New Blues Review 12-13-24
By Jack Roy
Greg Nagy – The Real You (Self Produced)
Bio – “A multi-faceted artist in the most classic sense, his songwriting, singing, and guitar playing beautifully reveal Nagy’s personalized music refreshingly and honestly infused with elements of soul, r&b, rock, and gospel. So unique and impressive was his debut release, Walk That Fine Thin Line, that it earned Nagy a prestigious Best New Artist debut nomination from the Blues Foundation in Memphis, as well as favorable reviews from hard-to-please critics at top media outlets like Down Beat, All About jazz, Blues Revue, Chicago Tribune, Detroit Free Press, Living Blues, Hittin’ The Note, Elmore Magazine and more. DJs throughout North America, Europe, and Australia responded enthusiastically to Nagy’s music, which debuted on the National Living Blues Radio charts at #14 and peaked at #3 on XM satellite radio — no small achievement. Nagy raised his own bar several notches with the dynamic follow-up, Fell Toward None. Ken Bays of Rollingstone.com called the release one of the best of 2011. Nagy also received high praise from such notables as Bruce Iglauer of Alligator Records, Sing Out Magazine, About.com, and much more. The record further carved out his place in the upper echelon of contemporary blues inspired artists, and charted at #3 on XM radio (again, no small achievement)”
Review – While I would not categorize this music as Blues, it does have many Blues aspects. Nagy is a great singer, and very tasteful guitar player. The instrumental arrangements are top notch and the variety of songs are impressive. A few covers that are done really well like “Crazy”, “Come To Pappa” and “Something”. I can see why Greg gets high praises from his reviews. Other highlights include “Where Do We” and “The Joke”. I think my favorite is “Mississippi Blues″, the Bluest song on this album, listen here. I will give this an 8 on Blues Content and a 10 on Music Content.
The Hitman Blues Band – Calling Long Distance (Nerus Records)
Bio – “A sharp suit and a thousand songs. That’s what earned New York City native Russell Alexander his moniker, early in the vast musical career that made him the master guitarist, singer, and songwriter for the Hitman Blues Band that he is today. Earning that nickname took a lot of work. But the most important gigs Russell ever did on the way to getting it, he didn’t even get to play at. As a teen, he earned $10 a gig to set up gear for a band that played five shows every weekend. The young guitarist learned hundreds of songs that way, just by ear. Russell soon made a name for himself as a sideman. He worked as a freelancer 25 nights a month for years, flying all over the country and playing orchestral swing, country, jazz, rock, Hasidic music, Salsa, Greek, and more. Whenever a band got a request that they didn’t know, Russell did. “I got a nick name as the Hitman because I knew all the hits,” he said. He could play anything professionally, but for fun, Russell played blues. When he showed up for jam sessions at the Chicago Blues Club wearing a tux and hat, the jam co-host would yell, “It’s Hitman Russ!” When Russell finally got a chance to build his dream project, it could only be called The Hitman Blues Band. 7 albums and countless tours later, thousands of fans confirm it was the right choice.”
Review – We have had other Hitman Blues Band CDs come across the desk and I believe this is probably his best attempt with a nice variety of Blues Tunes to enjoy. Russell has a decent voice and guitar playing is pretty good too, nothing flashy but solid blues. I really like his take on his covers like “Folsom Prison Blues”, really turns it in to a traditional Blues Tune. His Horn Section is top notch the rest of band is lead by Mike Katzman on Keys, Mike Porter on Bass and Guy LaFountaine on Drums with many horn players and background vocals. Some of the highlights for me were “Blood Alley”, “Foolish Pride” and “Back To The Blues” but I think my favorite is “Calling Long Distance″, listen here. I will give this a 10 on Blues Content and a 9 on Music Content.
BB King – In France (Resonance)
Bio – “After serving in World War II, Riley B. King, better known as B.B. King, became a disc jockey in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was dubbed “the Beale Street Blues Boy.” That nickname was shortened to “B.B.” and the guitarist cut his first record in 1949. He spent the next several decades recording and touring, playing more than 300 shows a year. An artist of international renown, King worked with other musicians from rock, pop and country backgrounds. He won his 15th Grammy Award in 2009. King died in 2015. A singer and guitarist born into a sharecropping family on September 16, 1925, in Itta Bena, Mississippi, King became one of the best-known blues performers, an important consolidator of blues styles, and a primary model for rock guitarists. Following his service in the U.S. Army, he began his career as a disc jockey in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was dubbed “the Beale Street Blues Boy.” That nickname was soon shortened to “B.B.” King made his first recording in 1949, and the next year began a 12-year-long association with Kent/RPM/Modern, for which he recorded a string of rhythm and blues hits, including “You Know I Love You,” “Woke Up This Morning” and “Three O’Clock Blues,” which reached No. 1 on the R&B charts and became his first national hit. He also toured the nightclub circuit continuously, averaging more than 300 shows annually for over 30 years. His style of music earned him the title “King of the Blues.” ”
Review – What is not to like about BB King and to get a special look into prime BB back in 1977 when he was doing 300 shows a year. This is gold if your a Blues Fan and the recording is ok for a live recording done in the 70’s. Vocals sometime gets lost, but those sweet leads that only BB can do are so special. Lots of lead journeys that you would not hear on a studio album. A top backing band including Milton Hopkins on Guitar, Joe Turner on Bass, Calep Emphrey, Jr on Drums, James Toney on Organ and Walter King, Cato Walker and Eddie Rowe on horns. Every song is a gem, so not favorites and none of this album is on Youtube, so I will give you a tasty video of classic BB!! Enjoy -, listen here. I will give this a 10++ on Blues Content and a 10++ on Music Content.
