#313 : Bernard Allison - Let it Go

2018 –Ruf Records

Release Date : February 2, 2018

By Phillip Smith; Jan 6, 2018

I have nothing but the highest of praise for Bernard Allison’s latest album Let it Go.  It’s a delightful blend of blues, funk and soul.   With this release, Bernard returns to Ruf Records, the label Thomas Ruf created for his father, the late great bluesman Luther Allison in 1994.  Bernard’s band is wonderfully tight and consists of rhythm guitarist John T. McGhee, bassist George Moye, and drummer Mario Dawson.  Recorded by the legendary music producer, Jim Gaines, the album was recorded at Bessie Blue Studio in Stantonville, Tennessee.

From the beginning, I’m hooked by the spirited rhythm and bouncy groove on “Cruisin for a Bluesin”.  It wonderfully ignites into a smoking guitar performance.  His soulful vocals on title track “Let it Go” are suave and soulful.  This is such a terrific song.  There’s a definitely a bit of the P-Funk influence on the front end of “Night Train”.  I love the bassline Moye throws down as Bernard takes this fresh, funky track to the next level with his guitar mastery.  Covered and topped with Dawson’s dynamic drumming, this is one phenomenal listen. 

Bernard charmingly takes on Brook Benton’s 1960 hit single “Kiddio”, enlisting the magnificent Jose Ned James on sax. For a fabulous finale, the listener is treated to two wonderful covers originally recorded by his father, Luther.  First served is the delicious slow-cooked blues of “You’re Gonna Need Me”, from the 1982 album South Side Safari. Then for a captivating closer, Bernard beautifully performs “Castle”, from Luther’s 1994 album Hand Me Down My Moonshine. 

Over the years, Bernard Allison has continued to push the envelope in his songwriting and artistry, and that certainly shows in Let it Go. 

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#312 : Ghalia & Mama’s Boys - Let the Demons Out

2017 –Ruf Records

Release Date : January 12, 2018

By Phillip Smith; Jan 6, 2018

Belgian singer/songwriter/guitarist Ghalia Vauthier has teamed up with New Orleans’ bluesmen Johnny Mastro and Mama’s Boys to record one hell of a blues-rock album, Let the Demons Out.  Ghalia’s vocals, strong and sexy, sound fantastic paired with Mastro’s blazing harmonica, Smokehouse Brown’s sizzling guitar, Dean Zucchero’s beefy bass, and Rob Lee’s crashing drums. 

To jumpstart the album, Ghalia takes the listener on a late night/early morning food run in “4AM Fried Chicken”.  A dazzling guitar solo from Smokehouse highlights this hopping treat smothered in a bowlful of boogie.   A hypnotizing rhythm sided with a haunting melody driven by Johnny Mastro draws me tightly in to title track “Let the Demons Out”. Ghalia’s vocals on “Press That Trigger” are wonderfully fearless like that of Pat Benatar and Chrissie Hynde.  Johnny Mastro’s harp is ablaze on “Have You Seen My Woman”.  Smokehouse absolutely tears it up on this one.  Gentle waves of cymbals and a trance-inducing slide guitar riff set the stage as Ghalia beautifully delivers a masterpiece called “Addiction”.  She sings this ballad about love and co-dependence with splendid heartfelt emotion.

Let the Demons Out is a solid album, and a thoroughly delightful listen from start to finish.  Ghalia & Mama’s Boys sound great together and make quite a powerful partnership.  I hope they continue to work together.

 

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#302 : Popa Chubby - Two Dogs

2017 – Popa Chubby Productions

Release Date : Nov. 27,  2017

By Phillip Smith; Nov 11, 2017

I’ve been a fan of Ted Horowitz, also known as Popa Chubby, since 2003, when I saw him live in Memphis, TN at the Beale Street Music Festival.  I still remember being so impressed with not only his mastery of the guitar, but with the amount of passion he poured into his performance on that blistering hot day.  It’s only been about a year since his previous album, The Catfish hit the shelves, and he has already set a new bar of excellence with his latest, Two Dogs.   This is my absolute favorite released so far.  Boasting thirteen tracks of hot electric rocking blues, the record features two bonus live tracks, covering Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”, and The Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil”. Besides the fabulous Dave Keyes on keys, Sam “Freight Train” Bryant on drums, and Andy Paladino on bass, Popa Chubby also is accompanied by his daughter Tipitina Horowitz on trumpet, along with Andrew Garrison on tenor saxophone.

“It’s Alright” magnificently jump-starts the album with a searing guitar intro and keeps marching on with an infectious melody and charismatic attitude.  I immediately fall for the captivating blues riff Popa Chubby plants in “Rescue Me”.  Then, when he unleashes into the bridge, it sounds so damn good, especially with the full sound of the organ lingering in the background.  As Keyes tears it up, Chubby gets down and totally rips it up in a fantastic Neil Young kind of way, bringing “Dirty Old Blues” to the top of stack of my favorites.  “Shakedown” is another great song.  It’s gritty, bluesy and loaded with gobs of psychedelic guitar goodness.  It’s almost a one man show for the smooth and jazzy instrumental “Clayophus Dupree”, as Popa Chubby plays guitar, bass, and drums, with Keyes applying his signature vibrant texture to the song on organ.

Popa Chubby undoubtedly hit the bullseye as far as this album is concerned.   Two Dogs is hands down one of the best blues-rock albums released this year.      

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#300 : Rocky Athas - Shakin’ the Dust

2017 – Cherryburst Records

Release Date : Oct 15, 2017

By Phillip Smith; Nov 3, 2017

With this being the 300^th installment of Phillycheeze’s Rock and Blues Reviews, I wanted to use this milestone issue to honor blues-guitar great, Rocky Athas, who has just released this fabulous new album, Shakin’ the Dust.  Produced by the legendary Jim Gaines and jam-packed with a truck-load of Texas blues, this eleven-track record is a true gem.  In the studio with Athas is his son Rocky Athas II on bass guitar, and drummer Walter Watson. Together they form one hell of a power-trio.      

Athas fires off a blazing performance on “You Pushed Me Too Far”, an outstanding original with a heavy dose of attention-grabbing blues licks.  It’s absolutely wonderful and doesn’t get much better than this.  “Texas Girl” is great too, as it kicks off with an amazing intro.  The song fearlessly follows suit with Athas injecting heaping helpings of fantastic guitar into a crushing wave of catchy hooks.  I love the Neil Young grunge vibe Athas affixes to “Time Flies” and how the ballad seems to gently tumble by like time itself.               

His revved up cover of the Calvin Carter penned classic “I Ain’t Got You” is a sweet amalgam of the versions rendered by The Yardbirds and Aerosmith.  Athas breathes new life into Johnny “Guitar” Watson’s “Looking Back”.  I get a big smile on my face every time I hear it.   The album closes out with a spectacular mind-bending performance, taking on Jimi Hendrix’s “Villanova Junction”.  This one is beautifully played.     

The cohesive flow on Shakin’ the Dust makes an appreciable call-back to the heyday of album rock.  It’s put together really well.  Rocky Athas scores big with this album, and I look very much forward to hearing what is in store down the road.    

     

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Davide Pannozzo - Unconditional Love

2017 – Davide Pannozzo

Release Date : Oct 19, 2017

By Phillip Smith; Oct 21, 2017

Once settled in New York after relocating from Italy, Davide Pannozzo began working on this masterpiece called Unconditional Love.  His music reveals a distinct freshness and originality in both his writing and performance.  Produced by Steve Jordon (John Mayer Trio, Blues Brothers) and Will Lee (Paul Shaffer and the World’s Most Dangerous Band) this record is a brilliant blend of contemporary blues and jazz with a positive energy.  Pannozzo takes front and center stage on guitars/vocals, with bassist Will Lee, drummers Steve Jordon and Shawn Pelton, and both Ricky Peterson and Oli Rockberger on Hammond organ/keys.

“Six Wires” is an amazing and infectious tune in a Steely Dan kind of way, topped off with a smoking guitar performance from Pannozzo.  With every listen to “Bring Me to the Light”, I am absolutely captivated.  This lovely song has such a beautiful and relaxed melody. The funky bassline and jazz-infused instrumentation on “One and Only” swiftly lures me in to hear Pannozzo’s buttery troubadour vocals.  The blues-soaked “Chasing Illusions” is absolutely fabulous.  It cuts deep, right down to the bone.    

With the guitar prowess of Joe Satriani, Pannozzo glides through an amazing instrumental cover of “Stratus” by Billy Cobham (Mahavishnu Orchestra, Jazz is Dead).  Pannozzo’s take on George Harrison’s “Wah Wah”, from the 1970 album All Things Must Pass, sticks fairly close to the original and sounds terrific.

Unconditional Love ranks up there among my favorite releases this year.

      

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André Bisson - Break

2017 –André Bisson

Release Date : Oct 20, 2017

By Phillip Smith; Oct 21, 2017

It was a welcoming surprise to hear the smashing new release Break from André Bisson. It’s been a little over two years since I reviewed his previous album Left With the Blues.  Though that recording won me over hook, line, and sinker, this album is even more captivating.  Bisson masterfully taps into his Motown, blues, and gospel influences for these compositions, and then performs them with vibrant vocals along with a tight cast of musicians. With a guitar full of twangy goodness in hand, Bisson leads his core band composed of saxophonists Bil Holinaty and Gordon Aeichele, trumpeter/cellist Loretta Hale, bassist Mike Rowell, drummer Sean Bruce Parker, and Jesse O’Brian on piano/B3 organ/Wurlitzer.

I love how the title track “Break” latches on to me from the git-go.  Bisson belts this one out of the park with fortitude.  The feel-good vibe continues onward to “How Many Times”, a swinging and soulful track which gently walks the line between Sun and Stax.  Utilizing the energizing sound of a room full of horns, and an expert rhythm section, Bisson pulls off a sweet callback to Vegas-era Elvis Presley.  Swirling sounds of organ, bountiful blasts of brass, and a groovy sax solo puts me in my happy space when “Feelin’ Fine” jets out the speakers.   

Bisson beautifully sings the blues on “Reflections”, a lovely and melancholy song delivered with a sad swirly melody.  Then with the swagger of Joe Cocker, he takes on The Beatles’ “Elenor Rigby”, giving this only cover song on the album a total make-over.

Break, Bisson’s seventh album, undeniably shows just how much of an artist he truly is. This is indeed one terrific album.       

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The PhillyCheeze review of André Bisson’s “Left With the Blues” :

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2015/09/andre-bisson-left-with-blues.html

 

    

Albert Castiglia - Up All Night

2017 –Ruf Records

Release Date : Oct 6, 2017

By Phillip Smith; Oct 14, 2017

Albert Castiglia is definitely on a roll. He pulls no punches on his latest album “Up All Night”.  With an all-new band consisting of bass player Jimmy Pritchard and drummer Brian Menendez, Castiglia again enlists Mike Zito to produce, help write, and toss some of his trademark guitar and vocals into the ring.  Also making appearances on this magnificent blues-rock album are music masters Lewis Stephens on keys, Sonny Landreth on slide guitar, and Johnny Sansone on harmonica.

Castiglia presses the pedal to the metal, as he lays a long trail of rubber on “Hoodoo on Me”.  Penned by Zito, this heavy-hitting blues-rocker rides a thick relentless bassline and showcases Castiglia’s guitar mastery.  Smattered with a slough-full of funky psychedelic licks, his cover of Brian Stoltz’s (funky Meters) “I’ve Been Up All Night” is engaging and groovy.  Landreth’s slide guitar on Castiglia’s tale of outrunning a hurricane in “95 South” is marvelous and swampy, just the way I love it. 

Included in this recording are a couple of outstanding songs from Graham Wood Drout (Iko Iko) who Castiglia collaborated with in 2006 on a record called The Bittersweet Sessions: “Three Legged Dog” and “Knocked Down Loaded”.  Both have the unique gift burying themselves in my head for hours on end.  I love Castiglia’s nitro-charged take on Luther “Snake Boy” Johnson’s “Woman Don’t Lie”.  It’s a sizzling delight.   

Castiglia won me over with his previous album, “Big Dog” which I reviewed in June of 2016.  I remember thinking how tough it was going to be for him to top that album. He did though.  “Up All Night” is absolutely wonderful and has set a new bar. 

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The PhillyCheeze review of Albert Castiglia’s Big Dog album  > 

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2016/06/albert-castiglia-big-dog.html

  

Conrad the Band - Valley Fever

2017 –Slepton Records

Release Date : Oct 27, 2017

By Phillip Smith; Sep 28, 2017

Valley Fever, the latest release from Conrad the Band, has completely caught me by surprise, and I’m loving it.  Hailing from Bakersfield, California, and now living in San Francisco, this duo comprised of childhood friends Matthew Shaw (guitar/bass/vocals) and Nick Andre (percussion/synth/production) unveils a six-track masterpiece loaded with bleeding-edge techno, vintage guitars, and hardscrabble stories revolving about a cast of unfortunates.    

A seductive bassline, a hypnotic drum beat, and huge doses of electric fuzzy guitar effortlessly lure me into “Devil’s Gonna Find You”, an intense song with an ominous presence which speaks of junkies and public transportation.  “Food for the Fishes” is beautifully engineered and emits a floaty, cotton-candy sweet melody in Flaming Lips fashion while describing a melancholy dream about parting ways.

A poetic despairing tale of a miserable sad sack in “Teddy”, takes a series of dark turns while exploring end-games ranging from the homicidal to suicidal.  By its finish, my heart is racing.   A chill beat and dreamy synth usher in “One More Smoke”.  This melody about staying awake until dawn with a pack of smokes and a bottle of booze makes for a perfect epilogue for the preceding “Teddy”.  As if drawing musical inspiration from the best of the Seventies television crime dramas, “Poor Davy” blasts a barrage of gritty synth sounds topped off with an extra helping of pimping bass.   Valley Fever ends with a beautiful Velvet Underground-like track about doom and love called “Black and Blue”.

Albeit a short one, clocking in at just around twenty-two minutes in length, this is one cool-as-hell album.  I honestly can’t wait to hear what comes next for Conrad the Band.      

Brad Stivers - Took You Long Enough

2017 –VizzTone Label Group

By Phillip Smith; Sep 16, 2017

A finalist in the 2014 International Blues Challenge in Memphis and a staple in the Austin, Texas music scene, Brad Stivers’ debut album, “Took You Long Enough” is a wonderful blend of Sun Records, the Nashville Sound, and Southern R&B.  

The funky Jimmy Nolen-ish guitar riff draws me in to title track, “Took You Long Enough”.  Accented by Stivers’ smooth troubadour vocals, this is one killer track.  Stivers breaks out a tantalizing guitar solo on his mighty horn-infused cover of Ray Charles classic “You’re Just About to Lose Your Clown” which features outstanding performances by Mark Wilson on saxophone and Bukka Allen on B3.  Emily Gimble (ex-member of Asleep at the Wheel and granddaughter of Johnny Gimble from Bob Willis and His Texas Playboys) makes a guest appearance, lending her voice and piano mastery on a beautiful duet covering yet another amazing tune recorded by Ray Charles, “Here We Go Again”.

Being down and out never sounded so good as “Nickle and a Nail”, sung by the powerful and soulful voice of Malford Milligan. There’s a bit of a Robert Cray vibe which rings throughout this fabulous song.  A slow-burning ominous melody and Stivers’ delicious, twangy guitar delightfully provide the springboard for his heart-wrenching vocals in the brilliant original “Save Me”.  

I love his funky instrumental cover of James Brown’s “Cold Sweat”.  Bassist Bobby Perkins and drummer Nico Leophonte make for a tight-as-hell rhythm section while Stivers delivers a riveting performance to close out this spectacular recording.   

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For more information about Brad Stivers, visit his website ... www.bradstivers.com

Savoy Brown - Witchy Feelin’

2017 –Ruf Records

By Phillip Smith; Sep 9, 2017

It’s been fifty years since the first Savoy Brown album, Shake Down, hit the streets in England, and Kim Simmonds shows no signs of slowing down.  The man is definitely on a roll right now.  Besides his brand new solo instrumental album Jazzin’ on the Blues, which is absolutely wonderful by the way, he has the all new off-the-hook Savoy Brown album Witchy Feelin’ out now too.  It is a smoldering hot eleven track plateful of electric guitar-blues.  Returning to the studio with Simmonds is bassist Pat DeSalvo and drummer Garnet Grimm, both of who have been playing in Savoy Brown since 2009. 

A strong impression is made when I hear the intoxicating Texas blues of “Why Did You Hoodoo Me”.  The driving rhythm and searing guitar seals the deal.  The hypnotic hook and swampy slide of “Livin’ on the Bayou” lures me in like the song of the sirens.  It’s beautifully played.  I then get a big smile on my face when he breaks out more bodacious slide singing about one of my favorite places, “Memphis Blues”.  Simmonds pumps a delightful dose of psychedelia into the amazing, “Thunder, Lightning and Rain”, making for an exquisite listen.  “Can’t Find Paradise”, the anthem of the album is rockin’ and contagious. It’s terrific.

Witchy Feelin’ certainly ranks up there among my favorites of the year.  

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Kim Simmonds - Jazzin’ on the Blues

2017 –Panache Records

By Phillip Smith; Sep 9, 2017

The latest solo effort from Kim Simmonds (Savoy Brown) , Jazzin’ on the Blues, is wonderfully brilliant.  Featuring twelve amazing instrumental tracks of Simmonds killing it on acoustic guitar, bass guitar, and harmonica alongside percussionist Ron Keck, this record is destined to stand the test of time. 

Bursting out a Latin groove to kick things off, Simmonds masterfully plays “Dancing on a Memory” with a suave finesse. I absolutely adore this track.  Title track “Jazzin’ on the Blues” and “The Maze” are another couple of stellar originals which shine brightly.  Simmonds’ performance is absolutely flawless.  I also immensely enjoy Simmonds’ stunning covers of Bill Doggett’s “True Blue” and Smokey Robinson’s “Shop Around”.  They are both very nice indeed.  Like a beautiful Technicolor sunset at the end of the day, “Fascination” brings a lovely end to the album. 

Jazzin’ on the Blues is an album I can sit down and enjoy from beginning to end, plus a few more times round again.  It’s that good.

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Insomniac Folklore - Everything Will Burn

2017 –Insomniac Folklore Records

By Phillip Smith; Sep 2, 2017

Insomniac Folklore takes an apocalyptic turn with their latest release, Everything Will Burn.   Frontman/guitarist/organist/percussionist Tyler Hentchell and singer/concertinist/puppetmaster Adrienne Hentschell are joined by bassist Amanda Curry, violinist Lisa Strader, and drummer Ayden Simonatti in this all folksy original ode to the end-of-times.  Mastered by Kramer who has also produced for White Zombie and GWAR, the fabric of the album is of a dark and menacing texture.

Hentchell’s deep bass vocals bring a serious inevitable revelation to the ominous and haunting melody of title track “Everything Will Burn”.  A wave of eeriness washes over as a violin rolls out the red carpet for “Feet in the Earth”.  The harmonics of Tyler and Adrienne’s voices are unsettling, yet fun.  Grabbing my attention on “Come Down Moses”, is the swift change of direction the songs takes as it segues from sweet to punk.  “Dust”, another schizodelic track, takes an unexpected bath in a fury of fuzzy electric guitar and a psychedelic barrage of percussion from pots, pans, and dried-out cow bones.   

Imbedded with a tetrad of short mostly instrumental tracks, Everything Will Burn is quite the bizarre and interesting concept album. 

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Trevor Sewell - Calling Nashville

2017 –Trevor Sewell

By Phillip Smith; Sep 2, 2017

Soaking up the songs and sounds of UK bluesman Trevor Sewell’s latest album, Calling Nashville, makes for a wonderful listen.  Produced by Geoff Wilbourn and recorded at the Sound Emporium Studios in Nashville, Tennessee, this is his fifth record in as many years.  Sewell has definitely been at the top of his game during that time, logging in six American tours and pulling down seventeen international awards.  Eleven tracks of Blues and Americana excellence grace this album as does guest appearances from the legendary Janis Ian, and Tracy Nelson (Mother Earth).   

Kellen Michael Weinrich throws down a dazzling fiddle performance on “Some Day”, a song dedicated to treating each other right.  Nicely topped off with a heaping dose of Sewell’s fiery guitar, the track makes for a great opener.  Sewell’s suave vocals are warmly accompanied by the beautiful voice and piano mastery of Janis Ian in the duet, “Fade to Grey”.   Ian also joins Sewell in another delightful collaboration in the elegant “Shadows”.  A hefty groove engineered by Sewell’s guitar prowess emits a bold Mark Knopfler vibe on the brilliant “Matter of Time”.  Tracy Nelson lends her graceful voice to the Dylan-esque ode to the heart-felt “Long Time Ago”.  The classic Nashville sound is genuinely embraced amid a turbo-charged cocktail of furious fiddling and searing guitar on “Stand Next to Him”.  It’s a killer song with truck-load of grit.

Calling Nashville is as solid as they come as far as albums go, grabbing my full attention with both the songwriting and the performances.      

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For more info on Trevor Sewell, check out his website : http://www.trevorsewell.com/

 

The Norman Jackson Band - It’s the Drummer’s Fault

2017 –Norman Jackson Bands

By Phillip Smith; Aug 19, 2017

The Norman Jackson Band, from Springfield, Missouri has caught my attention in a big way.  Jackson’s debut album, “It’s the Drummer’s Fault” features eleven sizzling tracks injected with a vibrant positive energy.  The band’s bold blend of Chicago Blues masterfully drizzled with hot buttered soul helps me get my happy on.  Front-man guitarist/singer Norman Jackson is backed by his nephew, The Boogieman on drums, bassist Danny Williams, and one of the hottest saxophonists I’ve ever heard, Rick Shortt, who at age twelve, was Jackson’s apprentice.

This quartet steps into the ring and commences to swing with a furious and funky number called “Norman’s Blues” a sweet groove paved by the crushing beats of The Boogieman and the sweet thumping of Williams’ dazzling bassline.  Jackson’s vocals are fearless and terrific.  They sound great paired with Shortt’s fierce performance on sax. The swaying rhythm of “Man of My House” sets a smooth and chill background to springboard Jackson’s contrastingly soulful and raspy growls and Shortt’s signature atomic blasts of sax.  I love every bit of it.  Shortt gets even more accolades on the beautiful instrumental “All Alone”.  This is his song to stand front and center. 

Jackson brings the album to a close with “Snake in My House”, sitting on top of a heaping platter of delicious slow-cooked blues.  This album definitely lands as one of my favorites this year.        

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For more info on The Norman Jackson Band, visit their website http://www.thenormanjacksonband.com/

Lightnin’ Willie - No Black No White Just Blues

2017 –Little Dog Records

By Phillip Smith; Aug 12, 2017

With copious amounts of finesse and authenticity, Lightnin’ Willie sprinkles smidges of country and surf flavorings into his unique blend of blues.  His latest record, No Black No White Just Blues, produced and arranged by Pete Anderson (Dwight Yoakum, Roy Orbison, Michelle Shocked), is splendid and attention grabbing.

Michael Murphy contributes a lively boogie-filled piano performance to the swinging “Can’t Get That Stuff”, while jamming alongside the western tone of Lightnin’s ripping guitar.  “Eyes in the Back of My Head” is another fantastic track.  This song about infidelity reminds me immensely of those from one of my favorites, the good Reverend Horton Heat.  “Sad and Blue”, a rambling twangy cocktail garnished with the melodious sounds of Skip Edwards’ accordion, is big dose of old school fun.  I easily get lost in the hypnotic rhythm of “Fuss and Fight” which segues nicely into the suave “Phone Stopped Ringing”.  Sweetly accompanied by Edwards on B-3 and Ron Dzubla on saxophone, the song is a keeper.

With every spin of No Black No White Just Blues, I gain a greater appreciation for the music of Lightnin’ Willie.  His songs of hard luck and tough breaks make for a great listen.

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For more info on Lightnin’ Willie …  http://www.lightninwillie.com

Paul Nelson Band - Badass Generation

2016 –Walk the Dog Music / Friday Music Inc.

By Phillip Smith; July 29, 2017

One of the hottest albums I’ve heard this year is Badass Generation from The Paul Nelson Band.  Featuring a dozen wonderfully written and performed original tunes, the album is a surefire hit in my book.  Nelson, who was awarded a Grammy for performing on guitar and producing the legendary Johnny Winter’s 2014 Step Back album, fronts one tight as hell band.  This killer quartet consists of Nelson on guitar, singer Martin Fredheim, bassist Christopher Alexander, and drummer Chris Reddan.   

I love the thick Texas-style blues riff on “Down Home Boogie”.  The licks are searing and the slide guitar is sweet and buttery.  Fredheim’s vocals are amazingly powerful and confident.  “Keep it All Together” has an instant likeability and hooks me with its southern-blues-rock charm.  With only a few listens under my belt, “Please Come Home” has already clawed itself inside my head, waiting to be running on auto-play upon my awakening.  Nelson’s guitar performance is this ballad is spacy and cosmic.  It reminds me tremendously of Jerry Garcia from the Dead’s In the Dark era.  It’s a fabulous song indeed.

“Swamp Thing”, Nelson’s nitty gritty guilty-pleasure love song, is one big ball of fun.  With an infectious hook surrounded by the sounds of the night, the tone is perfectly set.  The grinding intro on “Trouble” is chockful of gusto.  Reddan’s full-on drum attack is terrific and Nelson’s solo on the bridge is downright awe-inspiring.  When the dual guitar rings out on “Take it Back”, I immediately think of one my favorite bands, Black Oak Arkansas. I have to turn the volume up a notch or two for this badass album closer.  It’s rock and roll at its best.

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Gina Sicilia - Tug of War

2017 – Blue Elan Records

By Phillip Smith; July 22, 2017

Gina Sicilia continues to captivate listeners with her beautiful voice and lovely compositions in her seventh release, Tug of War.  Produced by Grammy-winning producer Glenn Barratt and Grammy-nominated producer Dave Darling, the album consists of six new tracks, along with the five tracks from her 2016 EP release, Sunset Avenue. 

Guest guitarist Zach Zunis (Janiva Magness) dishes out a heaping dose of electrifying licks on “I Don’t Want to be in Love”.  Strong and confident, Siclia’s vocals on “Damaging Me” are reminiscent of those of Linda Ronstadt’s in the height of her career.  Her cover of Patsy Cline’s “He Called Me Baby” is a magnificent and fresh homage to the 1976 Candi Staton version. The rich sounds of Joel Bryant’s B3 slather the song with soul.  Sicilia gives an outstanding performance filled with emotion as she sings The Beatles’ 1963 hit “All My Loving”.  

   

Drawing inspiration for the album title and original tracks, from her own personal struggles and experiences, this wonderfully gifted vocalist artfully encapsulates the Blues into her music and into this album, Tug of War.    

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Here's a quick link to check out my review of Gina Sicilia's  Sunset Avenue EP -> 

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2016/12/gina-sicilia-sunset-avenue.html

    

Boogie Patrol - Man on Fire

2017 – Boogie Patrol

By Phillip Smith; July 15, 2017

Boogie Patrol, a high-energy five-piece R&B band from Edmonton, Alberta has recorded an outstanding batch of ten original songs on their latest album, Man on Fire.   Rott’n Dan Shinnan takes on lead vocals and harmonica, with guitarists Yuji Ihara and Chad Holtzman, bassist Nigel Gale, and drummer/percussionist Emmet Vanetten rounding out the band.  Special guests include Marc Arnold on Hammond B3/Keys and The Mocking Shadows Horns.   

I’m hooked from the moment the horns bust loose on the smooth and breezy “Players Blues”.  Shinnan’s vocals, dripping with a cool hip rasp, ushers the album in with a suave and strong confidence.  His vocal and harmonica performance on “Hard to Tell” is grand and soulful. It’s a beautiful song for sure. The funk breaks out in a big meaty way on “Shaker Down Below”.  Complete with a rich horn accompaniment, this one is served just the way I like it, with lots of jam.  The driving funky rhythm of “Got One On Ya” is quick to grab my attention, and opens the gate for a fun and groovy listening experience.  With guitars blazing and horns on fire, Shinnan delivers an amazing vocal performance on title track “Man on Fire”, bringing the album comes to a powerful close. 

Man on Fire is a fabulous listen from start to finish.  It doesn’t really get much better than this.

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North Mississippi Allstars - Prayer For Peace

2017 – Sony Legacy  

By Phillip Smith; June 3, 2017

North Mississippi Allstars has been one of my favorite bands since they rolled out Shake Hands With Shorty in the year 2000.   With their latest album Prayer For Peace, the three-time Grammy Nominated Dickinson brothers, Luther and Cody bring another fine batch of blues songs to the table.  Recorded in multiple studios across the U.S., while on their 2016 tour, this self-produced album features quite the notable guest list, which includes Oteil Burbridge, Graeme Lesh, Sharisse Norman, Danielle Nicole, Dominic Davis, and Shardé Thomas.   

The driving trance beat and the beckoning of a “Prayer For Peace” warmly lures the listener into the album.  The accompaniment by guest musician, fife-master Shardé Thomas (daughter of Otha Turner) is the cherry on top of this mantra for world peace.  A delicious bombardment of greasy slide guitar from Luther grabs my full attention on the riveting hill country blues of “Run Red Rooster”.  They tackle “Stealin’”, first recorded by the Memphis Jug Band in 1928 (and also covered by the Grateful Dead), in a raw stripped-down Stones fashion.  Taking on another couple of cues from The Dead, they tear into an intoxicating version of “Deep Ellum” and break out a plumb terrific jam on “Bid You Goodnight”.  

Wonderfully psychedelic licks woven into clusters of fat electric riffs breathe new life into the hill-country blues of R.L. Burnside’s “Birds Without a Feather”.  Another Burnside foot-stomper they take on is the fabulous “Miss Maybelle”.  They also pay a nice homage to the great Mississippi Fred McDowell, injecting a fortified soulful groove into “You Got to Move” which segues very nicely into a smoking rendition of “61 Highway”. 

The Dickinsons valiantly do their part to make sure the blues are not forgotten by keeping the music alive in their performances.  Their taste in music is extraordinary as is their interpretations of it.  Prayer For Peace continues their tradition.  

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Nick Schnebelen - Live in Kansas City

2017 – Vizztone Records

By Phillip Smith; May 20, 2017

I’ve been a fan of Nick Schnebelen since hearing Wrong Side of the Blues, a 2011 release from his band Trampled Under Foot, which was cofounded with his siblings, Danielle Nicole and Kris.  That album was one of my favorites that year, and I was fortunate to have reviewed it for Blues Review Magazine’s online magazine, Blues Wax.  Nick now leads his own band, a high-energy power trio with Cliff Moore on bass and Adam Hagerman on drums.  Live in Kansas City captures a riveting concert from this band who took the stage at Knuckleheads Saloon in Kansas City on December 3, 2016. 

Leading off this killer ten track album, is the spectacular “Fool”.  Schnebelen’s vocals, soaked in the blues, are powerful and smooth.  The captivating sound of his guitar rings with spirit and emotion.  I love the funk-infused rhythm on “Herbert Harper’s Free Press News”.  Catchy riffs and high-octane drums fuel this one.  The guitar mastery demonstrated in “You Call That Love” is second to none, and sounds absolutely amazing. Chills shoot up and down my spine when they break into a quite superb cover of Johnny Winter’s “Mean Town Blues”.  Schnebelen takes no prisoners as he plays this wonderful piece on slide.  The album closes with “Conformity Blues”, an exquisite instrumental guided by a propelling rhythm and intricately laced up with an exhilarating guitar performance.

Nick Schnebelen Live in Kansas City is an outstanding album of fortified electric blues which hits the ground running and plows through right to the very end.

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