Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters (CD) By Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters

Tags

Ashleigh Flynn

Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters

Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters

Home Perm Records 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

Ashleigh Flynn has been around for awhile, both in the studio and on the road. Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters are new and have just issued their self-titled debut album.

A debut album is always a leap of faith. It is announcement to the world of who you are musically, for better or worse. And so we come to rebirth of Ashleigh Flynn with her backing band the Riveters.

As a solo artist, Flynn was a troubadour type singer. The focus was just on her as she produced a peppy form of folk music. A backing band allows he to stretch out a bit and explore country and pop idioms and even add a little blues influence. The sound is fuller and more complete.

Her songs may never have a gritty reality but they do have a self-confidence and a positive approach, and in the music world, that is becoming all to rare. “This Love,” “The Sound Of Bells,” “You Will Remember,” and “High On A Mountain” are journey’s though the mind and soul of Ashleigh Flynn.

Ashleigh Flynn & The Riveters is the beginning of a new journey. Their debut album is a good first step.

Rating: ***

Advertisements

149 Delta (CD) By Mick Kolassa And The Taylor Made Blues Band

Tags

149 Delta, Mick Kolassa, Taylor Made Blues Band

149 Delta

Mick Kolassa and The Taylor Made Blues Band

Endless Blues Records 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

Mick Kolassa is like an old friend. He shows up at you door every year or so, drops off an album of new music, and then continues on his way until next time.

149 Delta is the latest stop in Kolassa’s musical journey. His last two releases concentrated on cover songs, including an album of acoustic Beatle songs, recorded from a blues perspective. Now he has returned to his own material as 9 of the 12 tracks are original compositions.

Songs such as “I Can’t Slow Down,” “US 12 To Highway 49,” “Alternative Road,” and “Whiskey In The Morning” are autobiographical, which is perfect for his brand of blues. Also included is a cover of the old rhythm & blues classic “I Don’t Need No Doctor.”

The Taylor Made Blues Band adds a new element to his music as a full backing band fills in the sound an gives it added textures and depths.

Mick Kolassa has issued another a blues masterpiece. 149 Delta is an album worth exploring.

Rating: ****

Where The Rain Falls (CD-EP) By Kimia Penton

Tags

Kimia Penton, Where The Rain Falls

Where The Rain Falls

Kimia Penton

Kimia Q Productions 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

Kimi Penton may be a songwriter and she may be a classically trained violinist, but it all comes down to her voice. She has a soprano voice that is a gift and it tends to be the focal point of her music.

She has now issued her second release; a six-song EP titled Where The Rain Falls. Unfortunately, it only provides a taste of her style and sound. Hopefully a full album in the same vein will follow that will further explore her talent.

Her new material is a little different than that of her debut album Lessons From Life And Love. Her music still has distinct folk leanings but she veers toward a pop and Americana sound at times. “First And Last Time,” “Stepping Stones.” and the title track are representative of her songwriting, singing, classical violin training.

In many ways the music of Kimia Penton is still a work in progress. The six songs that comprise Where The Rain Falls serves to whet the appetite as to what will follow.

Rating: ***

 

At King Electric (CD) By Ray Bonneville

Tags

At King Electric, Ray Bonneville

At King Electric

Ray Bonneville

Stonefly Records 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

Ray Bonneville has carved out a nice blues niche for himself. He is a Texan who plays a no-nonsense brand of electric blues. He has returned with his ninth album titled At King Electric, which includes 11 original songs.

Bonneville draws on his life experiences to create the characters that inhabit his music. There stories are brought to life through his guitar, vocals, and harmonica with a minimalist rhythm section in support.

His gritty voice is made for  the blues and his instrumental ability enables him to produce an energetic and passionate sound.

Ray Bonneville has traveled from Vietnam to Europe to Alaska with a lot of stops in between at hundreds of bars and concert halls. At King Electric is his latest stop in his journey chronicled by the blues.

Rating: ***

Blues Keep Knockin’ (CD) By Trudy Lynn

Tags

Trudy Lynn

Blues Keep Knockin’

Trudy Lynn

Connor Ray Music

Review by David Bowling

 

Many people are very superstitious about the number 13 but Trudy Lynn is hoping that it is lucky for her as Blues Keep Knockin’ is her 13th solo album release.

She has becomes a blues staple. Her 2016 album, I’ll Sing The Blues For You, received a Blues Music Nomination, while her 2014 release, Royal Oaks Café, reached number one on the blues charts.

She is an interpreter of songs rather than a composer. She reaches back to the material of such classic blues singers as Etta James, Big Maybelle, Big Bill Broonzy, and Aretha Franklin among others.

She does not caress a song but rather overwhelms it with emotion and her big voice. “That’s Alright,” “One Monkey Don’t Stop The Show,” “I Sing The Blues,” “When I Been Drinkin,'” and “Never Been To Spain” all succumb to her passionate and energetic approach.

She is a classic blues singer. While her band, particularly when her brass section plays, has a modern feel; but when she sings on the breaks, she transport the listener back to the era of smoke filled clubs late at night.

Blues Keep Knockin’ is another strong effort from Trudy Lynn, so grab your favorite beverage, turn down the lights, and enjoy one of the better female blues singers working today.

Rating: ***1/2

 

Waterline (CD) By Nobody’s Girl

Tags

BettySoo, Grace Pettis, Nobody's Girl, Rebecca Loebe

Waterline

Nobody’s Girl

Lucky Hound Music 2018

Review By David Bowling

 

Rebecca Loebe, Grace Pettis, and Bettysoo were fixtures on the Texas folk scene when fate came calling. They have combined their talents to form Nobody’s Girl and have released the 7-track CD, Waterline.

They are a basic three-part vocal trio who rely on their harmonies to drive the sound. Their music has a gentle quality to it, which contains an edge and retains a connection to their folk roots.

They collectively composed five of the seven tracks. They also provide a country oriented cover of Blondie’s “Call Me.”

Nobody’s Girl is a work in progress and Waterline is the first step on their journey. Their debut release is a good beginning.

Rating: ***

 

Blind Spot (CD) By The Lucky Losers

Tags

Blind Spot, Cathy Lemons, Lucky Losers, Phil Berkowitz

Blind Spot

The Lucky Losers

Dirty Cat Records 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

Cathy Lemons and Phil Berkowitz, professionally known as The Lucky Losers, have just issued their latest album titled Blind Spot.

The album features 11 original compositions that explore various facets of their life’s journey. Whether its the subject of love, the lack of morals and ethics around them, or simply getting through life; their vocal duet approach presents the songs with passion and finesse.

Their music is blues centered but it extends into soul and Americana. Backed by veteran musicians, their approach and sound is a reminder of days past.

The Lucky Losers have spun some new tales to be explored and appreciated. Blind Spot is worth while stop on their continuing journey through the highways and byways of life.

Rating: ***

The Self-Contained Trilogy (3-CD Set) By Peter Banks

Tags

Peter Banks, Self-Contained Trilogy

The Self-Contained Trilogy

Peter Banks

Peter Banks Musical Estate 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

Peter Banks, one of the founding members of Yes, has been gone for five years. In recognition of the fifth anniversary of his passing The Peter Banks Musical Estate released two albums. The first, Be Well, Be Safe, Be Lucky, (reviewed previously), was a jumbled affair, taking songs from various periods of banks career.

The second release is much more cohesive and necessary for any fan of banks. The Self-Contained Trilogy gathers together his three 1990’s solo albums into one set.

Instinct, Self-Contained, and Reduction create a complete picture of his musical thoughts and visions during a particular period of his career. He produced creative progressive rock that tended to float just outside the mainstream.

Peter Banks tended to move from project to project but The Self-Contained Trilogy covers one of the more settled periods of his career. It contains a lot of music worth exploring.

Rating: ***1/2

 

Blues (CD) By Willie Jackson

Tags

Willie Jackson

Blues

Willie Jackson

Self-Release 2018

Review by David Bowling

 

It’s always good to have a plan B in life. When an accident ended Willie Jackson’s day job; music was his plan B.

There has always been a close relationship between gospel music and the blues. Willie Jackson began his career singing in church. As he became serious about a career in music, he progressed to the blues, while retaining some of the roots of his gospel past.

Jackson has just release a six-song EP titled Blues. Backed by bassist Jon Willis, guitarist Dillon Young, drummer Paxton Eugene, and harmonica player Ace Anderson; he has issued an album of personal, self-composed blues tracks.

This is the blues without a lot of frills.  He has a big voice but does not overwhelm his backing band. “Just An Old Dog,” “Big Boned Woman,” “Diggin’ My Shovel,” and “Sleepin’ On The Job,” are good examples of his personal style.

Blues contains music for late at night with the headphones on. Sometimes plan B works out just fine.

Rating: ***

 

 

Blue Steel (CD) By Joe Goldmark

Tags

Blue Steel, Joe Goldmark

Blue Steel

Joe Goldmark

Lo-Ball Records

Review by David Bowling

 

I have always had a soft spot for guitarists and especially steel guitarists, which brings us to Joe Goldmark. Now four decades into his career, he has emerged as one of the better steel guitarists working today. Wile his technical ability is first rate, it is the sound he can coax from his instrument that sets him apart.

His new album, Blue Steel, is a combination of original tunes and covers. He also uses guest vocalists Glenn Walters and Dallas Craft on a number of tracks but the instrumental tracks are the heart of the release.

The album opening “Night Flight” and a cover of Bob Marley’s “Natty Dread” feature his unique approach of having his steel guitar as the lead instrument. “I Want To Be With You Forever,” with guest guitarist Jim Campilongo, has nice interplay between the two and creates a wonderfully plaintive sound.

Blue Steel may not have mainstream appeal but within its niche, it shines.

 

Rating: ***