Devon Allman - Ride Or Die

2016 –  Ruf Records

By Phillip Smith; Oct. 21, 2016

Ride Or Die, the third solo album from Devon Allman is quite strong and very bold.  Recorded in Nashville, this rocking, soulful and rootsy recording confidently hits on all cylinders.  Allman returns to the studio with co-producer/drummer Tom Hambridge, along with guitarist/bassist Tyler Stokes, bassist Steve Duerst, saxophonist Ron Holloway, violinist Bobby Yang, and keyboardist Kevin McKendree. 

Best played loud, “Say Your Prayers” masterfully ushers in the album, firing off catchy marching riffs and wavy psychedelic licks. Allman adds more heat to the swirling rock anthem “Galaxies”, asking “when galaxies collide, will you ride or die?” Allman performs this one with a beautiful intensity.  Allman sings “Watch What You Say” with the attitude and suaveness of Tom Jones.  His vocals, dripping with soul and conviction, are wonderfully accented with his stellar guitar playing.  I love the bouncy folky rhythm Allman threads through “Live From the Heart”.  It is contagious and a sheer delight.  He then wraps the album up with “A Night Like This”, a big meaty track consisting of jet-streamed riffs, lush keys and bubbly blasts of sax.  I can’t help but think of James Bond when I hear this fabulous piece.  It truly would make for an astounding 007 theme song.

Ride Or Die is a lovely album, and is Allman’s best work yet.     

Ross Neilsen - Elemental

2016 –  Ross Neilsen

By Phillip Smith; Oct. 15, 2016

Canadian guitarist and singer/songwriter Ross Neilsen has a special way of tapping into his human experience, then catapulting that essence, full of heart and soul, into his music.  His latest album Elemental shows just that, as he infuses his unique blend of country, blues, and rock into eleven wonderfully constructed songs.  Neilsen’s talent has not gone unnoticed.  He has received Best Blues Recording for the Music New Brunswick Awards twice, received two CBS Rising Star awards, and was a semi-finalist in the 2012 International Blues Challenge. 

Neilsen delightfully taps into the delta blues with “Black Coffee”.  Hearing Neilsen ripping it up on guitar alongside Steve Marriner’s righteous harp performance, transports me right to Memphis’ historic Beale Street.  A haunting country melody accented by Neil Young-like riffs set the mood in “Devil Made You”.  This is one cool as hell track with fantastic steel guitar.  An air of melancholy washes over when I hear “Ash Fault” play through.  The violin accompaniment from Jim Bowskill beautifully sets the tone.  “The Race” has an old-school Motown vibe.  The soulful vocals and peppy bursts of brass put a smile on my face.

Elemental, clinging to no specific genre, is a wonderful amalgam of musical styles seamlessly woven together.

Larkin Poe - Reskinned

2016 –  RH Music

By Phillip Smith; Oct. 8, 2016

Thanks to Elvis Costello, the music of Atlanta-based duo Larkin Poe is now in my awareness.  Rebecca and Megan Lovell have been opening for Costello on his most recent tour, Detour.  The talents of this sister-duo run deep.  Rebecca commands the stage with her no-holds barred presence on both mic and lead guitar, while Megan pours out rich vocal harmonies, all while slaying the lap steel guitar.  Reskinned, their second full length album brings to the table five new tracks and seven re-released songs from the 2014 critically acclaimed Kin.

From the beginning, with the hard-rockin’ “Sucker Puncher”, Larkin Poe is quick to grab me by the collar.  This song is dripping with attitude.  Between the fierce riffs coming from Rebecca and lush slide from Megan, I am totally captivated.  The Lovells seriously kick out the jams with their bad-girl anthem “Trouble in Mind”.  I love the sheer rawness of “P.R.O.B.L.E.M”, with its riveting guitar licks and punk attitude served Jack White style.  Stand-out songs, the deliciously swampy “When God Closes a Door” and the wonderfully melodic and bluesy “Blunt” puts the magnifying glass to religion and dogma. 

Their style of songwriting is unique and oftentimes dark, and their performance is wondrous and exciting. Reskinned is such a terrific album, I can hardly stand to take it out of the CD player.

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Lady A - Loved, Blessed & Blues

2016 –  Self-Released

By Phillip Smith; Oct. 2, 2016

When the mood hits for a nice blend of blues, funk & soul , it doesn’t get much better than taking in the intoxicating vocal sounds of Seattle songstress Anita White, aka Lady A.  Her latest album, Loved, Blessed & Stressed is an absolute splendor.  White is joined by Dexter Allen (guitar, bass, piano and backing vocals) and Joey Robinson (drums, and keyboard).     

One doesn’t have to be in a church house to be taken to church.  Title track, “Love, Blessed & Blues” grabs ahold of me and vibrates right to the soul, dousing me in the blues gospel-style.  Lady A gets the adrenalin flowing in the high-energy “Honey Hush (Tribute to Elnora)”. Play, listen and then repeat on this dance-friendly treat.

Lady A breaks out the funk George Clinton/Brides of Funkenstein style on “Take Me Back to Seattle”.  I love the growly bass-line Allen plops down, and the cool little micro-rhythms Robinson adds on the keys.  There’s a sweet Motown feeling imbedded in “Love Calling”, a smooth R&B slow song with beautiful vocals.

Loved Blessed & Blues puts me in my happy place with every listen, leaving me with a huge smile across my face. 

Nancy Wright - Playdate!

2016 –  Vizztone

By Phillip Smith; Sep. 25, 2016

In 2013, San Francisco musician, Nancy Wright pulled down the West Coast Blues Hall of Fame’s Blues Saxophonist of the Year award.  She’s been touring with Tommy Castro for the past couple of years, and has just wrapped up her latest album, Playdate!.  For this project, she has enlisted a slew of top tier blues talent – Tommy Castro, Victor Wainwright, Elvin Bishop, and Joe Louis Walker to name a few.  Her band consists of producer/guitarist Christopher “Kid” Anderson, with Chris Burns on keys, bassist Joe Kyle Jr., drummer J. Hansen, Tom Poole on trumpet, and Faris Jarrah on trombone, and percussionist Martin Windstad.

Guest vocalist Wee Willie Walker gives a standout performance and Wright gets down on sax, as the gang breaks out the sweet funk on the Willie Harper classic, “Why You Wanna Do It”.  I fall hook, line and sinker for this track.  It’s absolutely fabulous.  I also have to crank up the volume when the soulful “Been Waiting That Long” kicks in.  Sung by Frank Bey, who toured with the Otis Redding Review in the sixties, this killer song was written by Wright’s friend and mentor, the late, great Lonnie Mack.  Kyle’s funky bassline grabs ahold and doesn’t let go on “Warranty”, a smooth bluesy track featuring the lovely and silky vocal talents of Terrie Odabi. 

Wright pulls in the carefree and classic Motown sound on original track, “Good Loving Daddy”.  It’s a terrific listen for sure.  Playdate! winds down and closes out with the with the slow and wonderfully bluesy “Soul Blue”, which features the spectacular guitar sounds of Chris Cain.  This album is a definite keeper.   

Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers - Heal My Soul

2016 –  Lex Grey Music

By Phillip Smith; Sep. 17, 2016

“Heal My Soul”, the sixth album from the New York ensemble Lex Grey and the Urban Pioneers, has quite a kick to it.   Grey’s delivery is a force to be reckoned with, as she belts out powerful vocal performances in this ten song collection of original blues and straight-up rock and roll tunes.

Brian Dewan joins in with his homemade ‘Dewanatron’ which rolls the red carpet out for the album opener “Factory”.  Grey gets downright sultry on this bluesy track as Walter Tates Jr. dishes out some tasty sax licks.  When I hear “Quiet Place”, I’m taken back to the mid-Eighties when bands like the Pretenders ruled my turn-table. “Ghost” has some of those same qualities as well.  This cool rock and roll dirge hosts a most interesting and ominous tone, thanks to Vic Mix on guitar. 

Bringing the album to a close, is title track, “Heal My Soul”, which begins its journey with a slower pace, and ascends into a wonderful New York groove.  The song culminates by releasing oodles of emotion into a swirling soulful jam.

Mark Harrison - Turpentine

2016 –  Mark Harrison

By Phillip Smith; Sep. 17, 2016

UK musician Mark Harrison is one hell of a story-teller and songwriter.  He delivers his roots-rich music acoustically using National and twelve string guitars. His latest album, Turpentine, is a delightful listen to say the least.  Playing alongside Harrison on this thirteen track album of all original material is Charles Benfield on double bass, Ed Hopwood on drums, percussion and harmonica, and Paul Tkachenko on mandolin, piano, organ, and accordion.

Make the best with what you have, is the message shared in “Black Dog Moan”. The light and carefree melody captures my full attention.  I can totally relate to the frustration Harrison sings about in “Hardware Store”, as he sings ‘”All those things they sell down in that hardware store.  I don’t know what they do and I don’t know what they’re for”.  The fabulous instrumental, “Dog Rib” is a haunting bluesy treat with a tribal beat.  This is acoustic blue at its best.  Tkachenko straps on the accordion and sprinkles some New Orleans-style Cajun seasoning into “Dirty Business”, a song about greed and thievery.      

I absolutely adore the “The Treaty of Dancing Rabbit Creek”. This amazing song tells the story of the deal made in 1830 between the US government and Chief Greenwood LeFlore of the Choctaw Nation, in what is now known as Mississippi.     

One listen to Turpentine, and it is quite apparent why Harrison received two nominations in the British Blues Awards, for Songwriter and Acoustic.  The album is an instant treasure in my books.

Kat Riggins - Blues Revival

2016 –  Bluzpik Media Group

By Phillip Smith; Sep. 10, 2016

I’m really smitten over the new Kat Riggins album, Blues Revival.  This singer/songwriter from Miami has such a lovely voice, perfectly suited for singing the blues. She has a clever sense for songwriting as well.  Penning eight of the ten songs on this album, she injects a stylish and fresh attitude toward the Blues .  This powerhouse singer has a wonderful backing band too.  Also known as Blues Revival, her ensemble is composed of Darrell Raines on guitars and keys, bassist George Caldwell, and drummer Doc Allison.  

“Good Girl Blues” feels so good to listen to, with its velvety smooth delivery.  I love her cover of Sam Cooke’s “Change is Gonna Come” too.  Riggins belts this one out with the passion and conviction which this song deserves.  Raines lays down the law with his guitar on “Blues is My Business”, from Etta James’ 2003 Grammy winning album, Let’s Roll, making for a very striking cover.  Riggins’ vocals run from sultry to sassy, while psychedelic guitar licks and a groovy trance beat take “Devil is a Liar” to another dimension.  This terrific song takes me back to the early years of the late great Isaac Hayes.

Both Riggins and her band bring their “A-game” to each and every song, making Blues Revival such a pleasant listen.    

Honey Island Swamp Band - Demolition Day

2016 –  Ruf Records

By Phillip Smith; Sep. 3, 2016

Formed about ten years ago in San Francisco by New Orleans musicians displaced from the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Honey Island Swamp Band is composed of Aaron Wilkinson (mandolin, guitar, harmonica, vocals), Chris Mulé (guitar, vocals), Sam Price (bass, vocals), Garland Paul (drums, vocals), and Trevor Brooks (keyboards).  Their newest release, Demolition Day is a bountiful big bowl of soulfully seasoned Americana roots-rock, and wonderfully written songs produced by Luther Dickinson(North Mississippi Allstars).   

An exquisitely funky bassline sets the track for an intoxicating jam fueled with spacy guitar in “Head High Water Blues”.  I love the little blasts of brass and boogie-laced piano accompaniment in “Watch and Chain”.  Mulé seems to have channeled the spirit of Harry Nilsson while writing “She Goes Crazy”.  The innocence lingering in the melody is a fun contrast to the chaotic love story welded into the lyrics.  “Katie” is a lovely piece as well.  This folky performance with a zydeco spirit is one my favorites.  The album comes to a close with the magnificent “Devils Den”.  The eclectic sound of Wilkinson’s mandolin and Mulé’s swampy slide guitar set an eerie ominous presence, like a Nick Cave murder ballad.

Demolition Day, one of the more interesting albums to recently dip into my awareness, reveals something new with each listen.  I’m downright captivated by this music and so enjoy being unconsciously ushered from genre to genre. That’s a craft in and of itself.       

Mutants of the Monster: A Tribute to Black Oak Arkansas

Presented by Joecephus and The George Jonestown Massacre

2016 –  Saustex Records

By Phillip Smith; Aug. 27, 2016

Tribute albums may come and go, but Mutants of the Monster – A Tribute to Black Oak Arkansas is one special album not to be glossed over.   I’ve been anxiously awaiting this fabulous record for quite a while, and am pleased as punch to hear.  I’ve been soaking up its goodness for a week now, and grin like a possum for the duration of every listen.  Six years in the making, Mutants of the Monster started out as a labor of love of BOA by Joey Killingsworth (Jocephus & The George Jonestown Massacre). He recorded “Fever in My Mind” with the GJM and BOA’s Jim “Dandy” Mangrum on vocals. Shortly afterward, Killingsworth enlisted Shooter Jennings to record vocals for “Hot Rod”, another BOA track GJM had recorded.  Then Bob’s your uncle - and six years later we have Mutants of the Monster, a ferocious seventeen track album of Black Oak Arkansas covers, with a slew of terrific guest musicians and vocalists.

When I first heard “Hey Y’all” roll out at the top of the album with Nashville Pussy’s Blaine Cartwright and Ruyter Suys , chills shot up and down my spine, with the realization this is going to be one bodacious and serious salute to one of the best American bands that rolled out in the Seventies. Jimbo Mathus belts out a rollicking “Uncle Lijah” with Robby Turner (Sturgill Simpson) laying down a thick coating of lush steel guitar.  Shooter Jennings rips it up on “Hot Rod” with a downright amazing performance backed by a cool-as-hell performance by GJM’s drummer Daryl Stevens. I can’t help but fall prey to the groove of “Swimming in Quicksand”.  I love the blasts of sax from Nik Turner (Hawkwind) on this favorite which JD Pinkus from Butthole Surfers masters the vocals on.  Bill Davis (Dash Rip Rock) unleashes a racing punk performance on “Short Life Line” for a pure adrenalin rush.  With Jeff Clayton (AntiSeen) on the mic and Paul Leary (Butthole Surfers) wailing on guitar, “Lord Have Mercy On My Soul” sounds so damn good.  This is one of my favorite cuts.  For an unexpected treat, Jello Biafra from my favorite US punk band, The Dead Kennedys brings his unique vocal style to “Jim Dandy” while Ruyter Suys rocks out on guitar and backup vocals.  When Nine Pound Hammer tackles “Rock ‘N’ Roll”, my brain goes into Frank Zappa mode.  This one is very cool indeed.  Another sweet little treat for this outlaw fan is hearing Kyle Turley taking on “The Wild Bunch” with gusto and true grit.  In addition, this track also hosts Mickey Raphael on harmonica, adding to the cowboy imagery made famous by the spaghetti westerns of Sergio Leone.

Other notable guests include BOA’s own Rickie Lee Reynolds and Jimmy Henderson, Eddie Spaghetti (Supersuckers), Brian Venable (Lucero), Greg Ginn (Black Flag), Whiskydick, CT (Rwake) Michael Denner (Mercyful Fate, King Diamond), and The Kentucky Bridgeburners).  Mutants of the Monster certainly captures the essence of Black Oak Arkansas, a pioneering band who pushed beyond the paradigms of rock and roll itself.  Kudos to Joey Killingsworth and his band, Joecephus and the George Jonestown Massacre for gathering up this wondrous troop of musicians, to shine the spotlight on one of the greatest bands there ever was.    

Prodo - The Summoning

2016 –  Prodo

By Phillip Smith; Aug. 20, 2016

The Summing is quite a funky follow-up to the Wisconsin jam-masters Prodo’s debut release, Prodotype.  Amidst a seven month tour in China, guitarist/lead vocalist Henry Robinson, along with drummer Dane Pastor and bassist Jeremy Erickson, hit the studios, and have delivered one hell of an album full of twists and turns.  Embracing the chaos and comfort that can be created with music, Prodo playfully explore the craft of fusion.    

A funky world-beat rhythm loaded with spacy jams gets “Wadadadoo” off the ground very nicely.  “The Creep” ominously follows, brilliantly composed to leave the listener in an unsettled state.  A feel-good reggae beat reels me into the poppy atmosphere and psychedelic sounds of “This Life”.  Title track, “The Summoning”, loaded with heavier guitar riffs, a funkier bass line, and playful lyrics reminds me of Phish, a band I have a high regard for.  Robinson’s soothing vocals set a beautiful melodic tone to “A!”, to which his guitar licks effortlessly hover in the air. And as for what kind of tipper the Dali Lama is on the golf course, forget about it, and take a relaxing listen to the lovely “Gunga Galunga” for your total consciousness needs.    

The Summoning can be found at https://prodo.bandcamp.com/track/the-summoning

JL Fulks - On Down the Road- EP

2016 – JL Fulks Enterprizes

By Phillip Smith; Aug. 20, 2016

Some say great things come in small packages.  That is very true for the latest release, On Down the Road, from the twenty-six year old singer/guitarist JL Fulks . This five track EP is one big bowl of outstanding tunes. After giving it a single listen, one should find it very obvious how his band made it to the Semi-finals of the 2016 International Blues Challenge in Memphis.  Originally hailing from Greenville, South Carolina, and living in Memphis for a while, Fulks now finds his home in Southern Florida, fronting his trio composed of Ken Burgner on bass, and Ian Jones on drums.   

The southern rock fueled title track, “On Down the Road” will get the foot stomping for sure.  Speckled with the sounds of summer, this song about conquering restlessness and breaking free to head out on one’s life journey, features some mighty fine and tasty lead guitar provided by special guest Matt Schofield.  A driving beat and the lush sounds of a B3 from Muggie Doo, set the perfect stage for Fulks’ commanding vocals and riveting guitar on “The River”. 

Fulks guitar is dynamic and intoxicating on the colossal “Phrygian Dance”.  This prog-blues instrumental is pumped with killer beats and stellar bass, making it shine immensely.  This fantastic EP is such a treat to hear, and I anxiously await to hear more music from JL Fulks.  

JRZ System - Teazer

2016 – Frankenbacker Music

By Phillip Smith; Aug. 13, 2016

I heard JRZ System for the first time last week, with my first visit to the Tommy Bolin Music Festival in Sioux City, Iowa.  Hailing from Lincoln, Nebraska, this extremely talented trio is composed of guitarist Mark Zavon, bassist Troy Johnson, and drummer Todd Roberson.  During these past seven days, their latest release Teazer has rapidly become one of my all-time favorite albums.  This ten track tribute of instrumentals is one stellar testament to the music of the late great Tommy Bolin, capturing each song off Bolin’s Teaser album in their original sequence. In addition, they also include “Crazed Fandango”, originally recorded for Teaser, but not released until 1996 with the release of From The Archives, Vol 1.

From the beginning at “Grind”, I knew I was in for a treat.  Johnson’s monster bassline, Zavon’s ripping guitar, and Roberson’s crushing performance on drums are synchronized until the end.  I can’t help but think of my first impression of Joe Satriani, when I heard Surfing With the Alien, and how much it knocked my socks off.  “Homeward Strut” is crazy good too.  Each person shines bright and takes up the slack for no one.  “Savannah Woman” is another sparkling gem, artistically highlighted by a Santana-like aura and a smooth Latin beat.    

Johnson spins a funky groove on title track “Teaser” for Zavon to weave his psychedelic licks through.  It sounds amazing.  “Marching Powder”, my personal favorite Bolin track, is played ‘balls to the wall’, in an onslaught of melodic metal. I love the way they gently ease into “Wild Dogs” and take off running. 

When it comes to Rock and Roll, it really doesn’t get much better than this.  I am so looking forward to hearing more from JRZ System in the future, because Teazer is fantastic!