KAREN LOVELY
                  "LUCKY GIRL"
         PRETTY PEAR RECORDS
   
     BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO 
              © JANUARY 2009
 
   
   

Not knowing KAREN LOVELY personally, it would be tough to figure out why she named her debut CD "LUCKY GIRL".  The reasons could be countless.  However, I do know this - to be gifted with a voice like hers and the skills with which to use it - she surely is one lucky girl.
 
Accompanying KAREN on "LUCKY GIRL" are several different ensembles of musicians.  They are: LEE SPATH on Drums; RICHARD COUSINS on Bass; JIM PUGH on Piano & Organ; ALAN MIRIKITANI on Guitar, Sax & Bass; ANTOINE SALLEY on Keytar; ANDY JUST on Harp; TOM STAMPER on Drums & Percussion; JEFF ADICOTT on Acoustic & Electric Bass; DAVE SCOGGIN on Piano & Organ; MICHAEL VANNICE on Baritone, Alto & Tenor Saxophones; JOE DIEHL on Guitar; BRENT NORTON on guitar, RICHARD BREDICE on Guitar; FRANK COTINOLA on Drums; ALAN DEREMO on Bass.
 
Along the lines of what Renee Zellweger said to Tom Cruise in the "JERRY MAGUIRE" movie, KAREN LOVELY "had me'" with "Early one morning.........", the opening words on the opening track.  It took exactly that little of "TELL ME BABY" for me know this lady could sing the blues.  Some powerful rhythm and great guitar leads by TOM, ALAN & BRENT also highlight this one.....which is just the first of many great tracks.
 
"YOU DON'T MOVE ME" will move you.....right on to the dance floor .  And once you start, be careful not to trip on the changes.  Just when you think your Cha-Cha's in full swing, MICHAEL'S horns will get you swinging in a whole different direction. 
 
If you're going to do a cover of this man's work, you'd better have the chords to go along with the courage.  On "BOOM BOOM", KAREN easily has what it takes.  As a matter of fact, this version would probably put a smile on John Lee Hooker's face.  From a soft, sexy, whisper to a powerful crescendo, Karen's vocal range on this one is absolutely masterful. 
 
On "BLUES IS MY BUSINESS", as you hear KAREN sing the lyrics "Blues is my business and business is good" it's a no brainer knowing that with a voice like this, business is going to stay good.  ALAN and DAVE, nail it on guitar and piano & organ.  It seemed a shame that the groove the band was in on this one didn't go thirteen minutes instead of three.
 
KAREN is at her best on "ROCK ME".  Let me tell you, the next time you're with whomever it is you want to get rocked by - put this track on, program it for replay - and I promise you.....you will get rocked all night long.  The sultry vocals and saxophones on this one will have the slow dancers in their glory.
 
Other tracks on "LUCKY GIRL" are: "UNLUCKY GIRL", "TOO LITTLE TOO LATE", "I'M A LITTLE MIXED UP", "IT'S TOO LATE", "BOOGIE SOME" and "LUCKY GIRL" (HOOCHIE COOCHIE WOMAN).   
 
According to KAREN LOVELY'S bio, prior to recording this CD, she took a fifteen year hiatus from the music business.  It's this listeners hopes that there'll be no more of that.  This woman belongs in music - particularly in the blues.  Thankfully, I've been told a new project - with many originals - is currently in the works.
 
To learn more about the woman who will soon be a force to be reckoned with in the world of the blues, stop by www.karenlovely.com.  While you're there, send her my regards and your money.....for a copy of "LUCKY GIRL", of course.
   
Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
Contributing writer for BLUESWAX
Blues Editor at www.Mary4Music.com

                             

                PETER McGRAW
     "FOLLOW ME TO THE BLUES"
       BLUES DESTINY RECORDS
             
    BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO 
              © JANUARY 2009
 
 


If you're going to release a CD with nine of the ten tracks being covers of the blues standards, and you hope it will get some recognition, then you - and the rest of the musicians on the disc - better be very good.   On "FOLLOW ME TO THE BLUES", PETER McGRAW, and the rest of the musicians, are exactly that.
 
On his first solo album, vocalist PETER McGRAW is joined by: DONNIE "MR. DOWNCHILD" WALSH on harp; HANS McMINAMIN on guitar; ROY "THE MAESTRO" POWERS on keyboards, RICHARD LOVE on drums; LARRY "O" MAYO on bass.
 
The disc opens with the title, and sole original track (written by ROY) - "FOLLOW ME TO THE BLUES".  The song does exactly what an opening track should do - impress and expose the listener to a taste of what they're in for.  In barely over 2 minutes, everyone gets in some impressive highlights and PETER establishes himself as a singer I want to hear a lot more of.  My immediate thought was that if this was the type of stuff I'd hear, I'd follow these guys anywhere.
 
By the next track, "SWEET HOME CHICAGO", the guys are locked into a groove they never lose.  RICHARD, LARRY and ROY, old band mates in THE VAGRANTZ, are obviously still in tune with each other after all these years.  Their outstanding rhythm on this, and the rest of the disc, are evidence of that.  With repeated harp highlights by DONNY, great guitar riffs from HANS and gruff, yet melodic, vocals from a voice that was made to sing the blues, by PETER, this one's a winner.
 
In the first sixty seconds of "THE SKY IS CRYING", the little pieces you'll hear from everyone in the band will make you happy that there is eight more minutes of it still ahead.  I don't care how many times you've heard this track and how many bands you've heard do it - this version will knock your socks off.  With everyone at discs best, this one's unquestionably the discs best.
 
Another track that will have you comparing it to the original is "I GOT A WOMAN".  With RICHARD absolutely relentless on the drums behind him, this one has PETER sounding as soulful as Ray Charles sounded.
 
Anyone that's ever read my reviews of a CD containing the song "I'D RATHER GO BLIND" already know that the song is my all time favorite.  As a matter of fact, I've been known to bring the KOKO TAYLOR version of it to clubs with me, so that I could lend it to the band to learn it.  The results were always good - I've never heard a version of the track I did not like.   PETER'S version allows me to keep that thought in tact.  This song is meant to be sung by a strong, soulful and raspy voiced vocalist and ya don't get any stronger, more soulful and raspier than PETER McGRAW.  Of course, you also need an incredible guitar lead to make this one work and HANS is all over it.  Great stuff!
 
Another track that had me shaking my head in awe was "AS THE YEARS GO PASSING BY".  This ballad is, of course, one of the slower and more low down blues tracks....the kind that always make me smile.  With the rhythm section so softly locked in just the right spot, PETER, HANS and ROY excel on the vocals, guitar and keyboards.  Another highlight amongst highlights.
 
Other tracks on "FOLLOW ME TO THE BLUES" include: "HOOCHIE COOCHIE MAN", "BRING IT ON HOME TO ME", "UNCHAIN MY HEART" and "LET THE GOOD TIMES ROLL".
 
For more on PETER McGRAW, go to www.bluesdestinyrecords.com. There you'll be able to pick up a copy of this disc and read about his pending new release "MORE McGRAW".  After what I've just heard, I'm certainly ready for more McGRAW.  By the way, ya know ya gotta tell him the Blewzzman sent ya.

Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
Contributing writer for BLUESWAX
Blues Editor at www.Mary4Music.com

                    JOHN PARKER
        "JOHN PARKER - SELF TITLED"
              SWING SUIT RECORDS
          RUNNING MONKEY MUSIC

       BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO
              © DECEMBER 2008



JOHN PARKER has always written songs that are funny and true to his personal life. Suffering from liver cancer, his music became his medicine - it gave him his happiness and kept him going for several years. The finishing touches were put on this "Self-Titled" CD just days before he passed away. None of the music he ever wrote was more personal than the songs that appear on this disc. As I listened to them, it became quite clear to me that I was listening to a man who knew his fate, accepted it and actually used it in a positive way. On one of the tracks, JOHN says that if he ever had a chance to live his life over again, the only thing he'd change was that he'd "Find a cure for the blues". If you ask me, I believe he already had.

                         *********************************

JOHN PARKER may be known as the "The Rockin' Bluesman", but make no mistake about it - his music is not Blues Rock, it is the Blues. I guess the association with "Rockin" comes from the claim that his music will "make you leave your seat and get up on your dancin' feet." So let's start dancin'.

On his second release - a self titled CD - JOHN PARKER, on Lead Guitar & Vocals, was joined by JEFF JENSEN on Rhythm Guitar, BILL RUFFINO on Bass and Backup Vocals, STEVE HALTER on Keyboards, Organ & Piano, CHRIS COLLIER on Drums and Backup Vocals, RALPH MUEGGLER on Drums, NATE LA POINTE on Guitar, Slide Guitar & Pedal Steel, SHERRY PRUITT on Backup Vocals and KYLE CULKIN on Guitar.

It sounds like some of the lyrics on the opening track may have come to JOHN while watching a TV commercial. "No money down, easy pay, divorce / bankrupt / bad credit OK - same day financing - drive it away". All of that obviously made it easy for him to say "I GOT ME A NEW CAR". This one featured great guitar work from John and exceptional rhythm from Bill & Chris on the bass and drums.

"I AIN'T GONNA GIVE UP" was obviously more than the title of this song - it was JOHN'S belief. This track pretty much tells his story and in doing so offers some pretty encouraging advice as well. Musically it's one of the discs best. JOHN'S smokin' it on guitar, NATE'S great on the Pedal Steel and the rest of the band's jammin' out. Real good stuff.

JOHN'S realism makes it easy for him to say he's going to "FORGET ALL HIS FEARS". This, one of the few slower tracks, features more amazing real life lyrics, great lead and backup vocals, soft piano and organ work from STEVE and great blues guitar licks from JOHN.

"I'VE GOT THE BLUES" is a smoker. C'mon, would you expect anything less with a title like that? This one features some of JOHN'S best guitar work and some real hot piano blues from Steve. As on most tracks, the rhythm sections at it's peak. More good stuff right here.

With the rest of the band in a real soft groove behind him, "HOPELESS ROMANCE" is all about the man, his vocals, his guitar, his thoughts and his emotions. This is JOHN PARKER at his best. I dare you to not hit replay at the end of this one.

There's nothing worse than having the blues "EARLY IN THE MORNING", as this track will attest. On the other hand, if ya gotta get up early in the morning, this one will have you doin' a calypso before you even have your coffee. Great percussion and backup vocals highlight this Island sounding tune.

"I'LL NEVER BE FREE" is definitely one of the songs they were talking about when they said JOHN PARKER'S music will make you leave your seat and get up on your dancin' feet. However, to this one, you'll be doin' a lot more swaying than rockin'. What an absolutely beautiful and relaxing song. JOHN'S vocals and STEVE'S keyboards will surely sweep you away. Although there is more, this appears to be the most fitting song to close with.

Other tracks on this remarkable disc include: "THE PRICE OF FAME", "LOVE'S GONNA FIND YOU", "MY VALENTINE", "QUEEN OF THE DAMNED" and 'WAITIN' FOR THE WATER TO RISE".

I know I close out all of my reviews stating how much I loved what I just listened to and wrote about, and I always recommend you grab a copy for your collection, and that's because I choose my reviews. Having said that, if you've never listened to that advice before, do yourself a real favor and take heed....even if it's the first and last time you do. This may very well be the most interesting CD I've heard all year.

Please check out JOHN PARKER'S web site by going to his website at
www.JohnParkerBlues.com- and you won't have to tell him the Blewzzman sent ya..... I have a feeling he already knows that.

Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
Contributing writer for BLUESWAX
Blues Editor at www.Mary4Music.com

     Lightnin' Rod & the Thunderbolts
                  "After The Storm"
             Lightning Bolt Records

       BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO
                 © DECEMBER 2008



This CD, as LIGHTNIN' ROD WILSON made a point of telling me, is not about any specific "named storm". It is about all of the various storms that all of us go through from time to time. The way ROD tells it, "What matters the most is the kind of person we are........"AFTER THE STORM".

On "AFTER THE STORM", LIGHTNIN' ROD WILSON, on Lead Vocals, guitars, mandolin, percussion, strings and bass is joined by: BROTHER BILL LEWIS on bass; WALLY WEEBER on drums; ERIC KORTE on tenor sax; DALE BEAGLE on piano and strings; DANIELLE GROSS on backup and lead vocals; AMY ROBERTS on backup vocals; SARAH JONES on alto sax; TIFFANY BAYS, backup vocals; STAN ZIMMER on drums; SMOKIN' JOE ORTIZ on harmonica. Except for "JOHN THE REVELATOR", all tracks were written by LIGHTNIN' ROD WILSON.

The opening track, "CLOSE TO YOU", opens with words that, time and time again, I've found myself saying - "I hope the traffic cop don't have his radar on". It seems, as the title indicates, that ROD is obviously in a rush to get close to his woman. This track features the whole band in a nice tight groove, with great guitar and sax highlights by ROD and ERIC.

"BRING YOU BACK HOME" is just one of the many tracks on this disc which feature intense vocals. DANIELLE & AMY are absolutely superb backing up ROD, who sings his heart out on this one. If like me, you were awed with the powerful way in which RICHARD HARRIS sang "MCARTHUR'S PARK", then you will absolutely love LIGNTNIN' ROD'S vocal style. The rhythm work from BILL & WALLY and the piano playing by DALE also highlight this one.

If you like it funky, "NARCISSISTIC FOOL" will fill that bill. On this one, of course, the rhythm section's on fire and some extra heavy bottom is provided by ERIC as he has that tenor sounding more like a baritone. At THE THUNDERBOLTS live shows, the dancers have to love this one. As a matter of fact, they probably stay right on the floor if the next song played is "CRAWLING BACK HOME". On this smoker, even the wall flowers will have a hard time standing still to the swinging rhythm provided by BILL & ERIC on drums and sax.

There's nothing I like more than hearing a musician say "I GUESS I'LL JUST SING YOU THE BLUES". This one features DANIELLE, on lead vocals, doing just that. However, I promise you that you've never heard them sung like this. Her voice is astoundingly angelic and it's not all that often you hear an angel singing the blues. DALE on piano and strings was equally awesome.

"AFTER THE STORM" closes with a soft instrumental titled 'FLIGHT OF THE FREE SPIRIT". This one is all about ROD and his acoustic guitar. Listening to it was perhaps the most relaxing three minutes I've had in a real long time. I could have sat back, closed my eyes and listened to this for hours.

Other tracks on "AFTER THE STORM" include: "AFTER THE STORM", "WRITING ON THE WALL", "ROSALEE", "CRAWLING BACK HOME", "JOHN THE REVELATOR" and "ALLIGATOR WOMAN".

To check out LIGHTNIN' ROD & THE THUNDERBOLTS, and to purchase a copy of "AFTER THE STORM", just go to www.lightnin-rod.com. Of course, you'll be sure to tell him Pete the Blewzzman sent ya.

Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
Contributing writer for BLUESWAX
Blues Editor at www.Mary4Music.com

    THE CHARLES BURTON BLUES BAND
             "EYERYBODY'S TALKING"

          BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO
                 © DECEMBER 2008




When CHARLES BURTON contacted me to say he was sending me his new release for review consideration, I quickly thought about how much I enjoyed listening to, and writing about, "I WOULDN'T LIE TO YOU" - his previous release. I knew that if the new disc was nearly as good as the last - and indeed it is - that this would be an enjoyable task.

On "EVERYBODY'S TALKIN", THE CHARLES BURTON BLUES BAND consists of CHARLES BURTON on guitar and vocals, PAUL JEFFREY on drums and STEVE WELLES on bass. A good old fashioned powerhouse blues trio. And once again, all of the tracks - and there are sixteen of them - are CHARLES BURTON ORIGINALS.

In spite of not knowing me, on the opening track CHARLES sings about three of my characteristics - "FAT, DUMB AND HAPPY". This is a track where CHARLES offers some very good advice about what you need to know about simultaneously having two women. It's a rocker with hot rhythm and great guitar riffs.

Some of the discs best guitar work can be heard on "STILL GET TOGETHER". It's stuff like this that makes it evident why this band doesn't need a rhythm guitarist, or for that matter - a piano player, sax player or harp player either.

On "POP THE TRUNK", it's STEVE'S time to shine. His bass playing is magnificent on this funky tune, which is actually about using popping the trunk as a way to attract attention from the opposite sex. Use your imagination.

"HOOK LINE AND SINKER" has to be the dance floor filler at THE CHARLES BURTON BLUES BANDS' live shows. It's a hot little number that, with all the shaking I was doing, repeatedly had my chair rolling away from the keypad. This track, featuring great vocals and guitar, and smokin' rhythm, should have been three times it's three minute length.

"TIKI", as it's title might imply, is a soft, jazzy number with a bit of Caribbean flair. It's a beautiful instrumental highlighted by the rhythm section featuring great cymbal work by PAUL.

The title track, "EVERBODY'S TALKING", is probably the discs most traditional blues track - and we all know what that means......it's my personal favorite. Although the guys are in a smooth groove behind him, this one is all about the man the band is named after. It's full of serious blues guitar work and slow, soulful, lowdown vocals that even feature a bit of scat.

On the discs closing track, CHARLES not only sings about falling in love "THE OLD FASHIONED WAY", he sings it the old fashioned way. It's a throwback to the old radio show sounds and it was perfectly done. The vocals are cool and PAUL & STEVE are right there with the rhythm. This is great stuff.

Other tracks on "EVERYBODY'S TALKIN" include: "BLACK MARKET WOMAN", "BABY'S GOT IT BAD", "LOVE THAT GUITAR", "HEAVY HEARTED BLUES", "LOVE YOU BABY", "SWAMP RAT, ""GET BACK WHAT YOU GAVE, "LITTLE JENNIFER" and "TROUBLE HEAD".

Now that you're done reading this, the next thing you should do is head to www.charlesburton.com

Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
Contributing writer for BLUESWAX
Blues Editor at www.Mary4Music.com

             DALANNA GAIL BOWEN
           "MAMA'S GOT THE BLUES"
                  QUEST RECORDS

      BY PETER "BLEWZZMAN" LAURO 
              © NOVEMBER 2008



"MAMA'S GOT THE BLUES" may be the title of the disc, but this listener believes those words are also a proclamation from the artist, because this mama's certainly got the blues. Backed up by THE STRAIGHT-UP BAND which consists of HARRIS VAN BERKEL on guitar, MICHAEL CREBER on keyboards and Hammond Organ, BRIAN NEWCOMBE and RENE WORST on bass, CHRIS NORDQUIST on drums, JIM SALMON on percussion and DAVID SAY on tenor and soprano saxophones, DALANNAH GAIL BOWEN belts out the blues in all sorts of styles. On several tracks, background vocals are provided by JANE MORTIFEE, LINDA KIDDER and DALANNAH herself.

"MAMA'S GOT THE BLUES", the title track - and one of several DALANNAH originals, is a steamy ballad on which you'll not only hear her soft and sultry side, you'll also realize some of the incredible range she has. This is one of those turn the lights down low, light the candles and get close kind of songs. Adding to it's highlights are the beautiful piano and sax work from MICHAEL and DAVID and the sensual background vocals from the ladies.

The hot rhythm from CHRIS and BRIAN step up the pace a few notches on "MY BLUES KEEP BRINGING ME HOME", another original by DALANNAH. This smoker features more great vocals and perhaps some of the discs best piano playing from MICHAEL.

"STONE COLD AND CRAZY" is all about DALANNAH and DAVID. With the rest of the band in a soft, constant groove behind them, they take turns highlighting their sometimes soft and sometimes strong style of vocalizing and playing.

Sitting still through "STILL ALIVE AND WELL" can only mean one off two things - you're either deaf or dead. BRIAN, CHRIS and JIM are at discs best right here - the percussion and rhythm are furious and funk filled. This three and a half minute track should have been triple that.

HARRIS, with some smokin' guitar licks, and MICHAEL, kickin' it on the Hammond Organ and piano, get things rockin' a bit on "I GOT THIS BRIDGE I WANT TO BUY". This one, with everyone - including DALANNAH - peaking, may just be the discs best track.

DALANNAH, as well as everyone else in the band, really tears it up on "U KAN HAVE MY HUSBAND" - a song I often hear my wife singing. This track, along with four others, was recorded live at THE MAPLE RIDGE JAZZ AND BLUES FESTIVAL and it leaves no doubt that along with the soft, soulful and sultry stuff DALANNAH & THE STRAIGHT-UP are also capable of kickin' a large, live crowds ass.

Other tracks on "MAMA'S GOT THE BLUES" include: "EARLY IN THE MORNIN", "UP FROM THE SKIES", "WATERMELON MAN", "BORN UNDER A BAD SIGN", "JEALOUS KIND", and "UNCHAIN MY HEART".

Check out DALANNAH & THE STRAIGHT-UP BAND at www.dalannahgailbowen.com