#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

 

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#573 > The B. Christopher Band - Snapshots from the Second Floor (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2022 – Guitar One Records

 By Phillip Smith; Sep. 3, 2022

 Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Snapshot From the Second Floor is the brand-new album from The B. Christopher Band.  I’ve been grooving to it all week long and savoring the sounds of its smokin’ guitar blues.  The B. Christopher Band is a five-piece ensemble with Christopher on lead guitar, Ellard James “Moose” Boles on vocals, Anton Fig on drums, Studebaker John on harmonica, and Nick Douglas on bass. 

Christopher wastes no time getting this album fueled up and launched as he lights the fuse to the instrumental “All Twisted Up”.  Accented by a healthy dose of hot harp, he gives a downright dazzling performance topped with a side of slide guitar.  “Where You At” steps up to the plate next, bringing the heat of the Mississippi delta with it.  Moose’s gravelly vocals secure the authenticity of this killer swampy tune.  It’s a superb feeling to get lost in the hypnotic rhythm of “Take it Home’ as it effortlessly transports me to a funky, sweaty juke joint somewhere in the hills of North Mississippi.  This band is so unbelievably tight and versed in the blues, it pours out on “Late Night Crying”.  The song drips with pure emotion slathered on every note.  B. Christopher Band brings this all-original thirteen-track record to its end with a beautifully haunting slide-blues instrumental called “Smoke”.  This one begs to be listened to over and over.  I absolutely love it.

As a guitar aficionado and blues fan, I totally embrace this album.  Snapshot From the Second Floor has certainly put The B. Christopher Band on my radar.

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For more information about The B. Christopher Band, visit this website :

https://www.bchristopherband.com .