Too Much Mustard By The Wentus Blues Band With Duke Robillard

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Duke Robillard, Wentus Blues Band

Too Much Mustard

Wentus Blues Band With Duke Robillard

Ramasound Records 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

Duke Robillard is one of the most prolific musicians working today. Whether it be producing, guesting on an album, or releasing his own material; he appears on a dozen or so albums each year.

The blues are alive and well in Finland and the Wentus Blues Band is one of its leading practitioners. The connection between them and Duke Robillard began in 1987 when they were Duke’s opening act. Now 30 years later they have joined together to create a new album titled Too Much Mustard.

The Wentus Blues Blues Band is a self-contained unit, who play a dynamic form of American electric blues. When you add a second lead guitarist of Robillard’s expertise, the sound is enhanced and the quality of the music ascends to the highest level.

The Wentus Blues Band, both instrumentally and vocally, play a very good American brand of the blues. They are also also and excellent match for Robillard’s sound and style.

The music is a mix of originals and covers. The covers are good and the originals are very good. Leonard Cohen’s “First We Take Manhattan,” Tom Waits “2:19,” Chuck Willis’ “Feels So Bad,” and Robert Johnson’s “Judgement Day” all have different origins but are transferred into an electric blues and rock mix. Each song may have a similar approach, so if you like one, you will like them all.

The original compositions have a little bit more individual personality. Songs such as “Passionate Kiss,” “Right In Your Arms,” “Miranda,” “She Made My Mind,” and “Selma” allow the band members to stretch a bit.

The Wentus Blues Band is able to connect on a personal label. They have a comfortable sound that is very listenable. Too Much Mustard is a solid album of blues and Duke Robillard’s participation as guest guitarist, producer, and whose painting forms the album cover, only makes it better.

Rating: ***1/2

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As Good As It Gets (CD) By Polly O’Keary & The Rhythm Method

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Blues, Polly O'Keary, Rhythm Method

As Live As It Gets

Polly O’Keary & The Rhythm Method

Polly O’Keary Music 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

The fist commandment of a blues musician should be, “Thou Shalt Issue A Live Album.” Studio releases are fine but they do not present a complete picture of a musicians style and talent. A live release, without any studio tinkering after-the-fact, is a personal statement.

Bassist/singer/songwriter Polly O’Keary and her band Rhythm Method; guitarist David Miller and drummer Tommy Cook, have now released their fifth album and first live release As Live As It Gets.

A concert setting finds the group relaxed as they re-interpret many of their previous released songs. The ability to adjust and improvise their material gives the material new textures and nuances. Original songs such as “Red Light,” “Hard Act To Follow,” “Gather Round Me Angels,” and “Sugar Daddy” take on new life.

Two cover tracks also shine. Eric Clapton’s “Old Love” allows guitarist David Miller to step forward and take the lead. Eric Bibb’s “In My Father’s House” is re-imagined by O’Keary.

The band is more raw and basic than in the studio, which is typical of many blues bands.

As Live As It Gets is an intimate introduction to a hard working band.

Rating: ***1/2

Hell To Pay By Billie Williams

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Billie Williams

Hell To Pay

Billie Williams

Billie Williams Music 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

And God Said, “Let Her Sing The Blues,” and it was good.

Billie Williams has one of those voices that was made for the blues. It is powerful. emotional, and the perfect vehicle to tell he stories. She has just released a new album titled Hell To Pay.

She wrote 10 of the tracks and co-wrote the 11th and some have a little bite. “Ten Million Sisters” is a feminist ode, while the title track speaks of the divisions in our country.

She surrounds herself with a full bad, and a brass section but it all comes back to her voice.

Rating: ***1/2

Visions CD By Alice Howe

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Alice Howe

Visions

Alice Howe

CD Baby 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

Alice Howe has a wonderful bluesy voice that is best appreciated when it separates from the instrumental backing and stands on its own.

Her new release, Visions, combines original compositions and some choice covers into an intimate album of music.

Her crystal clear interpretation of Sam Cooke’s Classic, “Bring It On Home To Me,” is a laid-back classic. Her voice envelops the instruments on the old blues song “Honey Bee.”  A simple acoustic version of the Bob Dylan tune “Don’t Think Twice It’s All Right” proves that, for her at least, simple is best.

Her songs range from the warm and personal “Twilight” to the horn laden, big band sound of “Getaway Car.”

Alice Howe has created a light blues albums that fuses together a number of style. Visions is a pleasing group of songs that should provide a satisfying listening experience.

Rating: ***1/2

Mississippi BarBQ By Zac Harmon

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Catfood Records, Mississippi BarBQ, Zac Harmon

Mississippi BarBQ

Zac Harmon

Catfood Records 2019

Review by David Bowling

Guitarist/blues singer Zac Harmon invites you to a musical BarBQ, southern style. The menu is a healthy helping of modern day blues and superb guitar playing.

His new release, Mississippi BarBQ, will be released July 19. It is his most ambitious album to date as he surrounds himself with an array of backing musicians, who help him fill in the sound.

The Rays, led by bassist Bob Trenchard, are on of the best backing bands working today and they supplement the sound on seven of the eleven tracks.  Add in a four piece horn section and you have the makings of an excellent modern day blues album that builds on his vision of southern traditional blues.

Original tracks such as the title song, “Make A Dollar Out of Fifteen Cents,” “Honey Pleez,” and “Smoke And Mirrors” are fine examples of his sophisticated blues approach. Also included is a stunning cover of Bob Dylan’s “Knocking On Heavens Door.”

Zac Harmon’s approach to the blues continues to evolve as he experiments with new layers and textures. Misisisippi BarBQ is the latest chapter in his musical journey.

Rating: ***

Who Cares By David G Smith

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David G Smith, Who Cares

Who Cares

David G Smith

Hey Dave Music 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

David G. Smith will release his new album, titled Who Cares, August 23rd. It is an album of 12 original tunes that feature his songwriting ability. The album took a very personal direction with the passing of his friend and producer Blue Miller.

Smith is basically a troubadour who fills in his sound with various incarnations of a backing band. The focus, however, is always on his lyrics and storytelling.

Smith’s stories run from the light to the gritty, but they always tell a story. His writing is simple and mostly serious as he touches on depression, southern border issues, and the critical album ending “Who Cares.

The highlight of the album is the gentle “Shine,” which is enhanced by guest co-vocalist Mary Gauthier.

David G. Smith has produced another album of cerebral music. Who Cares is an album that deserves some attention.

Rating ***

Revelation By Tullie Brae

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Tullie Brae

Revelation

Tullie Brae

Endless Blues Records 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

Tullie Brae has one of those just voices made for the blues.

Brae’s new album hits all the high points of a traditional blues album titled Revelation. The ten original tunes range from gentle ballads to hard edged rockers. Her lyrics tell stories of love, loss, relationships, violence, and redemption.

She accompanies herself on various keyboards, slide guitar, and cigar-box guitar, which I haven’t heard in quite a while. She also surrounds herself with and array of musicians, including a string section, which not only provides support but fills in the sound.

Despite the lyrics and her backing musicians, it all comes back to her voice. Revelation is a blues coming out party for a unique vocalist and blues artist.

Rating: ***

Get Here Quick By The Texas Horns

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Get Here Quick, Texas Horns

Get Here Quick

The Texas Horns

Severn Records 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

If you are a horn section and want to release an album, you better have a lot of friends, which brings us to The Texas Horns.

Mark “Kaz” Kazanoff, John Miles, and Al Gomez are The Texas Horns. They have established a reputation as one of the best brass sections working today. They have now taken a leap of faith and stepped forward to release their own album titled Get Here Quick. They have also written all the tracks, which is unusual for a brass section.

They have assembled an array of musicians, including guitarists, bass players, keyboardists, vocalists, and drummers to front the band. This allows the trio to functions as both a classic backing brass section, and an improvisational unit.

Their sound cuts across styles. There is blues, especially when Ronnie Earl is the guitarist, Americana, some rock and roll, and jazz.

Get Here Quick is an album that can be appreciated track by track. Grab a copy and let the music flow.

Rating: ***1/2

Speakeasy By Paula Harris

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Paula Harris, Speakeasy

Speakeasy

Paula Harris

Paula Harris Music 2019

Review by David Bowling

 

Imagine a smoky lounge about a half-century ago. It is a basic band of piano, drums, and bass. As Paula Harris begins to sing, the crowd quiets.

Paula Harris is a composer and singer who has a connection with jazz and blues of a by-gone era. Whether her own compositions or choice covers; her soulful voice is perfect for old time jazz with some blues thrown in for good measure.

Her backing band of pianist Nate Ginsberg, bassist Rich Girard, and drummer Derrick Martin are veteran unit who lay down a basic sound that connects with her style well, plus they are adept at keeping.  her voice front and center.

The most inventive track is her re-imagining of Thelonious Monk’s “‘Round Midnight.” She is true to the music but composes new lyrics, plus adds trumpet player Bill Ortiz to give it an authentic feel. Add in Louis Jordan’s “Is You Or Is You Ain’t My Baby,” and jazzy original tunes “Soul-Sucking Man,” “Haunted,” and “You Don’t Look A Day Over Fabulous” and you have an album of excellent music.

Speakeasy is an album where the past and present day intersect. Grab your favorite beverage, turn the lights down low, and relax.

 

Rating: ***1/2

Kind Of Blues By Adam Holt

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Adam Holt, Kind Of Blues

Kind Of Blues

Adam Holt

Zenith Label 2019Review by David Bowling

 

It’s amazing what an old Ampex tape machine and a few guitars can produce.

The CD cover picture makes Adam Holt look like an old and grizzled bluesman, which in many ways is correct. However, it belies his soulful, and almost gentle voice.

His new album, Kind Of Blues, is a personal release, that moves outward from a blues foundation toward country, Americana, and some good old rock and roll. The nine original compositions trace his personal journeys through life, set to music. Separation, corporate America, equality, and ultimately faith. all combine together to form  relevant and well thought-out album of music.

Adam Holt has produced another sold album of music. Kind Of Blues is recommended for anyone who likes their music introspective and passionate, plus has a little bounce to it.

Rating: ***