The Bob Lanza Blues Band - "Breadman's blues" - Produced by Bob Lanza - Recorded at the Barbershop Studios,Hopatcong,New Jersey - "After 45 years of delivering Arnold Bread I am a Breadman no more"!!

MoMojo Records - www.momojorecords.com

 

This review is lovingly dedicated to some wonderful friends that Bob and I keep forever in our hearts each and every day - they may be gone from this earth but  the music that they created - the friendships that they gifted us with - will always be a part of our lives - Big Nancy Swarbrick - Supreme Court / Bernie Brausewetter - B B and the Stingers / and Dan Swarbrick - Uncle Dan -/  Extraordinary people always there for all of us.....and Dan took such wonderful care of Nancy for decades.

 

 

             Bob Lanza is my brother and a dear friend . Not that this review is biased by any means . No , Bob would want me to write a review that is truthful and heartfelt , no bullshirt , because that is what Bob Lanza is all about . If Tony Soprano had a blues band you might see much of Bob up there on that stage , front and center . He is a genuine person , sincere , and unpredictably fun . Bob's approach to the blues is raw and gutsy , no-frills,  what he calls "Jersey Blues" - a no-nonsense , up-yours . high energy mix of  real deal blues , performed by a well-respected and much-loved  veteran musician . Bob's style of hard-hitting , guitar driven blues  has been exciting crowds , and packing dancefloors , for decades . Lanza's Blues is a winning combination of true blues that doesn't apologize, set lists that have grown from years of experiences and heart-felt passion layered with plenty of soul . Some might call this "Lanza-Mania"!!

                    "Breadman's blues" -  The Bob Lanza Blues Band - Congratulations to Bob and his killer band on their signing, and first release , for MoMojo Records . Once again surrounding himself with great musicians this 10-track set is a mixed bag of originals and covers , performed with a solid gut punch and a shot to the head. Long-time fans will recognize many of the tracks from the Bob Lanza Bands devilishly unpredictable setlist . Right from the opening,the sax-driven bounce of "Johnny Jihngo",the set shimmies and shakes with the passion,grit, and fire that we have always associated with Bob and the band . The two instrumentals here,"Nicky's Blues" , and "Roller Coaster" , give everyone plenty of room to stretch out , and the dynamic interchange between all the musicians is a testament to friendship and camaraderie. Check out the craggy-voiced crooner belting out those "Same Old Blues" , pouring his heart out alongside those trademark , tasty guitar licks . For even more fun check out the rollicking jump blues of "Drinkin' Wine Spo Dee O Dee"  which features the wailing harp work of the incredible Vin Mott , as well as the debut of "The Boones Farm Winos" - Uncle Pete and Flying Vince on background vocals. "Upside Of Lonely" is a wonderful blues shuffle fueled by Bob Lanza's fiery fret work and Steve Kristy's chugging , churning , bass . The good vibes roll on with "A Man Like Me" and "Honey Hush" , more spirited musicianship and voracious fret work . Eric Heilner's rollicking piano has that swinging energy that pours from his rambunctious fingertips on "Honey Hush" , a spotlight for this virtuoso's dynamic work on those 88's . The always amazing Vin Mott tears it up on "Honey Hush" , whipping up a furious frenzy that belts those notes into the stratosphere . "Fool Song" , one of my personal favorites , is a catchy , soulful , blues ballad , a mighty tasty singalong that holds tight your heart and soul.

                 "Breadman's blues" is the perfect showcase for the versatility of The Bob Lanza Blues Band . Bob's dazzling guitar work echoes some of the finest licks from folks like Copeland,Sumlin , Primer , Richards, and The Three Kings , but in a style that is distinctively unmatched . The tasty grooves throughout are handled with ease by a group of seasoned musicians , uttery in the pocket , totally in sync with one another , having a great time playing together. This is "Jersey Blues" , letting the music , the vocals , speak for themselves , kicking all that flash and frenzy in the ass and out the door , a sound filled with riveting variety and versatility . The blues never sounded so good !!

 

Let's hear it for the band......Bob Lanza - Guitars and Vocals ; Nick Fishman,Drums; Steve Kristy,Bass; Vin Mott,Harmonica ; Nick Conti - Horns ; Eric Heilner,Keys; The Boone's Farm Winos - Uncle Pete and Flying Vince - Background Vocals.

 

Review Written by - John Muller - Blue Notes and Conversations - raymondmuller567.wixsite.com/blue-notes-and-con-1

ReplyReply allForward

Add reaction