New Blues Review 10-19-25
By Jack Roy
Leonard Brown – Lowdown (Music Maker)
Bio – “Born in 1953 into a family with five brothers and four sisters, Leonard grew up with music all around him. Like many Black families during the Great Migration, Leonard’s mother and father journeyed from their home in Arkansas to Gary, Indiana to raise their family and find more economic opportunity. Music was one way they remained connected to their southern roots, and they shared this passion with their children. He recalls, “When we moved into our first house, the first thing my mom bought was a piano. Everybody would play on it, even if they didn’t know how. The house was always full of music.” Leonard and his siblings spent their formative years singing in traveling gospel choirs, which he credits as the foundation of his musical style. To him, “When you really listen, all that early gospel music is just the blues with different words put to it.” Around the age of six, Leonard’s father gave him his first guitar and he hasn’t stopped playing since. “I just can’t imagine not having a guitar,” he tells me. “Even if I never played in a club again, I can’t imagine not playing music. It’s part of me, I couldn’t be a whole person without it.””
Review – If you like something different in the Blues Genre this might be a gem for you, it was for me. Leonard is inspired by folks like BB King, RL Burnside and T-Bone Walker and you can hear it in every song. This would be classified as Funky Blues, but it is a lot more complex than that. You can hear T-Bone in Leonard’s guitar leads and I can hear Junior Kimbrough in some of the rhythms and I can Hear BB in his lyrics. Add all that together and add this synth background music and the magic happens. Very raw in some cases as with the tune “I Need Help”. Music Maker Foundation drummer and producer Ardie Dean (Beverly “Guitar” Watkins, Little Freddie King, Ironing Board Sam) along with Huntsville, AL guitarist Microwave Dave Galaher, who has shared the stage with Aretha Franklin, Bo Diddley, and Junior Walker, Tony Grady on bass, Ardie on drums, and Dan Hochter on keys and bass rounds out the band. Some of the standouts for me were “Mojo Bag”, “I’m Going To Take Care Of You” and “Street Party”. I think my favorite tune is “Big Blues Show″, almost a funky beach tune, listen here. I will give this a 9 on Blues Content and a 10+ on Music Content.
Jay Hooks – Tequila & Bullets (Self Produced)
Bio – “In the 1990s, Jay Hooks gained a loyal following in the Texas blues rock scene, renowned for his gritty, rock-tinged electric blues. His powerful guitar work and raw, emotive vocals resonated with fans, establishing him as a standout performer. Jay’s music captured the essence of Texas blues, blending traditional elements with a modern rock edge that appealed to a wide audience. In 1997, Jay Hooks’ hard work paid off when he recorded his debut album, “Hooked Up,” at the renowned SugarHill Recording Studios in Houston. The album was a collection of raw, authentic blues tracks that resonated with listeners. The success of “Hooked Up” caught the attention of a European record executive from Provogue Records. Jay signed a deal and released a self-titled album, “Jay Hooks,” in 2000. The album was well-received, expanding his fanbase across the Atlantic. Two years later, he followed up with “Red Line,” further cementing his reputation as a formidable blues guitarist. He toured extensively internationally, promoting his records and gaining popularity in his genre. His energetic live performances and authentic sound solidified his reputation, making him a beloved figure in the blues rock community. In 2005 Jay suffered a profound setback that shook him to his core. This drained him of the joy he once found in music. The guitar, which had always been his solace, now felt like a heavy burden. The man who had once lived and breathed music found himself in a silent world. The years that followed were a blur of sorrow and self-pitty. Jay withdrew from the public eye, and his once-thriving music career came to a halt.”
Review – If you like Rockin’ Raw Blues, turn up the volume and buckle up, this Album Cruises!! Jay has “the” voice and his guitar work is superb. The album is really good, but live performances is where he shines. His band consists of Jorge Castillo – Rhythm Guitar, Brock Proctor – Bass Guitar, Matthew R. Johnson – Drums, Barry Seelen – Hammond B-3 Organ, and Myron Big Jack Jackson – Trumpet. The band rocks. Jay’s guitar work has a real Ted Nugent feel to it. All the tunes are heavy Guitar led and scattered heavily with smoking Guitar Leads and acrobatics. Some of my standouts on this album are “Evinrude Boat Motor”, “Left Me Cold” and “Mexican Larry” but I think my favorite is “Mississippi Sheiks″, listen here. I will give this a 9 on Blues Content and a 10 on Music Content.
Al Basile – Blues In Hand (Sweet Spot)
Bio – “Al Basile, something like 50s counterspy Herb Philbrick, has led three lives: as a singer/songwriter/cornetist in blues and jazz circles; as a poet/playwright/fiction writer; and until a few years ago, as a teacher/coach at an independent school in Rhode Island. 2012 marked a watershed year for him, with the publication of a career retrospective book of poetry, A Lit House, and with the release of his ninth Duke Robillard-produced solo CD At Home Next Door, which is itself both a retrospective of his blues songwriting and performing during his 14 year tenure on his own Sweetspot Records label (which proves that he’s always been an elite talent, if not always well-known), and a collection of new songs in a 60’s Memphis style (which prove that he’s better than ever). He has always enjoyed a unique relationship with his boss from his first band Roomful of Blues, Duke Robillard, who has produced and played on every one of his releases, and he continues to draw from the best blues players from the Northeast, including many Roomful alumni. At Home Next Door also has a guest appearance by his old friend and Providence musical compatriot, jazz great Scott Hamilton, on tenor sax.”
Review – This is a pretty good CD but there is something about Al’s voice that I feel falls flat through out this album. Almost a weak Dr. John’s voice that is not quite in tune. The highlight of this album is the guitar work from Kid Anderson, never sounded better. And from this album, I found out I don’t like the sound of a Cornet. The band is about as good as it gets, Mark Teixeira – drums, Brad Hallen – Electric Bass, Bruce Bears – Keyboards, Jeff “Doc” Chanonhouse – Trumpet, Doug James – Tenor, Kid Andersen – Guitar, and Jhett Black – Guitar on “Ain’t What You Say. Thirteen brand new original songs and the song writing perfect. Some of my standouts for this CD are ”Blues Is My Roommate”, “Thank You Fool” and “Ain’t What You Said” but I think my favorite is “Older By The Minute″, listen here. I will give this a 9 on Blues Content and a 9 on Music Content.
Robbin Kapsalis – The Blues Is In The House (Blues House Production)
Bio – “Robbin Kapsalis carries the soul of Chicago’s Southside in her voice. Born among the echoes of the city’s legendary blues scene and later shaped by Atlanta’s rich musical heritage, she delivers performances that blend traditional blues grit with contemporary spirit. Her commanding voice exemplifies the emotional depth of classic blues while bringing a fresh, modern sensibility to the genre. Think of the passionate delivery of Sharon Jones meeting the raw power of Koko Taylor – Kapsalis channels this legacy while crafting her own distinctive sound. Featured in Living Blues Magazine (#284), her story resonates with authenticity, from her early days on Chicago’s Southside to her emergence as a compelling blues artist. Her songwriting talents shine through in works like “Poor Me,” which earned semi-finalist recognition in the 2019 International Songwriting Competition, and “From the Heart of The One,” named Best Blues Song by the Washington Area Music Association in 2022.”
Review – I was excited to see this one come across my Blues Desk having been a fan of Vintage #18 and Robin’s deep voice. If you get a chance to see her live, take it. She is a natural vocal powerhouse. produced by harmonica ace Giles Robison, Robin takes on some classic blues tunes and gives her personal touch on each one. My standouts for this album are “Shake Your Hips”, “Love Hangover” and “Sitting On Top Of The World” but I think my favorite is “The Blues Is In The House″, this is an older recording with Joe Louis Walker playing guitar, listen here. I will give this a 10 on Blues Content and a 10 on Music Content.
Dave Keyes – Two Trains (Keysland Music)
Bio – “Native New Yorker, keyboardist, singer and songwriter, Dave is a 30 year veteran of the Blues and American Roots music scenes. With the upcoming release of his 7th CD, “Rhythm, Blues and Boogie” October 21st, 2022, featuring special guest legendary drummer Bernard Purdie and others, the 3x Blues Music Award nominee returns to his own soulful roots, having toured the world both as a solo artist and with his own Dave Keyes Band. For much of the last 10 years, in addition to his own band and solo gigs, Dave worked with bluesman Popa Chubby, and R&R queen Ronnie Spector until her recent passing. Previously Dave had lengthy stints with such iconic and varied artists as Odetta, David Johansen, Bo Diddley, rockabilly legend Sleepy LaBeef and gospel great Marie Knight. Dave’s music finds its roots in deep blues, soul and rock and roll. These roots are the foundation of his recent albums and vibrant live shows. His well-received previous albums are rambunctious sets of mostly original material that range from New Orleans second line funk to slow sensual blues, swaggering shuffles and boisterous rocking boogie woogie. Dave’s live work with his own band has earned him many kudos including winning the Blues Foundation’s International Blues Challenge. He has made numerous festival appearances both in the US and abroad including 3 appearances at France’s prestigious Cognac Blues Festival and annual appearances at Lugano, Switzerland’s Blues to Bop festival among many others. He also worked as a sideman for a who’s who of roots, soul and Rock and Roll music masters such as Eddy Clearwater, Big Jay McNeely, Tracy Nelson, Gladys Knight, Pam Tillis, Darlene Love, and the late great Ruth Brown, Lou Rawls and Levon Helm.”
Review – This is the first time I have been introduced to Dave Keyes and I am liking it. Great voice, wonderful song writing and a super solid all-star band consisting of Bernard Purdie and Frank Pagano on Drums, John Putnam on Guitar/Pedal Steel, Jeff Anderson and Mike Merritt on Bass, Rob Paparozzi on Harmonica, Hasan Bakr on Percussion, Chris Bergson on Slide Guitar and Woody Mann on Guitar. Music is so well designed and played with such purpose. Some of the standouts for me were “I’m Alright”, “Two Trains” and “Blues Ain’t Looking For You”. I think my favorite is “Boogie Till The Cows Come Home”, but there is nothing online yet from this album so here is a performance of Dave with “It’s 7 O’clock Somewhere″, listen here. I will give this a 10 on Blues Content and a 10 on Music Content.
The Soul Of John Black – Soul Salvation (Yellow Dog Records)
Bio – “John Arthur (J.B.) Bigham, known as The Soul of John Black, is an award-winning singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer who is a true son of the blues. With a career that has spanned multiple genres, Bigham has made a significant impact on the music industry through his innovative approach and musical versatility. After a stint with Miles Davis as a writer and percussionist, followed by eight years with the ska/punk rock band Fishbone, Bigham emerged as The Soul of John Black to capture his love for blues, funk, and soul. His new record, “J.B.’s Blues Party!”, reflects this journey, as he takes it back to the blues clubs he played over the years, stating, “We were just so much having fun!” igham’s love for the blues began with his Chicago upbringing. His parents, hailing from Georgia and Tennessee, shared stories about blues legends like Jimmy Reed and Muddy Waters, which became ingrained in him. “It was ingrained in me: stories about the blues and the history of my family. Chicago was a Blues Mecca; it was a natural part of me.” This rich musical heritage laid the foundation for his artistic expression and deep connection to the genre. Throughout his career, John Bigham has received critical acclaim from notable publications like Rolling Stone and NPR. He has earned nominations from the Blues Music Awards and the Independent Music Awards, highlighting his influence within the blues community. Bigham’s versatility has also led him to collaborate with prominent artists, including Dr. Dre, Eminem, and Nikka Costa, showcasing his adaptability across different musical styles.”
Review – First time listening to John and all I can say is Wow!! The voice on this man is Magic! Really reminds me of a young Joe Louis Walker, just pure. John’s guitar playing is a simplistic perfection, reminding me of BB King. Not a flurry of notes, just the right ones. And did I mention his voice?? Darn. Ok on my Blues Radar, I would not put him in the “Blues Genre”, but he is definitely inspired by the Blues and man his voice!! John is probably considered a Blues/Soul singer but he blends well floating in and out of the Blues Genre. On this recording, John plays all of the instruments (Except Drums By Oliver Charles) and provides all of the voices. He really reminds me of our local famous band Free Union, just at a whole different level. Typically with these “One Man” studio creations, the music can be sterile and without feeling, but not this Album. The whole album is at such a high quality and musically in the stratosphere. My standouts of the Album are “Been Gone Too Long”, “That Thang” and to really appreciate his voice, “The First Time”. I know my favorite is “Georgia Peaches”, this may be my favorite song of the year″, listen here. I will give this a 9 on Blues Content and a 10+ on Music Content.
