Blues Bash By Pat Robillard & Friends

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Blues Bash, Duke Robillard

Blues Bash

Duke Robillard & Friends

Stony Plain Records 2020

Review by David Bowling

 

Duke Robillard is now a half-century or so into his career and remains one of the hardest working and most prolific bluesmen in music today. He helped found Roomful Of Blues and has gone on to release 30 plus solo albums, in addition to producing and guesting on dozens of projects.

Many times the simple path is best and so it is with his new album, Blues Bash. The concept was just to make an album of blues songs he liked with a group of long-time friends.

The music, as always, is impeccable and well-produced. Robillard’s guitar solo’s are creative and powerful and they continue to be highlights of any of his releases.

His basic band of keyboardist Bruce Bears, drummer Mark Teixeira, and bassists Jesse Williams and Marty Ballou provide the foundation for his three original and seven cover songs. He then builds upon this foundation with brass, harp, and guest vocalists. It all adds up to an album of basic but party-oriented blues.

At this point in his career, I doubt if Robillard could make an average album. Blues Bash is well above that level and should provide enjoyment for any aficionado of the blues.

Rating: ****

 

The Parade By The Greg Sover Band

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Greg Sover Band, The Parade

The Parade

Greg Sover Band

Grounder Soul Music 2020

Review by David Bowling

 

The Greg Sover Band may not be a household name but he and his band have consistently produced a solid brand of blues/rock titled. They have now returned with a six song album featuring five originals songs and a nice cover of Cream’s “Politician” titled The Parade.

Their sound is fueled by Sover’s guitar mastery. His creativity comes in flurries and then he returns to the melody. He is supported by his basic band of guitarist Allen James, bassist Garry Lee, and drummer Tom Walling. He adds a harp and keyboards at times to fill in the sound.

Except for “Never To Late” written for Sover’s late mother; the pretty much take no prisoners. They may not expand the blues into any new ground but they cover the old very well. Sover is experienced enough to know who he is and is able to be very creative within the confines of his style.

The Greg Sover Band is still a work in progress but as a band they are in a good place. There music is very listenable and will keep your attention with repeated listens and at times that is more than enough.

Rating: ***

If You Can’t Be Good, Be Good At It By Mick Kolassa

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Mick Kolassa

If You Can’t Be Good, Be Good At It

Mick Kolassa

Endless Blues 2020

Review by David Bowling

 

Somewhere in the distant past, a Mick Kolassa album was one of my first reviews. That was over 2000 reviews ago. I don’t remember ever hearing a poor or even average Mick Kolasa album. His releases have been universally excellent and each has had a distinct flavor to it. His newest release, If You Can’t Be Good, Be Good At It follows in that tradition.

As with just about all artists, the Covid-19 virus has kept him off the road. Mick Kolassa filled that idle time by going into the studio and recording a new album, comprised of nine original and two cover tunes. 

He uses his blues roots as a center for his music and then expands it into several styles and directions. “I Can’t Help Myself” imoves in a soulful direction and is a rare love song from Kolassa. He plumbs the depths of James Taylor’s catalogue for “Lo And Behold,” which he takes in a harder direction.

“Good Day For The Blues” and “Slow And Easy Love” are what he does best and form  the heart and soul of the album. They are slow blues pieces that tell simple stories. His cover of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Who’s Been Talking” is his nod toward the era of classic blues.

The music is fuller than many of his albums as he has a full band behind him and gives the music a little more bite than usual. 

If You Can’t Be Good, Be Good At It  is a fine addition to Mick Kolassa’s body of music. It bears repeated listens as it sinks into the consciousness. 

Rating: ***1/2

 

 

 

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Heart On The Line By Vanessa Collier

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Vanessa Collier

Heart On The Line

Vanessa Collier

Phenix Fire Records 2020

Review by David Bowling

 

Vanessa Collier is a very competent songwriter and singer, but as a saxophonist, she is one of the best working today. Her music is rooted in the blues, but also incorporates some jazz and pop. Her newest release is titled Heart On The Line.

Collier has won The Blues Music Award for Horn Player Of The Year two years in a row. She has a light touch and  does not overwhelm her instrument but rather relies on smooth, melodic runs.

While her songs have a variety of styles; her approach has a sameness. She usually starts out singing and then switches to the saxophone to drive the song home. This approach serves her well on her original compositions such as “What Makes You Beautiful,” “Bloodhound,” “Weep And Moon,” and “Freshly Squozen.”

This is Collier’s third release and she has settled into a comfortable groove that combines passion and smoothness into a nice blues mix. Listening to Heart On The Line is a good way to spend some time.

Rating: ***1/2

 

Bringing The Blues By Gravel & Grace

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Ava Grace, Earl Matthews, Gravel & Grace

Bringing The Blues

Gravel & Grace

Ava Grace Records 2020

Review by David Bowling

 

Gravel & Grace produces an excellent brand of smooth modern day blues with a little rhythm & blues thrown in for good measure. It is the make-up of the band that is unique.

Ava Grace is a singer/keyboardist, who has been playing live since the age of 14. Vocalist Big Earl Mathew is a 20 year veteran of the blues music scene, as is the supporting five man band. It is an odd combination but the now 18 year old Grace fits the band well as she possesses one of those voices that is crystal clear and can both soar and purr as needed. Her keyboards help create the bands sound. On the other hand, Matthews has a gritty vocal style that has fit the blues for two decades.

Their self-titled debut album was released May 15. It consists of nine originals and one cover. Ava Grace and Earl Matthews tend to trade lead vocals. While their voices are very different, they provide a good mixture of styles that does not grow stale.

Two Grace songs combine her voice with sax interludes. “Scares Me” and the slow blues number “Not About A Boy” highlight her vocal ability and are solid blues. She gives a very soulful rendition of Rihanna’s “Love On The Brain.”

Earl Matthews songs are very different in style and content. His voice is the gravel of the band, plus they tend to be more personal.

Gravel & Grace is an interesting mix of different elements that all comes together in an excellent modern day blues album.

Rating: ***

 

 

Daydreams In Blue By Anthony Geraci

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Anthony Geraci, Dennis Brennan

Daydreams In Blue

Anthony Geraci

Shining Stones Records

Review by David Bowling

 

Anthony Geraci is an interesting musician. He is primarily a pianist and songwriter. As such, he needs to surround himself with other musicians and vocalists to bring his songs to life.

He learned his craft as an a member of Sugar Ray and the Blue-Tones and Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters. Now as a noted blues piano player, he has issued a series of well-received and commercially successful albums on his own. His latest release, Daydreams In Blue, was released July 10.

He relies on two of the better blues guitarists working today. Monster Mike Welch and Walter Trout are on hand for a number of tracks. Singer/harmonica player Dennis Brennon is the vocalist this time around. Add in some brass and a competent rhythm section, highlighted by an acoustic bass, and you have the makings of an outstanding modern-day blues album.

Ten of the 12 tracks are originals and Geraci has a talent for blending his piano into mix and does not overwhelm his bandmates. “No One Hears My Prayers,” “Living In The Shadow Of The Blues,” “Dead Man’s Shoes,” and “Tutti Frutti Booty” all demonstrate his keyboard and compositional talent with different tempos and styles.

Daydreams In Blue is a nice exploration of the blues from a different perspective and is well worth a listen.

Rating: ***

The Stories We Are Told By Heathcote Hill

The Stories We Are Told

Heathcote Hill

311 Music Label 2020

Review by David Bowling

 

Heathcote Hill has just released their new album, The Stories We Are Told. The band, fronted by songwriter/guitarist Tom Nelson and vocalist Megan Porcaro Herspring produces a smooth sound that fuses pop vocals and roots lyrics into a tasty mix.

The album contains songs about people and life; many of which are rooted in their  past experiences or people they have known, such as Nelson’s Aunt Mary Ellen, who became a Nun and teacher in a Catholic school. She is chronicled in “Elegy For Mary Ellen.”

The lead single, “All I Remember Is You,” is very representative of what is best about their approach. The music is catchy pop and the lyrics just slip by. Herspring’s vocal is effortless and is what sets the band apart from many of their contemporaries.

The Stories We Are Told is a modern day album of relevant pop music. It is an intelligent way to wile away some time during the pandemic.

Rating: ***1/2

One Of Those Days By Louisiana’s LeRoux

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LeRoux, Louisiana's LeRoux

One Of Those Days

Louisiana’s LeRoux

Gulf Coast Records

Review by David Bowling

 

When this CD crossed my desk, I immediately went to my record collection and there was the debut album by Leroux, where it has probably sat for four decades. They may have added Louisiana to their name and changed some of the members; but they continue to play a fusion of New Orleans blues and rock and roll.

One Of Those Days is their 8th studio release. Led by founding member and lead vocalist Jeff McCarty, along with long-time members and guitarists,  Jim Odom and Tony Haselden; the eight man group has issued a tasty mix of cover and original compositions.

Their laid back style fits their New Orleans roots. Whether ballads or up-tempo blues, songs such as “Nothing Left To Lose,” “The Song Goes On,” “Sauce Piquante,” and a re-imagining of their most famous song “New Orleans Ladies; they have a passion and a precision that keeps their music honest and interesting.

Louisiana’s Leroux has returned from a ten year hiatus with a fine comeback album. One Of These days continues their tradition of fine music – New Orleans style.

Rating: ***

Waitin’ For Payday By Sid Whelan

Waitin’ For Payday

Sid Whelan

Presio Records 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

Sid Whelan continues to evolve as a songwriter, vocalist, and guitarist. He learned his craft from the likes of Steve Earle, Woody Mann, and Howard Morgan. As a solo artist he began with the blues and then added horns to the mix, which gave some of the songs a funky feel. Now he includes a few African rhythms. The one constant, however, has been his guitar work, which always has a bluesy feel and provides a center for his music.

His newest album, Waitin’ For Payday, was released near the beginning of March. It consists of eight original songs. On board is his regular band, plus a small horn section. He also uses a number of guest vocalists.

Many times it is a slow song that can define a blues artist and especially a guitarist. “Midnight In The Country” is a classic of this style. The clarity and precision of his guitar work drives the song and makes room for his vocals. “Love Me Right” features vocalist Ariel Guidry, who provides a nice counter point to his guitar runs.

There has always been a connection between the blues and African rhythms. “Legba Ain’t No Devil” is his foray into incorporating some of these rhythms into his music. It provides a nice change from his regular approach.

Be it straight blues or some experimentation, he is sure to please any fan of the blues.

Rating: ***

 

Church House Blues By Crystal Shawanda

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Church House Blues, Crystal Shawanda

Church House Blues

Crystal Shawanda

Truth 2020

Review by David Bowling

 

Crystal Shawanda is one of those artists where it all comes time to the voice. As a number of musicians are masters of their instruments (guitar, harmonica, sax, etc.), so Crystal Shawanda is a master of her vocal instrument. It is a powerful force that can growl or purr as the song calls for. Her voice is a formidable force and made for the blues.

While she began her career as a country singer; she has found a home in the blues. Her newest release, Church House Blues, helps her cement that career choice.

The second track, “Evil Memory,” is emblematic of her style and approach. Her voice just explodes without overwhelming the lyrics. It is a rare song where the vocalist gives an all out effort. “Bigger Than The Blues” is a little smoother. She co-wrote the song with guitarist Dewayne Strobel, whose subtle work presents a nice counter point.

The ten tracks cover slow blues “When It Comes To Love,” energetic blues/rock “Church House Blues,” and the pop leanings of “Hey Love.”

Church House Blues is an album that takes its place among the better blues release of the year. It is an album of excellent and unforgettable blues.

Rating: ***1/2