#733- > The Big Ol' Nasty GetDown - RepurposE Purpose Vol 1 (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2024 – Org Music

By Phillip Smith; Feb. 28, 2025

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Mardi Gras is coming up in a few days, and one of the best new records to celebrate with is with the new EP RepurposE Purpose Vol 1 by The Big Ol’ Nasty Getdown, featuring members and former members of many of my favorite bands. Some of the musicians who appear on this spectacularly funky record are drummer Jack Irons (Red Hot Chili Peppers/Pearl Jam), guitarist Leon Nocentelli (The Meters), bassist Cody Wright (Chris Cain Band), guitarist Eric McFadden (P-Funk), Philip Lassiter (Prince) on horns, bassist Freekbass (Bump Assembly), bassist Norwood Fisher and vocalist Angelo Moore from Fishbone, bassist Ra Diaz (Korn/Suicidal Tendencies), keyboardist Peter Keys (Lynyrd Skynyrd), guitarist Larry LaLonde (Primus), guitarist/percussionist Bobby Easton (Delta Nove), keyboardist Matt Slocum (Railroad Earth), guitarist Jimi Hazel (24-7 Spyz), and keyboardist Jamar Woods (The Fritz).

This seven-track record kicks off with a riveting bass and horn-centric jam called “All Together Now”. With Nocentelli laying down a searing bit on guitar and Frank Mapstone behind the Rhodes, this song absolutely cooks. “Body Magic” immediately follows with a groovy taste of Eighties R&B loaded with horns and an infectious beat. When “420 Ocean Drive” hits the ears, my mind seems to take a 180 degree turn in a magnificent way. A flurry of precise notes flows effortlessly from McFadden’s guitar as they dodge the pulsing sounds from Irons and Freekbase. This is an amazing listen. The song that sticks in my head the most though is “Spirit Stain’. With Moore on vocals, this song hits me like an old-school Funkadelic favorite. With a driving beat from Irons and a taste of prog-rock guitar from LaLonde, “Ten Hits” scrambles the brain and turns the tensions on high, leaving the listener in awe. The EP wraps up with instrumental versions of “Body Magic” and “Spirit Stain” which I appreciate greatly.

It is impossible to not totally dig The Big Ol’ Nasty GetDown’s RepurposE Purpose Vol 1. I love it!

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WEBSITE & SOCIALS

 The Big Ol’ Nasty GetDown

https://thebigolnastygetdown.squarespace.com/

#728 > Frank Bey - Peace (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2025 – Nola Blue Records

By Phillip Smith; Feb. 1, 2025

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

It has been nearly five years since the passing of multi-award-winning Philadelphia-based blues artist Frank Bey (January 17, 1946 – June 7, 2020). To commemorate his life and shine a light on some of his lesser-known work, Nola Blue Records has released a fabulous, new compilation called Peace. There’s certainly not a better message than this to put out into the world.

The record opens up with a cover of Little Milton’s “That’s What Love Will Make You Do”, featuring The Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra. From the opening licks of Paule’s B.B. King-inspired guitar licks to the vibrant punch of horns, this track absolutely shines. A funky keyboard riff from Doug Travis drives “Midnight & Day” as Bey’s soulful vocals throw down some real-deal blues. I love the simmering original “If You Want Me”. Kevin Frieson’s buttery bassline and Brian Wolfe’s delicate beat join forces amid swirling keys make a perfect backdrop for Bey’s suave vocals. Jeff Monjack steps into the spotlight as he unleashes a guitar performance which is totally off the chain. As soon as I hear Bey’s voice sing the opening words of Sam Cooke’s “A Change is Gonna Come”, a wave of emotion washes over me. This is a such a beautiful and meaningful song, and this version is gorgeous. This album ends with a cover of John Lennon’s 1971 classic “Imagine”. Fully immersed in the blues, this track features an amazing lineup of Kid Andersen on guitar, Jim Pugh on organ, Nancy Wright on saxophone and Derrick “D’mar” Martin on drums. It really doesn’t get much better than this.

Frank Bey’s Peace is a timeless collection of his work, and an album that everyone should give a listen to.  

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  Available on BandCamp

#727 > The Kearns Family - Together and Alone (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2025 – The Kearns Family

By Phillip Smith; Jan. 26, 2025

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

The Kearns Family a singer/songwriting duo hailing from Joshua Tree, California, has a gem of a record in their debut release Together and Alone. With Pat Kearns on guitar and vocals, and Susan Kearns on upright bass, this nine-track album was recorded at their solar-powered recording studio Goat Mountain in the Mojave Desert. Their songs are poignant and masterfully written with a deep sensibility.

“The Dust” a haunting, western-flavored ballad sets the tone. I love the little hints of Nick Drake which walk into the song with gentle guitar licks. “Bandito” immediately follows with a harmonica-accompanied intro which instantly reminds me of Neil Young. A Tarantino-esque vibe to this song about a manhunt across Mexico keeps the tone of the album flowing. Delivered much like the songs of John Prine and Tim Hardin, “The Old Days” beautifully reflects the sadness of loss and yearning for the old days. Delivered with a gravelly voice, “The Funny Thing About Keeping Moving” brilliantly sums up the life of an outlaw drifter. I can’t help but feel very moved with every listen to “Charlie”. The song is a touching tribute to an old friend who may have had some troubles, but was obviously loved.

Together and Alone steals my heart and takes my breath away with every listen.   

 

For more information about The Kearns Family and to purchase this album, visit their Bandcamp page

 

#726 > Nutmeg Party - Nutmeg (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2024 – Nutmeg Party

Release Date: December 12, 2024

By Phillip Smith; Jan. 18, 2025

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Self-defined on their Bandcamp page as “a homegrown genre-fluid group of spry saplings that have quite the fascination for all things related to musical endeavors”, Nutmeg Party surely fits that description and more. Their music definitely transcends the cookie-cutter genres most bands try to align with. I find their debut six-track EP Nutmeg to be clever and charismatic. This Pittsburgh-based band was formed in 2023 by Andy Lewis (lead vocals/keys/ukulele), Dylan Takach (guitar), Evan Spurlock (bass/vocals), and Hayden Hanna (drums/percussion/vocals).

Behind the piano in Ben Folds-fashion, Lewis’ vocals seem to float in mid-air on the opening track “Pictures”.  This cosmic psych-pop song is wonderfully brilliant.  I love the infectious melody of “Gin & Tonic”. The song invokes a mental time-travel of sorts, as it progresses from an early era roots-music beginning to a fuzz-fueled Seventies rock ending. With a flowing groove and vocals reminiscent of Paul McCartney, “Neptune” instantly transports me to one of my favorite places in the world, the middle of a lawn-section full of hippies jamming out to favorite bands such as Phish and Disco Biscuits. It’s a gorgeous song which digs deep into the soul.

I absolutely love Nutmeg Party’s Nutmeg.  It really is a captivating listen.

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Evan Spurlock, Andy Lewis, Dylan Takach, Hayden Hanna

For more information about Nutmeg Party, visit their Bandcamp page.

#723 > Eddie 9 Volt - Saratoga (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2024 – Ruf Records

By Phillip Smith; Jan. 4, 2025

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Eddie 9V, aka Brooks Mason first wowed me with his Little Black Flies record in 2021. He continued to draw me in on his 2023 release Capricorn. With his third and latest album, Saratoga, Eddie 9V delivers a gorgeous hat-trick, with this first three albums out the gate all hitting the bullseye. Cowritten with his brother Lane Kelly, Saratoga was recorded by the two multi-instrumentalists in their own studio Echo Deco Studio in Atlanta with guest musicians appearing on horns, lap steel, and fiddle.

Riding a propulsive rhythm with a locomotive beat, Saratoga opens with its title-track. The song bursts open with big waves of energy and poetic verse relating the trapped feelings of small-town living. Eddie’s soulful voice sounds absolutely remarkable. I soak up the goodness of the slow-pace, horn-infused track “Delta”. I can’t help but wrap myself up in its playful swampy groove. I love the fiddle-fueled genre-bending hillbilly hip-hop banger “Wasp Weather”. “Truckee” seemingly draws inspiration from classic rock bands like The Doobie Brothers and Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young for its carefree, lazy Sunday feel. It’s a beautiful song. The cover of Mac DeMarco’s “Chamber of Reflection” is a brilliant make-over which takes the song to greater heights. “The Road to Nowhere” brings the record to its close with a western ballad served in a sea of twang-filled guitar topped with vocals reminiscent of music legend Roy Orbinson.  

Eddie 9V is definitely on a hot-streak. I absolutely adore Saratoga from beginning to end.

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For more information about Eddie 9V,  visit the website @  https://www.eddie9volt.com/

Catch up on previous PhillyCheeze reviews featuring Eddie 9V through this link :  https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=Eddie+9V

#691 : Tom Craig - Get to Work (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2024 – 8th Train Records
 
Release Date : July 20, 2024
 
By Phillip Smith; July 6, 2024
 

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

I’ve been drawn to the music of Tom Craig since reviewing his first album Get Ready For Me. His follow up album Good Man Gone Bad continued to grab my attention with its deep focus on blues. Craig’s third and most recent record Get to Work feels like the third installment of his first trilogy. Craig brings his troubadour-like smooth vocals, masterfully written songs, and big soulful instrumentation to the studio for a grand listening experience. Produced by Mikey Junior, Get to Work features Craig on vocals and guitar, Greg Gumpel on lead guitar, Matt Daniels on rhythm guitar, Steven Kirsty on saxophone, Bill Heid on piano/organ, Matt Raymon on electric/upright bass, Michael Bram on drums, Dave Gross on percussion/fiddle, and Mikey Junior on featured vocals/harmonica. Bringing the whole package together, another favorite singer, guest Kat Riggins appears on three tracks.    

In a burst of horns and funky rhythm, Craig rolls out a carpet of Sixties soul with his break-up song “As Sure as I Can Raise My Hand”. His buttery vocals question the things that happen when he’s gone in “Making Coffee”. Backed with a Latin beat, surf guitar, and hot sax, this track lands as an absolute favorite. Title-track “Get to Work” hits me with a wave of nostalgia as it swiftly strikes me as a follow-up to that deeply-adored Blind Faith song “Can’t Find My Way Home”. It’s a beautiful song. “Geneva Avenue” brings Craig and Riggins together for a gorgeous and melancholy duet. It’s aways a treat to hear her sing. She has a very lovely voice. Gumpel’s performance is awe-inspiring as every note he plays on guitar seems to sob as it’s played. Mikey Junior steps in on vocals for a funky blues/hip-hop infusion track called “I Showed My Hand Too Soon”. Its infectious groove pulls me in for a fun ride indeed. The high-octane soul of “Deal Breaker” is a riveting dose of sound therapy as the song barrels through like a locomotive driven by Casey Jones. If Elvis were still alive and playing Vegas, he’d have to cover this one. It’s absolutely fantastic. “Mother to the World” brings the record to a close with a John Lennon-esque touch as Craig sings of peace and love.

Tom Craig is a one-of-a-kind all-original artist who continues to impress me with each and every release. Get to Work is as solid as an album can get. I highly recommend this one.       

 

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For more information about Tom Craig, visit the website at https://tomcraigband.com  

 

Catch up on previous PhillyCheeze reviews featuring Tom Craig through this link https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=tom+craig

 

Catch up on previous PhillyCheeze reviews featuring Kat Riggins through this link

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=kat+riggins

 

#690 : Sam Joyner - Come What May (I'll Always Love You) (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2024 – Sam Joyner

Release Date : May 25, 2024

By Phillip Smith; June 29, 2024

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Come What May (I’ll Always Love You), the latest album from New Orleans-based Sam Joyner elevates my mood with each listen. A 2017 International Blues Challenge Finalist originally from Gary, Indiana with parents hailing from Tunica, Mississippi (birthplace of James Cotton) and Turkey Scratch, Arkansas (birthplace of Robert Lockwood Jr, and home to Levon Helm), Joyner’s music is a confluence of Chicago Blues, Southern Soul, and Funk. His whisky-soaked vocals and finesse on the keys pair perfectly together for a twelve-track listening experience to feed one’s soul. Backing Joyner are Lil Ray Neal, Jellybean Alexander, The Saint Anthony, Guitar Slim Jr., Kevin Haynes, Mayuni Shara, Marc Stone, Seizo Shibayama, Brian Wingard, and Joe Eagle.

The album opens with the big, smokin’ blues of “It’s That Mojo That Makes Me Stay” as Joyner sings about love, mojo bags and cheating women. An infectious funky rhythm takes the listener to “Teddy’s Juke Joint”, a club just north of Baton Rouge where Joyner frequently performs. It’s a fun track and puts the listener smack dab in the middle of a good time. Joyner beautifully covers David Allen Coe’s “Tennessee Whiskey”. This horn-laced, slow-dance R&B version of the 1981 Billboard US Hot Country Songs is absolutely incredible. His take on Robert Cray’s “Too Many Cooks” features a searing guitar intro and amazing keyboard runs. I love how Joyner can take a song like this and put his own unique thumbprint on it. One of my favorite Muddy Waters songs is “Hoochie Coochie Man”, and Joyner’s barrel-house cover sweeps me off my feet.

Sam Joyner’s Come What May (I’ll Always Love You) is a blues record which is a splendid listen from start to finish, and I’ll be listening to this one a lot.    

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For more information about Sam Joyner, visit the website at https://samjoyer.com  

 

#688 : The B. Christopher Band - 106 Miles to Chicago (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2024 – Guitar One Records

Release Date : June 20, 2024

 By Phillip Smith; June 15, 2024

 

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

After capturing my full attention almost two years ago with his album Snapshots From the Second Floor, B. Christopher has returned to win me over again with his latest album 106 Miles to Chicago. Jake and Elwood aficionados should get the reference immediately, as this is a tribute album to one of my all-time favorite tribute bands The Blues Brothers. With every listen to this album, I can feel the joy pulsating through the music of these seven outstanding tracks. B. Christopher’s guitar mastery is joined by Eddie Testa on lead vocals, Anton Fig on drums, Nick Douglas on bass and backing vocals, Bruce Katz on keys Andy Snizter on tenor and baritone sax, Ryan Keberle on trombone, Tony Kadleck on trumpet, original Blues Brothers member Tom “Bones” Malone on baritone sax on ‘Gimme Some Lovin’”, Sharlotte Gibson on backing vocals, and Studebaker John on harmonica.

Floyd Dixon’s “Hey Bartender” makes a fantastic introduction to the album. Testa’s vocals are perfectly fitted and B. Christopher’s guitar solo absolutely cooks. Electricity and excitement fill the air when the band breaks out “Everybody Needs Somebody to Love”. With the great Bruce Katz on keys, and guest appearance by Bones Malone, this is an absolute favorite. Hearing the horns kick in with that oh-so-familiar bassline on “Peter Gunn” puts a giant smile on my face. I dig the interesting licks B. Christopher lays down on this.  The band knocks that Spencer Davis Group 1966 hit “Gimme Some Lovin’” out of the park as well.

B. Christopher Band’s 106 Miles to Chicago pays an honorable tribute to the world-renowned blues duo The Blues Brothers. It’s definitely a record I’d recommend. It’s a fun listen.

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For more information about B. Christopher Band, visit the website at :  https://www.bchristopherband.com

 

Follow the link below for more PhillyCheeze reviews featuring B. Christopher:

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=b+christopher

#681 : Misty Blues - Silver Lining (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2024 – Guitar One Records

By Phillip Smith; May 5, 2024

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

Silver Lining the fifth and most recent album from Misty Blues is filled with eleven amazing all-original blues performances. Celebrating their twenty-fifth year together, this Massachusetts-based blues band is led by vocalist and cigar box guitarist Gina Coleman, with Seth Fleischmann on guitar, Bill Patriquin on bass, Rob Tatten on drums, Aaron Dean on sax, and Diego Mongue on bass/guitar/drums/pedal steel.

Coleman’s angelic voice ushers in the listening experience on “Seduction by Blues” with guest harp player Ed Moran, lulling me in for a big surprise. The whole band breaks into a furious, feral delivery with crashing drums, swirling keys, and squealing horns. It’s downright amazing. Title-track “Silver Lining” slides in next with a cool, smokey fifties jazz vibe. Fleishmann tears off a searing guitar performance. The rhythm is cooking and Dean’s sax is so hot, it’s pert near volcanic. “Shake These Blues” is a vibrant southern soul rocker which brings to mind those songs I love from the Black Crowes. They way the band weaves a Latin influence into a blues-meets-jazz piece “Sofrito My Blues” is very intriguing. There’s a lot going on with this song and I find a new ear-catching morsal with every listen. With an infectious opening riff “Enough Lovin’ For Two” comes to life. It’s a big funky song with sultry vocals, hot guitar licks, and a steamy sax delivery.

Misty Blues takes big-band blues to whole new level with Silver Lining. It’s a terrific album.

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For more information about Misty Blues, visit the website at www.mistybluesband.com

 

Available on Bandcamp

 

#679 : Lightnin' Charlie - Life (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2024 – Blue Chip Records

By Phillip Smith; April 30, 2024

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

There’s a vintage Fifties sound that ties everything together in Lightnin’ Charlie’s latest album Life. Featuring eleven tracks, five of which are originals, Life was recorded at Woz Studios in Hamilton, Ontario and The Hit Pit in Johnson City, Tennessee. With Lightnin’ Charlie on guitar, piano, organ, clavinova, and vocals, the album features seventeen other musicians stepping in for various accompaniment.

Beginning with a really nice cover of Danny O’Keefe’s “Good Time Charlie’s Got the Blues”, Charlie sings this smooth and warm with a lonesome cowboy approach. It’s a great song to break the album open with. With “American Eulogy”, Charlie takes a hard look at the state of the country today. I like the slight Johnny Horton vibe to this ballad topped with pedal steel. The guitar runs on “I Ain’t Playin’” really shine. I love the cover of “Everyone’s Talkin”. Originally written by Fred Neil the song was later recorded by Harry Neilson for the 1969 film Midnight Cowboy. Like a suave troubadour, Lightnin’ Charlie performs “Yours (Quiereme Mucho)”. His mastery of guitar and flawless voice take front seat on this one.

Lightnin’ Charlie’s Life is an interesting mix of songs with a really clean sound. It’s more than obvious, there’s a bounty of love and talent poured into this recording.   

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For more information about Lightnin’ Charlie, visit the website at https://lightnincharlie.com/  

 

Available on Bandcamp

 

#673 : Bernie Worrell - Wave From the WOOniverse (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2024 – Org Music

By Phillip Smith; April 12, 2024

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Funkadelic’s Uncle Jam Wants You was released while I was in my senior year of high school. I absolutely loved that album. It led me to record stores in search of more music by this wonderous band. Bernie Worrell (April 19, 1944 – June 14, 2016) was an integral part of the P-Funk family, and over the years his name appeared on many albums I purchased. Wave From the WOOniverse, a posthumous release produced by former Bernie Worrel Orchestra bandleader Evan Taylor is a double album set to be released on Record Store Day April 20. From unfinished works extending over twenty years old, the thirteen tracks on this album are brought to life by artists Worrell had worked with or had been friends with. 

After being lulled into the record with the piano-laced spacy “Intro (Reflections on a Bird)”, Jerry Harrison (Talking Heads) guides the listener into the beyond with a motherlode of funk on “Distant Star”. To hear the Bootsy Collins’ voice break out in “What Have They Done to My Funk” absolutely puts a smile on my face. And for the win, the song also includes Michael Moon Reuben, Bootsy’s son Ouiwey Collins , and Buckethead who absolutely tears it up on guitar. Leo Nocentelli, Fred Wesley and Stanton Moore create a wonder funky jam with “Heapin’ Bowl of Gumbo”. It’s absolutely fantastic. With an intro that sounds like a long-missing instrumental of 2001 A Space Odyssey, “Re-Enter Black Light” eventually takes a high-tech turn into a pulsating space-age rave. Sean Ono Lennon appears on bass guitar for this hypnotic groove. I was overjoyed to hear Fred Schneider on “The Big WOO”. If the B-52’s ever joined with Funkadelic, this is what it would sound like. I’d love to hear an entire album featuring this musical two-fer which also included Marco Benevento on keys and Steve Scales on percussion. My heart skipped a few beats when I first heard “Contusion” performed by Funkadelic with none other than Eddie Hazel on guitar. This previously recorded and unissued Funkadelic song is a mind-bender. Wave From the WOOniverse comes to an funky heart-warming end with its title track. For the closer, Miho Hatori lends her rapping mastery with Sarah La Puerta on lead vocals and Steve Scales on percussion.

Wave From the WOOniverse is everything I hoped it would be and a whole lot more. I’ll treasure this album for a long, long time.  

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#657 : Danielle Nicole - The Love You Bleed (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2024 – Forty Below Records

By Phillip Smith; Jan. 27, 2024

Release Date : Jan. 26, 2024

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Nearly six years have passed since Danielle Nicole released her Grammy Nominated Cry No More album.  Produced by Tony Braunagel, The Love You Bleed is Danielle’s third studio album as a solo artist.  It most certainly makes for a brilliant return and is an absolutely amazing listen from start to finish.  The songs she writes are heart-felt and filled with true grit.  They are then sung with a fearless grace.  With Danielle on vocals and bass guitar, she is joined by her husband Brandon Miller on guitars and mandolin, and Go-Go Ray on drums.  Braunagel appears on percussion, with Stevie Blacke on strings.

My heart melts from the opening words sung on “Right By Your Side”.  Danielle’s angelic vocals take top billing on this dreamy Sixties Soul-inspired song.  Arriving on an ominous hill-country blues riff, “Head Down Low” begins as a slow-cooker which Miller and Go-Go bring to a rapid, intense boil.  Danielle generously pours an added fierceness on top vocally.  Her performance of Trisha Yearwood’s “A Lover is Forever” is so stunning and her voice is so beautiful, I cannot help but think of Amy Winehouse.  “Say You’ll Stay” intrigues me as it navigates from a retro Fifties pocket of soul into an ethereal Beatles-esque realm.  It’s a very emotional song sung with a gorgeous delivery.  “Fools Gold” sinks its claws in deep with an infectious rhythm, and beat-poet lyrics.  Damon Parker adds a grand touch on synth, as Miller shines on slide guitar.  There is no escape from the soul-wrenching “Who He Thinks You Are”.  This tsunami of melancholia is a flawless gem on track for song of the year.  The record ends with a breath of hope on “Young Love on the Hill”.  Played on mandolin, the song is a sweet splash of Americana.                       

The Love You Bleed is Danielle Nicole’s best album to date and receives my highest of recommendations.  It only gets better with each listen. 

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For more information about the artist, visit this website : https://daniellenicolemusic.com

 

Follow the link below for other PhillyCheeze reviews featuring Danielle Nicole 

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=Danielle+Nicole

#656 : GeminiiDragon - 3 (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

2024 – Lighting in a Bottle Records

By Phillip Smith; Jan. 20, 2024

Release Date : Feb 1, 2024

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Louisiana-based GeminiiDragon has been on a roll for the past couple of years.  She released her first two albums in 2022, both of which grabbed my attention in a most positive way.  Her third and latest album, appropriately titled 3, continues to keep me tuned-in and turned-on with eleven all-original power-blues-rock tracks.  Jessica Harper aka GeminiiDragon and guitarist Christian Simeon share writing credits on every song.  The rhythm section behind GeminiiDragon and Simeon is comprised of bassist Douglas Varnado Jr., drummer Eric Sasser and Malaysia Lewis on vibraphone.  The record also features special appearances by Chad Rupp on harmonica and TJ Wong on guitar.

An infectious opening riff on “I Wanna Know” effortlessly pulls me right in to a powerful guitar-laced anthem where the chords seem to hang in mid-air.  In an amazing way, it creates a magical wave of sound for GeminiiDragon’s vocals to surf atop.  I love how Simeon turns the energy up to eleven on the front-end of “Clowns” as he delivers a Collective Soul-friendly axe-groove.  GeminiiDragon dives into Tina Turner mode with her voice as it melds with the Simeon’s sonic tones on “Wasted Time”.  “Cherokee” draws me in with its pop-punk center and southern-rock- flavored musical snippets.  The Seventies rock foundation Simeon pours for “A Fool For You” makes for a solid as hell track.  The song momentarily takes a dip into a pocket of psychedelia and fills me with delight.  “Last Train to Thibodaux” is a track I listen to repeatedly.  Its ethereal melody brings the blues into the world of emo.  It sounds new and sounds great.

GeminiiDragon’s 3 is an album that has tremendous appeal and hits all the right notes.  I like this one a lot. 

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For more information about this artist, visit https://geminiidragon.bandcamp.com/music

This album available to purchase on Bandcamp.

Check out other PhillyCheeze review for GeminiiDragon : https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=Geminiidragon

#655 : Until the Sun - Enchantment (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

2023 – Until the Sun

By Phillip Smith; Jan. 13, 2024

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

Phoenix blues-rockers Until the Sun has been on my radar since reviewing their previous album A Night at the Rhythm Room.  Their latest album Enchantment hits heavy with a fistful of hard-driving original songs peppered with psychedelia, and I love every bit of it.  Broken into two parts : “Enchantment Pt 1” and “Enchantment Pt 2”, the record is definitely album-oriented.  I find a fabulous musical-chemistry among the members of the band : singer Alyssa Swartz, guitarist Brandon Teskey (also on bass, sitar and vocals), and drummer Chris Tex.  They sound terrific together.        

I dig the funky groove that kicks off “Dancing on the Floor”.  Swartz’s voice sounds wonderful, as she belts out the lyrics in a fearless Pat Benatar-way.  The guitar solo from Teskey is masterfully attention-grabbing.  The combination of the two makes for an epic song.  Another solid dose of rock ‘n roll ensures on “Dragon Below” as it swiftly sweeps me off my feet with its opening riff.   It’s wonderous in the way the song takes ethereal dips embedded within its guitar-blazing glory.  Whipping out a thunderous bass-line and a cosmic guitar attack, Teskey injects a bluesy Pink Floyd-ish vibe into the only cover song on the album “Hound Dog“.  Nothing is held back vocal-wise as Swartz digs deep for her performance of this Big Mama Thornton hit.  “Seek the Sunshine” is a phenomenal serving of blues and sits among my favorites.  Soulful vocal growls and tuneful guitar licks make “Groovin” a sure-fire standout piece of original blues too.   “Ghost in the Prayer” brings the record to its end with a pulsing riff, angelic singing, and a trippy guitar performance, making for a cool-as-hell finale.        

Until the Sun is one of the more unique original blues-rock bands on the scene today and Enchantment is an album which I highly recommend.         

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For more information about the artist, visit this website : https://untilthesun.com

Link to PhillyCheeze review for  Until The Sun - Night at the Rhythm Room :  https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/04/603-until-sun-night-at-rhythm-room.html

#652 : Robert Connely Farr - Pandora Sessions (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

2023 – Robert Connely Farr

By Phillip Smith; Dec. 30, 2023

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Robert Connely Farr continues to intrigue me with his dark, ominous brand of blues.  Pandora Sessions, his eleventh release, is dedicated to the memory of Mississippi bluesman RL. Boyce.  Farr originally from Bolton, Mississippi, now resides in Vancouver, Canada.  His music is deeply rooted in the Bentonia, Mississippi style of blues and wonderfully honors his mentors Boyce, and Grammy Nominee Jimmy “Duck” Holmes.  According to Farr, this record is modeled after gigs in which he played along with Boyce and Holmes in Bentonia.  They used vintage microphones and whatever was at hand.  Produced by Jay Bundy Johnson and written by Farr, Pandora Sessions has an incredible way of transporting the listener through a magical portal to their own personal juke joint.

The subject of inevitable mortality takes center stage in “Everybody’s Dyin’” as Farr’s lyrics ride the wave of a hypnotic groove.  The topic returns with an internal perspective on “Getting Tired of Getting Old”.  The song has a simmering, swampy delivery and connects with a dire and on-point punch.  Farr creates a mysterious atmosphere when he sings about the “Night Train”.  An intoxicating rhythm which vibrates right down to the bone follows with “Take it Slow”.  The song has me in a quandary, trying to decipher what happened in Jackson and Natchez Town.  The weight of Farr’s voice is heavy with sadness as he sings about wanting to go home in “Oh Lord”.  This one really taps into my empathetic core.    

Farr’s music is created with the spark of a musical linage of generations of bluesmen, and it shows in both his writing and performances.  Pandora Sessions is pure unadulterated blues at its best.           

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For more information about the artist, visit this website : https://www.robertconnelyfarr.com

 

Check out other PhillyCheeze reviews for Robert Connely Farr at :  https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=Robert+Connely+Farr

 

Click on the link below to purchase this terrific album from Bandcamp

 

#651 : Cedar County Cobras - Homesick Blues (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2023 – Cedar County Cobras

By Phillip Smith; Dec. 22, 2023

 

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Cedar County Cobras, a blues and roots duo from Iowa has grabbed my full attention with their new album Homesick Blues.  Comprised by Tom Spielbauer and April Dirks, the Cedar County Cobras were formed in 2014 and have logged hundreds of shows across the state and Midwest.  In 2022, Spielbauer won the Iowa Blues Challenge for solo artists, securing a spot at the 2023 International Blues Challenge in Memphis, Tennessee where he placed as a semi-finalist.  The duo’s songs are soaked with a pre-war blues essence and are wonderfully performed with Spielbauer on guitar and foot-drum and Dirks on mandolin and upright bass.

Dirks’ mandolin beautifully pairs with the Nashville-twang of Spielbauer’s guitar on the infectious “Country Records”.  I love the slide guitar on the rambling drinking song “Gimmie Lightnin’”.   There is a line in the song about seeing Cedell Davis at Gabe’s Oasis in Iowa City, and it hits me with a wave of jealousy with every listen.  I would have loved to be there.  When they take on Muddy Waters’ “Trouble No More”, they positively make it their own.  It is a wonderful re-engineering of the song and has a strong Delta Blues presence.  They also put a lot of love and attention into their cover of Son House’s “Walkin Blues”.  Spielbauer sets a quite ominous mood on his original “Voodoo Doll”.  This song about a witchy retribution is a magically unsettling and I love it.  My favorite track is their cover of Jessie Mae Hemphill’s “Shake it Right”.  This is North Mississippi Hill-Country Blues at its best.  Dirks on stand-up bass gives the song an extra punch to its hypnotic rhythm behind Spielbauer’s resonator guitar.

Cedar County Cobras’ Homesick Blues is a tasty dose of real-deal blues.  It is a fantastic recording through and through.                                   

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For more information about the artist, or to purchase their music, visit their website : https://cedarcountycobras.com/

 

#641: Toulouse Englehardt - Three Novellas for Guitar and Orchestra (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2023 – Five and Dime Universe

By Phillip Smith; Oct. 28, 2023

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

Toulouse Engelhardt, the last of the Tacoma Seven fingerstyle guitarists which also included notable artists John Fahey, Peter Lang, and Leo Kottke, has an amazing new release called Three Novellas for Guitar & Orchestra.  Three years in the making, the album pairs Engelhardt with Los Angeles Recording Choir & Orchestra to take listeners on an instrumental journey into the various realms of interdimensional reality.  The record was produced, directed, and conducted by Christopher M. Allport with Engelhardt as composer, associate producer, and guitarist.   I love the poetic corresponding verse for each novella, written by Lindsey Engelhardt and included in the accompanying booklet.  It solidifies the identity of each piece.

With a gentle awakening, the first Novella, Elegy for Oceanides (a Mermaid Suite) begins to wash up upon the “Shores of Enceladus”.  Accompanied with a beautiful backing of strings, Engelhardt’s finesse and guitar prowess grace the listener.  The angelic vocals of Monique Donelly announce the divine sea-goddess “Oceanides”.  Engelhardt charms me with Novella No. 2 Plains of San Agustin in which the crash-landing of space explorers from a faraway universe leaves one single survivor.  The way he beautifully spins this unspoken tale is dramatic and magical.  Oftentimes, the world’s go-to system for division is a binary one.  Novella No. 3 Triangulum Sonatia is a reminder that the world is not as we would label it.  With this third and final novella, Englehardt ushers us through three pieces to wonderfully showcase mathematics in its harmonious form, the triad : “Adagio tranquillo”, “Andante animato”, and “Moderato con spirito”. 

Three Novellas for Guitar and Orchestra is enlightening.  This one-of-a-kind recording by Toulouse Englehardt is simply put, extraordinary.              

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Track Listing:

 

Elegy for Oceanides - Mvt. I Shores of Enceladus

Elegy for Oceanides - Mvt. II Oceanides

Elegy for Oceanides - Mvt. III Siren's Call

Elegy for Oceanides - Mvt. IV Mermaids' Grotto

Elegy for Oceanides - Mvt. V Oceanides' Tears

Elegy for Oceanides - Mvt. VI Epitaph

Elegy for Oceanides - Mvt. VII Processional Under The Sea

Elegy for Oceanides - Mvt. VIII Farewell Oceanides

Plains of San Agustin

Triangulum Sonatina - Mvt. I Adagio tranquillo

Triangulum Sonatina - Mvt. II Andante animato

Triangulum Sonatina - Mvt. III Moderato con spirito