Nights Of Luna reviewed by Mark Nelson

Nights Of Luna

Willie May

Willie May Music

http://www.williemay-music.com

10 Tracks

Willie May is a veteran performer from the Buffalo, NY area.  The Willie May Band is a 5 time Buffalo Area Music Award winner.  The band has performed with dozens of national and international known blues performers.  Over the years there have been 13 album releases.  This is a veteran plying his craft.

“Tell Me Baby” is the opener, and reminds me of some old New Orleans R&B, with some punching horns and that rhythm we have all grown to love.  The vocals are a bit strained, but a good track.  The next track “My Big Rita” carries on in the same New Orleans groove. This is another quality track.  “Love That’s True” gets into the slow country blues harmonica backed groove.  Mike Silver provides a solid harmonica on this track.  The 4th track stays in the country blues/rockabilly  vein with “Trouble No More”.  This is great blues lyrics, with solid guitar work.  Next up is a slow simmering blues stew called “By Degrees”.  It has fine musicianship, but needs a punchier vocal to really carry the tune.

This musical gumbo takes us to the islands next with a laid back island groove of “Today’s The Day”.  Light percussion, kalimba (African thumb piano) a a bit of harmonica set the groove on this cut.  Willie takes us to an even more laid back cut  called “Laid Back”.  He is solo vocals and ukulele on this track.  It’s not half bad.  “Frog Legs” takes us to a full tilt boogie sound.  Great lyrics are here about his girl and her frog legs!  “I Gotta Girl” is the next to last tune.  Jim Wozniak provides a great organ groove, and Mike Silver returns on harmonica.  The last number is ”Plastic People”.  A bit of social commentary wrapped up in a 70’s hard rock tune.

Willie May makes a musical gumbo on the CD.  We hear many different sides to the music, maybe a few too many.  I enjoyed the CD, but would normally like a bit more focus with just 10 tracks.  Fine musicianship was heard across the disc.  I hope to catch him live one day, I bet he put ‘s on a good show.

Reviewed by Mark Nelson

Flyin' Home From Memphis reviewed by Rick Davis

Flyin' Home From Memphis

The Mighty Mojo Prophets

Delta Groove Music

13 Tracks

Originally, creative artists like T-Bone Walker, Charles Brown, Lowell Fulson, Pee Wee Crayton, Big Joe Turner, and Johnny “Guitar” Watson moved West in the '40s and '50s and established that West Coast blues style of music. In later years, that West Coast sound flourished into what has become a dominate force in the blues world, launching another generation of California artists like Kid Ramos, William Clark, Hollywood Fats, James Harman, Rod Piazza, Charlie Baty, Floyd Dixon, Junior Watson, Lynwood Slim, The Red Devils, The Hollywood Blueflames, The Bigtown Playboys, and more recently groups like Lil A & The Allnighters, The 44s, Mike Eldred, Kyle Jester, Johnny Mastro and Mama's Boys, Whiteboy James, Atomic Roadkings, and Barry Levenson, just to name a few.

I would be remiss not to include The Mighty Mojo Prophets as one of the newest groups on the California blues scene today. As a result of their debut album in 2011, The Mighty Mojo Prophets, they earned a 2012 Blues Music Award nomination for Best New Artist Debut, performing for the event's pre-party celebration on May 10, 2012, at the Cook Convention Center in downtown Memphis. Still reeling from their 2012 Blues Music Award nomination for Best New Artist Debut, The Mighty Mojo Prophets are back with their second release this time on Delta Groove Music Flyin' Home From Memphis. Fueled by the superb vocals of Tom "Big Son" Eliff and the masterful guitar work of Mitch "Da Switch" Dow, The Mighty Mojo Prophets were established originally in 2007. Completing the band are Alex Schwartz on drums, Dave Deforest on bass, Mike Malone on piano and organ along with backing vocals, Mark Sample on tenor sax, Johnny V. on trumpet, San Pedro Slim on harp, and Alex "Lil A" Woodson also on harp from the group Lil A and The Allnighters.

Music Flyin' Home From Memphis combines swingin', jumpin' West Coast Blues with other regional blues styles such as Chicago and Texas blues, Memphis soul, country blues and progressive rock ‘n’ roll. The Mighty Mojo Prophets start the party with the shuffle "Sweetness," capturing the band in perfect harmony. They "swing" into the West Coast sound with "The Gambler" featuring one solid rhythm section in addition to possibly one of the best vocalists and guitar players in the business. San Pedro Slim takes control as he rips into his harp, William Clarke style, on "Lucky Man." Added to an already spectacular band is an all-star horn section and Mike Malone on organ, spotlighting the tune "I Can't Believe." Mitch "Da Switch" Dow opens and continues with a little Elmore James slide guitar on "The 45." Returning home from Memphis, The Mighty Mojo Prophets are grooving to "California," reminiscent of the jump blues tune Caldonia, done in 1945 by Louis Jordan. "Remember Me" is a slow blues tune with Eliff asking his baby to remember him with fond memories. "One For Me" implements a driving rock 'n' roll beat that would even please Chuck Berry. They keep the retro rock theme going with a "Strong Medicine" with a resonating Bo Diddley beat. "Jo's Jive" is the only instrumental rocking from coast to coast with a series of T-Bone Walker style riffs. The country-blues tune "She's Gone" shows some elements of jug band music with a little New Orleans style piano. Eliff  cautions to watch out for that "Street Corner Preacher" who is nothing more than a panhandler. This eclectic collection concludes with another New Orleans style cautionary tale entitled "Whatulookinfor."  

If you had the opportunity to hear their debut album released on Rip Cat, you owe it to yourself to pick up their sophomore release Flyin' Home From Memphis on Delta Groove. It is a superb CD with song writing and arrangement done by the solid team of Dow and Eliff. It is an album you won't forget!

Review by Rick Davis

Out Of My Mind reviewed by Dennis Barker

Out Of My Mind
Cassie Taylor
Yellow Dog Records
www.yellowdog-records.com
13 tracks/49:56

The talented Cassie Taylor, vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, has released her second CD, "Out Of My Mind", consisting of a dozen tunes all written and arranged by Taylor. Joining Cassie on all twelve tracks is guitarist Steve Mignano and drummer Larry Thompson. Although additional musicians appear on some of the cuts, Steve Vidak on organ, Owen Tharp on bowed bass, Jon Gray on trumpet, and Todd Edmunds on tuba, the disc does not stray far from the power trio format that Cassie tours with. Although recorded in a studio, these songs have not been over produced.

The opener, "Ol'Mama Dean Parts one and two", is a tale of a battered woman and her revenge inspired by a documentary about a womens' correctional facility. Following is "Spare Some Love", an easy going bluesy tune, written after an appearance at a benefit, "Stomp The Blues Out Of Homelessness", with some great guitar work from Mignano that compliments Taylor's soulful voice. On another highlight of this CD, "New Orleans", the feel of that great city has been captured by the drumming of Thompson, the guitar of Mignano, and the excellent trumpet of Jon Gray, with Cassie's vocal leading the way over a rock solid bass line.

"No Ring Blues", a large hint to her then boyfriend-now husband, has more great guitar from Mignano. On "That's My Man" Cassie loosens the reins and lets go, a definite rocker. On "Again" we find Cassie at her piano singing her heart out with more nice guitar from Mignano, a fine closer to a well done group of tunes from Cassie and the boys.

Cassie blends blues and rock into an enjoyable and original set of tunes that her fans will enjoy.  It will give those new to her music a good sampling of what this young artist is all about.  I enjoyed this CD and think that you will, too!

Reviewed by Dennis Barker

All the Way reviewed by Mark Thompson

All the Way

The McCrary Sisters

McC Records

www.mccrarysisters.net

12 tracks/55:23

While you may not be familiar with the McCrary name, chances are that you have heard at least one of the four sisters singing backing vocals for legendary artists like Elvis, Johnny Cash and Stevie Wonder. More recently they have recorded with Dr. John and Paul Thorn. Regina spent six years with Bob Dylan while Deborah made appearances with Issac Hayes. Ann was a member of several highly-regarded choirs. Alfreda was content to work on music ministry with her husband at their local church. But several years ago she began to make public appearances with her sisters, rounding out the group's amazing vocal talent.

The sisters were raised in the church by their father, the late Rev. Samuel McCrary. Fans of gospel music will recognize his name as a member of the Fairfield Four, one of the greatest gospel quartets of all time. On their new release, his daughters expand on his lessons while demonstrating that contemporary gospel music can come in a variety of styles. That becomes immediately apparent on the opening track penned by Alfreda, “Come On”, as the sisters lift up a song of praise over an arrangement straight from the Jame Brown school of funk. “Talk to You” is a down-home blues with one of the sisters belting out a compelling litany about God's healing power. The brooding “Hello Jesus”, written by Deborah, is another highlight with Rob McNelly on lead guitar, Steve Macky on bass, Derek Phillips on drums and co-producer Kevin McKendree on keyboards. They also lend a hand on “Right Where You Are”, as the McCrary's testify to the sounds of McNelly's slide guitar and McKendree's driving piano lines.

Colin Linden guests on “Hum and Moan” playing slide guitar, bass and dobro. The track was produced by Tommy Sims, who also plays guitar on a haunting acoustic track about the eternal battle between good and evil. It is one of five songs Regina composed for the project. Their version of the Gary Nicholson and Tom Hambridge song, “Skin Deep”, features Allen McCrary's sweet lead vocal on an uplifting rendition of the title track from a Buddy Guy recording. The sisters show their sassy side on “Let It Go”, their glorious voices rising over a rocking arrangement accented by Quintin Ware on trumpet and Dana Robbins on saxophone. “Victory” sports synthesizers and programming, showing the sisters aren't afraid to use an approach that recalls the classic Pointer Sisters sound. The following song is Regina's gentle praise hymn, “You Can Make It”, that reminds us that all things are possible if you remain resolute in your faith, complete with a string section.

The liner notes provide complete listing of the musicians on each track but surprisingly fail to mention which of the sister's is singing the lead vocal. So we are left to assume that it is Ann's dynamic voice that rides the full arrangement on “Train”, a song she wrote about the familiar theme of riding to glory. The title song, written by Ann and Sims, finishes with a stirring declaration to keep on pushing and never give up.

While religion may not be for everyone, great music is universal. Once you hear the spirit in the voices of the McCrary sisters, individually or collectively, you will find it hard to turn away. Give them a chance to open your heart to the beautiful music they create on this fine recording.

Reviewed by Mark Thompson

Remembering Little Walter reviewed by Harmonica Joe Poluyanskis

Remembering Little Walter

Various Artists

Blind Pig Records

www.blindpig-records.com

11 tracks/55:59

When harmonica players are the subject of talk in the blues world, Little Walter Jacobs is the definitive example of the most outstanding and influential player ever. His style of playing and the amplification of the instrument changed the stage forever for upcoming harmonica players. Little Walter will always be known for his harp playing, blues singer quality and song writing ability as well as the joy he showed in playing music. Blind Pig Records, “Remembering Little Walter” is a powerful tribute to his talent. This recording , produced by Mark Hummel, features Billy Boy Arnold, Charlie Musselwhite, Sugar Ray Norcia, James Harman and Hummel showcasing tunes of and associated with Little Walter. These fine musicians are a premiere list of harp players and are joined on stage with Little Charlie Baty and Nathan James on guitars, June Core playing drums and RW Grigsby on standup bass. This group has to be just a big force of blues power to have on one stage on the same night. This CD was recorded live at Anthology in San Diego.

 Mark Hummel opens the set with “I Got To Go”. This upbeat tune is a fine example of Jacob's harp style as Mark charges along with solid tone filled solos and trills. Hid rhythm playing is also added to this vocal take on this great blues tune. Check out RW Grisby's bass line also on this song. This is a great way to start out “Remembering Little Walter”. For slow blues Hummel jumps in with his take of “Blue Light”. Mark gives up a bunch of those long, heart felt bluesy sustained notes that really grab the ears and feels them with the blues emotion. The rest of the band also holds up their end of the music with great bass, guitar and drum work. This is really a tough song to beat and is a real tribute to Little Walter's style of presenting the blues.

What would a tribute to Little Walter be without the input from Charlie Musselwhite?  Charlie has probably the most recognized harp style or sound of harmonica players. If you hear him, you will say “that's Musselwhite”. Having a long relationship with Walter had to be a big influence on Charlie's musical ability and the molding his style of playing. This is all good. Musselwhite does a great job on “Just A Feeling” as he plays his harp with that deep toned, slow, purposeful style of presenting blue that get a hold of you and suck you into the mood of it. Take a long listen as he sings the lyrics on this track also.

James Harman does his magic on harp and vocals with his rendition of “It's Too Late Brother” and “Crazy Mixed Up World”. This man can do no wrong blowing harp. Also included on the recording is Billy Boy Arnold with his great style of playing on “You're So Fine” and “Can't Hold On Much Longer”. Sugar Ray Norcia joins the mix of things with his version of”Mean Old World” and “Up The Line”. This is good stuff. It is a tough job to give praise to all the talented musicians and singers when doing a various artist recording review. I can not say enough in this space about the quality of all guys involved with this tribute to Little Walter Jacobs. The final track of the CD tells the whole story with a rousing arrangement of “My Babe”. Each player take their turn on harp and vocals as they challenge each other creatively. What a great way to end “Remembering Little Walter”.

If you are or are not a harmonica fan check this recording out and you may become one. Mark Hummel  has done his homework by presenting this type of tribute to the legendary Little Walter. He has chosen the very best harp players to be involved on this project also. The album cover picture shows how Jacobs enjoyed playing the blues. This CD is a great example of how blues will stay alive because of past players and present players of the blues doing so with true emotion and feelings. “Remembering Little Walter” is a keeper!.

Reviewed by Harmonica Joe Poluyanskis

Blues Enough reviewed by Diane Mandell

Blues Enough

Hitman Blues Band

Self Released

www.hitmanblues-band.com

11 tracks/47:12

Veteran New York blues guitarist and vocalist, Russell "Hitman" Alexander, started The Hitman Blues Band in 1989.  Since his dad was a world renowned jazz musician, Hitman grew up thinking being a musician was a normal career.  He started playing guitar in his early teens and was performing to audiences regularly by age 16.  He was so busy playing guitar and singing that he had no time for college and ended up dropping out.  He has played with the likes of Johnny Copeland, Smokey Robinson, The Ink Spots, Diana Ross and Whitney Houston to name a few.  He has toured Europe several times and his previous CD, "Pale Rider" was in the running for four Grammy nominations.

Although every song on the album is worth mentioning, a few of my favorites are:  the title track, "Blues Enough", a rocking blues number written after Hitman judged a "King of the Blues" contest where the final criteria was "Is it blues enough for you?"; "Sam The Bluzman", a tribute to well-known New York blues guitarist Sam "The Bluzman" Taylor; the lamenting "Every Piece Of Me", a song about the way heart break affects your whole body; and "Streets of Downtown", a perceptive number about people who probably have it worse than most of us do.

This album combines great guitar, horns, harp, drums and keyboards with meaningful lyrics that tell stories we can all relate to.  Definitely worth a listen and likely to become a keeper if you give it a shot.

Reviewed by Diane Mandell

Mama Soul reviewed by Diane Mandell

Mama Soul

Janet Ryan

CSP Records 
www.janetryan.com 

www.csprecords.com
13 tracks/56:09

Elementary school music teacher, Janet Ryan, is an East Coast blues vocalist who first developed her love of the blues while living in Chicago during her earlier years.  She sang with Duke Ellington at age 16 and has shared the stage or opened for a host of musicians like James Cotton, Little Ed and the Blues Imperials, Johnny Winter, Dickey Betts, Sugar Ray and the Bluetones, and Magic Dick and J. Geils.  "Mama Soul" has a dozen mostly original numbers as well as Ryan's interpretation of Sippie Wallace's 1966 "Women Be Wise".

Ryan has a huge gutsy voice complemented by talented musicians from her long-time back-up band, The Straight Up Band, and members of the former Texas group, Crosscut.  Tracks range from blues, to gospel, to rock, to jazz. 

My favorite tracks are: "He Burned That Bridge" with its boogie piano, slide guitar and trumpet; the jazzy "What I Like Best"; "Take Your Shoes Off", with its soulful, belting vocals, organ and guitar; and "Mr. Misery" with guitar reminiscent of Santana.

This CD was primarily recorded at Audio Dallas Recording Studio in Garland, Texas; two cuts were done at The Tone Zone in Holyoke, Massachusetts.  The album was produced by Jimmy Rogers; Paul Osborn co-produced the Texas material.  This powerfully voiced woman is worth a listen; you will see what Rogers saw in her and why he tracked her down and brought her to Texas!