Like all the great artists, Ryan Perry isn't afraid to rip it up and start again. Since 2007, the Mississippi bandleader has blazed a reputation in the award-winning Homemade Jamz Blues Band. But when it came to his solo debut, Perry took a leap of faith and trusted his talent to land him safe on the other side. Now, High Risk, Low Reward announces the touchdown of a solo artist to treasure. This album," he says, "was the hardest thing I've done to date." Driven by Perry's soulful guitar and fathoms-deep vocal, High Risk, Low Reward will thrill long-standing followers of the Homemade Jamz Blues Band. But the eleven songs that Perry tracked at Berlin's Studio Erde with producer Roger Inniss will sweep up a whole new fanbase too. From the classic porch-blues vibe of the title track, to Hard Times' torn-and-frayed ode to struggle in modern America, this is an album that touches every generation that hears it. Ain't Afraid To Eat Alone is funky and heartfelt, opening with a stinging lead-guitar intro that sets the standard. Homesick has a mid-tempo funk-blues lick and a heavy heart, while other standouts find Perry reflecting on his own broken-down relationships. On Changing Blues, the bandleader considers where his beloved genre might roam from here. "The blues has changed in the past twenty years," he considers. "What will it sound like in twenty more?" Wherever the blues scene goes, expect Ryan Perry to be at the head of the pack, still addressing age-old truths, but serving them up with a vigour and vision that chimes with fresh listeners. "The new generation of the blues is here now," he nods. "And it's here to stay"
The three words that form the acronym in big, in COMING BIG, (Blessed. Inspired. Genuine.), the 6th independently released solo album by sensual, easy-grooving saxophonist R.L. Walker, says it all about his intentions and the dynamic vibes he shares. Drawing from his personal spiritual path and background in gospel music, he’s truly feeling blessed, inspired and genuinely showcasing his skillset! Like other gospel/jazz saxophonists such as Kirk Whalum, Walker has a few direct references to his faith, but mostly, his passion plays out via sensual, infectious ballads of varying tempos and old school, soul-jazz leanings. Guests include bassist Brendan Rothwell, vocalist Demetriace “Chee Chee” Jordan and keyboardist/producer/arranger Lew Laing Jr. ~ smoothjazz.com
Before he arrived in the US Top 10 in November 1962, accompanied by The Tijuana Brass and their 'Lonely Bull', trumpeter HERB ALPERT had spent four years cutting mainstream Pop 45s, under various aliases. These early 45s run to eight releases, an intriguing body of work which takes in popcorn teen vocals (three of which were bizarrely released under his newborn baby son's name, Dore Alpert), R&R and a novelty debut 45. This unique compilation comprises these early 45s, alongside the mono single version of his breakthrough hit 'The Lonely Bull' and the first, million-selling Tijuana Brass LP, in stereo. Includes the "slowed-down" version of his rare-as-hens-teeth collectors' instro 'Fun House', which was released as The Roosters. These early, pre-Tijuana Brass 45s are unavailable elsewhere on CD, thus making this compilation indispensable to Herb Alpert collectors.
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