#693 : Tas Cru - All Natural Cage-Free and Fan-Fed (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

 

2024 – Subcat Music Studios
Release Date : Sep. 27, 2024
 
By Phillip Smith; July 12, 2024
 

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

New York bluesman Tas Cru drew me in with his studio albums, but it was his live shows at the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis, Tennessee and the Prairie Dog Blues Festival in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin that poured the icing on the cake for me. Tas’ latest album All Natural Cage-Free and Fan-Fed is a live album which wonderfully captures that energy of his fan-selected top-ten songs. Produced by Tas, and recorded live at Subcat Music Studios in October of 2023, the album features Tas on vocals/guitar, Mia Casale on vocals, Tom Terry on bass/vocals, Phil Diiordio on drums/vocals, and Scott Ebner on piano/organ.

Ebner rips it up on organ, as Tas fearlessly bursts the saloon door open with “’Dat Maybe”. This high-octane number is the perfect one to ignite the set. Lined up next is the funky “Stand Up” and the infectious “Brown Liquor Woman”. These two are favorite songs of mine from Tas’ previous album Riffin’ The Blue.  While on the topic of brown liquor, “Have a Drink” coincidentally lands next in line with Casale’s lovely voice fronting the vocals. I love “Grizzle n’ Bone” and can’t help but sing along when it plays. “Heal My Soul” from Memphis Song brings the record to its conclusion with a heavy pulse, dazzling piano, riveting guitar, and the fierce pairing of Tas’ and Mia’s voices.

Sometimes I just need a Tas Cru fix, and this All Natural Cage-Free and Fan-Fed live album will be the perfect go-to Tas album… until the next one comes along.

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·       Note: If you catch Tas live this summer, you’ll want to pick this CD up then and there, as the official release date is not until Sep. 27.   

 

For more information about Tas Cru, visit the website at https://tascru.com   

 

Catch up on previous PhillyCheeze reviews featuring Tas Cru through this link https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=tas+cru

 

 

 

#594 > Tas Cru - Riffin' the Blue (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

2023 – SubCat Records

By Phillip Smith; Jan. 28, 2023

Release Date : Feb. 3, 2023

Original source : phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com

 

Riffin’ the Blue, the latest from New York bluesman Tas Cru, certainly lives up to its name.  The riffs are infectious and deliciously bluesy, making for a fantastic new batch of home-grown originals from Tas.  The album is self-produced and features Tas on vocals and guitar with Mary Ann Casale on backing vocals, Ron Keck on percussion, Bruce Katz on piano/organ, Andy Hearn on drums, and Bob Purdy on bass.  Special guests include Mike Zito, Lenny Milano, and Bill Barry.

With Zito tearing it up with a smoking performance on lead guitar, the album bursts wide open with the title-track “Riffin’ the Blues”.  The organ accompaniment from Barry sounds glorious on this rocking blues shuffle.  A funky beat and a swinging rhythm is the backbone for the rally cry of “Stand Up”.  It’s an absolute favorite which quickly brings me up on my feet.  I love the lush Mark Knopfler-ish tone Tas pulls out of his guitar on “Throw it All Away”.  Tas’ approach to writing and composing often reflect a Warren Zevon kind of style.  “Crazy Getting in My Way” is a fine example of a song which falls into that category.  It’s quite an amazing track.  Riffin’ the Blue concludes with the haunting blues of “Memphis Gone” which showcases the talent of Zito on slide guitar.  The emotion Tas poignantly pours into his vocal and guitar performance is deeply felt.    

Riffin’ the Blue is a brilliant album and is now my favorite release from Tas Cru.  I highly recommend this one. 

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For more information about Tas Cru, visit his website at : https://tascru.com

 

Check out other PhillyCheeze reviews for Tas Cru at :  https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/search?q=tas+cru

 

 

#323 : Mick Kolassa - Double Standards

2017 – Swing Suit Records

By Phillip Smith; March 10, 2018

One can feel the heart and soul poured into the latest release from “Michissippi” Mick Kolassa.  Double Standards, a wonderful thirteen track album, celebrates some of the greatest blues songs to have been recorded.  Backing Kolassa in the studio is guitarist Jeff Jensen, bassist Bill Ruffino, drummer James Cunningham, and organist Chris Stephenson.   For this venture, Kolassa also enlists the participation of several notable musicians, who today are busy carving their own unique path to present the Blues.  These artists are Tullie Brae, Erica Brown, Annika Chambers, Heather Crosse, Tas Cru, Gracie Curran, David Dunavent, Alice Hasan, Eric Hughes, Colin John, Jeremy Powell, Patti Parks, Sugaray Rayford, and Victor Wainwright.

A big gracious nod goes out to the legendary bluesman Willie Dixon.  Performing as a duet with Kolassa, Erica Brown holds back nothing as she pours her soulful vocals into the classic “Spoonful”.  I love Jenson’s guitar performance and Stephenson’s organ arrangement on this track.  The lovely Heather Crosse joins in on “I Just Want to Make Love To You”.  Memphis’ Eric Hughes lays a heaping helping of luscious harmonica on this track.  It sounds great.  The dynamic duo of Kolassa and Sugaray Rayford double the ante on “300 Pounds of Heavenly Joy”, originally recorded by Howlin Wolf, to bring a grand total of “600 Pounds of Heavenly Joy” to the table.  Fortified with the guitar prowess of both Colin John, and Mike Kolassa, this track is a big bowlful of fun.

Victor Wainwright splendidly takes the vocal reins on Tampa Red’s 1928 hokum “It’s Tight Like That”, with Hughes icing the song with harmonica and Alice Hasan accompanying on violin.  Tas Cru lends his definitive voice to the Jimmy Cox penned standard, “Nobody Knows You When You’re Down and Out”.  This timeless classic is beautifully accompanied by Hason on violin and Jeremy Powell on piano.  Eric Hughes gives a smooth performance Big Bill Broonzy’s “Key to the Highway”.  It’s very nice indeed. 

Double Standards comes to a joyful conclusion in a full-fledged jamboree.  Each singer takes a turn on “Ain’t Nobody’s Business”, spinning their own off-the-cuff lyrics.  It’s a great track to close the album with, as the energy of the whole collective is funneled into this closing song. 

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All Proceeds from Mick Kolassa’s albums will go to support two of these important programs: The HART Fund and Generation Blues.

THE HART FUND (Handy Artists Relief Trust) is for Blues musicians and their families in financial need due to a broad range of health concerns. The Fund provides for acute, chronic and preventive medical and dental care as well as funeral and burial expenses. 

GENERATION BLUES provides scholarship to artists under the age of 21 to study at reputable camps, seminars and workshop programs such as Port Townsend Acoustic Blues Festival, Augusta Heritage Center and Fernando Jones’ Columbia College Blues Camp.

Also reviewed on Phillycheeze’s Rock & Blues Reviews

Victor Wainwright and the WildRoots – Boom Town

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2015/07/victor-wainwright-and-wildroots-boom.html

Tas Cru - Simmered & Stewed

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2017/01/tas-cru-simmered-stewed.html

Heather Crosse - Groovin’ at the Crosse Roads

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2016/01/heather-crosse-groovin-at-crosse-roads.html

#429 : Tas Cru - Drive On

2020 – Subcat Records

By Phillip Smith; Jan. 25, 2020

Tas Cru (Rick Bates) has been on my radar since reviewing his Simmered & Stewed album in 2017.  Since then, I’ve seen him perform some kick-ass blues live at the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis and the Prairie Dog Blues Festival in Wisconsin.  Drive On, his latest album is another superb recording of music rooted in the blues.  With backing vocals from Mary Ann Casale, Tas keeps front-and-center on lead vocals, guitars, and harmonica.  Adding a lush new sound to his music is the new guy Saxophonist Anthony Terry.  The band also includes Gabe Stillman on slide guitar, organist Anthony Geraci, bassist Bob Purdy and drummer Andy Hearn.  Special guests include drummers Sonny Rock and Cathy Lamanna, and Colin “Big Yellow Dog” Beatty on bass.       

Tas kicks this one off with “That Lovin’ Thang”.  Delivered with a cool, swinging groove and a hot keyboard lesson from Geraci, this barn-burner is an absolute gem.  Stillman loads “Money Talks”, up with a nice juicy dose of slide guitar.  Title-track “Drive On” is so sweet and infectious, it’s certainly among my favorites.  Sonny Rock, who has toured with Tas quite a bit over the past few years, makes a guest appearance on “Save Me”, a heady tune with a Doors-meets-Dire Straits atmosphere.   On a haunting and ominous note, the album concludes with “Devil in Your Heart”, an acoustically-performed duet with Mary Ann Casale.  I love the fact that this is stripped-down, where we can zero in on the vocal performance.  They sound great together. 

Whether live or on record, Tas is one of my favorites.  His songs are almost always originals, and his writing stands out from the herd,  Drive On is indeed another terrific album. 

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Mary Ann Casale , Tas Cru @ Prairie Dog Blues Festival

 Prairie du Chien, WI

 July 26, 2019

* Photo by Phillip Smith

#402 : Prairie Dog Blues Festival - 2019

Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin

July 26-27, 2019

By Phillip Smith; August 3, 2019

I had an absolutely amazing time during the two days I spent at the Prairie Dog Blues Festival this year.  Besides the spectacular music, there was an amazing comradery between the blues fans.  Upon first arrival on Friday evening, I staked out some prime territory within the beer tent to see one my favorite acts Ghost Town Blues Band.  They tore it up on four separate sets that evening, playing all the songs I wanted to hear.  Their covers of “Come Together”, “Whipping Post”, and “Statesboro Blues” were superb as always.  It was great to catch up with those guys again.  Between the GTBB sets, I made sure to shimmy over to the main stage to see more outstanding performances from Tas Cru, Reverend Payton’s Big Damn Band, Toronzo Cannon, and Nikki Hill. 

Tas Cru and Mary Ann Casale teamed up to dazzle me with delight on “Heal My Soul”.  Casale cowrote this one with Tas for his acclaimed Memphis Song album.  It was cool to hear “Dirty Swerve” from Reverend Peyton.  That one definitely put the fans in dance mode.  Toronzo Cannon brought some of the best blues Chicago has to offer, and Nikki Hill commanded full attention for her powerful for her set of rockin’ soul.  She even busted out a little AC/DC with a nod to Bon Scott on “If You Want Blood / I’m a Rocker”.  

On the second day of the festival, I headed directly to the main stage to hear Craig Erickson and the Roadhouse Rockers.  The man is a powerhouse when it comes to playing guitar, and it is always a pleasure to see his band play.  ZZ Top tribute band Eliminator from Chicago lit up the crowd with nearly ninety minutes of dazzling showmanship and spot-on covers.  They were so fun to watch and hear.  I was so glad to have finally caught Eliza Neals in concert.  She has been on my radar ever since reviewing her 10,000 Feet Below album.  This is another act which I highly recommend.  Neals definitely puts the ‘rock’ in blues-rock, with her amazing vocals.  Popping over to the beer tent to hear The Kris Lager Band was a lot of fun as well.  The tent was filled to capacity, as they played their unique style of funky blues.  The evening was capped off with a searing performance from Anthony Gomes.  The first time I saw Gomes, he was opening for the king of blues himself, B.B. King.  This my third time seeing him, and he keeps upping his game every time.

Prairie Dog Blues Festival, which is held annually on the historic St. Feriole Island in Prairie Du Chien, Wisconsin, is very organized and cuts no corners when it comes to booking talent.  I will definitely make a point of returning.  

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* All Photos by Phillip Smith

Ghost Town Blues Band

Tas Cru

Rev Peyton's Big Damn Band

Toronzo Cannon

Nikki Hill

Craig Erickson and the Roadhouse Rockers

Eliminator

Eliza Neals

Kris Lager Band

Anthony Gomes

Tas Cru - Simmered & Stewed

2016 – Vizztone Records

By Phillip Smith; Jan. 21, 2017

As New York blues artist Tas Cru explains, he is returning to his ‘acoustic-ish’ blues roots on his latest album, Simmered  & Stewed.  He breathes a delightful new life into a handful of his older recorded material with the use of his acoustic, resonator and cigar box guitars. 

Cru gets a spirited and running start on the outstanding “Dat Maybe”, revving up his resonator through the driving beat supplied by Andy Hearn, a juicy wall of harmonica from Dick Earl Ericksen and a soulful organ accompaniment from Guy Nirelli.  It’s impossible to escape the gravitational pull of the trance groove Tas embeds in “Feel I’m Falling”.  Distant backing vocals and Ron Keck’s spacy ominous percussion add to the haunting vibe in this brilliantly psychedelic cry for help.  David Liddy’s rollicking barrelhouse piano playing shines bright through the saucy and manic blues of “Biscuit”.  Shout outs to the legendary Delta Blues great Robert Lockwood Jr. and the voice of KFFA’s King Biscuit Flour Hour ‘Sunshine’ Sonny Payne also bring a smile to my face.

Simmered & Stewed is chock full of all original tunes, with the exception of one song.  As the only cover on the album, the 1967 Jackie Wilson hit song “Higher and Higher” deliciously and slowly builds to a fast boil in the uplifting form of a southern gospel ten revival session. This is a nice treat indeed.  Thus the album comes to its finish, and I say, Amen brother!    

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#653 : PhillyCheeze's Favorite 25 of 2023 (PhillyCheezeBlues.Blogspot.com)

By Phillip Smith; Dec.31, 2023

 

PhillyCheeze's Favorite 25 of 2023

(in alphabetical order)

 

11 Guys Quartet - 11 x 11

Forming in Boston around forty years ago as 11^th Hour Blues Band, guitarist Paul Lenart, bassist Bill “Coach” Mather, drummer Chuck Purro, and harmonicist Richard “Rosy” Rosenblatt played the local club and bar scene there before cutting their first album Hot Time in the City in 1985.  Now known as 11 Guys Quartet, their latest album 11 x 11 has grabbed my attention in a huge way.  This follow-up album to their critically acclaimed 2020 release Small Blues and Grooves, packs eleven original tracks into one disc for a fantastic blues listening experience.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/11/647-11-guys-quartet-11-x-11.html

Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos - Cheat the Devil

The latest album from Anthony Rosano and the Conqueroos is appropriately named Cheat the Devil, ‘cause it is hot as hell.  Produced by Tab Benoit, this record is packed with ten searing guitar-centric blues tracks that will shake the floor underneath the speakers.  With Rosano on lead guitar and vocals, the Conqueroos are comprised of Kyle McCormick on drums and Jake Fultz on bass.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/09/634-anthony-rosano-and-conqueroos-cheat.html

Blackburn Brothers - SoulFunkin' Blues

SoulFunkin’BLUES, the latest album from the Canadian multi-award-winning blues band Blackburn Brothers, is one of the most exciting releases of the year.  Brothers Duane (lead vocals, organ, piano), Brooke (guitar, vocals), Cory (drums, harmony vocals), and Robert (guitar, harmony vocals), along with cousin Nathan (bass guitar) have crafted a powerful album of funk and soul which is garnering huge attention from the music community.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/09/636-blackburn-brothers-soulfunknblues.html

Jimi Primetime Smith & Bob Corritore - The World in a Jug

I find the Blues is still quite alive when listening to The World in a Jug, the new collaboration between Maxwell Street blues veterans Jimi “Primetime” Smith and Bob Corritore.  The two reconnected seven years ago in Arizona, and this album documents ten songs they have recorded since.  With Smith on vocals/guitar and Corritore on harmonica, the album features a cast of fifteen backing musicians and vocalists coming together in different configurations on each track.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/02/597-jimi-primetime-smith-bob-corritore.html

Boo Boo Davis - Boo Boo Boogaloo

At almost eighty years old, St. Louis bluesman James ‘Boo Boo’ Davis is still busy creating some of the most authentic blues being recorded today.  Born in Drew, Mississippi in 1943, Davis grew up being surrounded by music, playing drums in a family band.  In 1972, he landed an eighteen-year-long gig playing weekends at Tabby’s Red Room in East St. Louis.  In 1999, Davis cut his debut album called East St. Louis and he’s been busy making records since.  His twelfth and latest release Boo Boo Boogaloo features ten original tracks as real and raw as the blues can get.  It’s the kind of blues that slow-drips and settles in the gut.  I love how it feels to hear it.  Produced by Chris Millar, LA Jones, and Paul Niehaus IV, the album features Boo Boo on lead vocals and harmonica, Jones on guitar, Adrianna Marie on bass, Millar on drums, and Niehaus on keys.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/05/615-boo-boo-davis-boo-boo-boogaloo.html

Cedar County Cobras - Homesick Blues

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.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/12/651-cedar-county-cobras-homesick-blues.html

Chickenbone Slim - Damn Good and Ready

San Diego-based musician Larry Teves aka Chickenbone Slim has returned to Greaseland Studios to record his fifth release Damn Good and Ready.  The album is a cocktail of all-original blues and rockabilly with a cool-as-hell vintage sound.   It is quite obvious why he was awarded the 2022 San Diego Music Award for “Best Jazz/Blues Recording”.  With Christoffer “Kid” Anderson engineering, mixing, and mastering this twelve-track recording, Chickenbone Slim is joined by Laura Chavez (2023 Blues Music Award winner for Best Blues Guitarist) on guitar, Marty Dodson on drums/percussion, Justice Guevara on electric and stand-up bass, and Kid Anderson on everything else.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/08/628-chickenbone-slim-damn-good-and.html

Craig Erickson - Modern Blues

I’m very excited to hear new music from Iowa-based artist Craig Erickson.  He always delivers the goods when it comes to high-octane, guitar-fueled blues-rock.  I love his funky, cosmic and from-the-heart approach to songwriting.  His latest album Modern Blues is a twelve-track journey of finding balance amidst the challenges facing the world today.  As a proficient multi-instrumentalist, Erickson takes on vocals, guitar, bass, and keyboards, with Jeff Sipe (Col. Bruce Hampton, Leftover Salmon, Cedell Davis) on drums.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/02/596-craig-erickson-modern-blues.html

Dyer Davis - Dog Bites Back

There is a new favorite blues-rocker on the block, and his name is Dyer Davis.  This twenty-three-year-old from Florida is a master of guitar and hosts a tremendously soulful voice.  A sense of comfort flows through me knowing the future of this treasured genre is in very good hands.  Davis’ songs are soaked in blues and delivered with a punch.  His debut album Dog Bites Back is co-produced by Stephen Dees and Billy Chapin.  With Davis on vocals and guitars, the record features David Weatherspoon on drums, and Jacob Barone on bass.  Also appearing on the record are guests Victor Wainwright on piano and vocals, Stephen Dees on bass guitar, Billy Chapin on guitars and organ, Patricia Ann Dees on tenor sax, flute and vocals, and Billy Dean on drums.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/03/602-dyer-davis-dog-bites-back.html

EG Kight - Sticks & Strings

Sticks & Strings, the latest release from EG Kight captivated me upon the first listen.  Kight’s beautifully-crafted songs are decorated with southern charm and immerse me with in wave of mesmerizing grace.  Backed with her “boys” lead guitarist Ken Wynn and drummer/percussionist Gary Porter, the ensemble also features guest bassist Sean Williams on five tracks.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/09/635-eg-kight-sticks-strings.html

Emma Wilson - Memphis Calling

Memphis Calling, the new album from British blues singer Emma Wilson, puts a smile on my face with every listen.  Wilson, who was awarded Emerging Blues Artist of the Year at the UK Blues Awards in 2022 for her debut album Wish Her Well, captures the pure essence of the Memphis sound.  Recorded at Sam Phillips Recording Studio, using the original STAX recording console, and a bullpen of Memphis musicians, this record is nothing less than extraordinary with Wilson’s soulful, buttery vocals pouring freely over every note.  Backing Wilson on this release is Charlie Hodges ( Hi Rhythm Section) on Hammond organ, Archie “Hubbie” Turner (Hi Rhythm Section)  on electric piano, Wurlitzer, and acoustic piano, Joe Restivo (The Bo Keys) on guitar, Leroy Hodges (Hi Rhythm Section) on bass guitar, Steve Potts (Booker T & the MGs, Gregg Allman Band) on drums, Kirk Smothers (The Bo Keys, Cyndi Lauper) on tenor and baritone sax, Marc Franklin (The Bo Keys, Cyndi Lauper) on trumpet, and Scott Bomar on tambourine.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/12/649-emma-wilson-memphis-calling.html

GA-20 Live in Loveland

GA-20 ranks right up there among my favorite blues bands playing today.  I have absolutely loved their previous two studio albums, Crackdown, and Does Hound Dog Taylor.  The records are magnificent.  GA-20 has a way of filling every nook and cranny of their music with a timeless vintage sound and raw fearlessness.  Live in Loveland, their first full-length live album, was recorded direct-to-tape on a Tascam 388 in Loveland, Ohio at Plaid Room Records.   It features previously unrecorded tracks along with songs from Crackdown and their 2019 debut album Lonely Soul.  The musical chemistry shared between vocalist/guitarist Pat Faherty, guitarist/producer Matthew Stubbs, and drummer Tim Carman is sheer electric and fortified with true grit.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/03/601-ga-20-live-in-loveland.html

Ghalia Volt - Shout Sister Shout!

I have been enamored by the music of Ghalia Volt since her album with Johnny Mastro and Mamas Boys Let the Demons Out crossed my desk for review five years ago.  She is a musical force on guitar and vocals with a mastery of songwriting.  Ghalia’s talent shines bright with on her latest release Shout Sister Shout!.  The album is loaded with a dozen all-original tracks.  Each one is a gem.  Backing Ghalia is Danny Frankel on drums/percussion, Ben Alleman on keys, and special guest on guitar David Catching.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/11/644-ghalia-volt-shout-sister-shout.html

Jimmy Bennett - Sunday Morning Sessions

Sunday Morning Sessions, the new album from Jimmy Bennett (Bennett Brothers, Alexis P. Suiter, John Ginty, Bruce Katz) stole my heart from the first listen.  Bennett, an original member of Levon Helm's Midnight Rambles in Woodstock, New York, began writing this record on Easter Sunday 2020 as a response to the beginning days of the Coronavirus outbreak.  That day, he wrote, recorded, and posted a video for his new song “Easter Morning Melody” on Facebook.  The positive response he received encouraged him to keep moving forward, spawning the Sunday Morning Sessions which he continues producing today.  This record is a tribute to those Sunday sessions and to the listeners who tune in.  Produced by John Ginty at Shark Tank Studio in Sarasota, Florida, the album features Bennett on acoustic guitar, dobro, and vocals, with Ginty on Vintage Vibe piano, Hammond organ, and drums. 

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/07/623-jimmy-bennett-sunday-morning.html

Johnny Wheels & the Swamp Donkeys - Keep on Pushin'

A magical energy abundantly flows from the latest album Keep on Pushin’ by Johnny Wheels and the Swamp Donkeys a Finalist Band in the 2020 International Blues Challenge.   The music this tight-knit ensemble cooks up is a special blend of Blues, R & B, Rock, Soul, and Funk.  With Johnny “Wheels” Kennicott taking on the frontman position on vocals and harmonica, the rest of this extraordinary band is comprised of guitarist Brandon Logan, drummer Doug Knoyle, guitarist Michael Rabe, bassist Taylor Frazier..

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/06/619-johnny-wheels-and-swamp-donkeys.html

Jonah Tolchin - Dockside

Dockside, the fifth album from Jonah Tolchin swiftly swept me off my feet with its real-deal North Mississippi blues, and sweet southern soul.  Co-produced by Tolchin and Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), and recorded at Dockside Studios in Maurice, Louisiana, twelve-track recording of all-original songs signifies the first release on Tolchin’s brand new label Clover Music Group.  With Tolchin on vocals, lead guitar, and harmonica, and Dickinson on rhythm guitar, lead guitar, and clave, the other performers are comprised of drummer Terence Higgins (Warren Haynes), bassist Nic Coolidge, keyboardist Chris Joyner (Ben Harper), pianist Carey Frank (Tedeschi Trucks Band), vocalist Chavonne Stewart (Jackson Brown) and vocalist Marley Monroe.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/10/638-jonah-tolchin-dockside.html

Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers - How Many Roads?

How Many Roads? , the eighth release from New York ensemble Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers grabbed my attention quite quickly on the first listen.  Grey’s voice is powerful and soulful as she performs the eleven masterfully-written originals on this album.  Known for their rock, blues, and burlesque shows in Brooklyn and lower Manhatten, the group is comprised of vocalist/guitarist Lex Grey, producer/guitarist/audio engineer Vic ‘Mix’ Deyglio, writer/musician Ed Wasilewski, sonic innovator Brian Dewan, and drummer/percussionist Sonny Rock.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/01/593-lex-grey-and-urban-pioneers-how.html

Mario Rossi Band - Smoke Burst

Brazilian singer/songwriter/guitarist Mario Rossi discovered his deep passion for blues in 2013 while joining John Primer’s touring band across Brazil.  Since then, he has blazed a trail that has caught the eyes and ears of many fans.  Smoke Burst, his fourth and most recent album is a fantastic recording of all original tunes loaded with hot guitar licks and infectious riffs.  With Rossi on guitar and vocals, his band is comprised of Edê Boy on keyboards, Marcelo Rocha on bass, and Rafael Cacavallo on drums.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/08/629-mario-rossi-band-smoke-burst.html

Mem_Mods - Vol. 1 

Longtime friends Steve Selvidge (Big Ass Truck), Paul Taylor and Luther Dickinson (North Mississippi Allstars), sons of Memphis music legends Sid Selvidge, Pat Taylor, and Jim Dickinson are now legends by their own right.  It took a pandemic to reconnect these three musicians who played together as kids in the 1970s to make this intoxicating new instrumental recording. With Selvidge on guitar, bass, Rhodes, and drum machine, Dickinson on bass and various keys, and Taylor on drums, percussion, various basses, synth pedals, and soundscapes, the trio drew inspiration from the music they loved growing up in Memphis.  They set the pin in the Bluff City as ground zero, exploded the sound into the outer dimensions, and created a dozen hypnotic, funky, space jams.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/04/605-mem-mods-vol-1-phillycheezebluesblo.html

Scott Weis Band - Raise Your Hands

I immensely enjoyed the past couple of releases from Scott Weis Band. Their eighth and latest album Raise Your Hands is no exception.  For something a little different this time Weis injects a heavy dose of southern rock into his blues and it sounds fantastic.  Weis is joined again by drummer Roger Voss and bassist Robert Kopec.  He is also accompanied by vocalist Cindy Mizelle, keyboardist John Ginty, and percussionist Bashiri Johnson, with Sarah Smith making a guest appearance on vocals.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/08/631-scott-weis-band-raise-your-hands.html

Sue Foley - Live in Austin - Vol 1

Sue Foley’s latest release Live in Austin Vol. 1 sunk its teeth into my heart quite quickly.  The 2020 Blues Music Award recipient of the Koko Taylor Award category plays through a mix of originals and covers on her new album, produced by Mike Flanigin.  The record nicely captures the artist her home-turf with a sold-out show at Austin, Texas’ Continental Club.  With Foley on guitar and vocals, her band consists of bassist Jon Penner, drummer Corey Keller, guitarist Derek O’Brian, Angela Miller on background vocals and tambourine, and Lauren Cervantes on background vocals.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/12/648-sue-foley-live-in-austin.html

Tas Cru - Riffin' the Blue

Riffin’ the Blue, the latest from New York bluesman Tas Cru, certainly lives up to its name.  The riffs are infectious and deliciously bluesy, making for a fantastic new batch of home-grown originals from Tas.  The album is self-produced and features Tas on vocals and guitar with Mary Ann Casale on backing vocals, Ron Keck on percussion, Bruce Katz on piano/organ, Andy Hearn on drums, and Bob Purdy on bass.  Special guests include Mike Zito, Lenny Milano, and Bill Barry.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/01/594-tas-cru-riffin-blue.html

Tav Falco Panther Burns - Nashville Sessions

In the 1980’s, I lived about 70 miles from Memphis, and visited the Bluff City often.  This was when I was first acquainted with the music of Tav Falco.  He was often the topic of discussion at the record stores I frequented.  The Panther Burns songs were unique, and stood out from the typical music which stocked the shelves back then.  Hearing this new release Nashville Sessions: Live at Bridgetone Arena Studios brings back a lot of memories.  Recorded for Sirius XM Outlaw Country, Nashville Sessions captures the intoxicating charm of Tav during his 2022 US tour.  With Tav on lead vocals and guitars, the Panther Burns are comprised of Mario Monterosso on lead guitar, Walter Brunetti on drums, and Giuseppe Sangirardi on bass. 

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/04/611-tav-falco-panther-burns-nashville.html

Tony Holiday - Motel Mississippi

From his Porch Session albums, to his studio releases, I always find the music of Tony Holiday to be abundantly filled with juicy harp performances and swampy grooves.  His latest album, Motel Mississippi fits the bill again, and I really dig it.  When I read the album was recorded at Zebra Ranch in Coldwater, Mississippi, I knew it was going to be special.  With Holiday on vocals and harmonica, AJ Fullerton on guitar, Terrence Grayson on bass, Lee Williams on drums, and Dave Gross on guitars, organs, percussion, snare, and synth, the album has a rich texture.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/04/606-tony-holiday-motel-mississippi.html

Willie J. Laws Jr. - Too Much Blues

Known as the “Last Prophet of the Funky Texas Blues”, Willie J Laws Jr., certainly lives up to his title in regards to his latest album Too Much Blues.  His blend of blues is enriched with a blast of funkdafied grooves, and I like it a lot.  The record, produced by Paul Nelson, features Laws on guitar and vocals, with Dave Johnson on bass, Brooks Milgate on keys/piano/organ/synth, and Justin Blackburn on drums/percussion.

https://phillycheezeblues.blogspot.com/2023/09/633-willie-j-laws-jr-too-much-blues.html

PhillyCheeze's Favorite 25 albums of 2023 Spotify Playlist