9/19/2017
New Blues & Soul News – 9/19/2017
Chickenbone Slim – The Big Beat (Self-produced): Chickenbone Slim, sometimes known as Larry Teves, is a big town musician who is more at home with front porch, down-home, and often sly notions about life. He composed all of the songs on offer and his singing as straightforward as they can be with his tongue so firmly in his cheek. Not only that, but he also hangs with some big time players, like Kid Andersen (production, guitar), Big Jon Atkinson (guitar, bass, harmonica), Marty Dodson (drums), and Scot Smart (bass, guitar). Songs range from “Hemi Dodge” to “Vodka And Vicodin”. It’s a good time, but don’t get too worked up. I mean these boys take their country living seriously with a grain of salt. Click here to listen to the title song.
Scott Ramminger – Alive And Ornery (Arbor Lane Music): Singer/songwriter/sax blower Scott Ramminger in live performance from various gigs around the DC area. He has a talky road worn singing style and a great sense of humor. He’s the slightly out of it or somewhat crotchety old man facing all the pitfalls of love and self-incrimination that “would be” wonder boys with a terrific sense of humor can not only face but also exploit. He’s reminiscent of the Rev. Billy C. Wirtz without the intense craziness. Backing musicians include Pete Ragusa (former Nighthawks drummer), Chris Brown (bass), Vince McCool (trumpet), Ariel Francis and Wes Lanich (trading off on keys), and Clarence “Bluesman” Turner, David Kitchen and Keith Grimes sharing guitar duties. Click here to listen to samples of songs on this disc.
Trevor Sewell – Calling Nashville – An American Adventure (Self-produced): Folk blues singer/songwriter/guitarist from the UK who continues to blend his stylistic span from folk and blues adding some country, world and Americana. He composed all eleven songs on this disc. His performance is on the soft side, but he can be raucous at times. Sewell plays guitar, mandolin, bass, and keys on this disc and is supported by Justin Kimbal and Dave Robson (electric bass); Sean O’Bryan Smith (acoustic bass); Trevor Brewis (drums); Kellen Michael Wenrich (fiddle); Tim McDonald (B3); with guest appearances by Janis Ian (piano, vocals); and additional backing vocals by Tracy Nelson, Vickie Carrico, Mia Moravis, Chris McCartie and Trevor Brewis. Lots of stylistic change and solid performances throughout. Click here to listen to the duet by Sewell and Janis Ian, clearly the highlight of the disc.
Kim Simmonds – Jazzin’ On The Blues (Panache): Kim Simmonds, founder and lead guitarist of Savoy Brown, helped to mold the style of British blues that took over the rock scene in the 60s and 70s. He still plays with terrific agility and style though the sound is much jazzier than in the old days. He also plays harmonica and bass on this recording with a bit of percussion added by Ron Keck. Simmonds composed nine of the twelve songs on offer and his covers are interesting: Lennon & McCartney’s “She’s A Woman”, Bill Doggett & Billy Butler’s “True Blue” and Smokey Robinson and Berry Gordy’s “Shop Around”. A nice release from a fine guitarist. Click here to listen to the tracks on this disc.
New Soul Add:
Ms Jody – (I Got That) Thunder Under Yonder (Ecko): Ms Jody, who must absolutely be the top soul disco singer, is back with a new release. The synths are still bringing the sensual melodies and the beat is just right for swaying, bumping and grooving. Twelve songs in the uptown soul disco rhythm about loving, cheating, dancing and regretting. Backing musicians are John Ward (rhythm tracks, sequencing) on all but one song when James Jackson takes over; John Ward also plays guitar and B3 and Latoya Malone and Joanne Delapaz (background vocals). Titles include “Power Stroke”, Ms Jody’s Energizer Slide”, “Another Other Woman”, “I Had To Lie” and the title song. Click here to listen to samples of the songs on this disc.
Kopasetically,
Professor Bebop
