Artist: Rod Piazza & the Mighty Flyers Blues Quartet
Title: Soul Monster
Label: Delta Groove Music DGPCD1384

For more information go to: www.themightyflers.com
or www.deltagroovemusic.com

The informative sleeve notes are written by Rod and at one point in them he pauses to ponder as to whether he still retains the freshness and magic to marvel, impress and thrill with originality, whilst at the same time still remain true to the Blues?  He also considers the longevity of his music after recording an impressive twenty four albums to date.

Well, I think it can safely be stated that he certainly has not lost any of his particular magic, indeed, I believe, he has even added another dimension, one of  greater depth  and clarity, especially so with the bands foray into the highly soulful influenced sound which is to be found on this album.

With each subsequent release for Delta Groove that we hear from Rod and the band it seems to be increasingly musically tighter and as a consequence their playing has become more expressive, lucid and definitely more fluid.

Examples of this is are displayed by the sun drenched, deliciously drawling southern fried guitar which is peppered with an appetising mixture of frisky New Orleans piano which in turn is overlaid with a taunting, teasing, breathlessly wheezing harp. Three numbers stand out in particular for their individuality, one being the laconically delivered Jimmy Reeds’  “Can’t Stand to See You Go” also a cracking laidback, almost horizontal rendition of Slim Harpos’s “Queen Bee” and the emotive tribute to the late Sam Myers “Tell Me About It Sam,” an original composition by Rod.

The thirteen numbers that are collected together here, should, for best results, enjoyment and maximum effect, be heard on a sun drenched, balmy afternoon with a cool, cool beverage at your side.

----- Brian Harman

Artist: Candye Kane
Title: Superhero
Label: Delta Groove Music DGPCD133

For more information go to: www.deltagroovemusic.com
or www.candyekane.com

This album is a validation of Candye’s determination to always face adversity in whatever manner it may present itself, unfortunately in this particular case the circumstances were on a far more serious and  personal level, that being, diagnosed as having Pancreatic cancer; her illness was first discovered in February of two thousand and eight. Due to the obvious implications arising from such a life threatening illness, Candye, ever the realist faced what she considered to be the inevitable and subsequently put her affairs in order.

Fortunately, suitable life saving surgery was found to be the answer and happily, after undergoing a successful operation Candye has, with ongoing medical treatment been able to continue her life and work.

Despite the fact that this album is her debut for Delta Groove, it is actually her ninth album, but, when all things are taken into consideration it should really be regarded as part of her new beginning, literally, a new lease on life.

Interestingly, Candye’s voice has a rather distinctive mixture, the brash boldness found in the likes of such blues shouters as; Janis Joplin and Maggie Bell, combined with the poise, strength and clarity that can be found in the warming enunciation of Doris Day.

Candye and her band, which includes; the excellent Laura Chavez; guitars, Paul Loranger; bass and Evan Caleb; drums, together they effortlessly create musical scenarios which range from the suave sophistication of the cocktail lounge through to raunchy low-down southern blues, taking in on the way, frisky, effervescing jump blues, while not forgetting seriously hard edged footapping shuffles topped off with heartfelt personal slowburners.

The fifteen numbers on the album are as varied as one can imagine most of the ten Candye / band originals are of a more personal nature. Of the other five Willie Dixon’s “You Need Love,”   is a definite highlight, sounding compelling and compulsive without the theactrics.

Helping out on the odd number here and there, are the following guests; Mitch Kashmar, Kid Ramos, Dave Gonzales, Greg Rutledge, Johnny Viau and Stephen Hodges.

Even without the added bonus of the above artists, this album has all the vitality and zest for life that anyone could wish for and has great finger- snapping music to boot!

Well worth a listen or two!

----- Brian Harman

Artist: Bill Abel
Title: One Man Band
Label Blue Skunk BS4504

For more information go to www.blueskunkmusic.com
or www.yellowdog.nl/bluesguys/billable[eng]

When Bill is not performing at various concerts or festivals he can be found playing at a local club or anywhere else that takes his fancy in his home town of Belzoni, Mississippi. As a child growing up in one of the more rural areas of America he was surrounded by the sounds of Delta and Hill Country music; a strand of the blues which is not too widely known about or appreciated by, the more commercial  areas of blues marketing. In his youth he befriended a local welder and blues player named Paul ‘wine’ Jones, with Bill’s evident interest in the music Paul became not only a firm friend but also his musical mentor. As time progressed he absorbed every aspect of the music that was entwined within his everyday life; eventually emerging as a fully rounded musician who could play drums in addition to the guitar, which was his chosen instrument.

Whilst perfecting his musical skills Bill also studied for a B.A. in painting and ceramics at the Delta State University, which he duly achieved in Two Thousand and Three and has recently exhibited some of his work at the Delta Cultural Centre in Helena, Arkansas.

After backing Paul on numerous occasions over the years at festivals and concerts Bill has progressed to backing such artists as; ‘Honeyboy’ Edwards, Henry Townsend, Model ’T’ Ford, ‘Big’ George Brock, Hubert Sumlin, Odell Harris and Sam Carr to name but  a few. In Two Thousand and Six Bill was awarded the title of Blues Musician of the year by the Mississippi Delta Blues Society in Indianola.

In addition to playing lead and rhythm on ordinary acoustic and electric guitars Bill creates his own particular style of guitars which are constructed from items such as; cigar boxes and driftwood. When he is playing as a one-man band he plays an effective and lively hi-ht and snare with one foot whilst the other foot pounds at the bass drum.

The sixteen numbers on this album are; apart from two standards all original compositions and have been recorded live in the studio with no added extras or tweaks. Bill plays both electric and dobro guitars to maximum effect, the hi-hat and snare combined with a pulsating bass together create a magical percussive atmosphere which brings tingles down the spine, Bills’ stridently ringing and janglingly primitive sounding guitar flurries and flourishes  take you back into the dark, rural isolated sun sheltered woods that bill knows so well; his sometimes inaudible raw almost holleringly hoarse otherworldly vocals  strives to gain dominance over the stunning and wonderful wall of sound that he so effectively creates.

This is possibly, one of the most authentic sounding early blues styles you might well get to hear in these ‘modern bright shiny’ times.

Stunning!

----- Brian Harman  

Artist: Doug Adamz & Dan Hayes
Title: Blues Duo
Label: Blue Skunk Music 4503

For more information go to: www.blueskunkmusic.com

Doug and Dan have been friends for quite some time and they have been playing together off and on for a good number of years; they first met in Nineteen Seventy-Seven at the Church Recording Studios in San Francisco.  At the time Dan was working at the studios and Doug had recently arrived from El Paso, Texas to the San Francisco bay area. It was this chance meeting at the recording studios, when Doug was looking for somewhere to record a new album that began a long lasting friendship between the two of them. Thirty-odd years later they are still recording together and have recently released their new album.

Although recording and performing as a duo they still pursue separate musical careers; Doug compliments his highly evident guitar skills with his equally accomplished performances on the violin, concentrating mainly on European folk music, which he provides for a belly dancing troupe; whilst Dan continues to expand his musical knowledge within the blues, focusing not only on his impressive acoustic and electric guitar work but also on the wonders of the harmonica.

The album was recorded live at The Marshall Music House; the album has a wonderful air of tranquillity and calmness throughout, with an appreciative and gently focused audience that happily absorbs the subtle atmospheric inter-weavings of Doug and Dan.

With guitars and harmonica overlaid with their soft slightly abrasive vocals they manage to create an extremely satisfying and relaxed homespun rural sound. The ten numbers move along at either a comfortable shuffling pace which exudes bonhomie and goodwill or alternatively they quicken and become welcome footappers.

This album is a fine example of two musicians who are not only in touch with the music but are also very much in tune with each other. Producing well balanced acoustic rural blues; the music itself contains a fine sharp edge of originality.

Thoroughly enjoyable!

----- Brian Harman

Artist: Rick Estrin and the Nightcats
Title: Twisted
Label: Alligator

www.alligator.com

Since Little Charlie Baty decided to stand back from touring with the Nightcats it has fallen to Rick Estrin to step fully into the limelight and formally front the band; To coincide with this change of circumstances Rick has invited the renowned Norwegian guitarist Chris ”Kid” Andersen to join him and the rest of the Nightcats.

As a consequence of his sparkling contributions we have what is more or les a debut album with a serious kick to it.

So, here it is and what a “starter for ten” the album is; from start to finish the album is simply brimming over with goodtime footapping, shoulder shuffling good tunes with soulful enticing slowburners. An atmosphere of exuberance and good cheer is prevalent throughout the proceedings.

The fourteen numbers are either Rick or band originals. The very tight overall sound has a very engaging mixture of Fifties Rock’n’Roll, Jump and Jive with delicious hints of Lazy Lester and Slim Harpo topped off with a liberal soaking in cool mellow jazz inflected guitar.

Over the top of this superb music is Ricks’ fine confident, commanding vocal  which seems to be an intriguing mixture of Randy Newman and John Sebastian, his harmonica sound on the album is also spot on, ranging from a screaming steam train whistle, through to a highly effective breathlessly wheezy, asthmatic drawl. Rick is backed by Chris “Kid” Andersen; guitar, Lorenzo Farrell; bass, J. Hansen; drums and percussion,  Bob Welsh; piano and organ.

The album is a bright fizzing start to what may well be a very long and effervescent career.

Highly Recommended!

----- Brian Harman

Artist: Steve Rowe
Title: Five
Label: Blue Skunk Music BS4505

For more information go to: www.blueskunkmusic.com
or www.steverowe.com

As you may, or may not have guessed, this is Steve’s fifth album; it consists of a varied collection of fifteen numbers which range from almost dawdling and reflective slowburners to ‘mucho gusto’ fuelled ‘drive into the wall’ car crashing movers.  A native of Quebec, Canada, Steve has been playing the blues since he was a teenager, he started his own band ‘Skid Rowe’ in the early eighties, moving gradually onwards and upwards through the Canadian blues scene to become a well respected bluesman in his own right, he  released his first album in the year Two Thousand.

Since then he has impressed one and all with his unique and refreshing style of the blues; he is now I think on the verge of greater appreciation and acclaim.

All of the numbers here are co-written with bass player Alec McElheran, other members of the band are Peter Mika; keyboards with  Bob and Sam Harrisson who share drumming duties; a special mention I think is due to Bob for his sweetly lyrical brushwork on the more jazz influenced slowburners.

One can only describe Steve’s style and approach as a richly woven tapestry of classic fifties Chicago blues and the relentlessly driving blues of England in the Sixties, with a fair dollop of cool, cool laid back Jazz ladled over the whole mixture for good measure.

Steve’s love and appreciation of the three legendary guitarists Albert King, B.B.King and last but certainly not least Freddie King is without doubt evident on this album especially on his expressive and expansive guitar flourishes which appear throughout; his, at times unremittingly fast solos make one feel exhausted just listening to them, but, serious fun though! Whereas, the slowburners featured here are sublimely lyrical and wholly satisfying, utterly relaxing and most certainly take you to another level.

Very good indeed!

----- Brian Harman

CHRIS COLLINS & BLUES ETC.
I Ain’t No Guitar Slinger
Fuzzy Pig FPCD014

www.bluesetc.net

Followers of the British blues scene may recall guitarist Chris from his decade-long stint with Bob Pearce’s band, from him fronting Blues Etc from 1996 onwards, or perhaps even from C.J. Chenier recording one of his songs on an Alligator album. Blues Etc. now has a fluid line-up with Chris employing a pool of musicians to complete the roster – except for the bass duties, Darren Stevens being the man in this role.

Chris sings, “I ain’t no guitar slinger” and he isn’t; instead he is a clean and economical guitarist who never wastes a note, and a fine singer. His material spans the blues from zydeco to southern soul, with strong lyrics (often of a humorous bent) and sympathetic arrangements; harmonica, horns or accordion are employed as required. He can also turn in a raw down-home sound, as on ‘Too Old To Cut The Mustard’, which also has Bob Pearce on slide guitar (and it is good to hear him in top form too) and, reminding us that he toured with Sonny Rhodes, he plays lap-steel on the double-entendre ‘It Won’t Fit’. He has also worked with Billy Boy Arnold, so do take a listen to ‘You Got Me Lyin’’. What this CD offers is the blues, not blues-rock or any other hybrid, and there are few around as tasteful as Chris. Check him out!

----- Norman Darwen 

AZ Kenny Tsak & The 56 Deluxe Band
"Like I Do"
56 Deluxe Productions

From my days as a kid, there are two distinct things I can remember about my father's LP collection.  The first was that I didn't care much for the music and the other was that in spite of the first reason, I still enjoyed looking through them.  That's because back then, it was quite common to have a "pin up" type picture on the LP'S jacket.  Remember that?   Well, one look at the 'hot babes' all over the cover of "Like I Do", will tell you Kenny Tsak does.  However, this isn't about them, it's about the 'hot sounds' that can be found on the disc.

56 Deluxe consists of: AZ Kenny Tsak on Vocals, Lead & Rhythm Guitars; Avery T. Horton, Jr. on Bass; James Holt on Piano & Keyboards; Frank Perez on Tenor Sax; and Andy "G" on Drums.  Additional musicians on several tracks include Joe Beard, Jr. on Drums and Bernie Rose on Piano, with special guest Joey Gilmore on Vocals & Guitar on "Stoop Down Baby".

At the opening of "Full Time Lover", the soft tapping of the symbols by Andy, and the way in which James was so delicately pressing the piano keys, my ears immediately perked up.  I could already tell this was going to be my kind of stuff....a real slow and very bluesy ballad.  A few seconds later, Kenny started singing some very slow and soulful lyrics followed by slow, scorching guitar riffs and this blues burner was in full progress.  Only two tracks in and I'm thinking I've already heard one of the best tracks on the disc.

I don't think you'll hear too many 'Friends Of Bill W' saying "Now that we got sober, all the fun is over", or "There's 12 steps before I'm done, but none of them were very fun", but they do make for interesting lyrics on the very satirical (I hope) "12 Step Boogie".  Good hard driving beat on this one.

With Joey Gilmore going toe to toe in a guitar duel with Kenny, it's obvious that "Stoop Down Baby" will feature the discs best guitar work.  It was a well fought battle with the listener being the winner.  These two, along with the rest of the band, smoked it on this one.

The rhythm is fierce on the very funky "Down South Florida".  With Avery at discs best on bass, Andy smokin' up the drums and Frank blowin' fire out of the tenor, this is one of the hotter tracks.  I'm sure the dancers love this one.

Another hot track is Willie Dixon's "I Just Want To Make Love To You".  This one features more of Kenny's great guitar work, James doing his usually excellent work, but this time it's the organ he's lighting up, and a strong drum performance from Joe.

The disc closes out with an all out free for all style jam on a track called "I'll Take You With Me".  It's a four minute musical melee featuring everyone raising hell and sounding like they're having a good time doing it.

Other tracks on "Like I Do" include: "Like I Do", "Walkin' Shoes", "Blues Attitude", "My Tastee Cake" and "All It Takes".

You can check Kenny out by going to www.56deluxe.com.  And don't let the 56 Deluxe Girls distract you.  Remember why you went there - to buy the disc....and to tell him his friend the Blewzzman sent ya.

----- Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com

SEAN TAYLOR
Calcutta Grove
(own production – no issue number)

www.seantaylorsongs.com

Sean Taylor is an Englishman from north London with a breathy, wistful and intimate voice and a definite talent for song-writing. He is also a multi-instrumentalist. The blues is a large part of his sparse style, and on this set he does turn in a very fine and different version of Skip James’ ‘Hard Time Killing Floor Blues’, with an almost dream-like quality. Sean also tackles ‘Freedom’, the theme with which Richie Havens opened the famous Woodstock Festival forty years ago. Not a blues set, as I said, but the blues does pervade many of the tracks on this release.

----- Norman Darwen 

Nicole Hart
"Treasure"
Blues Leaf Records

Prelude

I can't recall the last time I couldn't wait to sit down and start writing about a CD.  Sure, the fact that the disc is killer always makes it exciting, but there's a lot more to why this one feels so special.  A big part of it is that Nicole Hart and the NRG Band just blew me away this past Sunday at Earl's Hideaway in Sebastian, FL, and I'm excited that it will be happening again this Sunday at Springing the Blues in Jacksonville Beach, FL.  Bring it on guys!   Another part is the fact that Nicole and Lance, who I only met a year ago but already feel like they've been life long friends, are two of the best people one could ever hope to meet.  Lance - this is for you buddy, stay strong................

Generally, Nicole and the guys are billed as Nicole Hart and the NRG Band.  However, since there were many special guests on this project - her first for Blues Leaf Records - allow me to introduce the members to you as Nicole Hart and the Extra NRG Band.  Joining Nicole, on Lead Vocals, Tambourine & Shaker are: Lance Ong on Piano, B3 Organ & Bass; Sonny Kenn, Ron Rauso and Marc Shulman on Guitar; Dan Mulvey, Nate Allen and Vonnie Hudson on Bass; Swami and Ian Carroll on Drums; Sandy Mack on Harp; and Albert Castiglia on Vocals and Lead Guitar.

As the opening track, "Can't Ever Let You Go", kicks off, slow and sultry guitar and piano notes are exchanged creating anticipation for the even more sultry vocals that you just know are about to come.....and they sure do.  With the rhythm guys tightly, yet softly joined in, Nicole takes over and works her magic.  As is usually the case, her range is absolutely magnificent.

It's quite interesting that on my review of Albert Castiglia's recent release, one of my favorite tracks was one on which Nicole did the background vocals.  Label mate Albert returns the favor and joins Nicole on a perfectly harmonized duet titled "You Were Lyin' To Me".  There's certainly a musical chemistry between these two.  Of course, Albert's guitar work also makes this one a winner.

On this Stevie Wonder cover, Nicole is determined to reach a "Higher Ground".  There's no questioning she will, but the way she belts this one out, I doubt she'll ever reach a higher note.  As the track comes to a close, the notes she reaches and holds had me shaking my head in equal amounts of awe and disbelief.  I kept thinking that at any second she was going to crack and screech.  No way!  She nailed it to the end.  Knowing this woman's phenomenal vocal abilities, I'm betting it was done on the first take, as well.  Lance on the B3, and whichever guitar player it is -Ron or Marc absolutely tear it up on this - the discs' most impressive track.

The title track is a song Nicole wrote for Lance - her "Treasure".  This love songs' lyrics were obviously written from the heart and performed that way as well.  If you're ever lucky enough to see her sing it to him at a live show, you'll know exactly what I'm talking about.  Vonnie, Ian and Lance provide some of the discs' best rhythm on this one.

On this particular track, besides "Singing The Blues", Nicole demonstrates one of the best voices and best vocal ranges in the business.  Remember these words when sometime in the near future you see her walking up to the podium to pick up a Blues Music Award.

Other tracks on "Treasure" include "Heart Trouble", "No Cuttin' Loose", "I Just Want To Cry", "Gin House Blues", "It Feels So Right" and "Other Side of the World".

If you keep a "to do" list, grab it right now and add - in capital letters and underlined - SEE NICOLE HART & THE NRG BAND to it.  To say the shows are full of eNeRGy is an understatement.  In addition to being stunning to look at, Nicole is equally stunning to watch perform.  In the meantime, while you're waiting for her to pass through your area, go to www.thenrgband.com and pick up a disc.  And remember, tell her that Pete the Blewzzman...........oh never mind, I'll just tell her myself on Sunday.

----- Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com

Artist: Joe Price
Title: Rain or Shine
Label; Blues Acres Productions BAP#2

For more information go to: www.joepriceblues.com

National Reso-phonic guitars are normally used for setting mellow mood feelings or an old timey atmosphere and here on this album Joe does just that, but, he also utilises the guitar for such purposes as ‘ripping and tearing it up’; for although his playing is articulate, precise and very easy on the ear his other speciality is no holds-barred barnstorming, for when he plays one of his gripping instrumentals; it is like having a juke joint in your living room; vibrant, footapping, wall shaking great fun. Should you require a guide to his music you must imagine a lively cross between Link Wray’s direct no-nonsense approach and the rough’n’tumble sound of Houndog Taylor.

His family moved to the small Iowa city of Waterloo in nineteen fifty-one. 
He became interested in the guitar when his brother Butch gave him his guitar before he left to join the Army. He began playing at the age of nine in nineteen-sixty, whilst he was gaining hints and tips from his fathers friends he also had the good fortune to meet Earl Hooker, who readily suggested that he should cut-off part of a bicycle handle to make a good slide. From then on Joe was hooked; unfortunately an accident at work involving glass bottles and a broken staircase halted his career for four years while his broken fingers and countless stitches healed.

After playing in bands such as; The Rockets 88s and Mother Blues he decided to go solo in nineteen eighty-one. He moved to Lansing, Iowa in nineteen eighty-two.

Whilst playing a concert in Waukon he met and eventually married one Vicki Ewing; a local blues singer. Together they have concentrated on their careers but over time they have merged professionally to create the earthy (dare I say) homespun rollicking music this album contains. The ten numbers here are all Joe originals; five are instrumentals and the rest are crowned with Joes witheringly husky vocals, apart from “Steel Guitar” which highlights Vicki’s vocal and playing talents; Joe and Vicki share guitar credits.

This is one of the most accessible, gripping and genuinely compelling albums I have heard in quite a while.

Essential!

----- Brian Harman

Lino Muoio
"Blues On Me"

Although this artist's name may not ring a bell for you, in his homeland, Lino Muoio is a household name in the Italian blues community.  The groups he's played in over the years have recorded nearly a dozen discs, played thousands of gigs, toured the European festival circuit and have appeared on Italian television shows.

"Blues On Me" is his first solo project and all of the eleven tracks are originals -Testi E Musica: Lino Muoio (Words and Music by Lino Muoio)- as it states in the liner notes.  Joining the Italian Maestro, who plays Acoustic, Classical & Slide Guitars, Mandolin and Banjo, are: Guido Migliaro on Vocals; Stefano Piciorillo on Bass; Gabriele del Vecchio on Piano; Patrizio Buonaiuto on Drums; Massimo Furio on Harmonica; Mino Berlano and Francesco Miele on Bass & Double Bass; Mario Insenga on Vocals & Drums; and Gennaro Porcelli and Luigi Buono on Guitar.  Phew.... I guess buying a vowel is out of the question.

"Consolation Blues" kicks things off and immediately establishes the fact that this fine group of Italian musicians has a handle on interpreting what the blues is all about.  Lino Muoio is about as good as any modern day, front porch Guitar picker from the Delta that these ears have heard.  Guido has a wonderfully melodic voice and Stefano and Patrizio were sharp and quick with the rhythm.  This one had me snappin' and tappin' from start to finish.

Once you hear it, this track may not necessarily have you "Feelin' Down".  As a matter of fact, if you dig the slow and low down dirty blues,  "Feelin' Down" may actually have you feelin' good.  Coming from a person who is not traditionally a fan of the Acoustic Guitar, these words should have a profound effect when I say that "the Acoustic Guitar work on this track is absolutely amazing".  More good stuff from the same cast as above with some sharp Harp work from Massimo. Surely one of the discs highlights.

A lot of you will be able to relate to the lyrics on this one.  It's a story about a hard working person who comes home at night then has to go back out to play in a blues band til the wee hours of the morning.  You all know that situation is always known as "No Time Blues".  Hmmm, how many "Amens" were just shouted?.  Mino and Patrizio smoke it up on rhythm and Lino tears up a Mandolin and Banjo on this hot one.

None of the musicians can be accused of "Bad Job Blues" on this track.  It features Mario sounding like a country blues veteran on Vocals while Lino, Genarro and  Francesco form a formidable trio on Mandolino, Contrabasso and Chittara (Mandolin, Double Bass and Guitar).

As the expression goes, singing the blues requires "Paying Your Dues".  From what I'm hearing, these guys paid them and they paid them well.  This is good ol', Chicago Blues (minus the Electric Guitar) done perfectly.  Lino, Mario and Francesco are at discs best on Guitar and rhythm on this one, which also features Gabriele smokin' up the keys.  Another of the discs best.

I can't recall the last time - and for all I know, this could be the first time - that I've been this impressed with a disc featuring an Acoustic Guitar. Leave it to the Italians.

Ironically, in a conversation with Lino, he stated that "It's hard to play Blues if you're white and European so I've tried just to be myself and tell my own stories".  To that I can now answer with this........."Lino, you were wrong about it being hard to play the blues if you're white and European because you nailed it my friend, and on top of that, your stories were interesting and told very well".

Other tracks featured on "Blues On Me" include:"Break Me Down", "Sunrise", "My Better Days", "Chinese Wood", "Roosevelt Stomp" and "Midnight Walk", which is a soothing three minute solo instrumental featuring Lino on Classical Guitar.

I'm recommending putting "Blues On Me" high on your "to buy" list.  As a matter of fact, go to www.linomuoio.it/  and do it right now.  While you're there, tell Lino that the Blewzzman says "Grazie e buona fortuna a voi. Spero che un giorno avremo a rispondere, fino ad allora - buon blues a voi il mio amico".

----- Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
Blues Editor @ www.Mary4Music.com

The Alex Dixon Band
"Rising From The Bushes"
Dixon Landing Music

This is the second project from Alex Dixon and Dixon Landing Music that Mary4Music is proud to be involved with.  Between the quality of the music I'm hearing, the information on future projects included in the attached press releases and the whole concept that this company represents, I know there are going to be many more.

Although it's difficult, I'm going to suppress the urge to tell you all about this recording company's mission and it's founder's biography.  As exciting as it is, I'll just advise you to go to www.dixonlandingmusic.com and read for yourself just what it is that's got me so pumped up.  In the meantime, let me tell you about the disc.

Besides a few words from Grandpa Willie Dixon to open and close the disc, the players on "Rising From The Bushes"  have collectively played with Willie, Koko, B B, Marvin Gaye, Bill Withers, Ray Charles, Robert Cray, Bettye LaVette, Eric Clapton, Steve Miller and Crosby, Stills & Nash.  Those stars are: Alex Dixon on Keyboards & Piano; James Gadson and Alvino Bennet on Drums; Gerald Johnson on Bass & Vocals; Alan "B B Chung King" Mirikitani on Guitar & Vocals; Marcy "Marcella Detroit" and David Dills on Vocals; Michael Fell on Harmonica.

After Willie Dixon reminds us that "Blues is the roots of all American music", the disc opens with "Fantasy".  This one's a great mix of blues styles.  With the rhythm guys in somewhat of a funky groove, it features serious, soulful blues vocals from Marcy and scorching riffs of Chicago blues guitar from Alan.

One of the hottest tracks on the disc is a cover of one of grandpa's songs - "Down In The Bottom".  This one flat out smokes and everyone is totally jammin' throughout.  The discs best guitar, piano and rhythm work can all be heard right here.

It's the bandleaders time to shine on "My Suspicious Mind".  From start to finish, Alex's extraordinary piano work is highlighted.  Of course, Alan gets in some great guitar licks and does an absolutely superb job with the vocals.

It's quite interesting the way the vocal duties are passed around on this project.  What's even more interesting is how on each track, the designated vocalist sings their heart out.  On "Find A Way To Live", it's Gerald's turn and he's obviously up for the task.   If soulful vocals light your fire, this one's gonna burn your house down.  Great rhythm and piano on this one as well.

With the conviction with which he sings it, you can't help but believe him when David says "Everything's Gonna Be Alright".  This is a wonderfully uplifting song, with great lyrics and an incredible vocal presentation.  Alvino and Michael, on drums and harp, are both quite sharp on this one as well.  Easily one of the discs best.

Other tracks on "Rising From The Bushes", which include eight Alex Dixon originals, are:
"Lose Control", "Still In Love With You", "Paint You A Picture", "Spoonful", and "These Are The Times" .

The disc closes with Willie once again offering his thoughts.  This time he says "The blues are just reaching it's peak and getting to where it should have been years ago".  I don't know exactly when those words were originally spoken, but in this day and age if the blues ever does reach it's peak, just as Gramps was, Alex Dixon is going to be a part of it.

I already gave you the website, but it warrants repeating -  www.dixonlandingmusic.com.  Check it out.  Make sure ya tell them you came to see what the Blewzzman's fussin' 'bout.

----- Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
Blues editor @ www.mary4Music.com

J.C. SMITH BAND
Defining Cool,
Cozmic Records # CR-CD 005

SONGS:
Rite On Time; Going Down Slow; A Fool For You; Bluesman; She Walks Right In; Lonesome Blues/Duke’s Blues; Going Down; I Walked All Night Long; Outskirts of Town; Ballard Of Robert Johnson; All Day Long;
Satisfied

J.C.Smith is the pride of the Bay Area’s blues scene. His band was named “Band Of The Year,” in 2006 by the Bay Area Blues Society at their award night. He toured Europe and Eastern Europe and was enthusiastically receieved. He is known as Johnnie Cozmik on his blues radio show. His goal is “to keep the blues alive and take the message to the people.

This CD of the J.C. Smith Band packs some powerful punches with  high energy blues ‘n’ rhythm and blues sounds, and occasionally some funk and jazz. Smith plays guitar and leads with his very strong, commanding, dynamic vocals. The seasoned five-piece band plays some fine backup. His horn section, comprised of  a trumpet player and a person who plays tenor, alto, & baritone sax, , enliven the CD. Guest artist, Ron Thompson, adds another dimension with his exciting slide acoustic guitar playing, on two tracks,”Ballad of Robert Johnson,” and  Muddy Waters’ “Satisfied.”

Smith has the knack of often making cover songs his own. As a few examples, he puts some funk in “Going Down Slow.” In “A Fool For You.” he sings with more soul than Ray Charles ever thought of having. He makes “She Walks Right In” a fast, jazzy tune. All the covers, even in a different vein, cook. He is very mellow and soulful with some the more traditional, slower, blues songs, such as “Lonesome Blues,” and his longest track, “Outskirts Of Town.” Three of Smith’s own songs are on this CD. Two, ““Rite On Time” and “Bluesman,”  make forceful, direct uptempo statements, while “Ballad Of Robert Johnson,” goes way back to the Delta style. It just shows that J.C. Smith is a bluesman.

All in all, this is an exciting and dramatic CD that you could listen to over and over to. J.C. Smith is one of the stars with his guitar playing and his emphatic and focused vocals. His band members and guest artists add good dimensions also. It is a together-album full of dynamic impact, and more importantly, full of blues and rhythm and blues, and occasionally  easy-to-listen to funk and jazz. Do check it out!!! For further information, click on: www.jcsmithband.org

----- Maria Bainer