As the camel says in the classic GEICO commercial: “What day is it? That’s right, hump day!” We hope you’ve had a great week so far and are ready for some more great music and artists. Let’s get going with three referrals from Frank Roszak Promotions among our five being reviewed today.
Artist Name: Paul Oscher
Album Name: Cool Cat
Label: Self-released
Genre: Blues
Track Listing: 1. Money Makin’ Woman; 2. Blues and Trouble; 3. Hide out Baby; 4. Work That Stuff; 5. Rollin’ and Tumblin’; 6. Cool Cat (R&B) (Prologue); 7. Cool Cat (Jazz Quartet); 8. Mississippi Poem; 9. Ain’t That a Man (Dedicated to Mr. Cotton); 10. Dirty Dealin’ Mama; 11. On the Edge (Jazz Quartet); 12. Poor Man’s Blues; 13. Cool Cat (R&B) (Long Version)
Publicist: Frank Roszak Promotions
Review: Paul Oscher joined the Muddy Waters Band in 1967 at the age of 17, playing harmonica. Over the past 52 years, he has continued to perfect his blues, adding the guitar and piano to his mix. On his latest contribution, Cool Cat, he shows why he is still a thriving part of the traditional blues world. The entire album is proof of the power of the blues and should appeal to most listeners. Best tracks include “Blues and Trouble,” “Work That Stuff,””Rolling’ and Tumblin’,” the title track, “Ain’t That a Man,” “Dirty Dealin’ Mama,” and “Poor Man Blues.”
Recommendation: If you love traditional blues music, then this is a must-have for your collection.
Artist Name: Ruth Wyand
Album Name: Tribe of One
Label: Self-released
Genre: Roots/Americana/Blues
Track Listing: 1, Bad Mojo (Working Overtime); 2. Break the Curse; 3. The Last Nail; 4. Better off Alone; 5. Help my Soul Survive; 6. Till it’s Safe to go Outside; 7. Blind Willie McTell; 8. Love on the Line Blues; 9. I Don’t Have Proof; 10. 100 Proof; 11. Little Wing; 12. Broken Women; 13. Mint Julep; 14. On the Porch with Etta
Publicist: Frank Roszak Promotions
Review: Ruth Wyand is a one-woman band from the same town where Orville and Wilbur Wright made history. Like those two brothers, she takes flight with this magnificent collection of Roots, Americana and Blues. Wyand is a gifted songwriter with strong vocals and even stronger guitar skills. These songs will take you through a myriad of emotions while giving your ears an aural treat that you won’t soon forget. Best tracks include “Break the Curse,” “The Last Nail,” “Better off Alone,” “Blind Willie McTell,” “Love on the Line Blues,” “100 Proof,” “Little Wing,” “Broken Women,” and “On the Porch with Etta.”
Recommendation: Like the previous artist, this one belongs in the music collection of every lover of roots, Americana or the blues.
Artist Name: Bobby BlackHat
Album Name: Put on Your Red Shoes
Label: Bobby BlackHat Productions
Genre: Blues
Track Listing: 1. I Smell Another Man on You; 2. Overdose of the Blues; 3. This Grey Beard; 4. Put on Your Red Shoes; 5. Hallelujah; 6. Baby Mama Drama Blues; 7. Grim Reaper; 8. May I Have This Dance; 9. Back to Cleveland; 10. When I Cry It’s Ugly; 11. You got me Runnin’, 12. I Hear Mama’s Voice
Publicist: Frank Roszak Promotions
Review: Bobby “BlackHat” Walters is a recording artist, harmonica player, vocalist, songwriter and actor who hails from Cleveland, Ohio and has been playing harp for over 40 years. He is a retired U.S. Coast Guard Commander with 27 years of distinguished service, including serving as the Military Aide to President Clinton, and being awarded the Coast Guard Medal for Heroism. During his storied career, he has opened for such blues legends as BB King, Taj Mahal and Steady Rollin’ Bob Margolin. This album gives the listener a taste of that magic and proves that Walters belongs in the Blues Hall of Fame. Every track is amazing, with standout vocals, great songwriting, and harmonica that is unforgettable. We really love his stirring and truly unforgettable harmonica cover of Leonard Cohen‘s “Hallelujah.”
Recommendation: Definitely Get this one!
Artist Name: Daniel Isaiah
Album Name: Only One Left
Label: Secret City Records
Genre: Indie Pop/Rock
Track Listing: 1. Javelin Fade; 2. Love Love Love; 3. Till the Deal is Done; 4. Ray of Storm; 5. Designer, Designer; 6. Micropulse; 7. Lay Down; 8. Till the Pictures Stop; 9. Three Months, Emily
Publicist: Auteur Research
Review: Daniel Isaiah spent the past two years working on his latest release, and that investment of time has paid off with an extremely well written and well produced masterpiece that truly delivers. From the first notes of his single, “Javelin Fade,” it quickly becomes apparent that this is an artist who loves his craft and is adept at sharing it with the masses. His dreamy voice perfectly complements the stirring score, making his music a true auditory jewel that is not easily forgotten.
Recommendation: Run out and Get this one!
Artist Name: Authority Zero
Album Name: Persona non Grata
Label: Self-released
Genre: Punk/Rock/Ska/Reggae
Track Listing: 1. A Blind Eye; 2. Derailed; 3. Persona non Grata; 4. Atom Bomb; 5. Ah Hell; 6. Shake the Ground; 7. Mush Mouth; 8. The Bright Side; 9. Back From the Dead; 10. On the Outside; 11. Damage Control; 12. Rights This Way
Publicist: Earshot Media
Review: Authoritiy Zero may be from Mesa, Arizona, but they have captured the spirit of punk with their latest offering, which mixes punk with rock, ska and reggae to form a compelling mix that will make you want to listen again and again. This songs are perfect for rock radio, and would be great candidates for placement in television and film, especially “Derailed,” the title track, “Atom Bomb” (reminiscent of the B-52’s), “Ah Hell,” the reggae groove of “Shake the Ground,” “The Bright Side,” “Damage Control,” and “Rights This Way.”
Recommendation: This is one of the best albums of 2019. Don’t think twice, just go Get it!