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Melon Jelly-The Road To Memphis
Posted on 2025-02-24
Melon Jelly
The Road To Memphis
Self Released
Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © Feb 2025
Prelude
I don't generally do this, but when I saw this post on FB by Mark Nesmith a few days ago, I immediately knew it would be a great way to start off this review.....
"Holy guacamole Batman! Our little band from Beaumont, TX is on THE Billboard Blues Albums Chart at #15! No record label, no managers, and we haven't spent thousands of dollars on promotion. This has been a complete DIY grassroots effort. We owe this to lots of hard work and the incredible support of our friends and family. Thank you!".....
That is very cool indeed, and I hope that my input helps keep it there for a while longer.
BTW, should you be wondering how the name Melon Jelly came about - as I was - it involves Mark's favorite episode from one of his favorite TV shows. Here is a hint..... https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0694140/ .....
Review
The Road To Memphis is a very appropriate title for Melon Jelly's debut release. With the band having performed as representatives of the Houston Blues Society in the International Blues Challenge just last month, and front man - Mark "Nessie" Nesmith - having won the right to perform the year before as the society's representative in the solo/duo category, these guys most certainly know how to musically navigate that road. Of course it's way to early to tell about next year, but with that kind of experience, they have to be the early line favorites.
Melon Jelly are: Stephen Droddy on drums and backing vocals; Jason McCollum on bass; Mark Nesmith on vocals, guitars and keyboards; with Haley Deaver Droddy on additional vocals. In their own words, the band claims they "dish out a foot stompin' musical gumbo of funky grooves, blues and retro rock served piping hot from Southeast Texas" and I'd be inclined to 100% agree with that. All of the disc's eleven tracks are Mark Nesmith originals.
Unlike one particular band who claimed that time is on their side, Mellon Jelly believes that "Time Is A Thief", and they have the proof. You see.....
"One day you're just a little kid, the next day you're dying.
It'll take everything you have, no matter how hard you fight.
Time is a thief, it will steal you blind".
Being closer to eighty than I am to seventy, I know exactly what the heck they mean. Vocally, the track's very well written and truthful lyrics become even more somber by the convincing presentation from Mark and Haley; and musically, when Mark's scorching guitar and organ leads are combined to the thunderous rhythm Stephen and Jason are pounding out, just the right amount of unnervingness is created as the song's perfect accompaniment.
This song that I'm sure is a tribute to Mrs. Nesmith is titled "Angel" - as in "I thank God every day, he had mercy on me and sent me an angel." Good for you Mark, not everyone is as lucky as us. Musically it's an up tempo, foot tappin', finger snappin', dance floor fillin' track.
Right from the opening sounds of a car engine being turned on and revved, this instrumental titled "Memphis Bound" is travelling music at its best. And at the pace it's moving along at, Melon Jelly will be arriving sooner than later. Simply said, although there's nothing simple about it, this one features the guy's on top of their game doing what they do best - making really good music.
When a relationship reaches the point where the question "Should I Stay Or Should I Go?" needs to be asked, I'm pretty sure the answer is it's time to go. At less than three minutes, it's a short shuffle that I could have taken a few more minutes of - especially during the minute long mid-song instrumental where the guys were locked into one of those signature funky grooves of theirs.
Although the opening line gives it away, as Mark describes the loneliness he's feeling while his lady is away, you might get the impression she's been gone for weeks - or even months. Actually, it's just been "Three Days". I guess calling it a love song pretty much hits the nail on the head. It's a heartfelt slow and bluesy number that features a relaxing rhythm being laid down by Stephen and Jason, while showcasing Mark's excellent guitar and vocal skills.
The disc closes with a track called "Old Habits". The melancholy lyrics refer to many of the things you did when you were a couple, that you just can't stop doing alone. Things like setting the table for two; turning the TV on to her favorite show; pulling into the driveway and seeing nothing but your own headlights; and other situations that indeed make coping a challenge. Vocally, Mark - with fabulous backup from Haley - seems to make his pain transferable; and musically, with Stephen and Jason at disc's best on the drums and bass; and the constant changes Mark's making on the guitar; this track personifies the band's musical mission statement.
Other tracks on this excellent debut release include: "So Many Years"; "Hold On To Me"; "Where Y'At?"; "This Life"; and "Prodigal Blues".
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Kenny Acosta Band - It's All Good
Posted on 2025-01-30
Kenny Acosta Band
It's All Good
Self Released
Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © Nov '24
Prelude
A few weeks ago, I got a FB private message from an old friend of mine - and I do me old (his words, not mine). Apparently, he read one of my latest reviews posted on FB and reached out to me with these words: "Hey Pete, glad to see you are still kicking. We are some old dogs. But I have a new CD out at 75 yrs old. Would love to have you review it"; to which I replied: "Glad to hear from you. I'll be 76 in about 76 days" (actually 16 now). Now that I think about it, the old guy was right - we are some old dogs.
That said, it was really special hearing from Kenny again. Back in the day - some twenty years or so ago - when there were lots of blues clubs in South Florida, Kenny Acosta (as a solo act or with the House Reckers) would roll through the area on a very regular basis. It was at one of those shows where this long-time friendship with him and his darling wife Susan began. I remember knowing he was coming to town and asking him to bring me some original boudin sausage fresh from Louisiana. During those years I've also had the pleasure of writing about all of his other releases, and Kenny (as a duet with Kenny Neal) also had a song on Volume Seven of the nine compilation CD series that Mary Roby and I produced called "Mary4Music Presents: Keeping The Blues Alive". It's a song about when Kenny was a kid playing in the woods in Jackson Louisiana crossing paths with an escapee from the asylum for the criminally insane. Should you like to hear it, here ya go - https://www.mary4music.com/01%20Justice%20Blues.mp3
Review
The Kenny Acosta Band consists of Kenny on guitar and vocals; Lester "Pic" Delmore on drums; Johny Willis on bass, key and vocals; Jay Simon on keys and vocals; Clyde Thompson on fiddle; Bob Heym on percussion; and Russ Bryant on saxophone. The eleven original tracks on It's All Good are - as Kenny says - "Some down-home blues, mixed with New Orleans street beat and Caribbean rhythms, sauteed in a funky mixture of growl". In other words, good ol' Cajun swamp music.
"The way she stands by me, the whole world can see....And when she takes my hand, ooooh man, man, man....There ain't nothin' in the world I wouldn't do for my girl....She's one of a kind, thank God she's mine...."Are just a few of many reasons for Kenny to sincerely and soulfully let us know that "It's All Good". Musically, with Lester, Johny and Bob laying down a surreal rhythm groove, it's the fiddling around that Clyde's doing that highlights it all.
So, when things are bad enough to have to file a "Restraining Order" against an evil mate, only to be told "File what you wanna, you can't get rid of me that easily" and "That's just a piece a paper, I'm still our wife", you certainly have a case of the blues and the thrill is indeed gone. On an original of Johny's, he and Kenny release their inner B.B. King. It's a great slow blues number with Johny kinda talking the song as B.B. so famously did, and Kenny slammin' out some B.B. style blues licks on the guitar. Additionally, along with Lester on the drums, Johny - on the bass and organ, is a big part of the tracks perfectly done slow blues rhythm groove.
If you want to hear what superb swamp soul sounds like, you'll find out right here on "Rescue Me". On a song he wrote, with the band in a very danceable island groove going on behind him, Jay's as smooth as silk on the vocals.
Similar to the compliments Kenny paid his lady on the title track, he's at it again. This time however, he's focusing on her other attributes. Going with the 'it's not what you say, it's how you say it' theory, ya only gotta hear Kenny say she's a "Hot Dog" one time and you'll know exactly what he means. Of course, when songs of this type include a saxophone, the addition of that sultry vibe is always a plus, and on his first appearance, Jay brings it.
Speaking of saxophones, this swingin' dance floor filler once again features the instrument being highlighted, but this time it's Russ doin' the blowin' on some jumpin' and smokin' kinda stuff. It's another of Johny's songs and it's humorously (I think) titled "Pant's Up". With a chorus line of...."Come out with your pants up; come out with your pants up;Come out with your pants up, I'm gonna run you outta town"....It makes you wonder just what the heck is goin' on in there.
From the time I sailed up the Mississippi River - from Norfolk, VA to New Orleans, LA - on the USS Guadalcanal (LPH-7) in 1967, to the several air boat rides I've taken through the Louisiana bayous over the years, because of the alligators, snakes and six inch 'attack' grass hoppers - never did this city slicker once think of those waters as a place to go "Tubin". On the other hand, from the sounds of this original instrumental of Kenny's there must be more accommodating areas to do so. The laid-back Island vibe created by Kenny's soft guitar chords; Clyde's finessed fiddling; and Bob's perfectly suited percussion; are the consummate accompaniment for chillin' while tubin'.
Other tracks on It's All Good include: "Pot 2 P In" and "Sexy Lady", two more of Johny's originals; "Time Bomb" and "Shake That Thing", two more of Kenny's originals; and "Arms Of Love", another, of Jay's originals.
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Sandy Atkinson And The True Loves - Have A Good Time Tonight
Posted on 2025-01-30
Sandy Atkinson & The True Loves
Have A Good Time Tonight
Gator Blues Publishing
Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © Dec '24
Because the southwest coast of Florida, from Naples to Tampa and beyond, is such a hotbed of top-notch blues artists, it doesn't surprise me that prior to hearing Have A Good Time Tonight, the second release by Sandy Atkinson & The True Loves (and seventh overall for Sandy), I had not ever heard of this band. But now that I've listened, they will certainly be on my radar during my future trips across Alligator Alley.
Sandy Atkinson & The True Loves are band leader and songwriter Sandy Atkinson on vocals, acoustic guitar and washboard; Cannon Quinn on guitar; Jeff Stick Davis on bass; Dennis McCarthy on drums; Dean Germain on keyboards; Thor Stevens on saxophone; and special guest Sarasota Slim on guitar and harmonica. Of the disc's twelve tracks, nine are originals from Sandy.
If you're a fan of "The Voice", then you've seen those blind auditions where within seconds, all four judges immediately - and almost simultaneously - press their buttons. It doesn't happen too often, but when it does it's always because of a unique voice. "Have A Good Time Tonight", the disc's title track, is one of those songs, and Sandy - with a brilliant blend of sass and sultry - is that voice. Musically, with everyone being individually highlighted, it's a great introduction to The True Loves. This dance floor filler features a rockin' rhythm that gets taken up several levels by the fiery piano and sax leads; scorching guitar leads; and party style vocals all designed for you to have a good time tonight.
Although a man is most likely to be the caller in this kind of a situation, I'm sure some ladies are also guilty of dialing the digits from time to time. I'm talking about the post breakup bootie-call call. In Sandy's case she simply tells her sex seeking ex that he "Got the Wrong Number", but he dialed it right. Gotta love it! Great rhythm driven track with strong drum work and deep bass lines from Dennis and Jeff, respectively; and rockin' piano leads from Dean.
Anyone who's ever been there certainly knows that "Memphis Gets Crazy". That said, this track - which Sandy assured me is fictional - is about some of that craziness.....like waking up in the morning and finding someone in your bed. His explanation: "It's okay baby, Memphis gets crazy sometime". See, nothing to worry about. This is another rhythm smoker highlighted by serious sax blowin' by Thor; scorching slide guitar by Cannon; and more killer piano runs by Dean.
You don't often hear the word sultry in the description of a singer's style when you're about to mention a melancholic song, but with Sandy, it just comes naturally. On a slow and low-down dirty blues song titled "Way Deep Down In The Blues", Sandy, with an emotional, soulful, and sultry style, puts on one of her best performances. Musically, led by fabulous slow blues guitar licks from Sarasota Slim, the guys are in the perfect slow blues rhythm groove.
The name of this track is "Ain't No Sin", and thank God for that. It's what's keeping the whole band from going to hell. You see, the full line goes like this ......it ain't no sin to rock 'n' roll - and that's exactly what they're all doin'.
Every time I hear this song, I can't help but wonder that when John Hiatt sat down to write "Feels Like Rain" he said to himself "I am going to write such a beautiful song that so many others will want to cover and it will sound just as beautiful when they do"? The song has that kind of effect. However, I'm sure he didn't think that and I'm equally sure not everyone doing it will make it sound beautiful. That said, Sandy Atkinson not only nailed her rendition, but she gave one of the better performances of the song that I've ever heard. Kudos to the band for keeping it soft, slow and flawless behind her.
Remember my unique voice comment up at the top of this review? Well, it won't be any more evident than on a cover of Chester Burnett's "Cause Of It All". From the opening line of "My baby caught a train, left me all alone ..............." , I was mesmerized. As a matter of fact, it's also one of the best musical efforts of the lot as well. From the songs intro, and throughout, the keyboard and guitar work from Dean and Cannon are nothing short of masterful; and the rhythm and percussion Jeff and Dennis are laying down have that more 'powerful than a locomotive' sound.
"Not Gonna Miss You" is the kind of song that a Kelsea Ballerine or a Lainey Wilson would take straight to the top of the country charts. As a matter of fact, I can already hear the thousands of fans at the show singing along with the "Not gonna miss you, I'm not gonna miss you , not gonna miss you when you're gone" chorus line. That said, Sandy and the guys have quite the country vibe of their own going on with this one. Interestingly, as I was listening to the songs lyrics, I thought to myself that this was one of those "don't let the door hit you in the ass on the way out" kinda songs, and sure enough, at the very end of the song, and after the music stops, Sandy coyly says "Don't let the door.....you know" . Fun track for sure.
Other tracks on this excellent release by Sandy Atkinson & The True Loves are" "Mamma Bear"; "Junkies And Hookers"; "Web Top Checker" (David York, aka Rock Bottom); and "No More Me And You.
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Tomislav Goluban With Crooked Eye Tommy - Nashville Road
Posted on 2025-01-30
Tomislav Goluban with Crooked Eye Tommy
Nashville Road
Overton Music
Publicity: Blind Raccoon
Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © Jan '25
On my last trip to Nashville, I was fortunate enough to catch Crooked Eye Tommy's last show before he left for Croatia, the very next day. On that trip he played a few shows with Tomislav Goluban, which ultimately led to Nashville Road being recorded back in Nashville. As Tomislav states "When I first heard 'Hot Coffee And Pain', a beautiful song from Crooked Eye Tommy, I knew that I wanted to create something with this man." Here is that creation.
Nashville Road features: Tomislav "Little Pigeon" Goluban on vocals and harmonica; (Crooked Eye) Tommy Marsh on vocals, electric guitar, acoustic guitar and lap steel; Eric Robert on keys; Jasco Duende on guitar; Doug Seibert on bass; Alfonso Wesby on drums; Bill Gilliam on upright bass; and Grady Clark on slide guitar. The album contains nine original tracks from Tomislav, with lyrical assistance by Jay Sieleman, Eric Noden, Mojo Parker, Kelly Zirbes and Tommy Marsh.
The opening track is an instrumental that is fittingly titled "Hard Run". It's an all-out smoker that features Tomislav leading the way with some highly exuberant harmonica runs; Tommy keeping up with the frantic pace while tearing it up on the electric guitar; Doug and Alfonso hammering out a thunderous rhythm on the bass and drums respectively; with Eric adding high powered piano highlights to the mix.
"Up Is Down" is the first of two tracks where Tomislav showcases his gritty, raspy and growly vocal textures. It's another of what will be many hard driving, rhythm fueled, dance floor filling, smokers.
Although the title of this song - "Bad Choices Make Good Stories" - didn't make the list, it definitely belongs there with those other most famous proverbs. Musically, being one of the more toned-down tracks, it gets to feature dynamite harp, guitar and piano highlights by Tomi, Tommy and Eric, respectively.
"Hip Hop Shake" has nothing to do with what we've come to know as hip-hop music, but sure as all get out, it will make you shake. It's a hard rockin' instrumental similar to the opening track. The only difference is that what the guys were doing on that one, they're now doing it harder and faster on this one.
There is bread on his table and his glass is full of wine; he's got someone whose smile makes him feel real fine; there is music in his ears and the rhythm makes him move; his soul fills with pleasure when he sees his baby groove. These, and much more, are exactly why "Life Is Good" for Tommy. This uplifting and inspirational track features some of Eric's best piano playing, Tomi and Tommy working their usual magic on the harmonica and guitar, respectively; and lively rhythm from Doug (bass) and Alfonso (drums). As long as there continues to be music like this, life will always be good.
The disc closes with a track titled "There Is A Train". For well over six minutes, Crooked Eye Tommy will mesmerize you with a masterful vocal performance as he tells the heartfelt story of that figurative train and its two destinations, heaven or damnation. And, as we all should have learned long before boarding, ain't no amount of money gonna change your destination. Led by Bill's deep upright bass lines, the rhythm on this ballad is precise; the contrasting acoustic guitar of Crooked Eye Tommy and the slide guitar of Grady are dazzling; and the laid-back, drawn-out harp leads from Tomislav create that perfect slow-moving train ride.
Other tracks on this excellent release are: "Rock Dog"; "Hard Candy"; and "Keep On Moving On".
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Frank Bey-Peace
Posted on 2025-01-30
Frank Bey - Peace
Nola Blue Records
Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro © Jan 2025
Nola Blue Records is proud to announce the release of Peace, an eleven-track compilation of the late Frank Bey's music. Marking five years since his passing, the album spotlights many of Frank's lesser-known works from earlier in his career.
Because of there being forty-plus performers it isn't feasible to list them all, but as I touch on certain songs, I'll do my best to give credit where it is due.
Having been a big fan of Frank's recordings with the Anthony Paule Soul Orchestra, it pleased me to see them featured together on the opening track. It's a cover of Milton Campbell's "That's What Love Will Make You Do", and it features" Frank on vocals; Loralee Christensen on background vocals; Anthony Paule on guitar; Tony Lufrano on organ and keyboards; Nancy Wright on tenor sax; Tom Poole on trumpet; Mike Rinta on trombone; Endre Tarczy on bass; and Paul Revelli on drums. Recorded ten years ago, during the Bey/Paule Band era, this is actually the first time it's being released. The track is a smokin' mix of soul, funk and blues that features that fabulous rhythm that the Soul Orchestra was famous for; killer guitar leads by that orchestra's leader, Mr. Anthony Paule; and those patented powerfully soulful vocals of Frank's. Hearing this outstanding performance for the first time, I now wonder how the heck this one ended up on the cutting room floor back then?
"Blues Comes Knockin'" (J. J. Monjack) is one of eight tracks that represent Frank's recorded work with his bandleader and friend of more than twenty-five years, Jeff Monjack, and the late Kevin Frieson. It features Frank on the vocals; Jeff on guitar; Kevin on bass; Jay Davidson on keyboards; Sark "On The Harp" Damirjian on harmonica; and Thomas Jefferson on drums. This one is a straight up smokin' shuffle with Frank offering his advice on what to do when the blues come calling. Most importantly, is to check the caller ID, put the phone on speaker, and - since he's better at this than we are - let him take it from there. Musically, with Kevin, Jay and Thomas in a powerful rhythm groove behind them, this one is highlighted by killer blues guitar and harp runs from Jeff and Sark.
Another of Jeffrey's originals is "Bed For My Soul". It's a duet that features him flawlessly pickin' at an acoustic guitar and Frank on the very spiritual and thought-provoking vocals like "I got a bed for my body, but I got no bed for my soul". Think about that for awhile.....then do something about it.
It's songs like this that make me doing a review take much longer than it should - I just can't get enough of them. This one is titled "If You Want Me" (F. Bey, K. Frieson & J. Monjack), and listening to this six-and-a-half-minute long song was by far the best thirty-plus minutes of my day. This is slow, soulful blues at its very, very best. Checking all the boxes are Frank, putting on a commanding soulful and emotional vocal performance; Jeff, playing some of the best damn slow and scorching blues guitar runs you ears could possibly have ever heard; Andrew Samuels, giving the slow blues groove that Kevin Frieson (bass) and Brian Wolfe (drums) are locked into, it's heartbeat on the organ; and the horn section of Bob Maxom on the sax and Reginald Watkins & David (Bubba) Scott on trombone, adding a solemn vibe.
"Blues In The Pocket" (K. Frieson) starts off with Frank taking us to church as he preaches about the blues. However, don't get too comfortable in those pews because once the band fires up the funk, you won't be able to get to the dance floor quick enough. Those responsible for you wanting to shake your money maker are: Jeff on guitar; Doug Travis on keyboards; Kenny Taylor on trumpet; Allen Weber, John Thompson and Jay Davidson on saxophones; Kevin on bass; Omar Hill on percussion; and Kevin Sullivan on drums.
When you try to think of those responsible for promoting peace in this world, it's hard to 'imagine' where to start. However, if you narrow that field down to songwriters, it just got a whole lot smaller, with one particular name shooting right out at you - John Lennon. With that being said, there could not have been a better song to close out Peace with than his "Imagine". This rendition, which I'll unapologetically say is the best I've ever heard is being done by: Frank on vocals; Kid Andersen on guitar; Jim Pugh on organ and piano; Lorenzo Farrell on piano; Nancy Wright (solo) and Jack Sanford on sax; John Halbleib on trumpet; Ric Feliciano on trombone; Jerry Jermott on bass; Derrick "D'mar" Martin on drums; and Mike Rinta on the horn arrangements. If you've not heard this version of this anthem, listening to Frank singing his heart out, and the superstars accompanying him all putting on a masterful nearly seven-minute performance, it alone will be - as the saying goes - worth the price of admission.
Other tracks on what I'll take the liberty of calling a tribute to Frank Bey, include: "One Thing Every Day" (M. H. Schermer); "Midnight And Day; (K. Frieson); "City Boy" (K. R. Moore, aka Keb Mo); "Walk With Me" (J. J. Monjack & A. Samuels); and "Change Is Gonna Come" (S. Cooke).
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Hairy Larry blogs music and more at Delta Boogie Network Email Hairy Larry Copyright by Larry Heyl and Vivian Heyl |
The Blues Is My Passion And Therapy
Peter "Blewzzman" Lauro
P. O. Box 9346
Coral Springs, FL 33075-9346
Blues Editor @ https://www.Mary4Music.com
2011 "Keeping The Blues Alive" Award Recipient
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Hairy Larry blogs music and more at Delta Boogie Network Email Hairy Larry Copyright by Larry Heyl and Vivian Heyl |