Keller and company go to great lengths to make the songs their own without altering the spirit of the originals. In a word…"Wow"! Every now and then a piece comes along that can transport an audience through time. This is one of those rare pieces that does just that. My thanks to those who suggested an album of soul covers. I've listened to the disc numerous times and still find it hard to believe that it was not recorded in an earlier age. This one stirred the same deep feelings within me as the original recordings. If you grew up listening to classic soul, you are most likely going to love this recording. This is the perfect piece for that night alone with that special someone. It is one of those pieces that will not soon get put on the shelf to gather dust. - Bill Wilson Janiva Magness Stronger For It Alligator Records 4946 Hands down, Stronger For It may well be the strongest hardcore blues album by a female vocalist I have heard in a while. Drawing upon years of truly hard times, Magness bares her soul in a way that is unusual to be sure…totally and brutally honest, this one borders on being hard to listen to at times, the passion being so upfront and personal. This album connects with the listener on a level that leaves no doubt that Janiva Magness is a woman who has lived the blues in ways that many could not even dream of. So many of us have indeed lived the blues but so very few manage to bare their souls and confront the issues in so powerful a way. Needless to say, Stronger For It got my attention and managed to hold it from beginning to end. This one was strong enough to touch areas of my heart that I thought I had successfully managed to bury to the point where I would be able to forget them. Guess again. If you are a true blues lover, this piece may be just what you're looking for. Magness' voice is strong and emotionally charged and the band is tight and running smooth as any I have heard. Stronger For It leaves the listener with the feeling that they, no matter how bad their problems may be, are not alone. This is Magness' best work to date in my opinion. Alligator Records may well have hit a high point. This one comes very highly recommended. - Bill Wilson Bob Margolin & the Mike Sponza Band Blues Around the World VizzTone Label Group VTSS-BMMS11 Over the past few years I have noticed a lot of great blues albums coming from places one would not necessarily think of when thinking blues. I have heard from bands from South America, the Netherlands, throughout Europe and points unknown. The fact is that America's music has gone global and that many of the players are exceptional. After being contacted by Sponza to play with his band, Bob went to Central Europe to tour. Those gigs were so successful that the general consensus was that this was something that should be shared with the world. How right they were. Bob Margolin's experience in Italy proves the point quite well…Blues is the universal language. Blues Around the World is one of the finest pieces of traditional blues I have heard. At one point in time Louis Armstrong was known as America's ambassador of jazz to the world, spreading the music and goodwill everywhere he went. Today that honor might well belong to Bob Margolin…an ambassador of blues to the world. This latest release with the Mike Sponza Band is certainly among his finest works since his days with Muddy Waters. Blues Around the World contains a number of what Bob considers the best songs he has ever written, two of Mike Sponza's originals and a few classics for good measure. I was particularly taken with Sponza's compositions, which showed an honest love for the music and years of dedication. I was reminded of the years when blues musicians had to go to Europe in order to find work. There they were treated like royalty. The album that resulted from this particular tour is a masterpiece, showing that while the blues may have been born here, it has become so much more. Blues has seen high times and bad times but it will never die. This is one of those recordings that belongs in every blues lover's collection. - Bill Wilson Beverly McClellan Fear Nothing Junk Drawer Records OAR-CD-40486 This is Beverly's fifth release and is, in a word, powerful. From pure raw power to tender, heart-wrenching ballads, Beverly McClellan covers the scale like a seasoned professional. A quick listen draws comparisons to Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, Etta James and more. An incredibly talented individual, she plays more than ten instruments, is an exceptional songwriter and has a voice that on one end of the scale could peel the bark off a tree and on the other could soften the heart of the hardest critic. I loved this piece from the first listen and, like peeling away the layers of an onion, discovered more and more with each time through. Beverly McClellan has what it takes. The comparisons to the greats are a nice touch but this woman is so much more. Comparing her to any of the greats, no matter how good they were (or are) is a disservice to Beverly and the band. She has a unique style, melding blues, rock and soul with whatever else it takes to get the job done. Yes, I hear the similarities but there is so much more. McClellan is not simply copying the styles of those she has heard. With the exception of Blind Willie Johnson's "Nobody's Fault But Mine" every tune on the album is original. This band is tight, emotionally charged and the members play well with others, probably the biggest quality separating the pros from those who want to be. Beverly McClellan has a range that is unbelievable and puts herself 100% into the music every time she opens her mouth to sing. No one could ask for more. Among the rising number of female guitarists of late, Beverly rates high in my listing. You owe it to yourself to give this one a good listen. - Bill Wilson Michael Locke & the Repeat Offenders Pleasure King! Locke Music 2524 Michael Locke and the Repeat Offenders filled my head with visions of Stevie Ray Vaughan, not so much in the fact that the music is reminiscent of Stevie's but that the two shared a lot of common influences. Recorded live, this is one of those recordings that manages to capture the magic of the moment. The opening number, "Pleasure King" was penned by Locke and is reminiscent of Freddie King in some respects but takes off from there. Locke had musical background that was heavy on the jazz side of the spectrum. A student for some time of jazz guitar, Locke found his love and freedom in blues. He met Johnny Nitro and studied at his feet, soon developing his many talents into a unique style. Locke's guitar work is flawless, both technically right on the money and emotionally powerful as a steam locomotive with a full head of steam. Top that off with the fact that he has teamed up with three equally talented musicians and you have a no lose situation. Backing Michael on drums is Stephen Keith. On bass we have James Higgins and on keyboards is Da'Rosa Richardson. The result is one of those albums that will be played repeatedly for some time to come. Guitar lovers in particular will find this a fine addition to their collections, but music lovers in general are in for a real treat. The band's playing has it covered, whether it be hard driving and full speed ahead or low, slow and hot enough to melt the soles of your shoes. In summing up Locke's playing, Tommy Castro said: "Michael Locke is a very accomplished guitarist who plays with great intensity and taste." I could not have said it any better than that. This one is a keeper. Michael Locke and the Repeat Offenders are the real deal, no questions asked. -Bill Wilson Microwave Dave and the Nukes Last Time I Saw You Self-Produced When this band played our festival a few years back it was one of the highlights of the day. From the sounds of Last Time I Saw You, things have only gotten better since then if that is at all possible. This three-piece band consists of Microwave Dave on vocals, guitars, percussion, Lowebow and drums, Rick Godfrey on bass and harmonica and James Irvin on drums and percussion. Together these three fill a room with a sound that is hard-driving and powerful. The musicianship is flawless and they play like a well-oiled machine…each complimenting the other as it should be rather than three guys competing against each other. This is the factor that separates the men from the boys and this band is as professional as it gets. This is one of those albums that would be great to put on the stereo in the car when going on a long trip. This disc starts out hot and does not let up until the disc is finished. Even the occasional ballad and the album's instrumental number are powerful enough to hold your attention. This is probably the band's best work to date. It held my ear from start to finish with no problem. Given the opportunity to see this band whether it be in a small club or a festival, do not miss them. They are one of those bands that do whatever it takes to satisfy their audience and this new release is ammunition enough to make this a reality. Microwave Dave and the Nukes have another winner under their belts. It comes highly recommended to be sure. - Bill Wilson Shaun Murphy Live at Callahan's Music Hall Vision Wall Records Quite often what hits my desk for review comes as quite a surprise. In the case of Shaun Murphy, it was a pleasant surprise indeed. Murphy and company played Callahan's Music Hall on June 22nd and 23rd, 2011 with the CD being released on the 23rd. The show on June 22nd was released on DVD and is available on Shaun's website. Murphy has a great range, coming at you at one point like a mother lion with all the grit and growl of the likes of Koko Taylor. That might be followed by a ballad that is sweet, sultry and soulful as a lover's coo. While both the CD and DVD are composed of all cover tunes, they are well-chosen and beautifully done. Her band is tight, obviously honing their skills over a long time and performing in a style that they love. From gospel to straight-ahead blues, R&B and soulful ballads, Live at Callahan's Music Hall is a delight to the ears. What I found particularly nice about this project, both CD and DVD, is that the recording was done so well that the listener gets the feeling of actually being there. Too often live recordings lack the power of the original show, sounding somewhat flat and missing the excitement of the moment…not so in this case. Murphy has worked with a wide variety of artists on a wide variety of projects and styles which might well account for her depth and power. That list includes playing the Blues stage at the Ann Arbor Blues fest surrounded by the best in the business. She later toured with Bob Seger, with whom she still plays to this day, Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, Joe Walsh, Glenn Frey, John Hiatt and more. She spent 16 years as the only female in the history of Little Feat to perform as lead vocalist. Now she has come full circle and is playing blues once more. The musicianship on this project is immaculate, with soulful and searing guitar work, a rhythm section that won't quit and vocals that would make Koko Taylor sit up and take notice. This is a treat to be sure, CD or DVD. In either case you get that full powerful experience. I recommend buying this show in both formats, as between the two one gets a more complete picture...and, face it, you can never have too much when it sounds this good. - Bill Wilson Niecie Beyond the Surface Ride The Tiger Records 4167-2 Niecie is a powerhouse to say the least. Her influences are diverse as the day is long but she never strays from the roots of blues and R&B. I fully believe that should she desire to do so, Niecie could literally bring down the house. Her voice is every bit that powerful. Beyond the Surface contains only two of Niecie's original tunes but they show her talents as a songwriter as well as a performer. She has worked around the globe and with the best performers in the business and this release is no different. The musicianship is nothing short of flawless and the vocals are dynamic and powerful. Niecie's tone changes effortlessly from tune to tune, making this another one of those pieces that will not be put in a box. Comparisons to past giants, while they are well deserved, do not do the lady justice. She is in no way copying anyone's style but has melded that multitude of influences into her own unique sound. One might hear the driving roar of a Janis Joplin in one line only to be followed by a sweet gentleness in the next. Niecie is well worth more than a single good listen. It is evident in her delivery that this woman has been around the block more than once and is not simply mouthing good covers. She is the real deal to be sure. What you see and what you hear is what you get…no questions asked. Beyond The Surface draws a line in the sand from the very beginning. She arouses strong feelings in her listeners and you will find that where her music is concerned, you will either love it or quite the opposite. As for me, I found Beyond the Surface to be unique on so many levels…something that, while I might not play it daily, it will remain close to my player and receive more than its fair share of airplay. - Bill Wilson Sista Monica Parker Living In The Danger Zone Mo' Muscle Records MMRE-9663 Sista Monica, in a word, is phenomenal. Blues, gospel, r&b and good old-fashioned soul pour from this woman like water over Niagara Falls. Like a force of nature, Monica puts it out there 100% every time she takes the stage… and her albums are no different. Having seen her on numerous occasions, I have never left a show feeling anything less than overwhelmed. Every word springs forth from wells of experience, giving her albums and shows an emotional power that shoots straight for the heart and never misses its intended target. Living in the Danger Zone is a diverse piece of work that moves seamlessly from hard-driving to soft and sultry without missing a beat…and her band is tight as bands get. This is one of those things that is timeless. Like the potato chip, no one can eat just one. One listen and you will find yourself a fan for life. I've said it before concerning other CDs but this one has something on it for everyone, regardless of your preference of style. With the exception of "Glory Hallelujah", the gospel standard and Robert Cray's "The Forecast Calls For Pain" all tunes were written (or co-written) by Sista Monica. This disc touched me and moved me in ways I had all but forgotten. Monica Parker is the real deal and her backing band is nothing short of sizzling. If this album doesn't move you, call the undertaker…a doctor will do you no good. If I were stranded on an island with only a small handful of CDs I would hope that I had at least one copy of this disc with me. - Bill Wilson Patrick Dodd Trio Future Blues Harry Peel Music 2196 Intense and as powerful as a locomotive with a full head of steam, Patrick Dodd is most definitely top notch blues/rock. His guitar work, while at times a bit on the heavy side is superb. The band is tight and right on the money and it should be noted that all songs on the album were written and arranged by Patrick Dodd. If you like your music on the heavy handed side, Patrick Dodd is the perfect piece. Reminiscent of the heavy blues/rock of the 60s and 70s, Dodd drives his point home with a sledge hammer. Dodd also has the ability to bring it down, as he does so beautifully on two of the disc's tunes, "Evil Way" and "Restless Soul." My favorite tunes on the album, these two show me Dodd's potential from a more laid back, traditional angle. I cut my teeth on the material from the British invasion and I do really enjoy it. The fact that my personal taste runs a bit more toward the laid back does not detract from the fact that Dodd and company knocked this one out of the park, no questions asked. If he were playing in my area I would most certainly make every effort to attend. The band has a passionate sound that grabs the listener right from the start and holds tight through to the end. Dodd's voice is strong and gritty with a quality that makes one tend to believe what he's got to say. This one is a winner on so many levels. Initially I was a bit reluctant to review this one as our readership leans more toward the more traditional styles, but the more I listened to it, the more I enjoyed it. It took me back to my personal roots which, in turn led me to the traditional styles and the old masters. Guaranteed, the baby boomers among us are going for a trip back through time…and one I found quite enjoyable. I am eager to hear where he goes from here. - Bill Wilson Bernie Pearl with Mike Barry Sitting on the Right Side of the Blues Major Label Records ML-017 My first encounter with Bernie Pearl was years ago in Chicago, while he was teamed with Harmonica Fats. I was more than impressed. I knew then that I was in the presence of greatness. Pearl was born in Los Angeles, where he learned blues from the artists who frequented his brother's club, Ash Grove. That list of performers included such greats as Lightnin' Hopkins, Brownie McGhee, Mance Lipscomb, Big Mama Thornton and many more. He formed the Bernie Pearl Blues Band with Robert Lucas on harmonica in 1984. Harmonica Fats replaced Lucas in 1986, a relationship that lasted until Fats' passing in 2000. Sitting on the Right Side of the Blues, Bernie's latest release, features Pearl on guitar and vocals with Michael Barry on upright bass. A master guitarist, who learned sitting at the feet of the legends, learned his lessons well but rather than imitating their styles he managed to absorb the feel of the music, thus picking up on the spirit of the music rather than simply copying their technical style. That, in my opinion, gives his music an emotional power that comes from not only his decades of experience, but the wells of experience of the masters under whom he studied. This live recording pays tribute to a number of those artists who were kind enough to pass on what they had learned. Opening with a Lightnin' Hopkins version of a Bessie Smith tune and flowing into some vintage Fred McDowell, Pearl and Barry take us on a magical journey through time covering, not so much the often overplayed covers of the old masters but more obscure works that demonstrate their styles equally well. Bernie Pearl, in a word, is a master. Thanks to him and his love of the music, this material will live for yet another generation. This is beautifully played and one of those discs that should be added to the collection of every fan of blues guitar. More than a simple CD, Sitting on the Right Side of the Blues captures a moment in time…a moment that should not be missed by any fan of traditional blues. - Bill Wilson Pristine Detoxing Blues News Records BNR003 Pristine is a bit out of the ordinary for us to be sure. Not necessarily a blues piece, they have borrowed bits from numerous styles to form their own sound…not blues but related to and drawing many aspects from the genre. Blues is much more than just a form of music…it is a living entity, growing entity, growing with each new generation…each adding its own particular twist or style to what has come before. Pristine is a psychedelic rock/blues band that hails from the arctic region of Norway. While the concept may sound strange, it works better than I could ever have hoped for. This band, as strange as the concept sounds, borrows much from traditional blues sounds. The guitar work here is spectacular and the backing band is equally noteworthy, each member working as a part of the whole. I hear strong influences from the Allman Brothers and Led Zeppelin and much more. This is another piece for those with an adventurous spirit and a willingness to try something new. Personally, I lean more toward traditional blues styles but found this band to be intriguing and interesting on many levels. Even though I got this piece as a promo for review purposes, I am glad to add it to my collection. The blues will continue to grow, whether we like the directions it takes or not. People will express their sorrows and joys with the tools they have at hand. While much of Pristine's work is too heavy for my liking, I can certainly make the connection to blues for the most part. These are all solid musicians. Given time I can actually see them adopting a more traditional style, but even if nothing changes, there is room on the fringe for this band to be sure. It may take an adventurous spirit but those who grew up with Led Zeppelin, the Allman Brothers, the Beatles and the like may find this piece nostalgic, perhaps even ahead of its time. - Bill Wilson Catherine Russell Strictly Romancin' World Village 468101 As a rule, I approach albums of cover tunes with caution. This is the second one to cross my desk in a short time and, the second that captured my ear and my heart. Catherine Russell captures the feel of the original tunes, heart and soul. Backed by a top-notch band that shares an obvious love for the genre, Russell breathes new life into old classics, putting her own unique twist on each, making them her own. Quite frankly, I found Strictly Romancin' a masterpiece. This one has a feel reminiscent of a much earlier time. If I didn't know better, I'd swear that these were vintage recordings, dating to the 20's and 30's. Given an opportunity, do not miss seeing Catherine Russell live. It is sure to be a mind altering, possibly even life changing experience…not unlike having the opportunity to travel back through time and hearing the likes of Louis Armstrong, Cab Calloway and Duke Ellington. Song after song, this album pours from the heart of a true artist with power and authority, giving it a power that touches everyone within earshot. Russell is a polished gem. If you are not touched by this one, chances are good that you are already dead. Instrumentally this piece is flawless. I would recommend it to lovers of blues and jazz alike. If you're going to hear anything better you will have to blow the dust off those old 78s. This one is every bit that good. In the words of my dear friend Blue Willie, "If I'm lyin', I'm dyin'." - Bill Wilson Savoy Brown Voodoo Moon Ruf Records 1173 Having been a fan of Savoy Brown in some respect or another since the band's inception I was very pleased with what I heard when I put this disc in the player. Admittedly there have been renditions of the band that I felt drifted too far off course for my liking. That said, in recent years the band has been improving like a fine wine. This may well be the best rendition of the band since the early years. The old fire has been rekindled and the emotional power is back and stronger than ever. Voodoo Moon is much more along the line of the original Savoy Brown Blues Band. Kim Simmonds is right on the money. His guitar work is exceptional, emotionally charged, closer on many cuts to traditional blues than what is usually thought of as blues/rock. The blues/rock content is strong, reminiscent of the original band. With Simmonds at the helm, Joe Whiting on sax and most of the vocals, Pat DeSalvo on bass, and our old friend Garnet Grimm on drums with an assist from Andy Rudy on keyboards and Ron Keck on percussion, the band is tight as bands get. Like a well-oiled machine, Savoy Brown continues in the grand tradition set in the early years. This album would make my top ten list of contemporary blues albums, no questions asked. Simmonds is a master guitarist with a thirst for the blues that is unquenchable. If I had to pick a single word to describe the band, that word would be refined. This is a band that knows where they are coming from, where they are going and how to get there…as I said earlier, this newest rendition of Savoy Brown sounds and feels closer to traditional blues. This is a sweet piece of work, no questions asked. If at any point in time you heard the band and liked what you heard you owe it to yourself to check out Voodoo Moon. You will not be disappointed. -Bill Wilson Scissormen Big Shoes: Walking & Talking the Blues VizzTone Label Group DSW 001 This release, the fifth for the eclectic Scissormen, contains both a full CD recorded at the Key Palace Theater in Red Key, Indiana and a 90 minute Robert Mugge Film. The Scissormen on this release consists of Ted Drozdowski on guitars & vocals and R.L. Hulsman, the band's original drummer on drums & percussion. Too many times we think of blues in terms of Chicago, Piedmont, Texas or Delta styles. Deeply rooted in the blues of the North Mississippi area, the Scissormen have that style down quite well, having spent time and playing with many legends of the genre including R.L. Burnside, Junior Kimbrough and Jessie Mae Hemphill. This duo will stop at nothing to get the attention of the crowd and to hold their attention throughout the entire show. If you get out to see the band, don't be surprised if Ted stands on your table and uses everything in sight to play slide. The band pays tribute to their heroes (and "sheroes" as the case may be) and does a beautiful job of it. Call it primal, call it wild, call it whatever you'd like, Big Shoes: Walking & Talking the Blues is a powerful piece of work. Whether you like their style or not this is one album that you will find yourself drawn to like a moth to the flame. The Scissormen deliver Mississippi blues with power, authority and a passion seldom heard on the contemporary blues scene. Wild as the recording may sound at times, it is done with the utmost respect, devotion and love. Hands down, this is one of the best pieces I've heard in a while in this particular style. If nothing else the Scissormen are passionate about what they do and they do it well. As for the DVD, Robert Mugge gets to the heart of the matter and tells the story in ways that words could not begin to describe. In all honesty, either disc is well worth the price paid for the package. - Bill Wilson Volker Strifler Let The Music Rise VizzTone Label Group VS-003 Long-time front man for the Ford Blues Band and sideman to Robben Ford, Strifler is a superb guitarist, singer and songwriter. Let The Music Rise is his debut album for the VizzTone Label Group. One of the finest technical guitarists alive, Strifler walks that tightrope, playing with tremendous emotional power as well. This may be his finest work to date. He has always been rooted in the blues with a rock & roll edge, but his latest release seems to be more blues oriented than ever. As a rule I lean toward more traditional blues styles but Let the Music Rise is about as good as it gets. Guitar lovers among our readers will love this piece, no questions asked. Strifler cuts loose, taking things in directions that are not normally associated with his work. He pushes the envelope, taking the music to new levels in many different directions…and it works like a dream. This album will take you from one end of the spectrum to the other and back again, blows the roof off the joint and does it again. I listened to this one numerous times and heard more with each time through. I feel comfortable recommending this recording to anyone, from the young, looking for a guitar hero to the dyed in the wool hardcore blues fans. This one has something for everybody. It blew my mind and that is not easily done. - Bill Wilson Billy Thompson A Better Man Papa Lee Records BT505 Billy Thompson has opened for legends, played with legends and has surrounded himself with some of the best players in the business. He has performed on Broadway, represented the DC Blues Society at the 2009 IBC in Memphis and toured Germany as the featured guitarist for Queen Esther Marrow & the Harlem Gospel Singers and the list of his accomplishments does not stop there. That said, let's get down to business. Billy is an exceptional guitarist…one of the small handful that can walk that fine line between technical perfection and raw emotional power. Guitarists, for the most part, fall into one of two categories…those who play it by the book and those who believe that you should "play what you feel," that the feeling is of the utmost importance. Billy Thompson walks that fine line like a veteran tightrope artist. His style melds blues, R&B, gospel and rock for a unique sound that is totally his own and definitely blues. Billy Thompson is the real deal, dedicated to the blues and well versed in its colorful history. A Better Man is a must for lovers of guitar, blues or just music in general. A master on guitar, slide guitar and harmonica, he is also a great songwriter and an exceptional vocalist. In short, Billy Thompson is a great package deal. This one is sure to please. It has a timeless quality that will keep it in rotation for ages to come. Between Thompson's exquisite guitar work and that of his incredible backing band, this one is a must have on so many different levels. This is the kind of album that never grows old. Try it, you'll like it! - Bill Wilson Roy Trevino Roy Trevino Troubadour Records TR001 Roy Trevino is without question a top-notch guitarist and a first rate vocalist. With the exception of Bob Marley's "Lively Up Yourself," all tunes were his compositions, making him a superb songwriter as well. From upbeat, rockin' tunes to deeply moving ballads, Trevino has it well covered. The guitar work here is flawless. Trevino is among the best guitarists I have ever heard…and that is saying a lot, as I have heard them all, more or less. The band plays like a well-oiled machine, everyone doing their part and doing it quite well. Too often bands miss the whole concept and the result is five or six guys on stage playing against each other. Roy Trevino is very much the opposite. Great players understand that often less is more. It is as important to know when not to play as it is knowing when to play. That is what separates the pros from those bands that play in their garages for their friends. This is one of those pieces that cuts straight through to the heart. There is not a bad song on the disc but I find myself particularly drawn to the ballads. Regardless of style, Trevino is a master, shifting effortlessly from style to style, never missing so much as a single beat. From a technical standpoint, this disc is as close to perfection as you are apt to find anywhere. At the same time it is emotionally powerful, a rare quality indeed to find both technical perfection and raw power at the same time. I recommend this album highly, especially to our readers who are fans of guitar. - Bill Wilson Joe Louis Walker Hellfire Alligator Records 4945 Joe Louis Walker's latest release, Hellfire, gets the point across from the opening notes. This thing is HOT! Much like Son House, Walker seems to be walking that tightrope between blues and gospel, with a strong leaning toward the blues with a passion I haven't heard in ages. Walker is stronger than ever with an unbeatable band. Hellfire, in many respects is his best work to date, technically right on the money and extremely emotionally charged. This is the kind of thing I like to put in the player and crank when going on a long trip. At 63 Walker is in fine form and keeping it amazingly fresh. Too often we find artists falling into a rut and essentially just remaking the same album time after time. Not so here…Walker is playing with passion and fire, like a man reborn. From hard-driving to soulful and passionate, Walker covers the spectrum from end to end. Singing from deep wells of experience, Joe Louis Walker, with well over 20 albums and a couple of DVDs to his credit, is no stranger to the business. In a word, WOW! This one is a keeper. With the exception of the final cut, all tunes have been written by Walker or members of the band The more I listen to this one the more impressed I become. This is a man with something to say and with all the tools he needs to get his message across. From a blues perspective this one is as good as it gets. From the gospel angle, Hellfire is what gospel was always meant to be. - Bill Wilson Return to top of page

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